One question that springs to mind about clothing is, is there a difference between that which you wear at . . . → Read More: Clothing]]>

One question that springs to mind about clothing is, is there a difference between that which you wear at home and that which you wear when travelling?

Certainly, if you live in the UK or the USA and you are travelling to Europe for a week, then you can just wear what you normally wear. In fact, you might look out of place if you don’t walk around in jeans, tshirt, a hoodie and running shoes.

Travelling further afield does involve some additional considerations, however, mainly to do with the varied climates you will encounter. But there are also cultural differences of which to be aware.

The best advice, wherever you go or whatever you choose to wear, is to try to look relatively neat and tidy. Also, especially if you are female, try not to wear clothes that are too revealing (showing skin other than your face and hands). Even if you think you should be able to dress however you want, not only is it objectionable and sometimes rude in some countries to do so, it is often unsafe and can put you in real danger.

Dress neatly and consider the environment and culture you are in and you will find that people will think better of you, will talk to you more often, and even offer you their hospitality. You will get fewer hassles, both from the locals and from officials such as customs and border police.

Also bear in mind that many religious buildings require skirts for women, trousers for men, (and sometimes long sleeves for both), and that you remove your shoes.

Tempting though it may be, in some places it helps not to try to dress like the locals, as they connect religious and/or cultural significance to what they wear.



The main criteria when choosing clothing for travel include whether or not it provides sufficient protection from the elements, and its lightness and compactness due to your space and carrying considerations.

In hot climates your clothes mainly function as sun and insect protection. Long sleeves and collars on loose-fitting shirts, baggy trousers, and a hat with a wide brim (at least 3 inches, 7.5cm) will work better than skimpy tops and shorts for keeping you cool and protected.

Jeans are not a good idea as they are hot to wear, hard to wash, slow to dry, and heavy to carry.

In the cold it is best to layer clothing and look for fabrics that are wicking, insulating, and wind blocking. The new, thin, purpose-made synthetic fabrics are best, worn in layers. They are light, wash well, dry with body heat and are most efficient in terms of weight, bulk and functionality.

A windproof coat or rain shell, long underwear, insulating layers of clothing, gloves, heavy socks, and hats are essential in the cold.

If possible, try to get clothing that has a dual purpose, but without compromising. Find things that can be used both in the daytime and the evening. Keep it simple including the colours. Black, navy, and white are good choices.

A rough guide is to take three outfits, including the one you are wearing. This way you wear one, can wash one, and have a spare set. If everything mixes or matches you should be fine for a long time. If you need a change, or if things wear out, you can always buy replacements (cheaply, usually) wherever you are. Also, clothing you buy overseas will be appropriate for the climate or conditions in which you find yourself.

The next few pages list things to consider when choosing travel clothes, working from the inside out, top to bottom.

Facilities for keeping clean while travelling vary greatly. Guesthouses and hotels may (or may not) have showers, sometimes you . . . → Read More: Keeping Clean]]>

Facilities for keeping clean while travelling vary greatly. Guesthouses and hotels may (or may not) have showers, sometimes you may get hot and cold running water, sometimes it may be just a tap and bucket of hot water. There is no guarantee that the water you use is clean either.

Keeping your hands clean is probably the easiest way to keep healthy in some countries, although this can be hard to do if you aren’t close to fresh water and soap for most of the day. Keeping your hands away from your mouth and eyes will help (especially after handling well-thumbed bills), as well as stopping any nail-biting habit.

Some countries don’t use toilet paper in the toilets, they just aren’t designed to handle it. If you use it you are supposed to put it in the bin provided. Locals use a tap, a bucket, and their left hand. Whichever method you use, it pays to keep a bar of soap handy wherever you go.



A better way to keep clean is to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer gel with you (and use it) at all times. If you use gel you don’t need soap or water so is really useful where both of these are scarce (you can also use hand wipes but you will go through these quite quickly which can get expensive).

Sanitizing gel should be used before eating and drinking (or after touching suspect surfaces). To be effective gels require a 60% minimum alcohol concentration to kill most harmful bacteria and viruses.

You can carry a small bottle around with you (they come in travel sizes), either in your pocket or clipped to your belt or bag. These clips can be bought anywhere, for example, here.

