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Packing

Don't forget to pack these when travelling!

Article by : SpunOut.ie

What you pack should be decided by the type of trip you're going on and where you're going. If you're going to Prague in November, don't pack sandals and insect repellent. Likewise, if you're heading to Greece for the summer it's unlikely that you'll need three woolly jumpers squeezed into your rucksack! Find out how to pack like a seasoned traveller in this section.

The following documents are important to bring with you as they can be difficult to get hold of once you leave home:

  • A European health insurance card entitles you to emergency health care in any EU member state. Check out their website for more information.
  • Bring copies of official documents such as a copy of your birth cert and any educational qualifications you might have.
  • References from previous employers and their contact details.
  • Travel insurance…just in case.
  • Make photocopies of your passport: keep one in your luggage separate from your passport and leave another in a safe place at home. If your passport is stolen at least you'll have those.
  • Ask someone at home (that you trust) to mind a copy of your credit card details: again this is useful if you're unlucky enough to have it stolen.

Packing essentials

  • Don't bring anything valuable with you. Do you REALLY want to risk losing your IPOD or expensive digital camera?
  • Buy a guidebook of the area you're visiting. Make sure it includes useful phrases in the languages spoken there or buy a separate phrasebook.
  • If you take any medication, bring enough for the whole trip and also a copy of the prescription. (If the prescription is unreadable, get a typed letter from your doctor).
  • If there's any chance that you'll need them, pack lots of condoms and tampons.
  • Carry a bag or suitcase that you can handle and is suitable for the journey. If you're travelling round the world, a rucksack is your best bet (have it fitted on your back in the shop). If you're hitting Ibiza for two weeks, a suitcase will be fine. 
  • Make sure to add something to your luggage so it's easy to recognise: a coloured scarf or big label will do it.
  • When packing, always leave room for the stuff you'll buy on holiday! You don't want to pay huge excess charges at the airport for being over the weight limit.
  • When flying carry your passport, driving license, tickets, bank cards, medication and any other important stuff in your hand luggage. If there's any space left, keep your toothbrush and spare underwear there too: makes a big difference if your other bags get lost or delayed.
  • While travelling around, keep valuables in an inner pocket of your clothing. Be aware of potential pickpockets, especially when you're in a crowd or carrying a backpack.
  • Valuables that you need to keep safe include your passport, tickets, credit cards, bankcards and bank account details, travellers cheque numbers, visa or work permits and details of your travel insurance.
  • Pack clothes that are comfortable but that you'll also feel happy wearing out to dinner in a restaurant or for dancing in the local bars.
  • Never bring new shoes on holiday: always break them in at least two weeks before you leave. Comfortable walking shoes are a must on any holiday and sandals are a good idea if you're going to a warm/ hot country.

Carry on liquid limitations

  • It is no longer permissible to carry large volumes of liquid, gels or paste onto planes. Makeup and other toiletries must be under 100ml and be prominently displayed for inspection in a clear plastic bag before going through the boarding area. This rule applies throughout the EU, North America and many Asian countries.
  • Sharp items are not allowed in hand luggage, so don’t pack your expensive tweezers in your hand luggage as they may be confiscated.
  • Find out more about liquids and other carry on restrictions here.

Packing to come home

  • Check the weight allowance if you're flying. Excess charges can be really expensive.
  • Bags are handled roughly during travel- make sure to pack fragile stuff carefully (or better still carry them in your hand luggage).
  • Never agree to carry anything for another person. Keep your bags in sight: less chance they'll be stolen and stops anyone from slipping something inside.
  • Check how much alcohol you can legally carry home before trying to stock up for the next 10 years!
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