When you’re packing for a trip around the world, it can be difficult to know exactly what to take. If you end up taking too much, then you’ll have to carry it around with you the whole time, and if you don’t take enough, then you may be caught short in a sticky situation.
So, to make sure that you have all the right things, here’s our list of the 19 essential items that you’ll need.
1. Money
One of the most important items to take away with you, you need to make sure that you have a variety of forms, from cash to debit card and credit cards or a travel card.
2. Passport
Another obvious one, you can’t get anywhere without a valid passport – you should make sure that you have more than 6 months left on it.
3. Camera
You’ll probably want to document your travels so you can look back on them fondly. Pack spare batteries, memory cards and a memory reader.
4. Sleeping Bag Liner
Essentially like a lightweight sleeping bag, it is perfect for when you’re not too sure about the cleanliness of the bed you’re sleeping in.
5. Flip Flops
Flip flops are perfect for a number purposes, from dodgy hotel showers to flooded streets to beachwear.
6. Wet Wipes
For anyone who have been to a festival, you know how handy wet wipes can be. From cleaning up scratches to freshening up if you can’t have a shower, there’s no end to the uses!
7. Medicine
Paracetamol, diarrhoea medication and mosquito/insect repellent are essential items that you must take, as well as any medicine that you need.
8. Ear Plugs
Sharing rooms with strangers doesn’t always a good night’s sleep make! Ear plugs help you get the sleep you need in hostels, on sleeper trains and even buses.
9. Travel Insurance
Getting yourself covered for medical treatment is one of the most important things you can do. Medical bills can run up into the hundreds of thousands, so make sure you’re covered! You should also be covered for theft and cancellation.
10. Hat
Keeps the sun off your face and your head warm. Two in one.
11. Raincoat
A compact but durable rain coat or anorak can keep you dry, can be used to sit on when it’s wet and can keep your bag from getting wet too.
12. Comfy Shoes
A pair of comfy shoes could mean the difference between enjoying seeing the sights of a city and absolutely hating it because your feet hurt.
13. Torch
When you find yourself walking in the dark, or the electricity goes, a torch comes in very handy indeed.