If you’re heading out on a trip or holiday any time soon you want to be sure that you have packed everything you need. Clothes, books, passports and toiletries are all essentials, and so are all the little accessories that make your trip more worthwhile.

Camera

No trip is complete without a photographic record of your experiences so be sure to pack a camera. Depending on your needs and where you plan to travel to there are a number of options. For the trip of a lifetime it can be worth investing in a top of the range digital camera with options for cloud storage so you can be sure you will never lose your pictures. If backpacking is the order of the day then a cheap disposable camera or two is probably better as you don’t want to carry any more valuables around with you than necessary.

Journal

Equally as vital as a photographic record is a journal or notebook in which you can write about all your experiences before you forget the details. Although any type of notebook will do the job, for momentous trips get a nice bound writing pad that you will be able to keep for years to come.

Sarong

Once the privilege of women only but popularised for men the world over by football star and fashion guru David Beckham, the sarong is the most essential item of clothing you can pack if you are heading for sunnier climes than the UK. The versatility of a sarong coupled with the fact that it will fold down to next to nothing make it the perfect holiday garment. Wear as a wrap on the beach, as a headscarf to keep out of the midday sun or teamed with a pretty top as a skirt for evening wear; the sarong has myriad uses.

Swiss Army Knife

The Swiss Army Knife has long been an essential travel companion for anyone heading anywhere even remotely off the beaten track. Unless you have booked nothing but luxury accommodation for the entirety of your trip then this gadget will certainly come in handy. If nothing else the corkscrew always seems to find a use! Just remember not to pack it in your hand luggage or you may find yourself having to explain to airport security why you were attempting to smuggle a dangerous weapon on board!

Travel Pillow

If you plan on travelling around a lot on your trip then a travel pillow becomes a vital piece of kit. Hotel beds are not always as comfortable as you would like, especially in developing countries. A travel pillow also helps you to relax and get rest throughout long journeys, whether by plane or by train.

This was a guest post provided by Hotelcontractbeds.co.uk – the UK’s leading hotel mattress & bed supplier helping holiday makers get a good night’s sleep.