Thursday, 15 April 2010

Top ten essential travel items

Ok, so a lot of what you pack in your rucksack, wheelie case or holdall will depend on where you’re going and for how long, but there are some things we thing a traveler should never be without. So here are mango tree’s top ten essential travel items:

1. Plug adaptor – not many of us can survive in today’s world without mobile phones, ipods or laptops. You can get funky worldwide adaptors now, which you can use pretty much anywhere (provided there’s an electricity supply…)
2. Sarong (to double-up as a scarf for cooler climes) this one may not apply to guys unless you are uber cool or backpacking in Goa!
3. Small plastic containers for toiletries – that way you can just decant a bit of your current shampoo/shower gel etc and then buy a bigger bottle while you’re out there. Much cheaper (and greener) than buying those extortionately priced mini products, however cute the bottles are
4. Hand wash detergent – no matter how carefully you count out your undies you might get caught short and need a clean pair, and who ever has enough small change for the launderette?
5. Ear plugs/eye mask (because there’s nothing worse than being in an incredible place but feeling too tired to make the most of it), these can also be used on the plane to help you get some sleep.
6. Mini torch – unknown places can be pretty scary at night especially if there are no streetlights, there’s an unexpected powercut, or there’s no power at all
7. Paperwork – a bit dull maybe, but essential nonetheless. Make sure you’ve got all your important documents in one place, such as your insurance policy (and yes you should get insurance!), driving license, list of important phone numbers/addresses etc. Just stick them all in a little plastic pouch and zip them up in a pocket of your bag or case
8. Smaller day bag – really useful but often forgotten (could double-up as your hand luggage if you’re going by plane)
9. A notebook or, if you’re feeling strong enough to lug it about and safe enough to travel with it, a laptop – you’ll need somewhere to write down the names and email addresses of all your new friends, jot down that great local restaurant someone recommended or even keep a diary
10. Basic medical stuff, for example painkillers, plasters, tweezers, antiseptic cream, diarrhoea medication (rehydrating electrolytes)

Hand luggage

Packing your hand luggage can actually be the trickiest part (especially if you’re flying – security restrictions seem to change by the day). So here are a few pointers:

• Make sure you don’t overdo it and cram too much in, using your hand luggage to hold all those ‘essential’ items you couldn’t quite squeeze into your main luggage. You’ll regret it when your shoulder starts to ache before you’ve even got out the front door
• Pack a toothbrush, something to clean your face with and some moisturiser for your hands and face (small bottles only). Oh and some of that nifty hand gel stuff is great in case you need to clean your hands on the go.
• If you’re flying, don’t forget warm socks and if you’ll be landing somewhere much hotter than your starting point, pack some flip-flops to change into as soon as you arrive.

A few final pearls of packing wisdom…

Don’t leave your packing to the night before you travel (yes, we hate to admit it but your mum was right!). Get your bag or case out a week or so before you go and every time you think of something you think you’ll need to take then chuck it in. On the day before you go remove any items that aren’t absolutely necessary and remember to leave some space for all those souvenirs you’ll be buying along the way.

Happy travels!

# posted by Ian Bannister @ 10:37

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