Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Certain items are essential for smooth sailing when it comes to travel. Begin with an appropriately sized travel bag or suitcase. Travel tickets, itineraries and receipts for items such as airline, bus and rental car paperwork are essential. Legal documents such as drivers' licenses, passports, visas, and student IDs are a must for travel out of the country. Keep copies of these documents in a separate place in case of lost luggage.
Take into account the amount of time you plan to spend and the location of your travel. Determine if you can launder clothing, which allows for packing fewer items. Check the temperature in the location. The need for items such as swimsuits and sweaters will vary depending on location temperature. Think about the need for casual and dressier clothing. Underwear, pajamas, socks, shoes, swimsuits, a lightweight jacket, a sweater or fleece, pants and shorts, long- and short-sleeved shirts, a dress shirt (men), a dress (ladies) and a tie or scarf are imperative
Pack a first-aid kit. This should consists of items such medicines, prescription drugs, bandages, tweezers and a sewing kit. Bug repellent, sunscreen and antidiarrheal medicine might be added depending on the travel location.
Hanging toiletry bags work well if there is limited bathroom space. Pack larger toiletry items in sealed plastic bags. Some important smaller toiletry items are: cotton swabs, cotton balls, tampons/pads, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, soap, make-up, razors, shaving cream, eyeglasses, contact lenses and saline, hair gel or mousse, lotion, comb or brush, and nail-care products.
Plan for paying for trip expenses. MasterCard and Visa are accepted virtually world wide. ATM cards are also important for cash withdrawals. Depending on the travel location, a money belt that can be strapped on out of view of your clothing might be a good choice, and it's always important to have some extra cash hidden in a safe place. Complete a currency exchange ahead of time so you have the correct currency upon arrival if you are visiting another country.
Other items of importance include cameras, extra memory for cameras, maps or a GPS, backpacks, cell phones, chargers, batteries, a travel alarm clock, paper and pen, a hairdryer, adapters for international travel, baby wipes, MP3 players, earbuds, portable video games, beach towels, guidebooks, language dictionaries and a flashlight.