Packing for your travels is a seriously dreaded task. If you’re like us and leave things until the last minute, it’s guaranteed that you’ll forget to pack something useful - or even worse, pack something useless. To set your mind more at ease, we’ve thought about and listed all of the things that backpackers often regret packing and not packing to go travelling. This article will definitely come in handy for those with a big trip coming up…
DO PACK
A JUMPER
Even if you’re travelling in the hottest country, a jumper is essential. For chilly flights and when you’ve been assigned the top bunk under the air con, if you don’t pack at least one you’ll regret it!
TRAVEL PILLOW
Remember to pack a travel pillow and you will love yourself for it. They come in handy SO much - when you need a good nap on a long journey or when your hostel pillow is flat as a pancake... For a good night’s sleep, these things can save you.
A DECENT CAMERA
Pretty obvious for some, but if you have a decent camera (and your phone camera isn’t up to scratch) take it with you! Sure you have to be a bit warier when you’re carrying the proper equipment, but it’s so worth it when you’re looking back on your epic photos at the end of your trip.
UNIVERSAL ADAPTER/EXTENSION PLUG
When you’re in a hostel with one plug socket, trying to charge your phone, camera and the rest, a universal adaptor with an extension plug would come in pretty handy, don’t you think? They don’t cost much, and the spend is definitely worth it.
A ‘NICER’ OUTFIT
Even if you’re a denim and trainers kinda partier, there are bound to be one or two places you’ll want to visit along your travels where you'll wish you packed just one nice shirt or top.
BLISTER PLASTERS
Blisters are THE worst. If you don’t come prepared to nip one in the bud as soon as you feel it coming on, you could write yourself off for days. Don’t risk it and pack your own, keeping it in your day bag at all times.
PROPER WALKING SHOES
This one depends more on what kind of trip you’re planning. If you know you’re going to be doing a lot of hiking don’t just pack one pair of flimsy trainers, go all out and invest in a good, sturdy pair of proper hiking shoes or you could be looking at having to buy a new pair whilst you’re away.
PEN
You’ll regret not remembering this when you’re given that arrival card on the plane! A pen comes in handy way more often than you’d think.
BOTTLE OPENER
This is always a useful one. It’s a sad situation when you’re ready to crack open a few beers in the park and realise you’ve got no bottle opener with you.
A BIG TRAVEL TOWEL
Don’t be tempted by the cheaper but tiny ones. Especially if you’re staying in hostels along the way, you’ll be so thankful to yourself that you packed a massive travel towel to cover your dignity.
IF YOU HAVE A KINDLE, TAKE IT
Books are heavy - why pack those when you can get every book you need on a Kindle device.
PORTABLE CHARGER
Essential for when your phone hits 10% and you're nowhere near to a charging point.
DO NOT PACK
PAPER GUIDEBOOKS
You can get all the info you need online these days, and while it’s nice to flick through a guidebook, when you’re having to lug it around with all your other stuff, you’d probably rather use that space for something more useful…
Unnecessary make-up
Yeah you might want to spruce up with a lick of mascara or a touch of powder if you’re heading out for drinks, but trust us, you will not even think about that eyeshadow palette you packed! Embrace the natural look.
Want to know exactly what to pack in your travel backpack?