Packing for a trip
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Contents
About
Pretty lame, but every time I pack for a trip away I seem to forget something - even if it's something simple like a water bottle or a headset for the airplane... so I had the crazy idea of making a list. I've approximated numbers for a week.
... I like to print a copy on photo paper and leave on the inside display of my suitcase.
Suitcase
NOTE: Locking the suitcase is a good idea
NOTE: For car or bus trips a sports bag is easier
Clothes
TIP: think from head to toe
- 6 x shirts
- 2 x collared shirt
- 3 x shorts
- 2 x jeans
- 1 x belt (consider metal free for airpot security)
- 1 x pajamas
- 1 x jumper (if cold)
- 1 x thermal shirt/pants (if really cold)
- 1 x swimmers
- 1 x hat
- 7 x underwear
- 7 x hankies
- 6 x socks
- 1 x dress shoes
- 1 x thongs (flip flops)
Other
- umbrella * (NOT IN CARRY ON!)
- towel
- little torch
- travel alarm clock
- small empty backpack or draw string bag **(for day trips)**
- toiletries bag:
- toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, comb, razor, nail scissors (NOT IN CARRY ON!)
- headache pills, vics inhaler, lip balm, cough lollies, ear buds, sleeping pills, band-aids, sunscreen
On You
- watch (plus a spare in your bag) *
- wallet
- address/phone numbers where you are staying
- business cards
- plane ticket! (for plane)
- mobile phone * (and be sure to download Google maps offline)
Backpack / Day Pack
Food & Water
- life savers * (for plane)
- burger * (for plane - is a good idea to buy a burger at airport)
- empty water bottle * (for plane and/or walking)
- muesli bars (when hungry)
- fruit (if picnic)
Other
- laptop computer **
- sunglasses * (plus a spare) *
- mobile charger & cables *
Entertainment
- books / reading material
- a headset + output adapter (for the plane see here)
- paper, clipboard and pencil case (for drawing) (NOTE: REMOVE SCISSORS FROM CARRY ON!)
Special
- more sunscreen
- tennis balls / tennis racket (if long journey)
- itinerary / important addresses / phone numbers (plane)
If Flying Overseas
- passport !!! ***
- power point adapter
- money bag & destination money & extra credit cards (and check if you can use ATMs overseas)
- maps (printed from google earth)
- any dockets for tourist refund scheme (if carrying items >$300 and bought within last 30 days with carry-on can get 10% back) *
- small gift from home country
- socket adapter for phone charger & laptop (both handle 100-240 volts fortunately)
- phone consideration: call a week ahead to see if carrier supports country
- eye patch
- flight socks
- small empty bag for duty free alcohol & other presents on way back (might not fit in suitcase)
- NOTE: In cold weather you sweat less and the same pair of jeans & shirt can last almost a week without smelling.
Other Possible Items
- snorkeling gear
- waterproof phone pouch
- binoculars
- rain poncho
- air mattress *(extra bed or float on water)*
- spotlight - led lenser headlamp.
- balls, tennis racket, etc
- extra business cards
- spare batteries *
Old School
- camera
- compass
- ipod (+ maybe cords & speakers)
Before Flying Overseas
- local sim card: assess if you can get a local SIM card (depends on provider)... for this it's useful to have a **spare phone**!
- international roaming: turn on or off international roaming (call your provider)
- call your bank: call your bank to let them know of your travel plans (so they don't freeze credit cards) - and can suggest on ATMs
- consider money: determine best way to get money
- download offline maps: use Google offline maps heavily to save data
- out of office: set gmail ooo dates and tell everyone
- plan, plan, plan
Extra Items for a Car Trip
- spare GPS
- 3.5mm male to male audio cable
- water bottle, toilet paper, tents, air bed, etc
- see also: my camping trips page
What Bitten Me Before
Here are some things which bit me the words in the past:
- Not checking SIM card availability (Mexico, 2016)
- Not taking digital camera (Africa, 2000).
- Not taking bathers and snorkeling gear (even if it's just a chance!).
- Not enough business cards, or wallet pen.
