Visiting Australia is a lot like traveling anywhere; you probably know most of what you need to bring. Passport? Check. Tourist Visa? Check. Extra underwear? Check (you can thank your mom for this one). And yet, there are items you will need that are particular to the place you’re visiting. When it comes to Australia, these items might seem pretty self-evident, but if you forget one you’re going to be sorry. So here are just a few must-have items to squeeze in your luggage when you head to the land down under.
1. Swimsuit. If you’re visiting Australia during their summer months, you’re probably going to want to strip down and hit the beach because it gets hot! So pack your teeny bikini or swim trunks for some fun in the sun and a shot at a great tan.
2. Rain coat. Floods may not be common in the outback, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get their fair share of rain. And when it comes, you might suffer from several days of downpour. Since rain is sporadic, come prepared with a slicker.
3. Sandals and tennis shoes. If you pack a nice pair of sandals, you don’t really have to bring heels. And you certainly don’t want to go out barefoot; not only are ground-dwelling pests like biting ants and spiders an issue, but you can actually burn the bottoms of your feet on the ground if it’s hot enough! And since you’ll probably do a fair bit of walking on your vacay, comfortable walking shoes are a must.
4. Sunblock and sunglasses. It sometimes seems like the sun shines brighter in the land down under, so you’ll want to make sure your skin and eyes are protected. SPF 30 (minimum) is recommended for sunblock, and make sure that all items offer UVA and UVB protection. You may want to buy sunblock when you get there, but take along a small bottle for the interim.
5. Power adapters. Not every country has the same type of outlets (or voltage). In fact, many are different throughout the world. So if you want your electronics to work (or charge), you need to bring an international adapter (or a set). You can get a basic universal adapter online for less than five dollars.
6. Medication. If you realize thousands of miles from home that you’re going to run out of your prescription, you might have a pretty hard time arranging a refill. So make sure to get enough medication to last through your trip (plus some extra in case of emergencies like delayed flights).
7. Smart phone or tablet with Wi-Fi. Need a map? How about a book to take on the plane? Looking for a hotel, restaurant, or some entertainment in the city you’re visiting? Want to talk on Skype instead of paying international calling fees? With a smart phone or tablet and a Wi-Fi hotspot, you can now manage these and many other tasks for free when you travel internationally. These days, you can have everything on one device to make your trip to Australia hassle-free.
Emma Martin writes for Charming Sicily where you can find the best in Sicily hotels and plan your next luxurious vacation.