A far better solution is to buy a purpose-built hand sanitizer gel dispenser (shown right). These are the ones used in hospitals and contain 50ml of 70% ethyl-alcohol gel and are refillable so you can use your own gel if you prefer.

They are light and compact, are easy to carry and use, and are always on hand. You can carry them on a lanyard or clipped to waistbands, belts, bags or pockets.

They can be very hard to get hold of, however, and can be expensive if you want to buy just one. If you can’t find one then email me as I can get hold of them in the US or the UK.

You use them as illustrated below. Just flip the dispenser and push, and a small, measured dose of gel comes out, then rub your hands together for a few seconds and the gel evaporates and that’s it.

Travelling in the ess developed parts of the world is not like a camping trip. You will find plenty . . . → Read More: Sleeping Gear]]>

Travelling in the ess developed parts of the world is not like a camping trip. You will find plenty of cheap food and accommodation everywhere, so you won’t need a stove, tent or sleeping bag,

There may be occasions where you would think a sleeping bag might be useful, in a cold room, sleeping outside (when it is warm), protection against insects, as a seat or cushion, etc., but consider the alternatives first.

Long underwear or other warm clothing will be fine in emergencies, on buses, trains, and cold hostels. A sleep sheet packs small, is light and easy to wash, and should suffice for all other times. Combine this with a plastic sheet, bivouac bag or poncho and you can replace a tent and sleeping bag.

If you do decide to take a sleeping bag then you there are certain things to look out for when choosing one.

Sleeping bag

For camping, cold climates, and trekking in the mountains, you can buy the most expensive, warmest bag you can find. But this will be way too warm to use in the tropics. It will also be bulky, heavy, oftentimes flimsy, as well as hard to wash and dry.



So look out for a small-packing, light bag that is both easily washable and hard wearing. Choose one that is inexpensive so that you won’t mind if it gets damaged, lost or stolen.

The new super-light synthetic bags are good, and one with the zips in the right place can turn it into a blanket for sleeping or picnics.

Down bags can sometimes be too warm (unless you are going somewhere really cold) and don’t perform well when wet. You also need to dry them properly after you wash them to maintain their insulating properties.

I use a Western Mountaineering ExtremeLite down bag. You can find a good selection of both down and synthetic bags at Blacks in the UK or REI in the US.

Using a sleep sheet (see below) inside your sleeping bag will delay the need to wash it for a long time.

Sleep sheet/Sleeping bag liner

Basically a sheet, made from either cotton or silk, folded and sewn into the shape of a sleeping bag. These are mandatory for sleeping in hostels. If you don’t have your own then you will have to buy one. A good substitute for a sleeping bag in warm climates.

I use a Lifeventure Advance Sleeper Cotton bag (shown here). This comes in a rectangular shape (for hostel sleeping or rectangular sleeping bags) or a mummy shape (for mummy-shaped bags). It has anti-bacterial, anti-bedbug and anti-mosquito treatments, and packs quite small.

You can read more about sleep sacks and buy them here or here.

Bivouac sack

The waterproof version of the sleep sack. The cheapest are made of plastic, some are made of nylon, the most expensive are made of Gore-Tex and are like small one-man tents, some with built-in mosquito nets.

Mostly used as emergency shelter when hiking or mountaineering, but can be used when travelling to protect your sleeping bag (on the outside), for extra warmth, and as a replacement for a sleeping bag or tent in warm climates.

They are lighter and easier to wash and dry than a tent/sleeping bag combination, but can be colder and more cramped to sleep in.

In warm weather you don’t usually have to worry about the rain, just the insects. When I am sleeping out in hot climates I use a Bug Hut 1 tent from REI (shown here). This is an ultralight shelter that is fast to put up. It fits completely over your sleeping bag and the poles keep the mesh away from your upper body.

Hammock

A good compromise sleeping solution is a hammock. These are lighter than a tent and more comfortable to sleep in. I use mine for emergencies when travelling.

You would be surprised at the number of places you can use it. The best manufacturer and model I have found (and one that I own) is the Hennessy Hammock UltraLite Backpacker A-Sym (shown here).

Read more about hammocks and sleeping in them here.

