Other essentials
Obey the new security restrictions
There are a number of other essentials that I wouldn’t be without but also things I don’t need which colleagues consider indispensable. Please don’t include everything otherwise your carry-on will be full, but select what you consider to be most important. A comprehensive list includes:
- PDA with charger if necessary - for all that essential information;
- a pocket alarm clock – so that I don’t miss the next flight;
- a waterproof watch – don’t take it off and you can’t leave it anywhere;
- a small notebook with propelling pencil – so that I can make notes of what happens because I never remember everything afterwards;
- prewritten address labels for postcards, letters etc. – so that I don’t forget anyone;
- spare pens – preferably ones that don’t leak;
- guide books and maps – so that I make the most of the trip;
- resealable plastic bags (Ziplock or equivalent) - for wet or dirty clothes, papers, pens that may leak and a variety of other uses;
- camera – digital requires recharger and ability to download images or extra memory, other types require films, a tripod may also be required if you are an enthusiast;
- security pouch - to hold documents and money hidden under my clothes;
- spare glasses and prescription;
- ear plugs and eye mask (for when the room next door is very noisy or I want to sleep on a flight);
- inflatable travel pillow;
- laundry kit - liquid detergent (for washing clothes), a universal plug for basins and baths (also useful for opening bottles and jars) and a flexible clothes line
- sewing kit (needles, thread, safety pins and spare buttons);
- a day bag for carrying things around during the day – when the carry-on would be too big;
- a water bottle;
- a rubber door wedge – for keeping people out;
- duct tape – for fastening things up;
- luggage locks – for prying eyes and sticky fingers;
- a flash light (with spare batteries);
- snorkel and mask – rentals never seem to fit properly;
- sun hat and/or sunglasses;
- an umbrella – can double as a sun shade;
- jewellery – only things that you can afford to lose;
- driving licence;
- copies of necessary insurance details;
- a list of emergency telephone numbers;
- copies of all relevant documents – including your passport, visas and the packing list in case things get stolen.