Oct 28, 2001 04:30 PM
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I’m off on holiday(again) tomorrow and I’m all packed – which is why I’m online instead of studying – it’s hard to go over notes when they’re at the bottom of your suitcase. I’m not going to include things like passports and tickets in this list, because quite frankly if you need reminding to take those, you shouldn’t be allowed on holiday in the fist place. This list mainly counts for trips abroad, but could be adapted for domestic breaks too. Anyway.
Extra clothes – it’s all very well being organised and having one outfit per day or whatever, but when that sudden unexpected rainstorm hits(memories of Vienna’s Prater in 1998…) or a little child decides to puke all over you it always helps to have a back up
Chewing gum / sweets / something to suck(now, now, nothing like that) for the journey because there’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination with aeroplane ears
Paper and pen – handy for making notes of important phone numbers and other details, for doodling, and for writing ops when you have nothing better to do. So useful and yet so often forgotten.
Small smelly things – the jury always seems to be out over these – take with or buy there. I compromise and but travel sized ones which take up very little room but prevent you having to go shampoo shopping during your trip – hardly what you’re there for. Boots and Superdrug sell little samples and also empty bottles to fill with your regulars, and M&S have just launched a new range of mini toiletries ideal for trips.
A good guide book – preferably with a decent map. Although some say the best way to travel is just to wander, on short trips there might well be things you just want to see. I usually take eyewitness guides since they’re up-to-date, have wonderful maps and list tons of things to see, places to stay and trips to take while you’re there.
Enough cash, at least for the first few days. Although it might not be “safe” to take too much, you don’t want to be faffing around at the airport trying to find an ATM to give you change for the trip to where you’re staying. I usually take enough money for a week, plus a credit or debit card just in case.
Comfy shoes – they may not always be at the height of fashion, but you’re abroad so who cares? I’d always rather look a bit dated(or maybe just like the natives) than have sore feet that make exploring difficult. Make sure they’re suitable for the terrain too – beach, city, mountains etc
Something to read / make / listen to /play with for the journey itself and for any spare time you have. Take more rather than less unless you’re fluent in the language of the country you’re gong to unless you particularly like forking out a fortune for English publications abroad.
Presents for any hosts / friends you might encounter are always a nice touch - they don’t have to be much, as they’re only a token really, but we’ve always found that M&S smellies, Scottish Shortbread and those English busses and postboxes filled with sweets are well received.
A cuddly toy – after all if you’re able to see the world, why can’t they? Benjamin, my loyal one eared pink elephant is most well travelled and also provides comfort when I’m homesick(not that often but it can happen) and squashes to form a great extra pillow when need be:-)
