1. Suitable clothes for the weather at your destination

Forget the 30 degrees at home, your trip may take you to 10 degrees at your destination, and you may feel as if there is no chance that you’ll need a sweater when packing, but you’ll sure thank me when you get there! Don’t forget to take some comfortable shoes and clothes if you’re into sightseeing.

2. Personal items

Be sure to have with you (and I mean with you, not in the bags) your ID, passport, driver’s license, wallet, cards and keys.

3. Cell phone, laptop, Internet connection

Communication is certainly of big help when traveling. Remember you may not speak the local language, and you may have troubles finding your hotel. Ok, this is an extreme example, but think that information is just one call away. Close the emailing if you’re in vacation, and don’t forget to activate you network connection before you leave, if case. A good idea is to try to have an Internet connection somehow, either on your laptop or phone.

4. Camera

A must, otherwise what are you going to show to your friends when you return? Don’t forget to load the battery before leaving and to take any additional equipment if you’re into photography.

5. Map, directions, must see places

Do your research before leaving, search the web for interesting places to see nearby and also don’t forget to buy a map. You will find one at your destination for sure, but some prints, notes, maybe a travel guide will certainly help.

6. Reservations

I personally am a fan of choosing accommodation on the spot, but there are situations when a reservation is definitely the right way to go: high season, exclusive places, or when you get there by night. Event tickets are also to be considered. If you go to Vienna for instance, you need to book tickets to the Opera with one month in advance.

7. Medical kit

Small medical items (first aid), some drugs for small  headaches or a light cold if it comes in the middle of the night, and all necessary medication one takes on a regular basis.

8. Cash

Always have some cash with you for small items you may forgot and desperately need (personal care), or just to maybe have a coffee in the afternoon or suddenly feel like having a snack. Do not forget to have some extra money for emergencies -  like car problems – or in case of disaster.