What to pack
Updated on
The things you really need, by type of trip: long-haul flights, tropical sea, cities, mountains, carry-on only and power outlets.
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Long-haul flights
Affiliate linkTen hours or more sitting down: what makes the flight bearable and gets you there rested.
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Travel pillow and eye mask
A pillow that supports your head and an eye mask: the difference between sleeping on the plane and not.
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Compression socks
They help the circulation in your legs when you stay seated for many hours.
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Collapsible bottle
Empty it goes through security; fill it afterwards at the airport water fountains.
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10,000 mAh power bank
Goes in your carry-on, never in the hold: keeps your phone charged between flights.
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Tropical sea
Affiliate linkIslands, boats and beaches amid mosquitoes, strong sun and salt water.
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Mosquito repellent
At dawn and dusk mosquitoes show no mercy: pick one with DEET or icaridin.
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Reef-safe sunscreen
Oxybenzone-free: in some places, like Hawaii and Palau, creams containing it are banned.
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Waterproof dry bag
Phone and documents kept dry on boats between islands.
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Snorkel mask
Your own, in your size: rental ones often let water in.
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Microfibre towel
Dries fast and takes up a quarter of the space of a terry towel.
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Cities and Europe
Affiliate linkWeekends and city walks: you walk a lot and live with your phone in hand.
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Anti-theft waist pouch
On crowded metros and in tourist squares, money and documents stay on your body, not in a pocket.
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10,000 mAh power bank
Maps, tickets and photos all day: your phone battery won't last until evening.
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Compact travel umbrella
Light, fits in your backpack: weather in northern Europe changes within an hour.
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TSA lock
For the hostel locker and for your suitcase: US security checks open it without breaking it.
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Mountains and cold
Affiliate linkAltitude, winter or cold evenings in the dry season: you dress in layers.
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Merino wool socks
They keep you warm even when damp and don't smell after days of walking.
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Touchscreen gloves
You can use your phone without taking them off.
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Insulated bottle
A hot drink halfway through a hike, or water that doesn't freeze.
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Carry-on only
Affiliate linkTravelling light saves money: checked luggage often costs more than the flight.
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40x20x25 cm backpack
The size many low-cost airlines let you bring free under the seat: always check your own airline's.
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100 ml travel bottles
In the cabin, liquids must be in containers of up to 100 ml, all in one clear one-litre bag.
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Packing cubes
They compress your clothes and keep your backpack tidy: you fit more in.
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Luggage scale
Weigh your bag before leaving home and avoid the fee at the gate.
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Power outlets: Asia and the United States
Affiliate linkAlmost all modern chargers accept 100 to 240 V: check the label before using a hairdryer or straighteners.
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Universal travel adapter
One for almost every country: better if it has USB-C ports.
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Adapter for US outlets (type A/B)
United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan and Taiwan: Italian plugs don't fit.
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Adapter for UK outlets (type G)
United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and the Emirates: three rectangular pins.
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Travel power strip with USB
One adapter and you charge your phone, power bank and camera together.
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