And finally….the last part of some great PACKING TIPS … the ultimate TRAVEL KIT!

 You’ll want to pick and mix off this list depending on the type of trip you’re taking.

Ear plugs/inflatable pillow- for the flight and noisy hotel rooms.

Eye mask -a must.

Umbrella – travel size.

Sunglasses – they’ll add glam to any outfits.

Collapsable water bottle – environmentally friendly, always good to have.

Swiss Army Knife (optional)

Padlock- for your luggage, make sure it is TSA approved.

Torch – most smartphones have a torch light included but if you’re on a hiking trip, a head torch is preferable.

Sewing kit- for those little emergencies, but do not despair if you forget one most hotels will provide you with one.

Travel towel (glamping anyone?? ) – can double up as beach towel. go for lightweight ones in natural fabrics like linen/cotton.

Spork (longer trips) – environmentally friendly.

Ziplock bags (optional) – great for storing snacks.

Travel iron (optional) – most hotel rooms will provide you with one.

DOCUMENTS

Top tip:: Take a copy of your passport/driving licence/visa but also I take a photo of all the other documents and store it on your phone, also have booking emails readily available on your phone.

Passport – most countries require at least t 6 months validity left on your passport.

Driving licence – even if you’re not hiring a car. it is a good second form of ID when you don’t want to carry your passport around.

Visas

Passport photos (optional) – pack at least a few spares for local visas that require photos

Travel insurance details

Vaccination record

Yellow Fever certificate- for selected countries

Optician prescription – in case you need a replacement for your glasses.

Credit and debit cards

Foreign currency

Tickets / booking confirmations – most airlines use electronic tickets so have them ready on your phone. I suggest a printout as a back up though.

Discount / loyalty cards 

Emergency contact list - jot down numbers in case you accidentally loose your smartphone

ELECTRONICS

Top tip: You’ll find you use some items less than you think. my advice is to go light on gadgets. and only pack the essential.

Laptop/tablet/charger – unless you plan on working while you’re away, I’d recommend leaving the laptop at home. Tablets are a much better option.

Phone/charger –(phone, torch, alarm clock, camera all in one!, most people can get by with just a smartphone for travel planning , just make sure sure you phone is not locked to a network.

eReader/Kindle- skip if you prefer old style books, but useful for longer trips.

Camera/charger/memory card- most of us would find a smartphone camera is all you need for perfect bpicture but depending on your trip you might want to pack a ‘proper’ camera. Don’t forget a high capacity memory card too if that is the case.

External hard drive (longer trips) – For any trip longer than 2 weeks, to back up my photos.version 2TB or higher is recommended.

USB drive (longer trips) – for storing/printing documents and photos.

Powerbank-for charging your phone on the go.

Plug adaptor-essential item for any country.

Headphones –noise cancelling are great on flights.

SIM card holder – if you plan on buying one or more local SIM cards.

PLANNING

Travel guide books – great choice for any budget out there.

Diary (optional) – one thing I absolutely cannot leave without! my life is in there! I love Moleskine diaries, great size, layout and colour choice!

Journal/notebooks (optional) – if you are into travel journals, do pack one.

Pen – essential, pack two as you might loose one. Go for a twister closure.

PACKING

Packing tip: by keeping your packing organised you’ll save time looking for what you need.

Purse/Wallet

Airline liquids bag – pack two. One might break or liquids accidentally spill. There are some great reusable one with zip.

Packing cubes/bags for keeping everything tidy and in place.

Lightweight Foldable backpack/tote bag.

Dry pouch  – highly recommended if you’re off to the beach, you won’t need to worry about the water getting to your valuables.

Toiletries bag –pack a , light one with waterproof lining which is big enough for your essentials.

Make-up bag– plenty of choice out there, go for lightweight ones ias they’ll fit better in your bag.

Travel Wallet – Great for keeping everything in its place so you don’t have to rummage in your bag for THAT paper.

Bank bags for currency (optional) – useful if you’re planning to visit to several countries – available from your bank/currency exchange.

Money belt (optional) – personally, has to be discreet otherwise it just defeats its purpose.

BAGS

Top tip: Having been cabin crew for the past 16 years I can say I possibly own all kind of suitcases imaginable:-) my best advice is go as small as you can, for shorter trips never check in your luggage as it will save precious time. For longer trips go for a lightweight hard case which is more robust and less likely to get damaged.

Main suitcase – As above depending on the length of your trip .

Travel tote/Backpack - for all your valuables and FlIGHT ESSENTIALS( specific post about this coming soon :-)

Cross-body handbag/purse  – easier to carry and can double up as evening bag..

Evening bag – go for a flat, light one that fit easily into your luggage.

Laundry bag –easily available in any hotel rooms otherwise go for a plastic bag.

YOU are now officially READY TO GO!

Enjoy your packing and your travels, wherever they’ll take you!