What Are Your Must Haves for Travelling?

Chef Freeman on 12/02/2024 - 03:57

Hi guys
Im travelling overseas for 2 months
(Singapore, Vietnam, thailand, england) In april
And was wondering what is everyone's must haves while travelling,
Whether it be a certain backpack, organisation bags etc.

Mine are:
Nc headphones
Poweritems (power bank, cables, wallsocket etc.)
Some organisation bags for clothes
Holder for important documentation

I got 24kg luggage so I'm interested in what everyone brings with them overseas

And any recommendations on places to visit in SEA would be greatly appreciated ❤️

Thanks
Morgan

Travel

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  • holdenmg on 12/02/2024 - 07:07
    +14

    Passport/Visa/Travel Insurance/Smart Traveller

    • JimmyF on 12/02/2024 - 09:53
      +7

      Travel Insurance? So OP should go start a GoFundMe now before they leave?

    • cashless on 12/02/2024 - 09:08
      +3

      Can't believe that passport isn't in OP's list

  • DingoBilly on 12/02/2024 - 06:11
    +8

    Nowadays I just travel with carry-on.

    You don't really need much more than what you've described and you can easily fit that into carry on.

    • JimmyF on 12/02/2024 - 09:34
      +1

      you can fit 2 months of clothes in your carry on!?

      • star-ggg on 12/02/2024 - 09:50
        +18

        Washing machines exist outside Australia

        • JimmyF on 12/02/2024 - 09:53
          +3

          I know, but seriously not getting a lot of clothes plus everything else you need in a carry on. Who wants to be washing every few days when on holiday.

          • ihfree on 12/02/2024 - 10:03
            +4

            @JimmyF: For a longer trip, especially one where you're moving around, washing clothes is probably preferable to a much heavier pack.

            • JimmyF on 12/02/2024 - 10:34
              +3

              @ihfree: So instead of carrying something larger than a carry on, you would rather spend a few hours every few days while on holiday doing washing. LOL Sure you can do that!

              Meanwhile I'll take a slightly larger case even if it has toe be GASP checked in , but only have do washing once a week and instead be out enjoying my holiday! But you do you, I'll do me.

              • Autonomic on 12/02/2024 - 10:56
                +4

                @JimmyF: A week of clothes in a carry on is trivial, especially in warm weather. In SEA countries, you just drop your laundry off and pick it up the next day - no time needed at all.

              • ihfree on 12/02/2024 - 10:53
                +3

                @JimmyF: It really depends what you're packing, fabric choice, etc. I easily got a week out of mine last time I did it. Once or twice, I hand-washed a few smaller items. Washing was very easy in Thailand - drop off, pick it up. Nowhere near a few hour effort.

              • Chandler on 12/02/2024 - 14:05
                +2

                @JimmyF:

                spend a few hours every few days while on holiday doing washing

                I think you're confusing the time taken for weekly washing. Washing daily should take very little time since it's only a handful of items. Even less if you're outsourcing like others have suggested.

                • JimmyF on 12/02/2024 - 16:19
                  +1

                  @Chandler:

                  Even less if you're outsourcing like others have suggested.

                  Fancy traveller if you can afford to outsource your washing!

              • endolphin on 14/02/2024 - 00:16
                +1

                @JimmyF: I did 3 weeks in Europe in September with just carry on. Washed once at around the half way point when I had full laundry available at an airbnb. Was maybe an hour of effort. All dried very quickly in the hot Croatian sun :)

          • Bystander on 12/02/2024 - 19:59

            @JimmyF: I travel carry on only and have 8 changes of clothes so only have to visit a laundromat once a week. It usually costs less than $4 for a weeks laundry to be washed, ironed, and folded and takes very little time to drop off and pick up.
            I lived with the 10kg carry on for 10 months and never felt like I was missing anything.

        • johnno07 on 14/02/2024 - 00:27

          Thailand and England are very different climates and will require very different clothes.

      • djones145 on 12/02/2024 - 10:21

        wear them all and slow peel them off when its dirty

    • juki on 14/02/2024 - 07:46

      i prefer having a check in so you can "travel" with your hands in your pockets, and bring loads of snacks back on return, chuck in winter jacket and sweater (wife and kids also dont travel as light)

  • JimmyF on 12/02/2024 - 09:36
    +8

    Poweritems (power bank, cables, wallsocket etc.)