Sleeping Pad

This is what you lie on when sleeping on the ground when camping. It both insulates your body from the cold and the hard, sometimes rocky ground.

They come in two basic types, the closed-cell foam type, which is thin and bulky which either rolls or folds up, and the inflating type, which insulates better and packs smaller, but is heavier and more expensive.

Therm-a-Rest (shown left) make the best of the latter kind. These are ‘self-inflating’ (although they sometimes need help).

The lightest weighs just over 1 pound, (455g) but this model is also the shortest and least insulating.

Their construction means that they can get damaged on thorns and other sharp objects, and will stop working if they get punctured. They can be hard to repair (they come with a repair kit).

They come in a variety of sizes (long, regular, short lengths) and insulating properties (3- 4-seasons, for example). I have the Therm-a-Rest ProLite 4 Regular which is a 4 season, regular length (72″, 183cm) sleeping pad.

You can buy them from Blacks in the UK or REI in the US.

Pillow

Inflatable pillows can make it easier to sleep on a plane, train or bus. There are two types, one that fits around your neck like a collar and ones that look like regular pillows.

You can also buy a stuff-sack which, when filled with clothes, can make a good pillow, particularly the ones that are specially made for this that come with a cloth lining (turned inside-out when used as a pillow).

Check them out here. They come in two sizes, I use the 10″ x 20″ model for my sleeping bag stuff sack.

The Medical pages list the various diseases and vaccinations available. This section gives information on where and when to . . . → Read More: Vaccinations]]>

The Medical pages list the various diseases and vaccinations available. This section gives information on where and when to get them, how long they last, whether you need boosters, possible side-effects, and so on.

Don’t rely on the information given below. Try to get to a specialist travel clinic, or seek advice from a qualified professional.

Some clinics will give you a free consulation, other charge a fee (usually refunded if you then have the vaccinations at the clinic).

In the UK you can get vaccinations from your GP (usually for free), or go to one of the specialist travel clinics, such as the Nomad Travel Clinics, or The Hospital for Tropical Diseases in London.



Or do a basic search on the Internet in your country to find one. For example, this website has a list of directories for other countries, including the USA.

Check the Links – Websites page for more links to health information by country.

Remember to start your vaccination programme at least six weeks before departure.

Polio

How – usually given as a childhood vaccine. Recommended every 10 years for travel to areas outside of Europe, Australasia or the Americas.

When – anytime before departure.

Tetanus

How – a routine childhood vaccine. Boosters needed every ten years for travel to areas where immediate treatment may not be available, or after a cut or injury.

When – anytime before departure.

Diphtheria

How – a routine childhood vaccine. Boost every 10 years.

When – anytime before departure.

Hepatitis A

How – vaccination protects initially for one year and then a further injection boosts immunity to 20 years, possibly life.

When – two to four weeks before travel.

Hepatitis B

How – a course of vaccines is required, three injections over six months although more rapid schedules can be done for those leaving with less time available.

When – ideally six months before travel.

Typhoid

How – available as a single shot or as a combined vaccine with Hepatitis A. Provides approximately 80% protection for three years.

When – two weeks before travel.

Yellow Fever

How – vaccine with immunisation lasting for 10 years.

When – 10 days before travel.

Meningitis A, C W135 and Y vaccine

How – vaccine covering four strains of Meningitis.

When – two to three weeks prior to travel.

Japanese Encephalitis

How – a course of three vaccines.

When – six weeks prior to travel.

Rabies

How – a course of vaccines over one month. Further treatment is still required after a bite but both reduces the amount of treatment needed and changes the treatment required. In some developing countries there are no guarantees as to the quality or availability of treatment.

When – four to six weeks before travel.

Tick Borne Encephalitis

When – six weeks prior to travel.

Cholera

How – a course of two oral vaccines. Gives 80% coverage for two years.

When – a minimum of three weeks prior to travel.

Below is a list of just some of the books that I have bought and found useful on . . . → Read More: Books]]>

Below is a list of just some of the books that I have bought and found useful on my travels. I usually read these before I leave and try to memorise as much as I can, as carrying even just one book with you when you travel adds considerably to your load. (That said, I do carry the first book on the list with me as it is tiny).

