Travelling is exciting, but in the pre-departure rush we often forget important things. Here’s a list of the ten most commonly overlooked items that definitely shouldn’t be missing from your backpack or suitcase.
A travel adapter
Plenty of travellers only realise once they’ve arrived that their electronics aren’t compatible with the local sockets. A universal travel adapter is therefore a must. Always check before you go which type of socket is used in the country. Bear in mind that some adapters don’t support every standard around the world, so it’s worth getting a genuinely universal model.
When travelling outside the EU we use this universal adapter.
Copies of important documents
In today’s digital age we often rely on electronic copies, but physical copies of passports, visas and other travel documents can be invaluable. Here’s what I’d recommend when travelling outside the EU:
- Scan all your important documents
- Save them to the cloud and offline on your phone
- Keep one printed copy in your luggage
- Leave one copy at home with family (in case anything needs sorting out with the authorities)
Definitely check that your passport is still valid.
Basic medicines and medical supplies
Even if you feel healthy, basic medicines should be part of every bag. Zdenička, being a proper Samaritan – a nurse, that is – put together a compact basic hiking first aid kit.
A power bank and spare cables
A dead phone can be more than an inconvenience, especially when it’s serving as your navigation or translator. Always pack at least one good power bank with enough capacity, a spare charging cable and possibly a splitter for sharing sockets.
Travel insurance
Not a physical item, but an often overlooked essential. We’ve long combined travel insurance from AXA Assistance and ČSOB (both offer good prices, for hiking as well as extreme sports)
Be sure to check:
- That the policy covers the whole length of your trip
- That all your planned activities are covered
- The payout limits
- The geographical scope of the policy
Offline maps and basic phrases
Prepare for situations without internet and download offline maps in Google Maps or Mapy.cz (especially for hiking!). Since 2025 the free version of Mapy.cz only lets you download one offline map of a chosen country. Any more and you pay :/
Save basic phrases in the local language and download an offline translator + note down important addresses and phone numbers.
Toiletries for the road
Besides your usual toiletries, don’t forget:
- Hand sanitiser gel
- Wet wipes
- Tissues
- Earplugs (if you’re planning to sleep in shared accommodation, you’ll thank us)
A kit for the unexpected
A small emergency kit can save the day:
- A small Swiss army knife (checked luggage only!) – I forgot about mine once and at security in Vienna they pulled out my 10-year-old Swiss army knife and threw it in the bin right in front of me.
- String or a washing line
- A mini sewing kit
- A carabiner
Backup ways to pay
Don’t rely on a single card – take at least two different payment cards (if you have a credit card, you’ll use it for car rentals or ATM withdrawals)
Keep a small cash reserve in the local currency and store it separately from your cards in different places, and above all don’t forget to check the fees for withdrawals abroad in advance – with ČSOB we pay 0 CZK for withdrawals anywhere in the world.
Photocopies of prescriptions and medical records
Especially on longer trips:
- Copies of prescriptions for medication you take regularly
- Basic medical documentation in English
- Your doctor’s contact details
- A list of allergies and chronic conditions
- Your vaccination record
Bonus tip
The best way not to forget anything is to create your own list. Update it after every trip based on experience. Save it to your phone or print it out and use it every time you pack.
Remember that a well-packed bag means calmer, more enjoyable travelling. Give yourself enough time to prepare and you’ll avoid unpleasant surprises on the road.
