30 years after packing for my first solo trip at 17, the difference in the items I am packing for this trip are flagrant.

Imodium? check.

Ibrufoan? check.

Clark walking shoes with custom insoles? check. check. check.

At 17, I was insouciant .. a passport and backpack was sufficient, and most notably I carried no keys… I was free to roam.

At 47, I was a bit wiser. Having my passport confiscated in Czechoslovakia at 23, riding a night train in third class out of Laos to Bangkok at 29, Food poisoning in Bolivia at 35, .. I have learned many a lesson. and I now have to safety tuck away the keys to my car and house.