Tips for Travellers

The following is a random list which we would like to share with you, some of which you will no doubt find useful in your future travelling careers. These items are those which we have benefitted from hugely on our travels. Feel free to add a comment or drop us a line sharing your thoughts and perhaps other recommendations.

So in no particular order of importance:

Lip Balm - used EVERY day regardless of clime, ensure spf-ed
Masking Tape & Sellotape - Masking for blocking holes in mosquito nets and screens, sellotape for sealing boxes and envelopes being sent home
Hot Water Bottle - for cold nights in New Zealand and South America
Needle & Thread - thread should be strong enough to repair a backpack
Antibiotic combined with hydrocortesone cream - for those UTIs (unidentifiable travelling injuries) and mozzie bites
Earplugs - useful for when the nightclub is IN your room... :o)
Scanned copies held on email of all important documents - a tip we have learned from others
Sarong - acts as towel, curtain, pillowcase and makeshift bathroom screen (when in the desert and you can´t even find a rock) amongst many things...
Moisturiser with spf saves you applying thicker sun screen lotion (which accumulates on clothes faster and adds to laundry pile sooner...)
Black Pepper or other condiments you really like, bring them with you or buy locally and carry, cos it´s amazing how rare they are!
Security (1) those climbing clips with which you can strap your wallet and bag to yourself, a frame, anything. (2) chain a la hood - you know the ones boys in baggy trousers wear, for same reasons as number one (3) padlocks with NUMBERS on them, preferably not from the local market, but a known brand ie Samsonite, ie strong! and carry spares...
Small bottles - cos they are just handy.. for side trips of 3 days etc.
Just get used to a different pace, the buses may not leave on time, accept it!
You will get used to dodgey bathroom conditions, as a result... always carry tissues, baby wipes and hand sanitiser :o)
Men do not carry covetable items such as sportshirts and jerseys, highly nickable by the laundry people!
Major brands such as Coca Cola, Pringles and Pantene are universal, fret not... author´s note: commendation goes to south-east Asia where toiletry bottles are supplied in easier-to-carry smaller sizes.
Buy drugs locally (save $$), but always check the drug name and manufacturer name online beforehand
Spare laces - prove highly useful when the zip holds on your bag decide to break.
Tiger Balm - acts as air freshener, bug repellent, decongestant, aids aches and pains and is simply a nice scent to fall asleep to!
Sleeping bag liner acts as sheet when the bed linen in situ is less than satisfactory, also acts as a sleeping bag liner!! (as in to add extra heat)
Get your frequent flyer membership organised in advance.
Ensure currency exchange rate check to ensure limited number of rip-offs
Plastic / Zip lock bags for leakable items, keeping items dry if you do not have a backpack cover, laundry etc.
Learn to live without: Boots The Pharmacy, "compulsory" cosmetics, full range of earrings, most things you have come to know and love in your habitual life
New USD dollar notes, small denominations, preferably ones, in MINT condition so they are not mistaken as fakes in another country
Baggage before purchasing your baggage, check the "day bag" for handy utilities such as external pockets to hold bottles of water and other need-to-access items. Ensure zips can be locked tightly, ie it has a socket for conventional lock. You may also consider carrying a "cheat bag", a soft foldable bag for occasional extra items.

(global brands "rule"!)