15 things you must take on holiday with you!

Sure, your suitcase will have different things for each of these places, but here are 15 things be sure you’ve got with you:

15 – Passport and visa
Let’s just get this out of the way first, make sure the obvious things are packed. Don’t forget to research the visa requirements well in advance, as visa processing for some countries can take an infuriatingly long time.

14 – Charger(s)
Your iPod is a brilliant thing to have whilst you’re on a bus or lounging by the pool. But there’s nothing as infuriating as it cutting out half way through your favourite song! Your phone battery will also not last as long because it will be consistently roaming, so don’t forget the charger for that either.

13 – Credit card yes, but telephone number of the credit card fraud squad too
Obviously taking the plastic on holiday is a must. Enjoy now, pay later. But make sure you have somewhere else in your wallet (or stored on your phone) your bank’s number so you can stop your card in case it’s lost or stolen.

12 – Pills, medication etc.
Your stomach might well not agree with the local cuisine, so make sure you have some sort of remedy for this. Paracetamol or aspirin might well come in handy too. Ladies, don’t forget your contraceptive pill.

11 – Driving licence
This is a useful form of identification, so you don’t have to take your passport out. But it will also be useful if you want to rent a car whilst you’re away. Have a look at some rent a car companies before hand (cheaper to book in advance) and don’t forget to take the booking reference with you.

10 – Hand sanitiser or disposable wipes
Recommended by all of the Alfred team; you’ll never be sure what you’re touching or what you’ve touched, and germs that your body might not be used to can quickly ruin your holiday. Pick up a small bottle of hand sanitiser from any kind of supermarket before you go and put it in your main luggage, it won’t be expensive.

9 – Camera (and batteries, memory cards)
Whether because you don’t have a very good memory for places you’ve travelled, or because you want to show off to friends back home. Don’t forget a spare memory card as there might well be hundreds of moments to capture which take your breath away!

8 – Toothbrush and toothpaste
Basic hygiene, really. Nobody likes bad breath or dirty teeth, but a shiny smile can go a long way.

7 – That book that you’ve been meaning to read for ever
Most people probably have a book sitting at home that’s always looked interesting enough, but they’ve never really had the time to read it. And hey, if it’s not great, leave it in the hotel to make someone else’s holiday.

6 – Deoderant
This can be surprisingly hard to buy in some parts of the world, so take one with you, especially if you’re going somewhere hot or doing something active.

5 – Contact lense cleaner
This is up there with reading glasses. Not much is as frustrating as forgetting your contact lense cleaner.

4 – Swimming costume
Because there’s bound to be a pool or spa, somewhere.

3 – Info about where you’re staying
Knowing exactly where your hotel is before you leave is very useful, especially at customs or the visa check. Whilst you’re staying there, take a business card or two with you in case you get lost, or left with a taxi driver who doesn’t speak your language.

2 – Plenty of room
The likelihood is you’ll come back with more than you left with. So don’t be beaten by weight restrictions, plan ahead.

1 – Travel insurance with Alfred!
Of course, the sensible person will also have bought travel insurance organised by Alfred, so that they can just ring him if anything happens.