It is essential to keep a permanent travel checklist and update it regularly. Basic items may include the following, plus some personal items that you may want to take along.

Wardrobe for Men and Women

  • Casual and formal wear
  • Casual and formal shoes
  • Slippers
  • Coat or raincoat (depending on season)
  • Sweater
  • Hats, scarves and gloves
  • Nightwear
  • Underwear
  • Swimwear
  • Foldable umbrella
  • Travel iron
  • Toiletries and combs

Extra Items for Men

  • Sports jacket
  • Vests, neckties, shorts and socks
  • Shaving kit and grooming products

Extra Items for Women

  • Casual and formal handbags
  • Cosmetics
  • Slips and stockings
  • Sanitary napkins

Miscellaneous

  • Medical prescriptions
  • Alarm clock
  • Reading glasses
  • Sunglasses
  • Swiss army knife
  • Flashlight
  • Hair cream
  • Suntan/sunblock lotion
  • Perfume/deodorant
  • Small mirror
  • Nail cutter and file
  • Tweezers
  • Sewing kits/ scissors/ safety pins
  • Tissue paper
  • Cotton wool
  • Brush/ comb/ clips/ bands
  • Immigration/ Customs (landing cards)
  • Copy of itinerary/ schedule
  • List of key telephone numbers

Don'ts

Do not put cash, cheques, passport, hotel or tour vouchers, business papers, travel documents, diary, jewellery or medicines into check-in baggage as you may need to use or refer to these at any times during your trip. Always keep them handy.

Do not carry too much reading material. Some people set off on a trip burdened with enough reading material for months even though they may have only a few hours to spare. Remember you can also access interesting reading material during your travel so be slightly adventurous and do not close the door on other reading options.

Do not leave without some small gifts for friends and new encounters. An inexpensive gift that is typical and representative of your own country is usually well appreciated by a new business associate, helpful lobby manager, tour guide or new travel acquaintance.

Remember that liquids (such as lotion, shampoo or medication) may leak, so pack these in plastic bags.

Pack clothing in neutral colours or from the same colour family so that you do not require multiple accessories such as matching bags, belts and shoes.

Back-up on Important Trips

If you check your baggage in, carry hand luggage which can contain essential such as money, reading glasses, medicines or even a change of clothes to ensure that you are not left totally stranded in the event of your baggage getting stolen or misplaced.