- Passport
You won’t be going anywhere if your passport isn’t in date and in your hand when you head through airport security. Store it in a plastic wallet along with any other important documents you have (boarding passes, transfer tickets, insurance documents, etc.) and keep it safe in your hand luggage bag.
- Medication
If you take regular medication, you’ll need to make sure you have enough of it available to cover your holiday. Speak to your GP if your usual repeat prescription isn’t going to last the duration of your holiday. Keep emergency medication tucked safely in your hand luggage, just in case there’s a problem with your hold luggage. If you’re jetting off to a country where malaria is a potential problem, you’ll probably need malaria tablets.
- Phone charger
These days, most of us use our phones for everything – phone calls, email, and photographs – so make sure you’re able to use yours by putting a phone charger in your luggage.
- Toiletries
You will probably be able to buy toiletries at your destination, but for peace of mind and to save money, buy them before you go and pack them in your luggage. A handy tip when packing is to lay your clothes in first, then a towel, and lie your toiletries on top in a plastic bag; that way, if spills occur, your clothes won’t be ruined.
- A first-aid box
Regardless of whether you’re staying in a hotel or backpacking, packing a few supplies of plasters, bandages and antibacterial cream is always a good idea. Add some insect repellent and an itch-reliever lotion too for good measure.
- Comfy clothes
The focus when you’re going abroad is usually making sure you’re well stocked with shorts, t-shirts, sandals, swim clothes, and a couple of fashion savvy going-out get-ups. As well as your usual holiday clothes, pack a pair of comfy joggers you can buy online and a hoody or long-sleeved shirt – just in case it gets a bit nippy. Travelling in joggers is a good idea, too; while it may seem like a good idea before you set off, sitting in a plane seat in tight denim pants is bound to get uncomfortable!
- A phrase book
Wherever you’re going, the local people are guaranteed to know more about the best sights, restaurants and beaches than any travel reps. Prepare yourself for chatting with the locals by investing in a handy phrase book and learning some of the lingo.
- Sun cream
If you’re going somewhere warm, you’ll need sun-cream. Even on overcast days, the sun’s rays are strong enough to cause nasty burns, so make sure you’re constantly covered. If you’re going on a hike or a walk, cover yourself with suncream, wear a hat and pack plenty of water to avoid burns and deter heat-stroke.
- Neck pillow
Keep yourself comfy on the plane with a supportive neck pillow. Most airlines sell neck pillows on-board, so don’t worry if you don’t manage to pick one up before you fly.
- Keys and wallet
Keep your wallet with you at all times; when you’re out and about, keep it safe in a zipped pocket in a bag (not in your back pocket!). Tourists are an ideal target for pick pockets, particularly in crowded market places, so keep your valuables safe at all times. Pack your keys away in your hand luggage and keep them there; you don’t want to get home and find yourself stranded outside your house!
