There is little more frustrating than suffering a packing mishap on a much-anticipated holiday or travel trip. There is so much to remember to bring with you when you are heading off abroad, and it is easy to forget to pack something vital. Whether you are jetting off on your first adventure, or are an experienced globe-trotter, there are a few travel essentials that you will need to pack for your trip.
Read on for our ultimate list of travel essentials, covering everything you need to pack for your next holiday, as well as some top tips that will have you packing like a pro in no time.
- Passport: The most important document you will need for your travels is your passport. Always triple check you have it before leaving for the airport and keep it somewhere that is safe yet easily accessible.
- Travel adaptors: Remember to bring some travel adaptors with you in order to use all your electrical items while you are away. You will be able to buy these abroad or at the airport but expect to pay over the odds.
- Portable charger: When you are out and about exploring another country, the chances are your mobile phone will be used for snapping unforgettable photographs and navigating your way around unknown places. Be sure to bring a portable phone charger to keep your phone topped up while you are away – and remember the charger for your portable charger in case it runs out!
- A raincoat: No one wants to expect rain while they are on holiday but depending on where you are heading it could be inevitable. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket just in case.
- Socks and underwear: These take up such little space it is worth overpacking slightly. Bring warm socks if you are heading somewhere cold and bring ankle socks if you think you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Tip: Always remember to pack an empty carrier bag so that you can put all your dirty laundry in it while you are away. Here are 5 more ideas you could also consider.
- Painkillers: These are always useful to have on hand, just in case you get a headache, stomach ache or other aches and pains while you are away.
- Deodorant: If you are travelling to a hot climate, be sure to keep a travel size deodorant on you at all times – especially if you plan on doing a lot of walking around.
- Toiletries: Pack small, portable bottles of your favourite toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner and body wash. If you don’t have room to pack these, then leave them out and purchase some when you reach your destination.
- Sun cream and after sun: If you are heading somewhere hot and sunny, make sure you bring some sun cream and after sun with you to protect your skin from the rays. Again, you can purchase these out there, but expect to pay a premium if you’re heading to a beach resort.
- First aid kit: It is always useful to have a mini first aid kit on hand when travelling and keep it in your bag, so you have it with you at all times.
Tip: If you want to keep your suitcase or bag super-organised, then invest in some packing cubes to keep your various items and outfits in their own compartments. These are a great way of keeping your bag neat and tidy and make it easy to find everything you are looking for, which are especially helpful if you are travelling with young children in tow!
- Toothbrush and toothpaste: If you are short on space, ditch the electric toothbrush and opt for a regular one that doesn’t require a charger. If you are travelling in a group, then discuss who will bring toothpaste to avoid ending up with a whole tube each.
- Eye mask and earplugs: These are essential if you will be staying in hostels or shared accommodation and can be a good idea even if you are not. They are great to keep in your hand luggage to get some undisturbed kip on the flight.
- Swimwear: It can be tempting to overpack on swimwear but remember not to bring too many as you can easily use the same swimwear multiple times.
- Trainers: When you are heading somewhere warm it can seem like a good plan to bring nothing but sandals and flip flops, but if you are planning on doing a lot of walking then comfortable trainers are essential.
- Travel guide and phrasebook: Wherever you are heading, it is probably going to be fairly different to back home. Bring a phrasebook if you aren’t up to scratch with the language and bring a travel guide for some hints and tips on where to go.
Tip: Pack lightweight clothes that can be easily layered for extra warmth, and always wear your biggest, heaviest clothes on the flight, so you have more room in your travel bag for other essentials.