    I generally take a powerboard these days so I don't have to carry heaps of adaptors. So I only need one adaptor from the country I'm in to AU and then an AU powerboard into that.

    Bonus is to get a powerboard with USB sockets as well.

    • try2bhelpful on 14/02/2024 - 06:47

      We take the power cube. Smaller footprint.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 12/02/2024 - 09:13
    +5

    good quality luggage
    nothing more frustrating than a suitcase that is:

    )easy to break
    ) unwieldly - either crap wheels or just crap handling overall - must be able to stand by itself steadily. bonus points if you can stack another suitcase/bag on it and wheel everything.
    ) doesnt hold much and has minimal or no organisation options

  • rumblytangara on 12/02/2024 - 10:39
    +5

    This question has never been asked in the history of the internet. No point to Google it.

  • star-ggg on 12/02/2024 - 09:09
    +4

    I always take a foldable travel kettle. Lots of horror stories about people cleaning underwear and socks in the hotel kettles.

    • Ryanek on 12/02/2024 - 09:17
      +16

      New fear unlocked

    • johnno07 on 14/02/2024 - 00:29
      +3

      This seems kind of like a waste of time. Just boil the kettle once and dump the contents before you use. Bacteria that you care about aren't surviving 100C.

      • star-ggg on 14/02/2024 - 08:38

        If I went number 2 in a cup and washed it with boiling water afterwards, you would drink from it without a thought?

        • johnno07 on 14/02/2024 - 10:36
          +3

          without a thought?

          The problem is that you're overthinking it. If you could see how much literal shit was in the air you wouldn't eat withing 10m of a bathroom. Just clean/sterilise and you'll be right. The science says it's completely fine, which works for me.

          If you're shitting in kettles that says more about you.

    • payless69 on 12/02/2024 - 09:30
      +2

      UV light before touching any remote control.

      • sobriety22 on 14/02/2024 - 00:20
        +2

        Have UV lights, I don't travel with them. Ignorance is bliss. Don't do it. You'll ping-pong around the hotel trying to find a room that isn't a crime scene.

        • juki on 14/02/2024 - 07:47

          that gordon ramsey show scarred a lot of people

  • sam-1966 on 12/02/2024 - 11:27
    +3

    A single sheet is handy in Europe where hotels often don't supply a top sheet (just a doona). My sister was in France last year during the heat wave, no air-con and sealed windows. She found it very handy. A friend who works in a linen shop advised her to always take a king single if she wanted to be able to tuck it in.

    Didn't take up much weight and handy for wrapping delicate purchases for the trip home.

    I've also heard that packing a couple of extra bras in hand luggage can be very handy if luggage is lost - clothes and undies are easy to buy, but for some of us the bras are a bit more difficult and can be very expensive.

    • lainey13 on 12/02/2024 - 22:15
      +2

      Thats what the sarong is for. Scarf/sheet/skirt/eye mask/towel/bag/coverup/wrap/pillow all in one!

  • payless69 on 12/02/2024 - 05:22
    +2

    Condoms, Panadol, Paracetamol,
    RedBull mobile data, several Amex cards
    Largest rollcase allowed on plane, waterproof suitcase to be checked in as they can be left in the rain.
    Southern Cross stickers to quickly identify tour case on baggage claim.

    • KaTst3R on 12/02/2024 - 09:39
      +16

      Panadol, Paracetamol

      Same thing. Panadol contains Paracetamol so you are doubling up on an item.

      • payless69 on 12/02/2024 - 09:56

        Some places in Europe charge close to $8 for a package of 30.
        In Thailand you can buy bottles of pure caffeine.

    • Mechz on 12/02/2024 - 14:45
      +13

      Your Southern Cross stickered bag is so they know to put it on the plane heading to Bali.

      • johnno07 on 14/02/2024 - 00:24
        +1

        And for it to have a 100% chance of being opened by border control.

        • payless69 on 14/02/2024 - 07:52

          So I can't export Australian inland taipans anymore?