To be honest, these days I tend to listen to audio books on my iPod mainly, as I can fit a considerable number of books onto it and listening in this way also keeps your hands free when walking around. You can buy these online or in major bookstores on CD. Just search online for audio books.

(Click for US supplier) (Click for UK supplier)

Travel Health

Bezruchka, Stephen. The Pocket Doctor: A Passport to Healthy Travel. Mountaineers Books; 3 edition (March 1999). The classic reference for international travelers – completely updated.

Dawood, Richard, M.D. Travelers’ Health: How to Stay Healthy All Over the World. New York: Random House, 1994. With six hundred pages of advice from sixty British and American travel medicine specialists, this is the most complete travelers’ health guide.

Dessery, Bradford L., and Robin, Marc R. The Medical Guide for Third World Travelers: A Comprehensive Self-Care Handbook. San Diego: K-W Publications, 1992. This is a good health guide by two nurses with practical experience.

Schroeder, Dirk G. Staying Healthy in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Chico, CA: Moon Publications, 1993. Another good travelers’ health book.

Equipment

Fletcher, Colin. The Complete Walker. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1984. Dubbed the “hiker’s Bible,” this is a highly detailed look at the gear and philosophy of a wilderness backpacker who has also written several other books.

Working Abroad

Griffith, Susan. Teaching English Abroad. Oxford: Vacation Work, 1994. This is over three hundred pages on the subject, including numerous personal accounts. Distributed in the U.S. by Petersen’s Guides, Princeton, NJ (tel. 800-338-3282).

Communication

Hall, Edward T. The Silent Language. Garden City, New York: Anchor Press/Doubleday, 1959. A groundbreaking work on nonverbal communication.

Pei, Mario. Talking Your Way Around the World. New York: Harper & Row, 1971. Interesting reading on languages by the popular linguist, although you won’t quite be speaking Indo-European come page 288.

Miller, Stuart. Understanding Europeans. Santa Fe: John Muir Publications, 1990. This is an incisive book by an American former professor of European comparative literature who has lived and worked extensively in Europe. It also helps you understand Americans.

Some of the following links are on other pages of this website. I have brought them all together on . . . → Read More: Websites]]>

Some of the following links are on other pages of this website. I have brought them all together on this page, plus a few others that I found useful when researching long-term worldwide travel.

The links are not listed in any particular order, although I try to keep them arranged in the same order as they appear on this site.

General:

How to travel overland comfortably and affordably
General Travel Hints and Tips
The Traveller’s Toolkit – Independent travel resources
Round-The-World Travel Guide – The Travel Library
Lots of very useful travel advice links
Using a cell phone overseas
Maps of the night sky

Money:

Visa worldwide ATM/cash machine locator
MasterCard, Maestro and Cirrus ATM locator
Credit card travel tips
Lost VISA card toll-free numbers
Lost MasterCard card toll-free numbers

Health:

Health Information for Overseas Travel
World Health Organization latest information by country
Health information by country and by illness plus a world list of doctors
Vaccination information by country
Malaria information – Generate a personal anti-malarial report by country
Malaria information – World map of risk areas

Water purification:

Water bottle purification systems
Steripen handheld, pocket-sized water purifier

Working/Volunteering Abroad:

Volunteers Abroad – Worldwide volunteer opportunities
Help Exchange – Volunteer to work at farms, homes, ranches, lodges, etc.
Voluntary Service Overseas

Packing light:

Lightweight Backpacking 101 – For hiking and camping
Travel light out of one carry-on sized bag
For the First-time Traveller
Packing light for vacations and air travel

Equipment stores:

Magellans International Travel Inc

Backpack security:

Pacsafe Anti-Theft Bags & Travel Security Products
Travel Security Products

Country guides:

Government Advice for UK travellers
Government Advice for US travellers
South East Asia specific travel advice
Weather information by country

Accommodation:

Hostel information by country
Youth Hostel Association – UK
Youth Hostel Association – Worldwide

Phrasebooks:

www.lastminute.com
www.collinslanguage.com

Stock photos:

www.tssphoto.com
www.the-lightbox.com
www.availablestockphotos.com

Links to the suppliers of the travel gear I use and recommend can be found through out this site. . . . → Read More: Suppliers]]>

Links to the suppliers of the travel gear I use and recommend can be found through out this site. Here is a list of those suppliers on one page.

