1. A well-stocked washbag
To keep you clean and smelling sweet. Travel wash (which can be used to wash clothes as well as you) is particularly useful.
2. Resealable plastic bags
They keep pests out of your food, and are invaluable when your shampoo leaks.
3. Toilet paper
80% of the world’s population don’t use toilet paper. If you do, take your own.
4. Effective mosquito protection
Mozzie repellent with DEET plus an impregnated mosquito net. Not only are mosquito bites very uncomfortable, but they also put you at risk of malaria (even if you’re taking malaria tablets).
5. Sun protection
Suncream, sunglasses, plus a sunhat.
6. Condoms
If you’re planning to get well-acquainted with fellow travellers or the locals. A wedding ring and picture of your sweetheart if you’re not.
7. A waterproof backpack cover that doubles as a sports bag
It means your backpack straps won’t get caught on the airport carousel, plus you can lock the bag with a padlock.
8. A basic medical kit
Containing travel sickness pills, painkillers and diarrhoea treatment. Rehydration powders are especially useful for helping you feel better again.
9. Bottled water
Yeah, it's an environmental nightmare, but then so is your bottom after drinking dirty water.
10. Snacks
Not only will they save you from hunger, but having a bag of snacks handy is a surefire way to make friends.
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Image credits: Laura Henderson, Wilson Hui, d_pham, Tim Ove, Mark Vegas, Robert Elyov, Jarrod Doll, Shanti Shanti, Daniel R Blume, Ginny