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Packing tips ...

  • Writer: Katherine Phillips
    Katherine Phillips
  • Sep 20, 2019
  • 3 min read


When it comes to packing , it is really hard to know what you need , how much you can get in and most importantly, if you have a rucksack... How much can you physically carry? The key to making sure you have everything you need, is thinking about where you are going. You need to ask yourself ... What is the climate ? What is most practical ? Will this have a multi purpose ?


Multi-purpose There are many items you can buy which will suit more than one purpose . Some examples are Dr Bronner's soap . This was recommended by a friend and can be used to wash your face , body, clothes , teeth and much more ( although I know most of us would avoid using this as toothpaste!) . Similarly, if you can't live without your straighteners ... Then take them and use them to iron your clothes too .



Waterbottle

Other important items to pack is a water bottle which will keep your water cold for longer. I bought a HoneyHollie bottle (£15 - Amazon) which is a fab water bottle which has both a normal cap and a straw cap, perfect for accessibility when walking. It keeps water both cold and warm and is easy to wash.


Handbag, waterproofs and camera

When I am away I can't fit in taking a handbag , but the pocket bags are perfect for those beach days out , and water proof too for those rainy days! (£2-£3) We all love boat trips , and capturing those spectacular views is also important to some of us. Buying a waterproof phone wallet and waterproof bag which you can attach to yourself will be perfect for you when out at sea. For a more in depth ( and slightly more expensive ) photo shot , a go pro will capture these experiences too.



How to utilize your space Packing can also be difficult becuase you don't know how much you can fit in, but mountain warehouse do brilliant vaccume pack bags which assist you with fitting more in and creating more space. Similarly, rolling your clothes will not only create more space but will also mean your clothes are crease free. Rememeber to fill your shoes with your socks to utilise your space. Don't overload yourself, only carry what you can or you will do yourself more harm than good. Packing liquids is always a pain, but rememeber you can always get what you need when you're away too!


Sanitary items and medication

From my experience , as a woman, it is sometimes hard to find specific sanitary items in some Asian countries, so go prepared to avoid any unexpected issues. If this is part of the world you are heading to. Be prepared with paracetomol, immodium, Rennie's and anything else you may feel necessary to pack. If you are taking medication with you, check it is legal in the country you are going through and if you're not sure , ring the embassy. Rememeber to take your mosquito spray, I use Jungle formula as it has such high deet in. (£3.99-£4.99 body care)


Reduce your risk If you are travelling with a partner or friend , it is always good to play it safe by putting half your luggage in their bag and visa versa . This is, under unfortunate circumstances , that your baggage gets lost in transit. Other ways to prepare for this unforeseen circumstance is to ensure you have the essentials in your hand luggage including a change of clothes , your valuables and a toothbrush and toothpaste !


Sleeping For those who can't sleep on the plane and have a long haul ahead... Try Kalms Night, which should help you with getting some rest. If this doesn't help you sleep, for those nervous flyers out there, it will relax you on your journey. And rememeber your travel pillow! Primark do memory foam ones for £2-£3! And ear plugs and eye mask are always an essential when staying in hostels. At the end of the day the most important thing when you are travelling is you have your passport and VISAs, your money and your health! Be prepared , pack for all weather's if it is a long trip and go have fun!!


Other useful items and things to think about ...


- Take a photo copy of your passport

- Download the PDF app so you have your travel and medical insurance handy - Take a small padlock so you can lock your valuables away at hotels/hostels

- Get a international driving permit from the post office (£5.50) even if you aren't intending to drive ( for emergencies)

- If you are planning on doing a lot of trekking rememeber a warm jacket and blister-proof socks

 
 
 

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