Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

What you take on holiday should get you through a variety of climates, sustain you economically, be culturally sensitive, and should support a variety of physical activities without weighing you down.

Packing for any trip can be daunting challenge. The contents of your suitcase or backpack should get you through a variety of climates, sustain you economically, be culturally sensitive, and should support a variety of physical activities without weighing you down.

ATM's are becoming more available globally, making it easier than ever to get money in local currency while on the road. Try to have a couple cards for different bank accounts (in case one doesn't work). Be sure to investigate how much you will be charged by your bank for international withdrawals.

Wear them in grungy hotel showers or during tropical rainstorms when the streets are flooded. Use them as beach wear or for killing bugs. Flip flops work indoors when you are visiting countries where people remove outdoor shoes before entering homes.

Choose a bandanna made of sturdy lightweight material. For women, this may be necessary when visiting places like mosques, Russian Orthodox churches, and more conservative Middle Eastern countries. It also can be used as a bag (tie the corners together), a neck scarf, a way to keep hair out of your face, protection from sand and dust (wrapped around nose and mouth), a window shade (for sunny car rides), and as a halter top.

Useful for protecting important documents that you are not carrying on your person. They can also protect electronic equipment, keep small pieces of clothing dry, or keep potentially leaky items (shampoo, lotion) from getting all over your luggage.

While travelling, chances are you will want to document your travels. Be sure to pack extra memory, a memory reader so you can occasionally burn photos onto CD/DVD (USB Memory Sticks or useful and do not take up to much space - Disadvantages, they can get lost or stolen) Send an extra copy back home. You can also use a digital camera to store information, such as maps, documents, and other files.

Most internet companies provide online storage space when you sign-up, as do some Computer Manufactures (Dell) There are a number of Free or cheap file hosting, online storage space companies to use. Its a good idea to have some space to back-up to. Using a Cyber cafe is ideal. Check with the Cyber Cafe that you will be able to use this service as a number of them are paranoid about viruses and the like.

Upload your photographs to online storage space such as Flickr. Best way around it all -- Upload and burn a disk when you get home.

Carry a small flashlight where ever you go, as one never knows when the electricity will go out or you'll find yourself walking down a dark, potholed street.

The Spartan model includes 2 knives, a pair of scissors, a can opener, a bottle opener, toothpick, tweezers, awl, and corkscrew - sufficient tools while travelling.

The ultimate multipurpose tool.

Can opener

Knife edge

Screwdriver

Saw blade

Bottle opener

A money belt keeps cash, cards, and passports safely concealed. You may want a second storage belt such as a neck pouch to keep smaller amounts of cash for daily purchases.

Take a regular towel. An absorbent, fast drying travel towel will suit your needs. A sarong has the advantage of drying quickly while doubling up as clothing. Choose quality items that will last your whole trip and don't underestimate the importance of light-weight items. Backpacks get heavier as you travel so you will be happy that you spent a little extra upfront investing in lightweight, multipurpose gear.

Do more than check the time with this handy gadget which provides additional features. Alarm - Leave your alarm clock at home and use the wake-up function on the watch instead. Compass - The built-in compass will help keep you headed in the right direction. Thermometer - Helps you monitor the temperature to help pick appropriate clothing. Altimeter - Keep an eye on your altitude with the altimeter function. Timer - Just in case you need one!

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