The Golden Rule

Lay eveything you think you need out on a bed, at least two days before you leave, then get rid of the half you won't really need; less is definitely more

Essential RTW kit

Backpack (About 65 litres capacity should do)

Small Day pack

Passport - don't forget it - by the end of your trip you will know your passport number off by heart

Bus passes

Visas - double check which ones you need

Immunisation record

Travel Insurance policy

Diary

Address Book

All emergency numbers,

Passport photos (8 minimum)

Pen/pencil

Glasses/contact lenses

Prescriptions/Medications

Photocopies of documents (emailed to self)

Sunglasses

Identity cards (student or Under 26 card)

Discount cards (VIP backpacker card)

Medical

Small First Aid Kit (Boots do a good one)

Extras for your first aid kit

Anti malarial tablets

Inoculation certificates

Immodium

Paracetemol

Rennies/Gavascon

Ibuprofen

Savlon

Multi Vitamins

Swiss Army knife

Bedtime (if camping)

Sleeping bag

3/4 length Thermarest

Inner sheet Sleeping bag (Save cash and make your own - or get one made on the road!)

Travel Gear

iPod

Camera (Digital costing less than £300 would be my advice - otherwise it'll be tricky to cover insurance wise)

Mobile phone (Enabled for abroad - and buy SIM cards as you go)

Charging units

Travel adapter

Waterbottle

A good money belt

Combination padlock

Small Washbag - stay clean - stay well - smell better

Money

Make sure you've saved enough!

Visa Credit card (get your PIN!)

Mastercard Credit Card (get your PIN!)

ATM "hole in the wall" card like a cirrus or maestro (Check the back of your normal ATM card - remember your PIN!)

Pre-paid credit card (get from the post office)

AMEX US Dollar Travellers Cheques

Essential Gear

Universal sink plug

Peg free clothes line/long piece of string

Lighter

DEET repellent

Swiss Army Knife (with corkscrew...)

Small Maglite torch

Knife & fork

Compass

Tea spoon (try making a cup of tea on the Trans Siberian with a swiss army knife...)

Mug

Clothes and Footwear

Long sleeved shirt

Jeans

Smart combat trousers

Sun hat

Travel sandals

Trekking shoes/boots

Shower proof jacket

4 pairs of pants and socks

Shorts

2 Cotton T Shirts

Swimming gear

Cotton shirts

Long sleeved T Shirts

Sweater

Sarong (for your Beckham moments)

Fleece

Hat

Gloves

Remember you can buy a lot of the above in the countries you will be visiting.

Especially handy to remember if you will be travelling through different seasons.

Handy Gear that makes travelling more enjoyable

Books (Dostoyevsky soon gets a little dull on the beach)

Guidebooks (We like the maps in Lonely Planet)

Telephone card

Job reference letter

Family photos

Re-sealable plastic bag

Large black bin bag

A toilet roll

Make a list of the following and give photocopies to your family or good friend.

Ask them to put them in a safe place in case you need to contact them.

Also take a set with you.

Also email them to your hotmail or gmail account.

Drivers licence

Embassy Addresses

Glasses/contact lens prescription

Passport number and date issued

Serial numbers of travellers cheques

Serial numbers on valuables e.g. cameras Youth Hostel card / other membership

All insurance details & emergency contacts

Credit card numbers (Do not take copies with you)

Emergency numbers to cancel your card (Do take copies with you)

Emergency Numbers of family and friends