    • 87percent on 12/02/2024 - 07:09

      Don’t forget gastro medicine and hydralyte

  • Krankite on 12/02/2024 - 08:29
    +2

    Some kind of protein bar that doesn't taste entirely unlike chocolate. They take up very little room and can replace a meal if you found yourself stuck somewhere without better options

  • altomic on 12/02/2024 - 09:09
    +2

    money

  • John Kimble on 12/02/2024 - 17:01
    +2

    Immodium or equivalent

  • geosta on 13/02/2024 - 22:42
    +2

    You already said "holder for important documentation" - I cannot overstate how important this is. Get yourself a good quality, zip-around travel wallet like this (https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C5SYMVKM/). Important points are full zip around so stuff doesn't fall out, a wrist strap to make it easy to keep with you when going through the airport, and a slot on the outside for boarding passes (lots of airlines still use them).

    The next thing I never travel without is about USD$50 in different denominations of USD, Euro and Pounds. I try to have a $20, 2x$10 and 2x$5 (and equivalent in euro and pounds). So many times I've been caught in situations that have been reasonably quickly solved with some universally-accepted cash.

    The last thing: learn how to say "hello", "goodbye", "please", "thank you", "sorry", "toilet" and "beer" in the local language of the places you're visiting. Making even the smallest effort to show respect to the locals will endear you to them, and you'll find you'll have a much easier time.

    Safe travels!

  • ihfree on 12/02/2024 - 07:55
    +1

    Basically what you've described plus clothes.

    I've done some a few trips with carry on only. I had an Osprey Porter 46. Generally, I'll pick up things at the last country and check in a duffle bag on the way back.

    Clothing is generally a collection of clothes that work well together. You could consider items like Merino to reduce the need for washing. I also see airism frequently recommended.

    Have a look at one bag packing lists. The one bag community may also provide some guidance as to light items.

  • Ryanek on 12/02/2024 - 09:16
    +1

    Imodium

    • ihfree on 12/02/2024 - 10:05

      Travelan(or similar) - prevention better than a cure.

      Last time I required it, there was also a oral vaccine against some forms of travel sickness.

      Vaccinations is a good one and honesty with your doctor as to what activities you will engage in when discussing them.

      • Ryanek on 12/02/2024 - 11:04
        +5

        No amount of vaccine will overcome the power of Indian curry street food. Sometimes all you can do is ease the pain.

        • ihfree on 12/02/2024 - 11:26

          When I travelled to India with my partner, we both took precautions - clean hands, only self-peeled fruit, freshly cooked hot food, etc.

          I had the vaccine mentioned and took Travelan as I had to vaccine a bit too close to leaving. My partner got sick, and I was fine.

          Obviously, anecdotal, but I think it does help.

  • KaTst3R on 12/02/2024 - 09:46
    +1

    If you are going water rafting in Thailand or Vietnam, you might want to consider getting a waterproof dry bag to put your valuables and bring it with you on the raft. I dont trust the lockers at where they operate the business.

    • JimmyF on 12/02/2024 - 09:54
      +1

      Ziplock bags are pretty handy for this or hanging out in sandy areas.

  • kiitos on 12/02/2024 - 11:58
    +1

    Nail clippers/scissors, walking long distances can be painful if you have badly cut or torn nails

  • stickingly on 12/02/2024 - 16:27
    +1

    Just because you're allowed 24kg doesn't mean you have to take 24kg. Take as little as possible especially if you are moving about a lot, If you are desperate for an extra shirt or underwear you can always buy some.

    Agree with an AU powerboard with USB sockets as well. Then you only need one adapter. Also useful if the hotel room only has 1 powerpoint

    A small torch for each person, especially if there is more than one person sharing a room, so that when people get up during the night to use the bathroom they don't wake up everyone

    • illusion99 on 13/02/2024 - 20:29

      Can’t you use your phone as a torch?

      • stickingly on 14/02/2024 - 09:22

        Yes you can, but much easier if you are half asleep to just pick up a small torch, push the button and hold it in your mouth whilst you are taking a leak. Much dimmer as well

  • try2bhelpful on 12/02/2024 - 22:45
    +1

    Metamucil and Enos. A bag for dirty clothes.

  • [Deactivated] on 13/02/2024 - 19:20
    +1
    • powerboard so you can plug a few things in with just one adapter for each country
    • a decent sized dry sack is best to keep dirty/wet/damp items away from clean laundry, but a plastic bag or large ziplocks will do in a pinch
    • as big a portable battery that your airline will let you carry on
    • a multi tool - I prefer a Leatherman but something you can open blister packaging up with if you need to.
    • noise cancelling headphones
    • Bag type - if checking in I always opt for a heavy duffel with wheels over a square case where possible. There are more malleable when you need to squeeze it into a smaller transport or boot, easier to sling over your shoulder if you need to carry, pass a rough area where wheels won't work or go up a big flight of stairs. They also always seem to let you squeeze just one more thing in. Something like this
  • rlf on 13/02/2024 - 20:11
    +1

    Imodium and Travelan

  • Tiredman on 14/02/2024 - 06:08
    +1

    A 2m long USBC cable.

