More on GOOD NEWS!...

So you’ve planned out your itinerary for your round-the-world backpacking adventure, sorted out flights and you’re all fired up to set off in a few weeks’ time. What should you bring with you? Should you get travel insurance? How do I pack everything I need in a small backpack?

This week’s guest post by Jene Guerra compiles the essential things to keep in mind when preparing for a major trip. Those setting off on a long backpacking trip will find this extremely useful – both for packing and preparation of documents.

Photo from ww.norway-travel.com

No matter how long or short the trip, whether for business or pleasure, a most time-saving way to begin is to make a list and use it. Using a list, it will be easy to check off all items to ensure nothing is left behind and all items are absolutely necessary. Include the list in your luggage as a handy guide for not forgetting things when repacking.

When deciding items to pack for a backpacking trip, mix and match clothing saves space and tends to reduce the number of outfits actually needed. If possible, select one or two pairs of shoes which coordinate with the majority of outfits. Including disposable laundry soap packets and dryer sheets saves money at your destination and in the case of personal visits will avoid feeling any imposition status.

Flickr photo by sparky_vision

Another important rule is don’t be fooled by all those travel gadgets out there. Not only do many of these not perform properly and take up packing space, if it’s not a smaller version of something you can’t live without, don’t pack it. One travel gadget that is of utmost importance though is clear and unique baggage tags. A unique tag makes it easy to spot your luggage on busy, fast-moving carousels.

Scanning important data such as passport, ID photos, paper tickets and other travel documents into an email account can be very useful and easily accessible should the need arise. It is also helpful to include the numbers to report loss for mobile phones, credit cards, travelers checks and your travel insurance quote.or policy. When packing these items distribute them between bags and do not include all of them, especially cash, in your carry-on bag.

Packing clothing in plastic easy-to-open bags organizing either by outfit, or item such as socks, underwear, etc. optimizes space and affords ease during luggage inspection. If traveling with others, distributing one bagged outfit for each person among the bags avoids luggage-arrival mishaps. Plastic bags should be used for personal care items with these items contained in small regulation-size containers and clearly labeled. Purchasing many of these items in travel size, will save inspection time as well as valuable space.

Travel and health insurance is definitely a must-take item. Some companies include some medical coverage with the travel insurance to provide for emergency medical care, physician consulting, treatment and prescription drug reference access. Australian Travel insurance also offers protection for ticket loss, flight delay and any accidents while aboard public transportation. Ensure that you find the most acceptable coverage required for your requirements and have a great trip.

Photo from travelinsuranceweb.org