What to pack for travel depends on what kind of trip you are taking, but a good rule of thumb is to leave room for the unexpected. There are many items that you can purchase on the road and don’t forget to stock up on your favourite snacks. Make sure you have a stash of cash on you as well. You never know when you will find yourself in a foreign country and you want to make sure you aren’t short on cash.

While you’re at it, why not buy an eReader? Buying a cheap phone or SIM card will cut down on international calling fees. Even a cheap, waterproof pouch for your phone will keep it safe from water and dirt.

If you’re not going on a camping trip, you might not have a tent, but you can get an inexpensive pair of sunglasses for beach use. For a more serious trip, you’ll probably need to bring along a snorkel mask. Sunscreen is a good idea, especially if you tend to burn easily.

It may be surprising, but a wallet sized flashlight can be a lifesaver. Depending on where you’re traveling to, it’s likely you’ll encounter some darkness. Pack a small, battery powered, waterproof one. They can also be handy if you need to find something in your hotel room late at night.

Another useful item to pack is a good quality, lightweight mac. They’re a great way to cut weight and they can be a lifesaver during your trip. And they’re easy to carry, too.

If you’re going on a multi-city, multi-airline journey, you’ll need to splurge on a good quality, soft duffel bag. This will help you keep your hands free and make it easier to pack.

A well-stocked travel kit should include a good book. An eReader might not be as good as an actual book, but a good travel guide or city map will serve you well. Bringing a few phrase books and a couple of cheap travel guides will give you more information and a better chance of picking the right route when you arrive.

It’s easy to get carried away with all the new gadgets that are available these days, but there are some essentials you shouldn’t skimp on. Having a good camera and memory card is a must. So is a spare phone charger, and a reusable bottle is a good idea, too.

Taking a shower while you’re traveling is a good idea, so you should plan ahead and invest in some good quality shampoo and soap. In fact, you might be able to save some money by renting a swimsuit, but you’ll need to pack a mask and goggles.

Finally, don’t forget to check the weather at your destination before you go. The Weather Channel is a good source for this type of information. Having a good idea of the weather at your travel destination will make your travels that much more enjoyable.