What to Take Travelling: Your Travel Essentials Packing List

After booking your travels, the next step is packing! Whether you’re a first-time backpacker? Or a one-millionth-time backpacker? Sometimes you just need a packing list to tell you what to take travelling. Because, if you’ve ever forgotten to pack that item, then you know the frustration is real. So take this travel essentials packing list as your saviour and let’s get started! 🎒✈️

Pre-Departure Essentials

Before you even open your backpack (or suitcase), there are a couple of travel essentials for your packing checklist. That’s right, we’re talking about pre-departure documents. You’re not going anywhere without these must-haves. Check you’ve got these in a safe place that’s easily accessible when you need them, and it’s worth making some copies or having them backed up online.

Passport

You’ve heard it before: “Don’t forget your passport!”. Make sure it isn’t damaged as some countries won’t accept a damaged passport. You should also check that it hasn’t expired, and that it is valid for at least six months after your return date. Always check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for the latest requirements before travelling, as they vary by country and can be subject to change.

Visa

Have you checked if you need a visa? Some destinations require one in advance of travel, whereas other countries issue you a visa on arrival at the airport. You will also require a visa if you are transferring through a country for a connecting flight. Get in touch with one of our friendly travel advisors or check out our visa services for more information.

Travel Insurance

Make sure you’re fully covered from the moment you book! Everyone travelling with us must have travel insurance. So whether you're going on a short trip to Europe or travelling around the world, insurance is an essential part of your adventure!

Not covered yet? Get your worldwide travel insurance.

Flights

Make sure you’ve got your flight details and boarding pass on your phone, either in your emails or downloaded to your wallet. Just simply scan it at the airport. We also recommend printing off your boarding pass for extra reassurance, and some airlines only accept printed boarding passes.

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Is it your first time flying solo? Here’s what to do at the airport.

Travel Money

We’re sure you’ll want to bring home some souvenirs, so a reliable travel card is essential on your packing list. We’ve partnered with Wise so you can easily manage your money while spending abroad! So whether you're on a short trip, a working holiday or travelling the world, a Wise account is a wise choice!

Plus, cash is king! It’s a good idea to bring some local currency with you as some countries won’t accept card payments for certain things such as public transport and taxis.

Medical/Vaccines

Make an appointment to see a GP or nurse or visit a travel clinic for your medical and vaccination advice before your trip. They’re the pros, so they will be able to advise you on the exact vaccinations you may need for your adventure.

If you’re travelling to an EU country, you may be entitled to a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which covers you for state healthcare. You’ll still need to get travel insurance, and some insurance policies will insist you have a GHIC to cover you for medical expenses if travelling to Europe.

For further information, take a look at the websites below:

Travel Health Pro
NHS Fit For Travel
FCDO Travel Advice

Travel Packing List

Now, for the fun part - what to pack! Whether you’re heading to bustling cities, paradise beaches, or snowy mountains, packing smart is the key to a fun-filled adventure.

It’s always a good idea to pack lightweight and versatile outfits that you can mix and match. Staple items like an oversized hoodie, t-shirts and comfy shorts/trousers will be your best friends. Oh, and don’t forget to leave room for souvenirs! Find our travel essentials packing list below:

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Remember, it’s important to be prepared when travelling and no packing list can be exhaustive, so you should always check what you might need for each specific destination you are visiting and for the activities you will be partaking in.

Pre-Departure Essentials

As mentioned before, you won’t be going anywhere without them, so triple-check that you’ve got them packed and organised.

• Passport

• Visas

• Worldwide Travel Insurance

• Flight details & Boarding pass

• Booking confirmation of trips/accommodation

• Wallet with Wise travel money card

• Cash in local currency

• Vaccine certificates

• Driving license

• E-sim - you can buy one before you travel and easily activate it on your arrival

• We recommend backing up your passport and essential documents to iCloud/Google Drive/Dropbox and taking photocopies with you

Luggage

• Backpack or suitcase, depending on your trip and preference

• Waterproof cover

• A day bag

• Packing cubes

• A laundry bag

• A wash bag (one with a hook is useful so you can hang it open)

Health

• Prescribed medication (if any) along with a Doctor’s note if required for your destination

• Contraception

• Insect repellent

• Sun protection and after-sun - it’s recommended to buy a trusted brand from the UK before your travels

• Lip balm to protect against the sun

We suggest you take a First Aid Kit with the following items:

• Waterproof plasters

• Antiseptic cream

• Antihistamine cream

• Paracetamol/Ibuprofen

• Small nail scissors

• Tweezers

• Water purification tablets

• Electrolyte tablets to stay hydrated

• Anti-diarrhoea pills

Clothing

• T-shirts

• Vest tops

• Long sleeved tops

• A hoodie or fleece (one that matches everything is a plus)

• Trousers/long skirts (especially if you are visiting temples)

• Shorts/skirts

• A couple of nice outfits

• Waterproof jacket

• Swimwear (x2 in case one is wet)

• Beach cover-up dress/shirt

• Underwear and socks

• Pyjamas

• Sun hat/cap

• Trainers

• Flip-flops, sandals or sliders

• Hiking boots

• Water shoes (especially if you plan to go canyoneering or water rafting)

Safety

• A combination padlock (recommended if you’re staying in hostels)

• A power bank (make sure to check your airline’s restrictions)

• Important phone numbers - it’s a good idea to write them down in case your phone dies.

• Back-up bank card/cash

• Air tag or tracking device for your luggage

Toiletries

• Toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Shampoo

• Conditioner

• Hairbrush

• Hairbands

• Shaver/Razor

• Makeup

• Makeup remover

• Moisturiser

• Deodorant

• Perfume/aftershave

• Hand sanitiser

• Tampons and sanitary products (it’s best to pack your own as tampons can sometimes be difficult to find in some other countries)

• Tissues

Other Useful Items

• Sunglasses

• Contact lenses/glasses (take spares if you use them)

• Small mirror

• Phone and charger

• Earphones/headphones (noise-cancelling ones are a plus for long flights or travel days)

• Camera or action cam and plenty of memory cards and accessories like spare batteries (make sure to check your airline’s restrictions!)

• Underwater phone case

• Plug adaptor (see country descriptions). We strongly recommend you buy these before you leave the UK, as it may be difficult to locate UK-compatible adapters once abroad

• Playing cards/travel-sized games

• Travel wash

• Earplugs (a blessing in communal sleeping areas!)

• Eye mask

• Journal and pen

• Refillable water bottle

• Microfibre travel towel

Now that you know what to pack for travelling, you won’t forget a thing! So what are you waiting for? Go and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime; you’ll have the best time making unforgettable memories and lifelong friends.

Still looking for your next adventure? Take a look at our fun-filled group tours in 50+ destinations! 👈🌏