Without your tickets you wont be going anywhere. Security at ports is tight and there is no hope to stow away! The sooner you get them the cheaper they will be.

You will need somewhere to stay, and you should 'know before you go' but don't take anything you read on Internet review sites as gospel!

You don't want to get sick while you are away, and everyone knows that these foreign places are rife with disease.

Don't forget that your normal medical arrangements won't cover you when you go away. Get covered to avoid the risk of not being able to get care.

What use is going away if you don't get some good snaps to show for it? A decent camera that you know how to get good results from is a must.

Whether you are waiting in airports or relaxing on the beach, a good read makes the experience much better. With modern e-readers you can pack a whole library!

The Lobster Look is definitely out. Not only does burning pose health risks, even if it doesn't kill you, you will just end up looking like you were made out of leather.

An excessively heavy bag can ruin your day. Pick one you can handle and pack accordingly. If you are back packing this is doubly important.

Always take one smart outfit with you. You never know what kind of glitzy event you could find your way into if you look right!

Cash, cards or cheques you are going to need plenty of spending money. Cut back day to day so you can splash out when you go away.