A Comprehensive Packing List

Pebble beach in Capri, Italy

Packing is a daunting task – it’s something we leave to the last minute because there’s always more urgent things to do (bookings to make, visas to apply for, etc.), and in my family, it generally results in a lot of anxiety, shouting, and “oh s*@!” moments when you realize how many things you have forgotten behind.

In order to circumnavigate this hellish task, I’ve made a general list, which I have revised over, and over again, during the last few years.  I’m pretty happy with it now – it makes packing efficient and less stressful.   I print a copy out before each trip, modify it to suit, and then start packing & scratching.

Note that the items with the “backpack” tags, indicate items which I stow away in hand luggage for day-to-day and in-transit use (remember that this needs to be less than 100ml).  Also, note, that this list excludes clothes and shoes.

I hope that this list helps you, as much as it does me…

Samista

Untouched beauty in Matola, Mozambique

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Toiletries

• Contact lens solution
• Sunscreen
• Lipbalm (backpack)
• Sanitary pads / tampons – Most girls, myself included, are fussy when it comes to the products they use.  It’s already not the most pleasant feeling in the world – the last thing you want is to be feeling uncomfortable because you can’t find your particular brand on the other side of the planet. 
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Dry shampoo (backpack) – I hate greasy hair, and after a long flight, its unfortunately inevitable.  Of recent, I have enjoyed using the more natural powdered dry shampoo (such as the Natraloe range) , as opposed to the harsher aerosol ones
• Body wash & lotion – This may sound weird, but the smell of my favorite shower gel keeps any pangs of homesickness away.
• Hand lotion (backpack)
• Water-less hand cleanser (backpack)
• Wet wipes (backpack)
• Feminine wipes
• Tissues (backpack)
• Face wash and moisturizer
• Toothbrush, toothpaste & floss
• Comb
• Hairdryer & hair mask – This depends entirely on where you are staying.  Most hotels have their own.  The hair mask is a good idea if the water in the country you going to is not softened sufficiently.
• Toilet paper (backpack)
•   Soap (backpack)
• Razer – I prefer disposable with the fixed heads – they’re generally allowed in carry-on bags.  Plus, I’m a bit of a germ-o-phobe.  I’m happier to throw away the razor after the holiday.

Medication & First Aid Kit

• Anti-acid (backpack)
• Tummy cramps and nausea medication
• Fluzol
• Disprin for plane (backpack)
• Vitamins
• Anti-inflammatory medication for muscular pain
• Medication for pain & fever (backpack)
• Diarrhea  medication
• Allergy medication (backpack)
• Cough syrup
• Anti-bacterial  and anti-fungal cream
• Antiseptic cleanser (backpack)
• Insect repellant
• Eye drops
• Oral rehydration
• Muscle rub
• Vapour rub
• Bandage
• Plasters (backpack) – Having  plasters is a dead-must.  The most frequent use of it is to help with blisters from excessive walking.
• Disposal gloves (backpack)
• Scissors – Remember to keep this in your checked-in luggage.
• Tweezers

Miscellaneous

• Glasses and case (backpack)
• Sunglasses
• Micro-fibre towel
• Umbrellas (backpack) – Useful for both rain and intense sunshine.
• A large scarf (backpack) – This is a fashion accessory, but I also use it as a pillow, or a face cover (to block my weird sleeping faces in public), a cover up when you have to dress modestly to enter a place of worship, etc.
• Hand bag – you need something small and a bit classy for when you go out at night – a backpack or a fanny pack simply isn’t going to cut it in a fancy restaurant or a nightclub.
• Print out of itineraries and e-tickets (backpack)
• Laundry powder
• x2 colour passport photos – This is important if you want/need to fill out any documentation urgently, or if you want to apply for a local SIM in some places.  Yes you can get one there, but if you have extra, it doesn’t hurt to carry it.
• MP3 player, batteries & headphones – Warning: batteries is not allowed to be stored in check-in luggage during flights, therefore remember to keep them in you carry-on backpacks.
• Mini sewing kit– I generally keep the ones supplied by hotels for emergencies.
• A toilet roll – The uses are too many to mention.
• Chewing gum – I like buying the bulk packs of one of the more dental friendly brands that I can use between meals.  Having bad breath during the long days can make you feel self-conscious – and ain’t nobody got time for that.
• Travel power adapter
• Charger and USB cable
• Pen, paper
• Copies of passport & visas
• Some re-sealable bags– I use this to keep opened snacks whilst travelling - or anything that unexpectedly starts leaking.
• Dried fruit packs