Essentials

If everything goes wrong, I’ll get by with these basics

“Have we got everything?” asked one of the youth-leaders when moving luggage to a safe place on the streets of Brussels whilst the rest of the group sought pommes frites, which we would eat on the streets like the tourists we were.

I was documenting a trip to European Parliament with a project which aims to make arts accessible to young people regardless of their background. This was part of a political education exercise to explore what impact young adults can have on how the world works.

“So long as I have my passport, wallet and phone, I think I could work a way out through most scenarios,” I joked, looking for my bag amongst the pile of luggage.

“I’d have to make sure I have my phone, purse, passport, teeth, glasses…” the youth-leader quipped, suggesting I should make the most of it whilst it lasts.

For the three-day trip, I took half of the clothes I’d usually carry (pictured below). Two t-shirts, a pair of trousers, three pairs of socks and underwear. For longer trips, I carry six pairs of socks and underwear and two more t-shirts. Everything can be washed.