    • eek on 14/02/2024 - 10:05

      With your own fast/PD charger and international adapter - don't trust any USB ports in hotels/airports/cafes puts on 2nd tin foil hat

  • dmorg78 on 15/02/2024 - 11:09
    +1

    A quick dry towel

    • try2bhelpful on 15/02/2024 - 12:22

      A decent sized one as well.

  • AlienC on 12/02/2024 - 05:38

    Underwear

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 12/02/2024 - 09:11
      +8

      whatever your days of travel are, x 4-5.
      Never know when you might poop yourself uncontrollably.

      • AlienC on 12/02/2024 - 09:21
        +8

        you can never have too many underwear but you can definitely have too less i say

        • KaTst3R on 12/02/2024 - 09:39
          +3

          You can always flip it and wear it for another day.

        • sumyungguy on 12/02/2024 - 11:45

          I travel with two pairs, the one I'm wearing (washed daily) and a spare. ExOfficio's old tagline: 17 countries. 6 weeks. One pair of underwear. Tip I learned travelling to Peru: take a few incontinence pads, saves fashioning them from washroom paper towel until your Imodium kicks in.

  • chillybags on 12/02/2024 - 06:12

    Was very ready to provide recommendations for Seattle and then reread your question.

  • kolorijo on 12/02/2024 - 07:54

    Packing cubes for clothing organisation.

    Travel charger with various prongs to suit multiple countries, a small powerbank for emergency, a small travel pouch/bag to organise all of your tech items.

    ATMs with no international fees.

    SIM card (Internet) & some local currencies for each country.

    A small sling bag for your travel documents, moneys, phone, etc. that you always keep with you.

  • George Washington on 12/02/2024 - 09:28

    Silicone Spray the handle and wheels of the suitcase

  • dtc on 12/02/2024 - 09:35

    ear plugs, padlock, ziplock bags. dental floss (or fishing line) for minor repairs and a few clothes pegs

    of course most of wat you may need is easily buyable at the time. But would go for ear plugs and padlock up front

  • Dollar General on 12/02/2024 - 10:08

    Passport

  • foxmulder on 12/02/2024 - 11:23

    28 Degrees or Ubank or any other similar cards that doesn't attract overseas charges or hidden expensive exchange rates.

  • Autonomic on 12/02/2024 - 15:36

    Comfortable ear plugs and an eye mask (if you have trouble sleeping without total darkness).

  • Sweet3st on 12/02/2024 - 19:07

    I always chuck in swimmers and a tea towel/gym towel to sit on/dry off.
    Always travel carry on only! No waiting at baggage carousels and lugging heavy bags.
    Must have is a travel organiser like TripIt. You can upload documents and there’s the web account if you lose your phone.
    Hat and water bottle.
    Panadol, BandAids, mozzie cream, ear plugs.
    Neck pillow for long flights.

  • MITM on 12/02/2024 - 23:59

    Plastic bags for each pair of shoes. Saves your packed clothes getting dirty between destinations. Better still, put all your shoes in carry on. It’s not like you’ll need to access it in flight.
    Travel with small amount of laundry powder. Or better still get your laundry done by locals (wash, dry, fold only) cheap as chips in SEA.
    Powerboard with USB.

    • try2bhelpful on 13/02/2024 - 00:41

      I store my shoes in old stockings that have been laddered. It keeps them in pairs and stops them rubbing against each other.

  • ozb-lurker on 13/02/2024 - 12:10

    https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/reviews-and-advice/ten-smal…

    Plus read the comments for more tips.

    For me, it's the Swiss Army Knife, but don't take it with you when boarding or in your carry on luggage.

  • duckygun on 13/02/2024 - 18:02

    Stomach pills, cold and flu pills (get sick from constantly swapping from aircon to humidity all the time), sunscreen (bloody is expensive in Asia), insect repellent (mozzies are not a joke there - I prefer the higher strength Bushman), ear plugs, eye mask, deck of playing cards, reusable metal water bottle, kindle or switch for those layovers, delays and downtime. Enjoy, I'm jealous!

