Four handy things to take on holiday with you... even if they're not on your list.
Everyone has their own list of indispensable items to pack when going on holiday. Obviously, there are certain must-pack items that apply to everyone like passport, tickets, money and appropriate clothing. Most people also regard washing stuff (including shavers for guys), suncream, mozzie repellant and first-aid basics as pretty important.
But after this the choices become more personal. For some, it's their ipod or a good book. For others, it's their camera or ear plugs. Here is a list of our favourite four indispensable items.
This might sound unnecessary, but it's amazing how many times you're caught short without writing materials when travelling. Use them for writing down directions, travel information, and the names and addresses of interesting people you meet who you'd like to keep in touch with, for drawing pictures when you've exhausted your language and miming skills, and for playing noughts and crosses and hangman while waiting for delayed transport of whatever variety. The paper also doubles as a useful device to wedge open (or shut) windows, doors etc.
This is vital for making sure you don't plunge to your death on coastal paths when you've miscalculated walk times or can't find your way back after some midnight skinny dipping. It's also useful for finding that hotel you booked online when your flight arrives in the middle of the night. And, if there's no electricity, it's worth its weight in gold for investigating that strange rustling sound that could be a rat (or worse) about to creep into your sleeping bag!
This might sound odd, but a good length of ordinary parcel string is amazingly versatile and makes an instant washing line, belt or shoe laces. It's particularly useful for tying purchases to rucksacks that you can't fit inside!
Again, this is infinitely versatile. By day, it's a towel, beach mat or skirt. By night, it's a pillow or sheet or, if it gets cold, a scarf. It's also great as an instant sunburn cover-up. Cold wind giving you earache? Wrap it round your head. And in the evening, when you can't see the suncream stains, it's perfect as a pashmina.
