Luggage:

• Suitcase/ backpack;
• Hand luggage: best to take a small rucksack that can double up for day trips;
• Strong money belt;
• Useful tip: Put your email address on your luggage instead of your home address and put a card with your name, address and phone number inside the case. This will keep your home safe and also allow airport security to identify you as the owner of your case, should it get lost/ delayed.

Important documents:

• Passport and photocopies;
• Visas, if needed;
• Flight tickets;
• Travel insurance/European Health Insurance Card (EHIC);
• Accommodation booking ref/ list of places to try;
• Currency / travellers cheques/ credit/ debit cards;
• International drivers licence (if you're planning on driving);
• International Student Identity Card/Youth card;
• Vaccination certificates;
• Guidebook/ basic phrasebook/ maps (best if combined);
• Address book and emergency contacts list;
• Pen and paper;
• Sense of humour.

Health:

• Sunscreen/sunglasses;
• Condoms/contraception method you use;
• Wash kit/ toiletries/ hairbrush or comb;
• Malaria tablets;
• Insect repellent;
• Small towel;
• Any medication you are on - make sure you have enough to last your trip;
• First aid kit (including diarrhoea tablets);
• Water bottle/water purification tablets.

Clothing:

Everyone has their own clothing style so we can't dictate to you what to wear, however when packing think whether you will actually wear everything you are putting in, try to pack layers. Take at least one jumper and a lightweight waterproof.
Underwear: For every day if you don't want to wash them, otherwise, take a few and a travel hand-washing liquid. Remember a bra can be washed out in the evening and be dry again by morning, and wearing the same dirty pants everyday does not a holiday romance make.
Shoes: Take sandals, comfy walkers or trainers and one smart/ dressy pair.
Useful: Basic sewing repair kit and travel wash kit.
Weather: Check the seasonal weather reports before you go to be prepared for whatever likely eventuality.

Hot climate:

• A hat to keep off the sunstroke;
• Light, cotton clothes that will dry overnight, and remember it can be cool in the evenings or in the mountains;
• A sarong is particularly useful, doubling as a sheet, wrap, towel, scarf or skirt;
• A bandana is also versatile and can be used as a face mask in dusty conditions, drying your hands, wiping out cutlery in dirty restaurants, covering your head in religious places or when the sun gets too hot;
• Note: In India and Muslim countries don't wear shorts and skimpy tops and instead dress in local garb or make sure the clothes you take are loose fitting and modest enough to make a Victorian grandmother nod with approval.

Cold climate:

• thermal underwear;
• Hat, gloves, scarf, thick socks;
• Plenty of layers of clothing, although it may be cheaper to buy things when you get there.

Electrical:

Not essential but they may come in handy:

• Camera and film(s);
• Mobile phone & charger (unless you want to leave the world behind);
• Worldwide adaptor plug;
• Portable hairdryer, although hotels often provide them.

Backpacking/ longer trips:

• Flat pack of toilet paper;
• Small torch and batteries/ spare bulb;
• Lighter/candles;
• Light clothes line;
• Sleeping bag/sheet;
• Mosquito net/spray;
• Hip flask plus alcohol;
• Camping knife;
• Plastic sealable bags;
• Don't take bulky equipment for mountaineering etc unless you are very experienced. Often you can hire the basics, and it will be too bulky and heavy to lug about with you.

Updated: 14/01/2009