There’s a blog meme that’s been around for a while now called “What’s In Your Bag?”. The idea is that you photograph your bag and this is somehow a reflection of your personality. I’m not sure I really agree with this in terms of your every day purse or pack, but what you carry in your backpack/rolling suitcase or however you choose to lug around your essentials is a small reflection on what kind of traveller you are.
At the moment, I’m travelling with a baby so I automatically have a huge list of items that wouldn’t otherwise be in my luggage (diaper cream, empty plastic bags, etc.). Previous to my baby travelling, I had high hopes of perfecting the packing list and still plan to. Until then, here are my top 7 items:
- Moist towelletes/baby wipes are so much handier than you imagine: no toilet paper, run out of deodorant, broken shower. The list goes on and staying clean while travelling is a pet peeve of mine, as I’m sure it is for a lot of people.
- Sun screen is a must for almost all types of trips. The last thing you want to do is spend the rest of your trip wincing because of your chapped skin. Also, sun tan lotion is one of those items that is sold for double the regular price in tourist locations, so you’ll save some money by getting a small travel bottle before you leave.
- A shawl or sarong, even for male travellers, always comes in handy: it can be used as a blanket, towel, pillow, sling (if you’re baby is small enough), skirt, scarf - need I go on?
- Aspirin and/or paracetamol. Both can be used as painkillers and help with sunburns and fever. Paracetamol is good if you are travelling with children.
- Band aids, especially waterproof ones always come in handy for the obvious reasons.
- A book, any book. Just have something on hand to read. There is nothing quite as disheartening as realizing you’ve missed your train/flight/ bus and have a three-hour wait. Also try to pick a book that you might enjoy re-reading. Not only will it save you from boredom, but you are more likely to get approached or hassled if you are staring in to space or obviously trying to waste time.
- Photocopy of your passport, kept in a separate location to your actual passport. Just in case something happens, this will save you some time at embassies and police stations.