My Top Ten List for Holidays (10 indispensable things to take on holiday with you)

Member Name: tor0908

Product:	10 indispensable things to take on holiday with you
Date:	23/10/09 (239 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: _

Disadvantages: _

I'm going on holiday in a couple of weeks time so it's round about now that I am usually making loads of lists detailing everything I'm going to need.

Here are the top ten things (in no particular order) that I always make sure are accompanying me on my travels.

1) Travel Documents folder.

I say folder, but it's actually a clear plastic envelope of around A5 size that I bought from WH Smith to keep all my documents inside. In it I keep my passport, travel insurance document with contact details and policy number, car park confirmation and airline tickets or confirmation printout if it's a ticketless airline. This is quite handy to have as everything is together, and if I get any receipts for the car keys and stuff then I can keep it safe.

2) Camera.

Even if you just take a few snaps on the beach, I think a camera is essential for remembering your hard earned holiday or trip. One tip, don't pack it in your suitcase - however small it is - as my friend had hers stolen after she checked her bag and the travel insurance policy had such a big excess that it wasn't worth claiming and it cost her the price of a new one.

3) First aid kit

You can guarantee that you will need painkillers, plasters, diarrhoea tablets, indigestion tablets and anything else that you take on a regular basis. I always take some ibuprofen in my hand luggage as the air pressure plays havoc with my sinuses and I sometimes end up with a bad headache, especially on long flights. I once had a migraine on a flight to New York and I was especially grateful for my nurofen. If the medication is something you rely on then it's always best to take it in your hand luggage, although obviously if it's in liquid form get the relevant permissions first.

4) ipod or mp3 player.

I would be completely lost without my music when I go on holiday. It's great to listen to while waiting for the flight, on the plane, by the pool, on the beach etc. If you have a player with video capability then it's excellent for entertainment if you have episodes of your favourite tv show or movie on it.

5) Phone.

This is indespensible for me, even more so if i was travelling alone. It can be used as a backup camera if it has that capability, and these days a picture message is probably cheaper and quicker than sending a postcard. I always make sure the charger is with me though, and that I've double checked the roaming tariffs for the country I'm going to. Don't want to come back to a big bill!

6) Credit and Debit Card.

I always take a small amount of cash with me for things I might need to buy as soon as I arrive at my destination but I always check that I have my debit card and 1 credit card for absolute emergencies. I always check the commission fee that my bank charge for me using my card abroad and if possible try and find out if there are any cash machines in the town I'm going to.

7) Travel sized toiletries

Most shops like Tesco, Boots or Superdrug sell mini versions of popular shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste etc, which I find last around a week or so. I always take the smaller versions so I use them up and throw them away before I come home. With such harsh weight restrictions on planes these days I don't like to take the bigger versions as it makes my case quite heavy, and I'd rather use my allowance coming back for souvenirs I have bought on holiday.

8) Sun cream and insect repellant

I always take my factor 50 suncream on holidays abroad with the intention of using it all, for the same reasons stated above. Don't want to take chances with skin cancer or premature ageing now I'm 30. The Boots soltan range that I use has insect repellant built in and I don't have any trouble with mosquitos very much (thankfully).

9) Sunglasses

Can't do without them when the sun is out. I have a prescription pair as I'm short sighted so these always travel with me on the plane. A decent pair with UV protection are a must to protect the eyes.

10) Clothes

Because you won't get far on holiday without clothes! :-) I'm quite sad and take a spare t-shirt and clean underwear in my hand baggage in case of disaster. If I'm travelling with my sister we always swap a few outfits in the event that one suitcase goes missing. I don't take a huge amount of clothes with me, much to the amusement of everyone I work with, and I'm always trying to cut it down further.

Summary: I always like to try and be organised!