Your travel kit checklist – travel items you shouldn’t leave home without

Congratulations on finally committing to your travel adventure! There’s so much to think about in the upcoming months, from your destination to your travel route, how long you’ll stay, how you’re going to earn money, your accommodation, the activities you’re planning and what sights you want to see…and that’s just for starters! With so much to plan it’s easy to get distracted and leave the more trivial things like packing to the last minute.

But most experienced travellers would suggest that you take the time to plan what you’re going to take with you and what you’re going to leave behind. Packing is an important part of your travel experience; it could be the difference between a great travelling adventure and a disastrous one! So, with that in mind I’ve rounded up the most popular travel items you shouldn’t leave home without!

Your technology

You’ll want to capture as many memories and moments as possible, not only for social media but so you can have physical copies to enjoy when you’re back home; individual prints, make a phone collage, canvas prints etc – so taking a good camera phone or a DSLR is a must. Although you need to be wary of theft and damage whilst you’re travelling so you need to invest in a good anti-theft case.

If you’re planning to work whilst abroad, then you’ll need to take your laptop, and don’t forget your chargers, adapters, memory cards and outlet adapters and even mini hard drives (if required).

Hygiene and personal products

It’s not always easy to avoid germs whilst you travel. Things like money, dirty toilets and the lack of hand washing facilities are a breeding ground for bacteria and illness. So, many travellers recommend the following:

• Hand sanitiser – ideal if there are no hand washing facilities or you need to clean your hands before eating.
• Sanitising wipes – great for feeling “clean” on the road. You can get some just for your hands, or brands that can be used intimately for when there is no toilet roll!
• A compact shaving kit
• A travel towel
• A menstrual cup – these are more convenient than tampons and sanitary pads. You don’t need to replace it and it’s better for the environment!
• Birth control and condoms

Medical items

You need to be prepared when you head abroad. Sickness, accidents and the unexpected can happen at any time. So, take these with you.

• A small first aid kit – plasters, gauze, antiseptic cream, bandages etc
• Sunblock/sunburn relief
• Your prescriptions
• Diarrhoea relief and rehydration products
• Insect repellent and mosquito net
• Antihistamines
• Pain relief
• Travel sickness relief

Toiletries

Toiletries don’t have to take up too much room; choose compact versions of your favourite items to keep things simple. And don’t overthink it. Choose a hangable toiletries bag that you can hang up anywhere for your convenience.

• Shampoo and conditioner bars – better than bulky bottles
• Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
• Lip balm
• Moisturiser
• Q-tips, face wipes
• A simple BB or CC cream
• A compact mirror
• Hair brush and hair ties