You’ll be set next time you travel if you bring a good attitude and five simple essentials.

Money

Unless you’re planning to hitchhike and beg for food, money is a must. Take cash, credit and debit cards or traveler’s checks, but make sure you take something. Money is even more important that clothing, since you can always use the money to buy new clothes. Keep your money safe with hidden packs you can hide under your clothes. Don’t carry large sums of cash. Make sure you also have access to emergency funds, perhaps with an emergency credit card or one that has high limits, in case of emergency.

Clothes

The clothes you pack should match the environment and the weather. Check the extended forecast for the area and time you’ll be staying. Also plan for the type of adventure you’re expecting. Leave your leather mini-skirt and three-piece suit at home if you’re hiking in the mountains. Clothing should always include extra socks and underwear, preferably without holes, and a jacket even if you don’t think you’re going to need one. Any clothes you forget, you can always buy since you brought your money, of course.

Shoes

Shoes can wreck a vacation if they hurt. Bring at least one pair that is comfortable, durable and fits you well. Never travel with a new pair that you have not yet broken in or sore feet and blisters can ruin your trip. Buying new shoes with the money you brought won’t solve the problem. Athletic type walking shoes are best for general travel. The same travel tips for clothing apply to shoes: they need to match the weather and type of adventure. That means no snow boots on the beach, no flip flops for mountain hiking and no hiking boots for an elegant night out on the town – unless, of course, they match your leather mini-skirt or three-piece suit.

Paperwork

Paperwork is not exciting but it is vital if you want to get where you’re going with minimal hassle – or at all. Your identification is at the top of the travel tips essentials list, whether it’s a passport to enter a foreign country or ID to get on the plane. Paperwork also includes your airline and other tickets, information on car rentals, hotels and other preliminaries, directions, phone numbers and a map. Most of your research can be done online and printed out. Keep all your travel tips info together in a single folder so it’s conveniently at hand. Don’t forget the folder.

Miscellaneous Musts

Miscellaneous musts include those small yet very important things that you cannot travel without, even for a single day. Prescription medication is on list, as are special vitamins, eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, your toothbrush, toothpaste and other health-related items and toiletries. A few first-aid essentials should also make it into your suitcase. These include bandages for cuts, rubbing alcohol for sterilization and eye drops for red and tired eyes. Some type of small multi-tool, such as a Swiss army knife, can be a lifesaver for sudden repairs, splinters or cutting needs. Just don’t try to take it on the plane or authorities will take it away from you. Small tools with sharp points are definitely a suitcase item for cargo. One more way to assess your personal miscellaneous musts is to go through your day, noting every item you use throughout it.

About the author: Diane Johnson primarily writes about classes and anything else that interests her. She enjoys traveling, reading, and sports.