We’re always interested in peoples idea’s on what works for them when traveling, so this page is free for comments and your thoughts on packing. I’ve mentioned before about what to pack for 3 weeks in Thailand, but I wanted to be a little more open (dare I say generic)
Here’s a quick rundown on what to take and what to leave behind on your travels.
- Shoes, one pair is all you need. I bought a pair of Leather/ Neoprene vented shoes in Germany and they arguably are the best travel shoes that I have ever bought.
- Camera – One thing about cameras that tends to get overlooked is the battery. Don’t take one, take two!
- Laptop/Notebook – If you’re going to travel with one look for SSD (Solid State Drive) models, these have less moving internal parts and can withstand more vibration than a normal unit. Sure they do cost a little more, but it’s a good investment.
- Mobile Phone – Take it and change the chip once you reach the destination. Most countries have prepaid options available and it’s cheaper than “Global Roaming” charges.
- Passport – Check your expiry. Be aware of your passport’s expiration date. There are rules about your passport in many countries. Certain countries will deny entry if the expiration date on your passport falls within a certain range. These range from 3 to 6 months, or could even reach 8 months to a year.
- Cosmetics – Unless you’re a supermodel leave the lot behind! And if you are a Supermodel your “natural good looks” need not be covered, after all you are a Supermodel right?
- Water Bottles – remember that there is no need to carry these all the way to the Airport. You will only have to leave them behind
- External Hard Drives – These nifty little devices are a great way to carry your movies and photos. They are small robust and less likely to be lifted from a hotel room. You can “lock” them which renders them useless to anyone without the correct password.
- Allergy – if you’re allergic to something make sure you do your homework and find our the name of the medication that you will need and then learn how it’s pronounced and spelled in the countries language that you’re going to visit. This one trick could save your life.
Hotel card keys and power.
Most hotels these days have a swipe card and once you plug into the room your power is switched on.
While that’s great when you’re in the room it certainly won’t help you charge all your digital media devices unless you have bought plenty of adapters and charging cables.
Here’s the solution. As a couple most hotels will issue you with two swipe cards. Use one to keep powering the room while you are out and charge your notebook/laptop while you’re out busy taking pictures. When you return take the battery out of the camera and swap it for the second battery that you should have fully charged. As a favor to the envoriment and the hotels power bill, be sure to turn off the Air Con and other devices before leaving the room.
And last of all
- Don’t leave the house without checking you have everything. You don’t want to end up with no swimsuit.
- Check everything is locked or shut especially windows and doors.