Frequent travellers tend to notice which items never leave the bag and which come home unused. Here are some lessons.
Fewer clothes than you think
Most travellers bring too many outfits. Choose pieces that mix and match, and plan to wash something midway.
The right shoes matter more
Comfortable, broken-in shoes make a trip better. New shoes can cause blisters, so test them before you leave.
A small first-aid kit
Bring plasters, pain relief and any personal medication, kept in its original packaging. Check rules for what you can take into each country.
A universal charger and a spare cable
Charging problems are common. A multi-port charger and one extra cable solve most of them.
A copy of key documents
Keep digital copies of your passport, tickets and insurance in a secure place, and share them with someone you trust.
A refillable water bottle
It saves money and reduces waste. Check whether tap water is safe where you are going.
Leave the just-in-case items
If you are unsure whether you will need something and it can be bought easily at your destination, leave it at home.
