Packing List
Stuff to go.

---

Money belt, containing:

• Passport.
• Tickets, or airline reference numbers.
• Money (cash, credit cards, ATM cards, traveller's cheques).
• Copy of insurance details.
• Driver's licence, if required.
• Hostelling card, if required.

Daypack/messenger bag, containing:

• A guidebook.
• A book.
• A pair of (prescription) sunglasses in a strong case.
• A wallet.
• A package each of tissues and baby wipes.
• A notebook/journal with the number to ring if the credit card is stolen, photocopies of important documents, reservation details, addresses of family and friends, bus timetables, etc.
• A small makeup bag, containing eye makeup and many lipsticks.
• A small container of talcum powder.
• A bottle of water and some food.
• A camera and film.

Main bag, containing:

• Two skirts.
• Two bras.
• Five pairs of knickers.
• Five shirts.
• Swimsuit!
• Something to sleep in.
• Wrap for cool weather.
• Flip flops for showers and beaches.

Washbag, containing:

• Toothbrush in a container, paste, and floss.
• Soap in a watertight soap box.
• Face wash.
• Shampoo.
• SPF15+ moisturizer or sunscreen or both.
• Comb.
• Antiperspirant.
• Menstrual supplies.
• Body lotion.
• Disposable razor.
• Foot file.
• Nail file.

First aid kit, containing:

• Anti-malarials, if applicable.
• Spare pair of glasses in a strong case, and a copy of the prescription.
• Bottle of lavender essential oil.
• Bottle of tea tree essential oil.
• A large packet of ibuprofen painkillers.
• Multi-vitamins in a plastic bottle.
• Anti-histamine cream and/or tablets for insect bites or allergic reactions.
• Medicine for quick treatment of diarrhea.
• A couple of plasters.
• Antiseptic cream.
• An elastic bandage.

Practical stuff, containing:

• A towel.
• Swiss Army knife.
• Laundry kit: A big plastic bag for grubby clothes, braided rubber clothes line, a rubber one-size-fits-all sink stopper, a nail brush.
• A sleeping bag liner.
• Mending kit: a needle and thread, replacement buttons and zips.
• Food kit: A large shallow mug and a spoon.
• A small combination lock and thin steel cable for locking the pack up.
• Tiny Maglite torch.

Things to leave behind:

• A note of the return transport details, such as flight number, its date and ETA (estimated time of arrival).
• A note of the reservations, if any.
• Some kind of rough itinerary, hedged about with large disclaimers re: changes of plan that don't automatically mean one is dead in a ditch.
• Contact email address.
• Photocopies of important documents.
• Scans of same which should be scanned and sent to a web-based email account.
• Anything electrical, irreplaceable, breakable, expensive, borrowed, or of great sentimental value.

Things to do before going:

• Arrange for time off, send an out of office email; or cut to the chase and resign!
• At home, chuck out perishables from the fridge, cancel deliveries, tell the neighbours, etc.
• Arrange for pets/plants/bills and rent to be fed/watered/paid.
• Leave keys, car, documents and money with family and friends.
• Read the guidebook.
• Agree a vague schedule of when to email/phone/send carrier pigeons.
• Gloat.

---

travel section | home | contact