Have you ever stared at your empty backpack, with the contents of your bedroom strewn around you like a crazy person had just rolled up, kicked your door down, and thrown everything you own all over the floor?
Yep… us too.
We crowdsourced ideas then whittled these down, to the most important/life changing/so blindingly obvious we can’t believe we haven’t thought of it before and voilà! We give you our Top 18 Packing List Essentials.
Get ready to say goodbye to packing stress, and say hello to a featherweight backpack, full of stuff you actually need.
Travel Packing List Essentials
1. Flashlight
Don’t be that person who returns to the dorm room late at night and switches the main lights on; use a flashlight to make… your… way… quietly. We recommend the humble head torch which, as well as being helpful when crossing Dormland, it’s also good for trekking and exploring any caves you might come across.
2. Wet Wipes
They may seem a bit “middle-aged woman with a handbag”, but trust us — when you’re traveling, wet wipes are a gift from the travel Gods. Use them to clean up scrapes and scratches, mop dust off your flip flops, wipe the sweat off your face (nice), freshen-up if you can’t have a shower (double nice)… the list goes on!
3. Duct Tape
Use it to patch up any tears in your backpack! Secure your mosquito net with it! Tape that annoying person in your dorm room’s mouth shut with it! OK, don’t do the last one, but the point we’re trying to make is that duct tape is really very, very useful.
4. Camera
A bit obvious this one but, not only will your memories be preserved forever, you know you’re just dying to be that person on Facebook who makes everyone jealous. Why not go one step further and make strangers jealous by sharing your photos on Instagram and tagging them #StartTheAdventure.
Has camera. Will travel. | Photo by Shermeee
5. Passport
You won’t get very far without your passport, but before you pack it, remember to check that it isn’t about to expire! Lots of countries — including backpacker havens Australia, Thailand and Malaysia — won’t let you in if your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date. It’s also worth packing a photocopy of your passport, and other important docs. Or if you’re feeling a bit 21st century, email a copy of these to yourself so you always have them. Remember to check whether you need a visa to get into the country you’re traveling to – our Travel Experts can help you out here.
6. Discount Cards
Are you a student, under 30 or a teacher? Lucky you! You’re eligible for a discount card that you can use all around the world on up to 40,000 discounts; including things like eating out, guidebooks, and getting around. It’s also worth grabbing a YHA card to save you money at all Youth Hostel Association hostels around the world.
7. Drugs
No, not those kind of drugs. First up, we have acetaminophen. Worth taking a stash with you, since your familiar brand is not always available abroad. Secondly, we have Tiger Balm. If you haven’t discovered this versatile ointment yet, now’s the time. It’s widely available in Asia, so you can even pick some up on your travels. Thirdly, pack some chewable bismuth (Pepto!) tablets. It’s likely that you will eat something… that, err… gotta go!
8. Talc
To stop your backpack chaffing, your shoes from rubbing, soothe sore skin and so much more. No need to take a massive container, a small travel bottle will do.
9. Sleeping bag liner
If you’re traveling on a budget, a sleeping bag liner is a must. It’s essentially a cozy thin sleeping bag, and it’ll protect you from any bed bugs that might be lurking in the slightly more questionable places you stay. Pop one in your backpack, and get a good night’s sleep instead of worrying about the state of the sheets. Pick up a nice silk one, and feel 5-star wherever you bed down.
10. SIM card
Stay in contact with family and friends back home, as well as your new found travel buddies. Get a SIM card and save big bucks on international calls, texts and data use. Get coverage in 190 countries worldwide & free incoming calls in more than 70 countries.
11. Ear plugs
Whoever invented ear plugs has definitely spent their fair share of time sleeping in dorm rooms. These nuggets of genius are pretty much essential if you want a good night’s sleep in a hostel. They’re also handy for sleeper trains and buses.
12. Mosquito repellent and mosquito net
No one likes to itch, and no one likes to be covered in bright red splotches. Even if you’re one of those really annoying people who never seems to get bitten (we hate you), it’s worth spraying on some repellent and investing in a net, particularly in Malaria zones.
Book? Check. Scarf? Check. Frilly pink netting? Damn! Forgot that one… | Photo by Foxtongue
13. Notebook and pens
We guarantee that despite your good intentions to start a blog, by the time you get around to typing it up, you’ll have forgotten loads of details. Nothing beats lying on an isolated beach with a notebook in your hand, writing about your latest travel adventures and capturing how you’re feeling.
14. Travel insurance
OK it’s boring, and yes, we sound like your mom, but it’s so, so important — not least because you can’t get it once you’ve left! Don’t let getting your iPod swiped or having to pay big bucks out for medical treatment ruin your trip. You can buy insurance especially designed with the young and adventurous traveler in mind. Get covered for over 100 adventure sports and adrenaline activities into the bargain.
15. iPod/iPhone
Or a similar smartphone with music-listening capabilities. Traveling without music on long bus journeys is no fun; plus, the songs you listen to will forever remind you of your travels – *wistful sigh*.
16. Padlocks
Take a couple of padlocks. They’ll keep your backpack secure, and you can also use them on lockers in some hostels.
17. Toilet paper
Stick some TP in your bag, particularly if you’re traveling around Latin America or Asia, where the public toilets may be notably void of hallowed roll. On a toilet-related note; start practicing your crouching skills, as the public bathrooms will probably be lacking in seats/ be squat toilets. Yeah they’re nasty. You’ll get used to them.
18. Scarf
No, not the woolly winter kind; I’m talking about a nice big lightweight scarf – we ladies call them pashminas. Gents, don’t scoff. Not only will a scarf keep you warm if the evenings get chilly, it can also double up as a beach blanket, light towel and protect you against subzero air conditioning on a bus or train journey.