Travel Documentation
Probably the most important item on this list is travel documents. If you think about it they are the only things that, if you forget everything else, could still get you into the other country. Obviously the most important document is your passport which is not only important for the airport but also can offer you protection and act as ID once on foreign shores. The best idea is to carry your passport, plane tickets, visa etc in your money belt; which is both discreet and safe.
Credit Card
For those who travel often you’ll probably already have found the value that a credit card can provide whilst you’re away. Think about it for a minute you’re coming back from a night out and it’s dark, as you turn down a road you suddenly get surrounded by a couple of menacing guys who want all of your money; you give it to them and are left penniless for the rest of your holiday. As terrible as that scenario is you can soften the blow by bringing a credit card with you and keeping it in a separate place to your money. So if something like that does happen you are prepared; if you don’t like the idea of taking your credit card abroad there are cards available that allow you to put a set limit on which provides a bit of a safety net.
Guide book
The thing with other countries is that they work in different ways; from their language to public transport and from manners to laws. That is why I think it is so important to always have guidebook with you that is dedicated to the country you’re visiting. They act as great tour guides with in-depth information on all the main attractions. The more modern ones will often list restaurants, bars and hotels that they recommend which are always good to know. You can also put that phrase book down because guide books contain all the phrases you’ll need on your trip.
Toiletries
Speaking from personal experience there are few things more important than remembering to bring toiletries on holiday. Making sure you pack them into a small bag is a great way to make sure you don’t lose anything in transit or whilst you’re away. When I go away my toiletry bag generally contains shower gel, anti-perspirent, facial wash, toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash and nail clippers. Obviously the quantities etc will vary depending how long I plan to be away e.g. if I’m going away for a night I don’t take nail clippers or a full tube of toothpaste. If you have any spare room in your toiletries bag you can make it even more invaluable by adding a few basic first aid things in like plasters, antiseptic cream and sun cream. There are few things more important than staying clean whilst on holiday.
Josh writes for No.1 Traveller, a luxury travel company, who run Gatwick Airport lounge.