THINGS THAT SHOULD TAKE IN WHILE TRAVELING



Essentials 

Passport - valid 6 months after date of travel, (1 photocopy)
Ticket - or confirmation code for E-ticket
Visa – get it close to departure date to make sure it's still valid
Suitcase/bag - with small combination lock
Clothing - depends entirely on where you go....always bring swimsuit 
Drivers License – almost nowhere requires an international drivers licence 
Travel insurance – sometimes required for a visa 

Recommended

Camera 
Cheap cellphone with removable SIM card
I-pod w/ charger– and headphones
Electrical converter – 
Tiny flashlight – 
Toiletries – 
Sunscreen/lip balm 
Sunglasses – 
Tiny first aid kit w/ Advil – 
Prescription – 
Toilet paper – 
Rain jacket – 
Cheap watch with alarm clock – 
Flip flops – 
Guide book –
Inflatable neck rest – 
Plastic bag – 
Book – 
Sarong – 
Extra passport photos – 
Pen - 

What not to bring

A vest with more than two chest pockets – No you don't need to bring matches on your safari
A under clothing travel pouch of any type – You look ridiculous and like a tourist with money.
More than one hat – Why would you?
Umbrella – Too bulky, bring a rain jacket 
Knife – Contrary to every man's instinct a knife is very rarely useful

Travel hints 

Move your wallet to your front pocket which is difficult to pick pocket.
Tell the airline you only eat vegetarian/kosher/halal because you get served first
Always wear pants on a bus or plane which are always kept a bit cooler than comfortable
Save a copy of your passport in your email so you can print it out if lost.
Forget travellers checks, bring an ATM card and some money cash, almost everywhere has an ATM 
Gold shops often give the best exchange rates
Buy things there: Don't pack batteries, tape, water bottle, etc., all that is best bought when needed.
Tell your bank or credit card company the destination so they don't cancel credit purchases. 
Tell them when you are back so they can cancel any mysterious credit purchases