I don’t work for any of the companies listed, neither do I receive any money from them to list them here. The list changes all the time as I add new suppliers and test out new gear.

I buy my equipment from companies on both sides of the Atlantic (I am both British and American). US-based companies and website links are preceded by and those in the UK by

For example, most of the things I buy I get from Amazon US or Amazon UK.

When I am in the States I frequently shop at REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.), and have bought equipment from them online too. All the products have been high quality, including their own brand. You can also become a member of their cooperative by paying a small joining fee which entitles you to an annual dividend (about 10% of what you spent with them the previous year).

I have bought equipment online from Magellan’s International Travel Inc (based in California). They have a US website and a UK website. I order mostly from the UK website as if they don’t have what you want they can get it quite quickly (I assume from the US).

Another supplier with websites for both the US and the UK is Tilley Endurables. I have bought hats and travel underwear from this company and am very happy with both. Everything is very good quality and worth the little extra it may cost.



I bought my main travel pack, the MEI Voyageur, directly from the manufacturer, you can read about them here. The website has their email address but you can also contact them by clicking here: mei-legacy@netscape.com

I bought one of Kiva Design’s lightweight backpacks for carrying small amounts of shopping and sometimes laundry. It packs away really small in its own stuff sack and fits in a pocket or clips to a belt.

A good clothing store where I shop in London is Rohan. They also sell travel accessories and have an online store.

As well as being a travel equipment supplier both in their stores and online, Nomad have a travel clinic which gives advice on travel health and can give vaccinations and supply you with malaria pills.

Craghoppers don’t have their own store but many stores stock their excellent gear. They also have an online store from which I have bought equipment before.

Other US suppliers I have used are Campmor for camping equipment, and Sierra Trading Post, an online outlet mall for clothing and equipment.

All my hammock requirements are met by Hennessy Hammocks, I have the Ultralite Backpacker model.

You can find Eagle Creek gear in a lot of other stores and websites but they also have their own online store. I like their money belts and pouches (I have two).

For water purification I use products like the Aquapure Traveller water bottle and the Steripen handheld, pocket-sized water purifier.

The MIOX water purifier is supplied by Mountain Safety Research. They also make some great stoves, tents and other gear.

Good knives and other tools are supplied by Leatherman and Victorinox (Swiss Army knives) and can be bought anywhere.

Camera

There are two types of camera (apart from a camera phone) you can take travelling. Either an SLR . . . → Read More: Gadgets]]>

Camera

There are two types of camera (apart from a camera phone) you can take travelling. Either an SLR digital with a selection of lenses, or a point-and-shoot camera. For the difference in quality and performance you get between both, you are better off taking the point-and-shoot.

I am a photographer and regularly use both types of camera, but if you don’t believe me or want a second opinion, read more about it here on Ken Rockwell’s excellent photography site.

Personally, I have been using an Canon PowerShot S95 (shown here) which gives great results.

The only thing you really have to worry about is batteries. Some cameras use standard batteries, such as AA size. If you you can’t find one of these then you will need to take your charger (plus a spare rechargeable battery).

The size of memory card to take depends on the megapixel count of your digital camera and how many photos you normally take.

As an aside, 6 megapixels is more than enough resolution for pictures. Higher resolutions are just wasted, it is just a way for camera manufacturers to make you buy the latest model. And anyway, larger pictures are always reduced for printing, emailing or displaying on the web (and you can print excellent 12″ x 18″ prints from a 3 megapixel camera). I use the 5 megapixel setting on my 10 megapixel camera.

If you intend to keep all your photos on your card for your entire trip then a larger card is best, but if you take a laptop or can upload them to the Internet at any time then a smaller card will suffice. Remember to take the camera/laptop adapter/cable.

To give you a rough idea of how many pictures you can fit on one card, an 8 megapixel camera taking JPG images at full resolution will fit just over 300 pictures into 1GB of card space.

Many photographers keep at least two high-capacity cards with them, not only for the extra capacity but for the security too. That way if they lose a card, or if it becomes corrupted, they have another one on hand.

