Packing Checklist: The Essentials

When most people pack for a big trip the number one thing they think about is what clothes to pack. What will I wear? What if it's cold? How many shirts should I take? Should I take shorts or long pants? These are of course very relevant questions, but it's important not to overlook the basics. Clothing is one thing that you are certain to be able to purchase overseas. Other necessities, however, may be more difficult to find. Here's a simple checklist of things you definitely shouldn't travel without:

There are some medical basics that every traveller should take with them. Disinfectant wipes or gel, antiseptic cream, band-aids or bandages and painkillers are a few. Other medication that falls under this list includes antibiotics for infections and the dreaded diarrhoea or other tummy upsets, anti-nausea tablets and cold and flu medicine. The rest obviously depends on where you're travelling to and how long you're going for, but may include Malaria tablets, water purifying tablets, electrolytes, perhaps even some Beroccas. Finally, another important thing that you should take with you is a pocket-sized travellers' first aid booklet that you can get from any travel doctor.

Whether you go all out with this or just stick to the few basics you really should at least take a toothbrush and soap. Personal hygiene isn't just about scrubbing up well, it's about staying clean and protecting yourself from germs and bacteria that can in some cases land you in hospital or worse. Insect repellent is another must that could fit under this category.

Depending on the climate of your destination, a sleeping bag can offer that much needed bit of extra warmth and is handy if you plan on camping. In warmer climates a sleeping sheet is just as useful and can also protect you from big-ridden hostel mattresses - trust me, it may end up being your most treasured possession in this respect! The great thing about sleeping sheets is they're easy to clean and better yet, easy to pack. Camping and adventure stores have travel sheets that when packed up are smaller than a tennis ball.

The same goes for travel towels, mosquito nets, pocket clothes lines - the list is long, but it's great to find all these little travel necessities that can be squashed so small that you'll barely notice them when you're packing!

You may have told all your friends that you'll be coming back from your trip to Thailand looking like a bronzed goddess, but don't substitute your health for a desire for a tan. A fake tan looks much nicer than peeling, pigmented skin. Good sunnies from home will also give you important UV protection that those cheap imitation ones from the side of the road won't.

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