Be a flashpacker or a budget traveler, here are a few must have’s for your next trip around the world. This list contains 19 suggestions, things you might never have thought about, or things you already knew. Either way, happy packing!

1. Waterproof camera

Ok, so this is more of a flashpackers item. Still a nice thing to have it you are, say, snorkeling under the waters of that hot Caribbean sun and get two feet from a giant shark who just floats on bye. Bet you wish you would have had your waterproof camera then, huh?

2. Netbook

Another flashpackers item, but still a requirement for those wishing to stay in contact. Your netbook provides a nice place to store your pictures when your memory card gets full, email family to let them know you are doing alright, and it can prove useful in holding some pdf. guide books on it.

3. Water filtering device

If you are even thinking about visiting a third world country then this is something you will definitely want. You can get your water clean through pills, water bottles, or UV pens. Do your research, each have their own pro’s and con’s.

4. Tissues

A lot of places still consider toilets that hole in the ground. If that’s the case you will be thankful you brought some of these bad boys with you. Also good if you happen to get a little cold and can’t stop sneezing all over your nice jacket.

5. Alarm clock

I don’t care what you say, this one you have to bring. Good for those early morning tours or when you need to meet a train at 3:52 in the morning. Be sure to get an actual travel sized alarm clock. Relaying on your cell phone is all good and dandy, but can lead to mistakes.

6. Sarong

Not just for wearing. A good sarong can double as your towel, sheets at the hostel you are staying at, something to lay in the grass with, or a good blanket on the plane ride. Whatever the case may be, a sarong is worth its weight in gold and more.

7. Bag protector

You have a lot of options for this one, and a lot of oppurtunities to spend hundreds of dollars. There are cheaper routes like the Doberman Bag Protector Alert which lets out a loud sound when activated, and then there are the mesh like locks that slip over your whole bag to keep it safe.

8. Waterproof bags

Because you want to make sure your passport stays dry, as well as your paper money. So make sure you bring a few zip lock bags along; not like they will take up that much room.

9. Flashlight/torch

Very handy for seeing around after hours. You might stay at a lot of places that don’t even have electricity, if you are visiting any third world countries this is extremely likely. Some come with one in hand to avoid stubbing your toes for that middle of the night toilet run.

10. Money belt

Don’t worry, you don’t have to run out and buy a fanny pack. They make really nice money belts that actually look like…well, belts. The come with a place to secure your money on the inside. Great in case your cards get stolen and you need something to help you out while waiting for the replacements.

11. Sigg Stainless Steel Water Bottle

You can help the enviorment with a nice looking water bottle. These things only run about 20-30 USD plus they come in many designs! Pretty stylish considering you should bring a water bottle with you anyway.

12. SpoonSisters.com’s Paper Shaving Cream travel sheets

Better than lugging around a huge thing of shaving cream in addition to a razor, these small sheets are smooth and fit in the palm of your hand. Perfect for every traveler who isn’t planning on staying at 5 star hotels the whole time they are over seas.

13. Anti-Diarrheal Pills

You may not think you will need them, but trust me, better to be safe than sorry. You never know when a new dish might hit your stomach hard. It happens to even the best of them. Go with the boy scouts on this one, be prepared.

14. Journal

So you can write all about those unique bars you saw and the people you met. You don’t want to forget your trip in a few months! Also good for names and addresses to keep in touch with all your new friends.

15. Violight travel toothbrush

So it doesn’t have to be this one you bring, but make sure you at least bring a toothbrush. I, on the other hand, happen to throughly enjoy this little beauty. It keeps your toothbrush spic and span from those nasties crawling around on the brush. Keeping your mouth minty clean!

16. Lonley planets guide books

I’m sure you have heard of Lonely Planet. They are home to the travelers bible, the one guide book you do need. They are filled with so much information. Not to mention they also have pdf.’s avilable to buy. Get just the chapters you need and through it on your netbook or phone. Perfect!

17. Earplugs

When your roommate at your hostel won’t stop snoring or that party down the hall refuses to ever stop (despite the fact you have an early train to catch), you will be glad you thought ahead enough to bring a pair of these to drown out the noise.

18. Sunglasses

Duh, right? But make sure they are the good UV protected kind. Won’t want to damage your eyes when you are attempting to do all that sightseeing abroad.

19. Duct tape

May seem like a stupid item to bring when preparing to travel the world, but duct tape can tie up that leaking faucet in your hostel, or prepare a broken backpack strap until you can get it fixed. And they totally come in mini sizes! Actually sorta cute…

What about you? Have any other must you recommend?

               

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 23rd, 2009 at 6:56 am and is filed under Latest Work. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.