Do you really need that?
So many lists all over the internet and every one has their own opinion about what to take on your travels. However it’s a bit like telling people what to buy when they are going grocery shopping. Nobody knows what you really need because it depends on you and your situation.
Also keep in mind that unless you are going somewhere way off the beaten track for a long period of time, you will be able to buy everything you need when you get there, and sometimes much cheaper.
Having said that there are a few ‘essentials’ which will be very useful regardless of your destination and intended activities.
The Essentials
Top of my list is a smart phone – basically we would really have struggled without this. Maps, booking accomodation and travel tickets were just a couple of the things that would have been so much more difficult. I also used mine as my camera.
Rucksack – goes without saying really! Although there were times when we thought that having a wheeled suitcase would have been a lot easier, on balance the rucksack was more versatile. I would also recommend the raincover to go with it!
Next up a Kindle you will spend time waiting wherever you are going, bus or train stations, airports, hotel lobbys. They are interesting to a point but then boredom kicks in and for me a good book was essential. You can obviously also download guide books which saves on a lot of weight, although if using the maps a phone or tablet might be better option for those.
Tablet/ laptop – I took my iPad but I know a number of people preferred laptops. To me a laptop was too heavy and bulky, not to mention the danger of being mugged or having it stolen.
Headphones – similar to the Kindle in terms of keeping yourself entertained. I actually took two pairs; one good noise cancelling set which were a godsend on flights and a smaller wired set for day to day use or by the pool.
With electronic equipment you need to be careful to remember chargers and adapters one that has USB charging will save you taking extra plugs.
So handy!
Clothes
Don’t go mad! I only took a cap, sandals, flip flops, walking shoes, 3 t-shirts, 1 shirt, 1 pair of trousers, 3 pairs of shorts, 3 pairs of socks, 7 sets of underwear and 1 pair of swimming trunks.
And of course sunglasses!