Before you go

This page is currently under development.......

• Luggage
  If you are holidaying overseas and have opted out of the package deal, then it's likely there will be no one to meet you or transport you from the airport to your final destination. Suitcase's can be cumbersome. The rucksack is a far easier option. OK clothes are not kept at their best in a rucksack (See packing). Using a rucksack can give you the appearance of a seasoned traveler. Looking like you know what you are doing can be advantageous when haggling over a taxi fare or accommodation.
  
  
• Packing
  Forget folding you clothes, roll them up instead. This is a good way of saving space when packing and it also helps reduce creasing.
  
  
• Don't take too much
  Everyone does. So before packing your clothes, lay them all out on your bed. Take no more than half the amount you first considered. Don't forget if you haven't any prearranged transport between for example the airport and your destination you are going to have to carry everything you take. If you're going to a hot climate, it doesn't take much to wash and dry your favorite T-shirt or pair of shorts.
  
  
• Hand luggage
  Along with your ruck sack you may want to take hand luggage. Your best bet is a day sack (small ruck sack) this is large enough to hold a couple of bottles of water along with your beach towel and sun cream. Its also easier to carry if your trekking over to a remote beach or while out touring.
  
  
• Washing
  A length of strong string and a few pegs are a good idea if you take the minimum of clothes.
  
  
• Tea Towel
  This is useful for wiping excess sun cream off your hands or cleaning sand off your feet when you walk off a hot beach.
  
  
• Sewing kit
  A minimal sewing kit and safety pins are a good idea in a clothing emergency. If you really want to cut down on weight take a medium sized needle and use your dental floss in place of the cotton.

• Vitamins B12
  It has been suggested that B12 helps to prevent mosquito bites.
  
  
• Antihistamines
  These are useful if you suffer from strong reactions to insect bites. You must read the label. Alcohol is often a no no.
  
  
• Mosquito Repellent (see also heath and skin)
  There are a wide variety on the market. One of the better ones seems to be.........
  
  
• Mosquito Net and Tent Poles
  Mosquitoes nets are great but its virtually impossible to suspend them from the ceiling as per their instructions. Ceilings are either too high or there's never any available fixings. Taking a power drill and hook on holiday is frequently out of the question. However if you take the fiberglass tent poles from a small to medium sized dome tent, its possible to wedge or tie the poles to the corners of the bed and then drape the net over the poles.
  
  
• Plug-in Replants
  These are fine but their success is dependent on the availability and regularity of an electricity supply plus the size and method of ventilation within the room.

• Passport
  Make a note of your passport number and make photocopies of any visas. Leave these copies at home or with friends.
  
  
• Drivers License
  Some hotels insist on temporarily retaining their occupants passports during their stay. Your drivers license can often be used as an alternative form of identification when cashing travelers cheques for example.

• Home Insurance
  If you are planning to be away for more than 30 days check your house insurance policy. Some insurance companies have a clause excluding claims for properties left vacant for more than thirty days. (see also house sitting)
  
  
• Travel Insurance
  Make sure you have adequate travel insurance to cover illness or injury. Remember not all holiday activities such as para gliding are covered with conventional travel insurance.
  
  
• Inform someone of your plans
  If you intend to travel extensively, ensure your family or friends know your journey plans alternatively arrange to contact someone on a regular basis while you are away.
  
  
• E111
  If you are traveling in Europe you may wish to take an 'E111' insurance form. This can be used to receive subsidised medical treatment, details and application forms can be obtained from main post offices.
  
  
• House Sitting
  Milk, bins, papers and post. You may want to make arrangements to deal with these items such as ask a friend to house sit or employ a professional house sitting service.

• Travelers Cheques
  Travelers cheques are the safest way of carrying large amounts of cash but remember to keep a note of their numbers in a separate place. A credit card can also be handy in emergencies.
  

• Euro Cheques
  This form of cheque is on the decline in many countries. Its is a good idea to check with your bank before considering this option.
  
  
• Exchanging Money
  This depends on the country but better exchange rates are often gained in the destination country. (Not the airport). Exchange rates vary, and these can depend on the type of transaction, for example cash or travelers cheques. (See also Currency)
  
  
• Transactions and Commission
  This varies, National banks and post offices for example in Greece tend to offer better rates, but again this will depend on your destination and availability of services.
  
  
• Money belts
  This can be a good idea. If you plan to wear it next to your skin you may want to make sure it's water resistant/proof.

• Travelers
• Disposable cameras
• CD, minidisk or personal stereo?
• Headphones

• Travelers
• Disposable cameras
• CD, minidisk or personal stereo?
• Headphones