Packing...I'm still not an expert at it after 32 years, but I get better every time! I'll get onto some ideas for that minefield later, but for now here are some other things to consider for your travels.

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Travel Insurance

Once considered a luxury, Travel Insurance should now be at the top of your list to buy with tickets and passport photos. Events in the world even over the past 10 years have amplified the need for decent travel insurance which covers you for repatriation, medical expenses, lost luggage, theft and particularly end supplier failure - that is, if the company you booked through (airline, agency, etc) goes bankrupt while you're away you are still covered to get home.

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Electrical & Digital Items

OK, so you have your DSL, your Tablet, your GoPro, your smartphone...do you have the corresponding charging cords and adaptors and converters?

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One idea is to take a 4-plug powerboard with you from your home country and thus only require one adaptor to use on the main cord to plug in to charge your items. This works if you are using the same voltage as the country you are visiting. As an example, Europe uses 220V and many other places around the world use this or close to this voltage (240V). However USA and Canada use 120V which means you also need a converter to ensure you don't burn out your appliances.

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If you have USB-charging devices then it gets even easier and lighter - simply purchase a multi-socket USB travel charger with adaptors for each zone and you are good to go. Do, however, check that your device will work with that charger and doesn't still require the full power plug to charge. There are a few sneaky devices out there that won't function without the original plug as well as the cord.

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As a side note, if you plan to take your favourite hairdryer or straightener/curling iron with you, perhaps rethink this as these are the first items to burn out and blow fuses when you plug them in from a low to a high voltage, even with an adaptor. Yes, I can hear the screams of horror already, but there is a solution - plan to purchase a small hairdryer or iron as soon as you arrive in that country. That way you have something that will survive on your holiday AND an new travel appliance for the next visit. You can also purchase specialised travel hairdryers with voltage switches and for the most part they work, but can be expensive.

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Batteries

As in lithium or device-specific batteries. For items such as DSL cameras and recording devices it is a good idea to spend the money on an extra battery. That way if you forget to charge one the other one is ready, and if you are travelling in sub-zero temperatures you will find the cold drains batteries in record time so capturing the Auroras or a whale as it surfaces will be easier when you can quickly switch to the full battery (that you have kept warm!). 

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Memory Cards

Always carry a spare. Always. And the bigger the better. You will take more photos and video than you think you will and there is nothing worse than having to choose which images to delete every day just to fit the next day's in.

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