by Courtney Kelly

Created on: September 18, 2008   Last Updated: September 22, 2008

Traveling is exciting and always fun! Before you start to pack, remember these essential items to ensure an enjoyable trip:

1) First Aid Kit. Always having available band-aids for blisters and over the counter medicines for upset stomachs or aches and pains can make your vacation more enjoyable. For any prescription medication that you need to take, make sure to pack a doctor's written prescription along with the medication. This will ensure there are no confusions at the airport or within the destination country. Failing to do so can get you arrested for drug trafficking in some countries!

2) Appropriate clothing and footwear. This one seems too obvious, but it is surprising how many people travel without bringing the right clothes or shoes. Remember that destinations that are "hot" or "cold" are not always what you expect. Be prepared by packing light jackets for hot destinations, and lighter clothing for cold destinations. Make sure to pack a pair of running shoes, and always pack a pair of shoes that you have already worn and are comfortable with. Traveling is never the best time to work in a new pair of shoes; this is especially true if you plan on walking around a lot.

3) A deck of cards and / or a book. No matter how exciting the destination, there will be a part of the trip where you will either be bored or want to relax and stay put.

4) Photocopies of important documentation. Some countries require that you keep your passport with you at all times; others allow you to keep it at the hotel. Either way, make sure to photocopy all of your identification, travel insurance information and even hotel and flight booking information and keep it somewhere safe and separate from the original documents.

5) Toiletries. Don't rely on hotel soaps and amenities. Bring your own shampoo, conditioner, tampons, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouth wash, shaving creams and razors, et cetera.

6) Condoms and/or birth control. Some countries do not condone the sale of condoms or other forms of birth control. Other countries don't always have the same standards regarding the production of condoms and other birth control, so they may not be as safe as what is made at home. Play it safe and bring your own.

7) Sun protection. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are a must for any vacation. Chances are you are going to be outside more often than you are at home. Sunscreen can be very costly in sunny destinations because they know that tourists will forget their own and will need it while they are there. Beat the prices and bring one from home! Don't be fooled by cold destinations either: UV rays can be quite intense bouncing off of snowy terrain.

8) Battery Chargers. I am always forgetting to bring my cell phone, camera, and laptop battery chargers. They are essential for any trip and annoying when you forget them.

9) A power converter. Depending on the country, some electrical outlets will be very different from your own. Research the destination and find out if a converter is needed before you get stuck.

and finally...

10) The List. A list is the best way to make sure that you have everything you need before you hop on the plane for a vacation, but what about when you leave? Bring the same list to ensure that all the essentials are packed back up. This way, you won't forget things at the hotel and pay costly shipping fees to get them back.

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