Have you ever started packing for a big trip and then just stared at your suitcase, or backpack, wondering why it won’t close? Perhaps, it’s because you stuffed it with the contents of your entire bedroom. Yep, this is a common approach.

Table of Contents

To help you sift through your closet and only carry along items that you absolutely can’t live without when traveling, we’ve narrowed down a handy checklist that includes the essentials. These items are in no particular order, so don’t think we value discount cards over a passport for any reason!

Get ready to say, “Goodbye,” to packing stress and say, “Hello!” to a featherweight bag, full of things you actually need.

1. WET WIPES

Wet wipes may seem a bit old school, 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 of your flip flops, wipe the sweat off your face, freshen up if you can’t  shower… the list goes on!

2. CAMERA 

Well, this should be number one, but these are not in any order. Not only will your memories be preserved forever on Facebook , Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter and any other social media site you can think of, you’ll also be that person who makes everyone jealous with their travel pics. Why not go one step further and make strangers jealous by sharing your photos with STA Travel. Email your travel photos to feedback@gb3still86.statravel.local and get your photos featured on our blog!

3. DISCOUNT CARDS

Are you either a student, under 26 or a teacher? Lucky you! You’re eligible for a discount card that you can use all around the world on things things like food, guidebooks and transportation. It’s also worth grabbing a YHA card to save you money at all Youth Hostel Association hostels around the world.

4. DUCT TAPE

Use it to patch up any tears in your backpack! Secure your mosquito net with it! Duct tape is really very useful. Take some with you. You’ll thank us.

5. TRAVEL INSURANCE

OK, it’s boring, but it’s so, so important and you can’t get it once you’ve left! Don’t let getting your passport stolen or having to cough up major cash for medical treatment ruin your trip. You can buy insurance and pay as little as $35 a day – specially designed with the young and adventurous traveler in mind. Get covered for more than 100 adventure sports and adrenalin activities free of charge — just don’t tell your mom!

6. PASSPORT

You won’t get very far without your passport. Before you pack it, remember to check that it isn’t about to expire! Lots of countries — including backpacking havens like Australia, Thailand and Malaysia — won’t let you in if your passport expires within six months of your arrival date. It’s also worth packing a photocopy of your passport, and other important documents. If you’re more tech savvy, email a copy of these to yourself so you always have them accessible via Wi-Fi. Remember to check whether you need a visa to get into the country you’re traveling to. Our Travel Experts can help you out with one if you need a visa.

7. FIRST AID MEDICATION

First up, we have Tylenol. a pain reliever that is worth taking. Second, we have Tiger Balm. If you haven’t discovered this versatile ointment yet, now’s the time. It can help with ailments like headaches and insect bites, but also aching muscles. It’s widely available in Asia, so you can even pick some up on your travels. Third, pack some diarrhea medication. It’s likely that you will eat something that won’t sit well with your stomach.

8. TRAVEL CONVERTER AND ADAPTER

This little essential is often forgotten about until your approach an outlet that is surprisingly different from the one at home. Not all countries feature the same outlets, so be prepared.

9. SLEEPING BAG LINER

If you’re traveling on a budget, a sleeping bag liner is a must. It’s essentially a cosy thin sleeping bag, and it’ll protect you from any bed bugs that might be lurking in the questionable dwellings you crash in. 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 like a fancy wherever you lay.

10. INTERNATIONAL SIM CARD

Stay in contact with family and friends back home, as well as your new-found travel buddies. Get a international SIM card and save big bucks on international calls, texts and data use. Get coverage in 180 countries worldwide, free incoming calls in more than 70 countries and free Facebook notifications.  A global SIM is also a lifesaver (or at least a phone bill saver) when you want to contact with friends you make on your travels.

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, it’s worth spraying on some repellent and investing in a net, particularly in Malaria zones.

13. NOTEBOOK AND PENS

I 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. Nothing beats lying on an isolated beach with a notebook in your hand, writing about your latest travel adventure and capturing you’re feeling.

14. CONDOMS

Young, free, single and — how shall I put this — sexually active? We encourage safety, so pack some quality condoms. You don’t want to bring any unwanted presents home with you, if you get the drift.

15. SMARTPHONE

A smartphone allows you to access Wi-Fi, map out routes, listen to music and snap quick pics.  Just remember to turn data roaming off, or risk being landed with a massive phone bill.

16. HEADPHONES

While we’re on the topic of music, let’s add headphones to the list of items you need when traveling. You know, because you don’t want to piss off the person sitting next to you on the train, bus or airplane.

17. PADLOCKS

Take a couple of padlocks. They’ll keep your backpack secure, and you can also use them on lockers in some hostels.

18. TOILET PAPER

This seems odd, but stick a roll in your bag, particularly if you’re traveling around Latin America or Asia, where the public restrooms rarely have toilet paper. On a toilet-related note, start practicing your squats, as many public bathrooms  lack seats – squat toilets, anyone? You’ll soon get used to them.

19. SCARF

No, not the woolly winter kind, but a a big lightweight scarf. Not only will a scarf keep you warm if the evenings get chilly, it can also double up as a beach blanket, and protect you against subzero air conditioning on a bus or train journey. If you are worried about protecting your passport and cash, you can even score some scarves with hidden pockets for your wallet. Our team has been browsing Etsy and discovered these little gems.

20. VISAS

Make sure you’ve got your travel visas, or you’ll be waiting a long, long, long time at the border. If you have fewer than five days to go, no worries, that’s just about the right amount of time it will take to visit your local store and submit a fast-track visa service, for any entrance visas! We recommend using the A Briggs widget to determine if you need a travel visa for your international trip.

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