The first time I had to pack my bag was as a seven-year-old going away on a Brownie camp for the weekend. We were given a kit list, and it was one of my great joys to tick everything off as I gathered it and packed it into my bag.

Then came school camps and I loved to be packed and organised at least two weeks before I the trip. It is still the case today.

I leave essentials permanently packed in my suitcase for my next trip and start gathering my belongings at least a month before I go away giving me enough time to pack and repack at least three times. I love to be prepared and leaving things to the last minute brings on overwhelm and anxiety.

While working full time, I would be on an aeroplane as soon as the school bell rang and would touch down the day before school went back, making the most of every day I had off. It was hectic. So I had no choice but to be organised.

Each time I travel what I take slightly differs; however, the bulk of it is the same. You can find my ‘kit list’ below.

Clothing

• Waterproof jacket, windproof jacket (depends on weather)

• Four shirts

• One long sleeve top

• One going out top

• Two pairs of shorts

• One pair of jeans

• One long skirt

• One pair of gym tights

• Two pairs of long cotton pants

• One jumper

• Underwear

• Sleepwear

• Two pairs of socks

• Hat  

• One swimming costume (if access to the pool/beach)

• One scarf

Shoes

• Running shoes

• Good going out shoes

• Comfortable daily walking shoes

Toiletries

• Toothpaste

• Toothbrush

• Floss & tongue scraper

• Soap/Body wash

• Deodorant

• Razor, tweezers, nail scissors

• Few pairs of earrings (if you wear them)

• Comb or brush. Hair ties.

• Moisturiser

First Aid Kit

• Diarrhea stop – charcoal tablets, electrolytes

• Panadol

• Mosquito/insect repellent

• Band-Aids – waterproof and charcoal

• Motion sickness tablets (for those who experience travel sickness)

• Sunscreen/after sun gel

• First Aid Cream

• Cough lollies

• Probiotic, multivitamin, Vitamin C

Other

• Electrical adapter

• Phone and phone charger

• Camera, charger, memory card (bonus points if you don’t take a camera and use your phone instead)

• Plastic bag for wet or dirty clothes

• Sunglasses

• Toilet paper

• Padlock for suitcase

Optional

• Alarm clock

• Laundry liquid for washing clothes

• Pads/tampons  – can usually buy there

• Clothesline or clothes hanger

• Sleep sheet if staying on an overnight train

• Snacks – if you have room and a need

• Headlamp if camping

• Belt – adds weight and time if wearing it while going through security at the airport

• Umbrella – for rain and sun

• Plastic fork, knife, spoon

Is there anything that you would pack in addition to my kit list? Or maybe disregard? You are welcome to join the conversation and leave a comment below.