The ultimate essential packing list

“Exploring is in my blood. As a child, my dad and I had many travel adventures, regardless of how far or near. It was ‘our thing’,” says travel blogger Patrycja Oosthuizen.

“While travel arrangements, bookings and planning are usually pretty straightforward, it is in the excitement of packing that we often forget things. There’s nothing worse than constantly feeling you’ve forgotten something, but can’t put your finger on it!” she says.

Patrycja has compiled a handy guide of essential items, aimed at people whose trips include a few outdoor excursions, because with South Africa’s great climate and outstanding natural beauty, who wouldn’t want to get out there and bask in all the glory?

Her template is divided into four sections and she advises travellers to adapt it to each trip by adding season- or destination-dependant items.

Clothing and accessories

· Comfortable shoes, socks and clothes! It is no fun exploring in inappropriate clothing or footwear.

· Pack an extra pair of shoes in case yours break or get wet.

· Plan for all weather eventualities – pack a sun hat and T-shirts for hot summer days but also throw in a lightweight rain jacket.

· In winter, pack thick socks, beanies, scarves, gloves, and a wind-proof jacket.

· Sunglasses and reading glasses.

Electronics and documents

· Phone and other devices, chargers, several fully charged power banks.

· Torch.

· Power adaptors.

· Travel speaker.

· Pre-downloaded maps and apps to get the most out of your road trip and ultimate destination.

· Pre-saved emergency numbers.

Medical aid kit and other essentials

· A fully stocked medical aid kit is a must.

· Check expiry dates of all items.

· Include: Cold and flu tablets, throat lozenges, antiseptic solution for

cleaning wounds, bandages, sanitisers, insect repellent, tweezers, cottonwool, cotton buds, medicine for stomach upsets and nausea, and painkillers.

· Remember to pack your regular prescription medication.

· Other essentials include shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, toothbrush and paste, razor, body and face cream, deodorant, sunblock and after-sun lotion, and basic nail-cleaning kit.

· Towels if needed.

· It is a good idea to pack plastic slops for shared ablutions.

· If you will be carrying your kit, dispense liquids into travel-size bottles to lighten the load.

· Refillable water bottle.

Destination-dependant items

· While the above three categories are standard for most trips, this section depends on where you are going and what you will be doing. By using the lists above and then focusing on destination-specific needs in this section, packing becomes a breeze.

· Items could include smart clothes for dinners out or a picnic blanket for countryside outdoor dining, bats and balls for beach games or board games for indoor fun, and binoculars for animal watching or goggles for snorkelling.

“Remember, packing with a plan will ease your mind and ensure that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest,” says Patrycja.