Galapagos + Europe trip -- what gear?

ninjagowoo wrote:

Should I take a monopod for Galapagos? What other accessories are a must?

Maybe if you think you need it for stability. Probably depends on your kit. I might also think of something to help with spray from being on boats (not sure what your boating looks like). Maybe a CPL if you feel like you could make use of it.

A CPL should be a given if you shoot around water on a sunny day.  It's wonderful to get slightly bluer skies and fewer reflections on water surfaces.

Last but not least, what's the best way to carry everything?

After much wasted money on bags, I've ended up sticking with the camera inserts. I find that camera bags are great for holding/protecting gear, but make for terrible and uncomfortable bags! For both comfort, price, and being conspicuous, you cant beat a beefy padded insert or two inside a good hiking/day bag.

I was thinking about that too.  If one could keep the amount of gear down, slightly padded camera inserts or padded lens pouches in a good Osprey bag would be my preference.  A good hiking pack would be a lot more comfortable than just about any photo backpacks when you consider the amount of weight and non-camera gear you can carry.

Not using a photo backpack could take a bit more time to get at your gear for a lens swap; but, you shouldn't be doing that too much, especially if you carry a second camera body.  I love how lightweight Fujifilm gear is that allows you to easily consider that second camera body to minimize lens swaps.