Travel – What to Bring – What not to Bring

Travelling is the best way to escape everyday life. Keeping things easy while travelling is to pack simple, light and avoid checking your bag.

I broke this rule a couple of times. Not a good idea. Once upon arrival in Majorca, my checked bag did not show up. Waiting in a long line with others at the lost luggage department was a wake-up call. Also noticed a ton of luggage in a corner of the airport in a open area of the airport. Anyone could take whatever they wanted.

So comforting to take a carry on bag. For a tight connection to an onward flight, no need to wait for at the luggage carousel.

What to Pack

Clothes – Best to pack the basics. Cold or hot travelling light is best. When in a cold area, wear a warm jacket, sweater, long pants scarf, gloves and hat. That is allowed on board and doesn’t have to be packed. Layering is a good idea. Travelling for a several weeks, from a cold to hot area, I usually bring clothes I am willing to leave behind. Not like there are no shops in other parts of the world.

Toiletries – Basics are all that is required. Small toothpaste, sunscreen, deodorant. For me that’s about it . Not like shampoo is not available in the rest of the world.

Medicines – Now this is the important part. Always make sure to bring  all prescription medicines. Also a good idea to bring non prescription medicine as well. Like pain medicine and stomach medicine. I remember having a stomach upset in India and didn’t bring anything. I went to a pharmacist and realized I was given ulcer medication. Another lesson learned.

Documents – Passport and Visa. It is important to verify passport expiry date. Good plan is to have copy. That is what I carry and lock away the actual passport in the hotel safe.

Money – Credit card, debit card, and some cash. Good idea to bring a couple of different credit cards. For peace of mind, the second card is a backup if one is lost or stolen. Some cash such as American dollars or euros is easy to convert to local currency. Another backup plan.