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 13/02/2024 - 19:31

    Decoy phone for Border Force

    • juki on 14/02/2024 - 07:51

      ?
      Are you sure you want to bother people who may choose the ones with the longest fingers

  • camtraband on 13/02/2024 - 20:21

    Go in to an Aesop and ask if they have any Slab bar soap samples. Amazing travel soap ❤️

  • ddhar on 13/02/2024 - 20:45

    Most important: Passport (& entry visa, if applicable) & Data SIM.

    Next important: NC IEM, PD charger (+ cables), Powerbank, mini water kettle (don't trust hotel kettles), Packing cubes and a good backpack.

    Clothes and underwears are obviously a must but arguably also you can buy those at your destination. I did forget my underwears on a trip and I got some at a local H&M.

  • da1andonly on 13/02/2024 - 23:12

    Your phone will be the most important equipment to have

  • sobriety22 on 14/02/2024 - 00:27

    Packable but warm jumper / jacket. Airplanes and other transportation can get cold even in a hot and humid country.
    Depending on how attractive you are to mossies, an insect repellent with high deet rating. Roll on stick form I find the best, especially if only travelling with carry on.
    Cash. Especially in Vietnam and Thailand. And hold some USD, your get out of jail card in VN.

  • Brianqpr on 14/02/2024 - 08:19

    Chromecast can be handy as many hotels don't have them, and/or a cable to connect laptop to TV.

  • cupcake on 14/02/2024 - 10:13

    A travel pillow and anti bacterial wet wipes.

  • kokita on 14/02/2024 - 11:55

    Visiting SEA, you need a portable handheld fan.

  • bargain huntress on 20/02/2024 - 23:33

    Something i learnt here was another suitcase inside your suitcase that you can fill with stuff to bring back
    Need to clean it or bag it first

  • bargain huntress on 20/02/2024 - 23:37

    A new thing ive seen people online doing imcreasingly is a travel router for safer wifi and to run a travel security camera to point at the door in your hotel room so you know if someone tries to go in when youre not there

  • cybapete on 04/03/2024 - 21:34

    i heard about these waterproof plastic bags that hang off a lanyard so you can go to the pool/beach and take your wallet & phone with you
    you would want to test it and make very sure it was watertight before use though

  • Randxyz123 on 06/03/2024 - 07:17

    • Change of clothes in your carry on - shirt, socks, undies, pants. Be it you spill something on them or you are delayed bloody godsend to have.

    • Spare credit card in a separate pocket on your bag. S*** happens. You’ll still want to eat if something bad like your phone or wallet getting snatched.

    • A bit of USD. Most places take it or will at least exchange it.

    • As others have said basic toiletries. Have a bit of paracetamol in your carry on.

    • noise cancelling headphones. Make sure they’re charged and you have an adapter

  • Poor Ass on 13/02/2024 - 18:28
    -1

    A basketball

  • FedeCarducci on 22/02/2024 - 19:29
    -1

    Cigarettes

  • Alexandersanity on 06/05/2026 - 03:47

    For the organisation side, a decent toiletry bag makes a surprising difference. I used to just throw everything in a zip-lock but picked up a hanging wash bag recently and it's been a game changer for keeping things accessible in cramped bathrooms/hostels. Also second the power bank - can't go without one these days.

  • Linkwick on 06/05/2026 - 09:37

    From my travels:

    • Not just wall adapters, but a couple of powerboards too. One with a really long cord (or an extension cord), in case there's not convenient sockets near the bed etc. Turns a single foreign point into 4+ Aussie sockets.
    • A hanging packing cube (like this). Makes it so much easier to hang up in a cupboard etc. instead of unpacking.
    • Having a small "go bag" inside my carry-on, that I can easily take out & fits under the chair. Should have all in-flight essentials (water bottle, entertainment, powerbanks etc.) that you may need, so you don't have to spend forever digging out of your backpack etc.
    • Airtags etc. in suitcases. Beside being able to track where your checked bag is, you can also "search" for it when at collection so you can sit back & relax. Once it connects, THEN walk through the conveyor masses to collect.
    • A change of clothes in carry-on - especially if the weather will be drastically different on arrival. Also helps if you have an issue with luggage.
    • A laundry bag for used/dirty clothing, so you can keep separate until washing or return home.
    • A VPN set up on your phone for any public wifi access.
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