Cell/mobile phone

Having your phone with you is useful for emergencies or business trips but not for the kind of travelling where you are trying to get away from it all.

If you do take one you need to make sure it will work in the places to which you will be travelling (also make sure the charger will work), and that you won’t get charged a fortune to make calls.



A phone can be used for other things too, which can make them worth taking, even if you don’t make any calls. Some have alarm clocks and calculators, your phone’s address book can be packed with useful numbers before you go, and in some cases you can record addresses (geographical and email), even websites.

In the same way that you do at home, your phone’s LCD screen can also be used as a mini-torch/flashlight in emergencies.

Most cameras these days have both still and video options. They won’t replace a good point-and-shoot (yet), but they can be used as a kind of ‘visual notebook’.

You can browse the Internet for travel info on the road with some phones and plans, but this can get expensive (especially overseas).

One feature you may not think of immediately is that because most phones can accept memory cards you can use these for storage, not only of pictures, but of any other type of file you can copy from/to a computer. Such uses may include storing financial details, scanned documents (all encrypted, of course), maps, guidebook pages, etc. See the Papers – Security page for more ideas.

This is also true for camera memory. You will take away space that could be used for images but text files are very small so this shouldn’t be a problem.

iPods can also be used in this way as storage devices but this is a little more tricky and you can sometimes overwrite the information you have saved when adding songs to them if you aren’t careful.

If you are worried about losing the card/phone/camera or memory card and someone finding your files, then (again), make sure that the data is encrypted. You can also hide files in various ways (consult an expert!)

Laptop

Having a portable computer when you travel has its advantages and disadvantages. They are heavy and can be bulky, fragile and tempting for thieves, but they do have their uses.

I carry an Asus EeePC 1005HA which has a 10″ screen and is thin and light. I have been using these small laptops on the road for a while now (way before the MacBook Air came out!). It is as small as a piece of standard letter/A4 paper.

Remember, you will also have to carry the power supply and cord, plus adapters and any other accessories, which adds to the total weight.

For the number and types of use you get out of it, however, it may be better to use Internet cafes.

If you carry a flash drive you can keep data (and some applications) on this and use the computers you find overseas to get to it. Also, if you keep your data on a server or in your email then you can get to this too.

Be careful when using any computer that isn’t your own, as some could have viruses or password stealing programs loaded on them.

Calculator

Some watches and phones have these but if yours doesn’t you can buy one, they are cheap and light. You can use them for currency and tip calculations and some come with language phrasebooks built in.

Alarm clock/watch

Watches with batteries will eventually run down, so make sure that replacing it is easy and cheap, not as easy as you might think (find out how to do it before you leave).

Cell phones (and some cameras) have built-in clocks too.

Phones and watches both come with alarms but sometimes it is useful to have a separate alarm clock.

Torch/flashlight

Always a very useful piece of equipment. Good for reading, finding your way, and exploring at night.

There are really two choices, either a Mini Maglite or an LED flashlight or headlamp, such as those made by Petzl. I personally use a Petzl Tikka XP LED Headlamp (shown here).

Modern LED flashlights have different power settings, some flash for emergency signalling.

Hands-free operation is a bonus, a lot of LED lights come with a headband. You can also buy adjustable headstraps for Maglites and other AA-battery-sized lights.

Other things to consider are battery life, availability of batteries, bulb life, and brightness. Whichever you choose it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Multi-tool/knife

Another useful item to have while travelling. Carrying one these days, however, is complicated by airline rules as knives of any kind are banned from carry-on luggage.

The options are to leave your multi-tool at home or to check your bag. You probably won’t be travelling on planes that much, so having such a useful tool with you is worth the extra hassle of the odd checked bag.

You can also put the tool/knife in your day sack and check that instead (bulked up with laundry or newspaper), thereby keeping your valuables with you in your main bag.

I carry a Leatherman Wave multi-tool (shown here) with a leather sheath (sold separately but sometimes they come bundled together), both of which you can buy in the US here or in the UK here.

Eating utensils

Buying food in supermarkets and local shops is a good way to cut down on expenses. You will need something to eat it in and with, however.

