Resources and Tips

We always forget to pack those things we need, so here is a list of the stuff that is essential on every trip;

• Passport / visa – make sure you’ve got at least six months left on your passport before you travel. Print out your visa and make copies of both to put in your suitcase and your carry-on luggage – you can never be too cautious, right?

• Travel insurance documents – make sure these are in date and cover the country you’re visiting and the activities you plan on doing. 

• Boarding pass/tickets – whether you’re going by plane or train, print it all out, load it onto your phone (we’d advise doing both in case you run out of phone charge). Check with your airline whether you can – or have to – check-in before you arrive at the airport.

• Currency and credit/debit cards – even if you’re planning on using your card abroad it’s always a good idea to keep some currency and change on you for those ‘cash-only’ situations. Make sure you let the bank know if you’re travelling abroad too and for how long so you avoid any mishaps on day one.

• Emergency contact details – no matter how many people you’re travelling with, make sure you have contact details for someone back at home in case disaster strikes. Keep a copy in your suitcase and your hand luggage in case you get separated from either.

• Devices – no doubt you’ll have your phone on you at all times, but don’t forget your camera if you have one and want to capture those stunning vistas, a tablet or kindle for the journey and any headphones you may need too.

• Chargers – there’s no point taking your phone or camera with you if you have no way of charging it right…

• Medication ­– make sure you get any prescribed medication before you travel and that it’s enough to last for longer than your planned trip, in case you find yourself in a tricky situation.

• First aid kit – you don’t need to take reams and reams of bandages and enough antiseptic for the country you’re visiting, but it is worth packing a few items: some different sized plasters, insect repellent, painkillers, (a small amount of) antiseptic or wipes and antibacterial hand gel.

• House keys – we have a feeling you’ll be wanting these at the end of your trip.