John's Essential Packing list

This is the packing list I use before I go anywhere, but I have tailored it a bit for international use and Britain in particular. I suggest you use it as a starting point for your own packing list, rather than just using it as-is. Also, for the ladies in the audience, I wasn't sure what all would be essential personal items, so please add as necessary. To make your own list, just add things you can't do without, and delete things you won't need.

IMPORTANT!!! Because of recent international events, some items you attempt to carry onto an airplane might be subject to confiscation, such as sharp items or liquids in bottles. Please check for the latest rulings both for leaving the US and for the destination country. If in doubt, don't take it. You can always get something similar after your arrival.

The List

antiseptic/antibacterial cream

baby wipes (moist towelettes)

band-aids

batteries for anything you're using that needs them

binoculars

brassieres

business cards

calculator

camcorder, charger, extra batteries, and plenty of blank tapes

camera and lots of film or extra memory cards

charger for rechargeable batteries if you use them. (120/240 volt version desirable but can use 120 volt shaver outlet)

cigarettes (bring several of your favorite brand-they might not have them where you're going).

~~cigarette lighter. I did have cigarette lighter listed, but they're banned from aircraft now.~~

clock (battery operated, with alarm)

clothes bag (I always forget this- just something to put dirty clothes in)

coffee, instant

compass (for when you get lost)

computer, laptop. If you must. It would be handy for dumping pictures from the camera or keeping a daily log if you use a computer for that.

condiment packages (those little packs of ketchup, mustard, etc.)

deodorant

eyedrops (Visine, etc)

eyeglasses/contacts and contact kit (preferably non-electrical) Note: bring your prescription in case of loss or breakage. Also, bring an extra pair if you have them.

facial tissues

flashlight (torch) for exploring chambered tombs and other dark areas

fungal ointment (for jock itch/foot itch from wearing same clothes too long)

gloves and pullover cap

gum or breath spray

hair brush/comb

hair dryer (120/240 volt switchable ONLY!!!!)

hair spray

happy face - travel is supposed to be fun! Be happy and friendly. It can benefit you immensely. If things go wrong, work through them.

iron, electric, small travel type (folding handle) 120/240 volt only

jeans and belt

knife, all purpose (Swiss Army)

laundry detergent

maps and travel brochures/travel books

matches (are these still allowed??? If not, get them at the destination)

metal mirror (good for shaving, and for signalling when lost)

MONEY (VERY important!!!!!) take some cash and travellers cheques in the currency of the destination-ask at your bank. Also, credit cards (VISA and Master Card with P.I.N. numbers memorized if possible)

motion-sickness tablets (Dramamine) if you are prone to this condition

nail clippers (are these still allowed?)

nasal spray if you use it

notepad and pen

overcoat (heavy in winter, otherwise lined jacket-it gets cool and windy)

PASSPORT (VERY important!!!!)

pillow and blanket

pills and ointments (as needed)

plug adapter-they have different plugs "over there" - see paragraph at end

pullovers or sweaters-very handy

raincoat if you like raincoats

safety pins

sewing kit

sleeping bag (if that's how you travel)

shampoo and creme rinse

shave lotion (aftershave)

shaving cream

shaving razor (recommend non-electric safety razor)

shirts

shoes (good walking shoes or tennies, and dress shoes if needed)

shorts

skirts

slacks

soap for washing hands (preferably in a plastic soap enclosure)

socks (LOTS of socks!)

string or twine-don't ask why

sunglasses (maybe an extra pair)

sunscreen SPF 15+

sweater

tampons, etc

tickets!

tone dialer for telephone (Britain has mostly rotary phones. Makes MCI long distance access a pain unless you have one of these.)

tooth floss (dental floss)

toothbrush

toothpaste

towel

trash bag ("Please take your litter home with you")

tweezers

umbrella (if you're that sort)

underwear (whatever you use)

vitamins (very important when travelling!!)

(Your Additions Below:)

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Where am I gonna put all this stuff???

Surprisingly, most of the items listed will fit in one small canvas bag (overnight bag) and the rest will fit in your large suitcase. Some people prefer a knapsack, and most of the various items listed here will fit in a small one, exept the clothes. But that's up to you--whatever way you prefer to travel will sort of dictate the amount of luggage you can put up with. I like to travel light, meaning one small canvas bag and one suitcase, but I also usually rent a car, so I always have a place to put my things. If your travel is mostly by train or bus or on foot, you will probably want a larger knapsack and no suitcase.

Voltage Converters

A word about voltage converters. There are two types, small (50 watts and less) and big (1000 to 1600 watts). I would avoid both types. The high powered ones create a horrible waveform that is only good for heating-type appliances (hair dryer, iron, hot plate) and which will absolutely ruin any other appliances, so who needs that? Get a hair dryer with a 120/240 volt switch, they are readily available and probably don't cost much more than the voltage converter. Likewise a travel iron. And are you really going to carry around a hot plate or coffee maker? What for? Nearly every hotel or B&B has these things, even an iron, and they all use the correct voltage. As for the low-power (50 watt) converter, this is good for razors, contact lens heaters, camcorder chargers, etc. You can get one if you want, but in nearly every place I stayed they already had one of these built into the vanity over the sink. It has a switch (240/120) and will fit a US plug. Also, most camcorders and laptop computers today have a universal power supply that works on anything from 100 volts to 240 with no switching needed. Look on the rating label to see. But if you insist, you can take a 50 watt converter transformer. Make sure it has plug adapters with it. It will be a pain to plug in though.

As for plug adapters (no voltage conversion) these can come in handy, as Britain has a huge three-prong electrical outlet which absolutely cannot fit a US plug. Get a good sturdy adapter plug with the three prongs on one side and the US (or so-called universal) outlet on the other side. This is lightweight and small and could come in handy. If you have any specific questions about travel converters or plug adapters or don't know the difference, feel free to write and ask!
Incidentally, the best plug adapter I own was one I bought in England, much sturdier than the garbage one from Radio Shack.

Here is an image showing the difference between U.K and U.S. plugs.
Outlet on the left is UK.

Remember, this is the packing list I wrote for myself, which I've modified somewhat to be more general and also cover International travel. So use it as a guide and make your own. This list is made from the point-of-view of an American traveler so if some things seem strange to you, please ask what I mean.
I pray that this list won't become a monstrous project, because it IS fun to write this, but if you want to see a really detailed packing list, check out Mats Henricson's Universal Packing List.
Thanks for your interest, and I wish you a safe and enjoyable journey!

Back to where you were

Last update Feb. 4, 2007

This list was prepared by John Cirillo. Feel free to use it as you wish, though please credit me if using this as source material for your own published list or other reports.