Welcome to Total Traveller. Your guide to what you need to take travelling.

I hope that by reading this it means you are planning a trip of your own very soon.

Going travelling requires some planning and part of that is deciding what you need to take with you. The first thing that you should remember is you do not need as much as you think.

If this isn't your first time travelling then you might have already learned this the hard way by lugging your own body weight in clothes through a sweat box subway or almost collapsing after 50 metres up hill at high altitude. But don't worry, everyone has done the same thing at some point. You just have to remember that you're going to be spending a lot of time moving around and you don't want that to become a chore. Packing sensibly can really help make a trip more enjoyable.

your back. In terms of size you really shouldn't need anything bigger than 60 or 70 litres (+ 10 for the side pouches). Any bigger than this and you'll end up carrying too much around and hating the sight of your bag very quickly. You don't have to spend a fortune on a rucksack but you should aim to get a branded one. The last thing you need is your cheap rucksack falling apart as you sprint for the last bus of the day. The Berghaus one to the left is a good example of a well priced and good sized rucksack. There are loads more well priced rucksacks here.

A good daysack is essential for general day to day mooching around. You can take this on the flight as your carry on, and you can take it on buses etc. You don't need anything huge, 30 litres is plenty. It is something to keep your essentials in to save you having to delve into your rucksack every 10 minutes. Plus it is ideal to take on tours or excursions when the last thing you want it your rucksack. There are some great daysacks here.

go for Lonely Planet but that doesn't mean they are the best. If your trip is going to take you to 10 different countries it is going to weigh you down to carry 10 different guidebooks. Consider taking a regional guide (like the one pictured) and maybe one or two country specific ones. Remember you can always trade them as you go. Often people coming the other way will happily swap guidebooks with you. For more on guidebooks click here.

camera you want depends a lot on you. I would go for something that is reliable, good quality and not too expensive. I personally would be gutted if someone nicked my £200 camera. I know you can claim it back on the insurance but it still hurts at the time. Unless you are truly into your photography there is no point in risking it. The camera pictured (click on the image) is good quality and cheap, what more do you need? For loads more good cameras all under £100 click here.

Money belts - The chances are your trip will pass without any trouble whatsoever but it is better to be safe than sorry. A simple money belt keeps your most important documents out of sight from any would be bad guys. If you have to carry a lot of cash around (and I would advise against that) then putting it in a money belt can reduce the risk of theft. They are also good for peace of mind when you are sleeping on a bus. Someone is much more likely to rummage through your bag than they are in your trousers! The one in the picture is only £7.99 (just click). For more good value money belts click here.

Clothes - Clearly you are going to want to take clothes with you! What you take depends largely on where you are going and what time of year it is. One thing you shold remember is that you do not need as many clothes as you think. You aren't going to need 6 pairs or 5 pairs of trainers. Remember many hostels can do laundry for a small fee. If you are planning on doing some trekking then you will need suitable clothes and footware.

First aid kit - This one is a matter of choice. You are not going to need an army issue trauma kit, but taking some small bits can help. Look for ones with antiseptic wipes, plasters and bandages in it. Some also come with sterilised needles which you might want if you are going somewhere with poor quality hospital care. Also take an antibacterial spray for your hands. This will help to prevent you picking up a stomach bug. The one pictured (click on the image) has everything you'll need and it only costs £10.50. For more suitable first aid kits click here.

Insurance - While not stricly something that you pack you should still not leave home without it. Hopefully you won't need to use your insurance while you are away but it really is better to be safe than sorry. In some places medical bills can be enormous and without insurance you may have to cut your trip short just to pay your bills. Its not worth it for the sake of a few pounds to get covered. I use 24/7 Travel Insurance and so can recommend them. They paid out very quickly after a hospital trip in Cuzco and were also pretty cheap.

Travel towel - These things are a godsend. They fold up to practically nothing, they don't weigh a thing and they dry in minutes. What more do you want from a towel. Trust me on this you are going to want one of these. There is nothing worse than having to cram a heavy wet towel into your bag, knowing full well the musty smell that will greet you after your 15 hour bus journey. The one in the picture is £15 (click on the image) and well worth it. For some more click here.

Medicines and health - Make sure you remember your medication. You cannot assume that it will be available in your destination.

Malaria Tablets - If you are travelling to a malaria zone you must take the correct medication. Your doctor should be able to advise you what tablets you need. Failing that you can look for yourself on the NHS fit for travel website. Once you know what malaria tablets you need you can buy them cheaply this online pharmacy Doctor Fox.

Contraception - You can usually pick up condoms for free from your doctors. Failing that you can get them cheaply here. You can also buy morning after pills from here. It is better safe than sorry and you should always take at least condoms with you.

Travel sickness tablets - If you get travel sick on buses you'll want to pick up some tablets before you leave. You might be spending many hours on a bus and you don't want to be running back and forth to the toilet. Kwells tablets are good, as are Avomine. Another benefit is they can make you sleepy - perfect for overnight bus rides. Both are available cheaply at Chemist Direct.

Insect repellant - If you are going to a malaria zone you should take some insect repellant with you. The Boots own brand one is very good. You might also want to take a mozzie net if you will be sleeping outdoors.

Sun cream - You will be surprised how much sun cream can cost when you are away. Pick some up before you leave.


Packing cubes - These are pretty helpful for organising your bag. Some people swear by them. The point is you put all your underwear in one, all your tops in another etc. That way you don't have to pull everything out of your bag everytime you need to change your top. I personally use plastic bags for the same thing and find that is fine, but I guess for a couple of quid they are worth it. The one in the picture (just click on the image) is only £7.99. For more click here.


Things to pass the time - Obviously you are going to want to bring some things to pass the time. No matter where you are in the world bus journies are boring. Its really a case of what ever floats your boat. Think MP3 players, Nintendo DS and good old books. Just remember you don't need to bring a library with you - you can always trade books as you go. A deck of cards can also go down a treat.


Other bits and bobs - Some other small things that you might want to take along but that aren't exactly essential include:

A pillow case - Your standard hostel pillow case isn't the nicest treat in the world. Pack your own to avoid wondering whose drool you are resting your head in.

A head torch - Perfect for searching through your bag at a pitch black bus stop in the middle of nowhere. There are some cheap ones here.

Swiss Army Knife - All the tools you'll ever need in one handy place. Just remember not to put it in your hand luggage. There are plenty of cheap ones available here.

Water Purification - If you are going off the beaten track you will need to bring water purification tablets, drops or filters. Don't assume you'll be able to pick them up when you are away. You can get some cheap ones (from £2.99) here.

US Dollars - You should take a small emergency supply of US Dollars just in case. US Dollars are accepted pretty much everywhere and are great in an emergency. You can get good rates here.

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