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Travel Preparation





FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ's

Answers to all my most commonly asked travel questions can be found on the FAQ page.








The Journey


Packing Lists


It is important to remember that there isn’t a single travel packing list that all backpackers can use. Always try to travel light and what you eventually take with you will depend on your destination, trip length and personal preferences. In saying that though, there are a number of items that should be in every traveller’s backpack. The lists below have these essential things in the left column, while optional extras for your consideration are in the right column.



Clothing

Clothing


ESSENTIAL OPTIONAL
  • Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
  • Cotton long sleeve shirt or polo shirt
  • T-shirts and singlet
  • Long trousers and shorts
  • Socks and underwear
  • Fleece
  • Showerproof jacket or poncho
  • Bandana and/or light scarf

For women

  • Dress and/or sarong
  • Bra (sports and regular)
  • Blouse and sleeveless vests

For hot climates

  • Cap or sunhat
  • Swimwear

For cold climates

  • Warm hat and scarf
  • Thermal underwear
  • Sweater or heavy fleece
  • Gloves
  • Down jacket




Toiletries

Toiletries


ESSENTIAL OPTIONAL
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Dental floss (useful for other things)
  • Brush or comb
  • Ear plugs and eye mask
  • Deodorant
  • Small scissors and nail clippers
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Soap and small nail brush
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Razor and shaving cream
  • Moisturising cream
  • Hand cleanser or baby wipes

For women

  • Tampons or pads
  • Make up (only a minimum!)
  • Eye glasses or contact lens
  • Hair products (gel or spray)
  • Cotton buds
  • Small mirror
  • Nail file
  • Talcum powder




Documents

Documents


ESSENTIAL OPTIONAL
  • Money Belt
  • Passport and visas if required
  • Sufficient cash
  • Internationally accepted ATM card or traveller’s cheques
  • Copy of passport photo page and other vital documents
  • Travel Insurance details
  • Important addresses and phone numbers
  • Journal or notebook and pen
  • International calling card
  • Drivers licence
  • Student or youth card
  • Spare passport photos




First Aid

First Aid


ESSENTIAL OPTIONAL
  • Painkillers
  • Band aids
  • Compression bandage
  • Diarrhoea tablets
  • Insect repellent
  • Needle and tweezers
  • Antiseptic cream
  • Prescription medication
  • Motion sickness tablets
  • Eye drops
  • Asthma inhaler
  • Anti-fungal cream
  • Cold/flu medication
  • Sleeping pills




Electronics

Electronics


ESSENTIAL OPTIONAL
  • Watch
  • Camera and accessories
  • Universal plug adaptor
  • Mobile phone *
  • MP3 Player
  • Batteries, cords and chargers
  • Laptop computer
  • USB drive and/or blank CD
  • Flashlight
  • Alarm clock
  • Camera tripod

* A mobile phone can eliminate the need for a flashlight, alarm clock, calculator and even a MP3 player. It also becomes a camera, way to access the internet and even a GPS unit if it has such capabilities.




Other items

Other Items


Essential OPTIONAL
  • Water bottle
  • Guidebook
  • Sunglasses
  • Basic sewing kit
  • Different size plastic bags (including a few ziplock)
  • Toilet paper
  • Travel towel
  • Length of fishing line or string
  • Swiss army knife
  • Small padlock
  • Laundry powder
  • Sleeping bag or liner
  • Inflatable pillow
  • Sleeping mat
  • Dietry supplements
  • Travel umbrella
  • Novel or other book
  • Phrase book
  • Water purification tablets or filtration tube
  • Plate, cup and utensils
  • Binoculars
  • Small souvenir gifts from home