You don’t need to take plates and cutlery with you, you can always improvise, often using the containers in which you buy the food.

One useful item to take, though, is a cup. There are a number of collapsible cups designed for travelling, some better than others. I use one made by Flatterware.

It holds both hot and cold liquids (about 12 fl.oz), and come in a variety of colours. They collapse into a convenient size for travel. I carry mine in my day pack.

If you carry a multi-tool you should already have a knife, so all you need is something to use as a spoon and fork, or the two combined into one, i.e. a ‘spork’.

In the past these were a bad compromise between the two implements, but these days you can buy a better version, for example, a Light My Fire Spork (shown above).

Fire Steel

Another great tool made by Light My Fire is the Swedish Firesteel (shown here).

This is not an essential item for travelling around the world (and would probably not be allowed on a plane either), it is more of an item for camping or backpacking. You can always find a lighter or matches wherever you are in the world. But if you are miles from nowhere, your lighter runs out and your matches are wet then this is very useful.

When struck it makes a 3,000 degree spark which ignites many different types of tinder in any weather and at any altitude. I have the Scout model on a leather lanyard which I wear around my neck.

Compass

Another useful item I keep on the lanyard is a compass. These are good for hiking but also for finding your way in unfamiliar cities.

If you have a city map, then it is even more useful. Just stepping out of a subway onto the street can make you feel disoriented, so this is good for finding your bearings.

I have a tiny Silva Caribiner 28 compass (shown here). This is from a quality manufacturer but is small and light (and works just as well as a larger model).

If you can’t find any of the Caribiner range then another good model is the Silva 1-2-3 compass, which measures just 2″ x 3″.

Whistle

The last item on my lanyard is a whistle. This is lightweight and emits a 100+ decibel sound.

It has multiple uses (mainly security related). You can use it to deter muggers, or avoid other unwanted attention in the street, as an alarm, say in a hotel room at night if someone breaks in, or as an emergency signal if you are lost somewhere.

Rubber door stop

Another good security device to have when travelling is some kind of door stop which can be used to wedge a door firmly closed at night. Some come with alarms built in which activate if disturbed. You can buy these online (here, for example).

Taking large amounts of your own currency for changing when you arrive is probably one of the worst options . . . → Read More: Taking Cash]]>

Taking large amounts of your own currency for changing when you arrive is probably one of the worst options for carrying money.

Your exchange rate will be retail, which is always going to be more expensive that wholesale.

Also, in most places, the person doing the exchanging will always want their little “cut” from the transaction.

Banks and hotels are the best places to change money but you can still get ripped off by the unscrupulous. Keep an eye on the daily rates to avoid this.

Remember, there may also be a fee for currency conversion so always ask about this before handing over your money.

Also, cash is the least secure way of carrying money, once it is lost or stolen that is usually it.



If you do bring cash from home, make sure any bills you bring are clean and brand new (you will have less trouble changing them).

Similarly, don’t accept torn or worn money in developing countries because you will have trouble getting rid of it.

And never exchange money with anyone you don’t know (people off the street, for example), even if they appear to be giving you a great rate.

The black market for foreign currencies in some countries is driven by restrictions on foreign currency ownership and artificially high exchange rates.

As well as being illegal in most countries, changing money on the street puts you at risk of getting counterfeit notes, being short-changed, or even robbed (handing over cash to people you meet on the street is never a good idea).

All that said, some people advise changing and bringing a little local currency with you, if only to avoid the possible hassle of doing it when you arrive at the airport and you need some loose change for buses or snacks.

However, foreign currency can be expensive to buy at home, and for the small amounts involved it usually isn’t much of of a problem to buy it when you arrive.

If you do get it at home, though, try to find a commission-free provider. In the UK this would be someone like Marks & Spencer, Lloyds TSB, the Post Office or Thomas Cook. But check exchange rates before choosing as they can vary somewhat between each of them.

Ultimately, when choosing between the methods above of getting to your money, remember that there are usually only a few percentage points difference between each of them. But it is worth knowing about them, nevertheless, so you can make an informed choice at the appropriate time.

Once upon a time, everyone who travelled carried traveller’s cheques, but not anymore. Nowadays, credit cards are the norm.