Camera, Polaroid, batteries… check
It seems obvious but remember to take extra memory cards for your digital camera. You can easily get carried away with digital so be careful not to under estimate how many you will need. With 2 GB memory cards available for less than £10 its worth getting one or two to avoid missing the photo of a lifetime because your camera is full. If you’re a little more old school and still using 35mm then remember to pack extra rolls of film! If your camera takes AA or AAA then take lithium batteries rather than alkaline as they last a lot longer.
When taking spare batteries remember to take them out of the packing at home as disposing of plastic is a major problem in many countries. If you’re really organised why not take a charger and rechargeable batteries? Or why not be really green and get a solar charger? With some solar chargers you can charge your camera, phone, ipod and games console anywhere in the world. If you want to make an impression with the local people then take a Polaroid camera so you can share your photos with them. If you don’t have a Polaroid then why not take their addresses and post printed photos to them once you’ve returned home? Another idea is to take postcards of your home town to give to people. By showing people the skyline of your city or your chocolate box village you can really help with cross cultural understanding.
Insect repellent, sun cream, travel toiletries… check
No one likes to be bitten on holiday, so remember to pack insect repellent. If you’re travelling in the tropics in a malarial zone, it can also be worth taking a mosquito net and anti malarial tablets. Ask your doctor for more information about anti malarials and to check to see if there are any vaccinations that are specific for your destination. Even if you’re not leaving the UK and not expecting to get a tan, don’t forget your sun cream. Whilst on holiday people tend to stay outside for longer than they do when they’re at home so make sure that your skin is protected. You can save space in your rucksack with smaller bottles of your favourite toiletries. You can always refill the small bottles from bigger bottles for your next trip. A folding toothbrush is a great space saver and we think that tissues and wet wipes are always handy.
Hat, sunglasses, suitable clothing… check
Suitable clothing to packIt may seem obvious but tailoring your wardrobe the climate is a must. Taking lots of layers is a great way to keep the cold out, especially if you're gaining altitude when climbing or susceptible to changes in temperature. We love trousers with zip off legs which change into shorts; perfect for changeable weather. Don’t be tempted into buying a whole new wardrobe just for your holiday. Holidays usually aren’t cheap so why not save some money by buying clothes whilst you’re there? This way your hard earned cash is helping local businesses and your clothes can become souvenirs: you can remember your holiday every time you wear them! If you do need some extra things to take, make sure you buy good quality clothing that will last, organic cotton or fair-trade items? We love the range from People Tree.
Binoculars, torch, plasters… check
If you’re going on a wildlife watching holiday don’t forget to pack your binoculars. If you’re camping or travelling to a remote destination a torch can be useful for those late night toilet trips or returning from the pub on dark nights! If you're prone to blisters or have a brand new pair of boots then its advisable to pack some plasters as there’s nothing worse than knowing you still have a few miles trek ahead of you when you're in pain. For other essentials check out Itchy Feet and Natural Collection.
Travel diary, book, pens… check
We love the idea of keeping a travel diary so you can keep notes and sketches of your favourite places. This is a great way to remember where you’ve been and what you’ve experienced and can come in handy when you’re showing people your photos. For those quiet times a book is a good idea and why not choose a book that’s set in your holiday destination? This can help give you an insight into the local culture and a real feel for the location. As a responsible traveller it’s important to make sure that your holiday benefits the local community, which is why we recommenced that you take pens, books and educational material to donate to a local school or community projects. To find out exactly what to take and where you need to take it to check out Stuff Your Rucksack.
A travel pet… maybe
Travel petIt seems that many of us, inspired by the film Amelie, have taken a little furry friend away on holiday, especially if we’re travelling alone. This is a great way to take holiday snaps if you’re camera shy and a brilliant idea to introduce children to the thrill of travel. If taking a fluffy toy with you on holiday isn’t your thing, then not to worry, it’s not an essential but it is fun!
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