High Tatras National Park, Slovakia / Photo by Julo for Best of European Union

1. Decent sized day pack:

Not too big, not too small and preferably with lots of handy compartments. About 50 cl should do it, and if at all possible get a bag which comes with a waterproof cover for all weather conditions.

2. Tent:

The ultimate in outdoor survival, especially if you plan on staying out all night and star gazing. There are plenty of light-weight, waterproof varieties on the market, just make sure the one you buy will fit comfortably into your back pack.

3. Water:

Probably the most important, but sadly the most often overlooked. Taking more than enough is always plentiful, especially if going on a hike, as you just don’t know when you’ll next be able to re-fill.

4. Map:

When you arrive at the park visit the office or wardens cabin and acquire a map, preferably one with hiking trails, that way you won’t have to lay a trail of breadcrumbs to find your way back.

Czech Paradise National Park, The Czech Republic / Photo by Julo for Best of European Union

5. Torch:

This one’s mainly for camping purposes, but handy none the less to have on you, you’ll certainly benefit in the caves at Mammoth or Carlsbad Caverns national parks. A head torch is ideal for night time cooking.

6. Synthetics or wool:

Not cotton – because cotton doesn’t stay warm when wet, so if you sweat and it’s cold you won’t be able to keep warm easily. Clothing in general is good to think about – pack lots of thin layers so you can add to your attire if cold, thermals are a great addition for under garments too.

7. Waterproof everything:

Light weight jacket and trousers, because even in America you never know what the weather will be like, and you’d be surprised how wet you can get stood next to the falls of Yosemite, if it’s cold when you visit, you’ll certainly appreciate those waterproof layers.

8. Batteries:

Camera, torch, kindle or whatever else you need batteries for, if you’re stuck in the most beautiful stop in the world without a working camera is probably one of the most excruciating experiences ever. Remember the boy scouts motto and always ‘be prepared’.

When packing for any holiday it’s important to make thorough lists about what you need and what you want, it keeps you focussed on the activities you’ll be doing, and stops you from over packing. One essential piece of advice would be not to pack or buy anything you think you can get cheaper abroad, thermals, water bottles and generally anything you think you can get cheaper where you’re going should be left out if possible, to make more room for other essentials.

Holli likes to travel and in her spare time takes every opportunity to experience the outdoors.

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Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, France by Jeff Warren

The black cabs you can come across in Paris should not be confused with the black cabs of London. Instead of being the Hackney carriage cabs, some of the services you can find in Paris include the supply of various types of transport including private saloon cars, limousines, mini-buses and so on. You can also find some extremely reasonable prices around the city which is another highly significant benefit.

There are plenty of reasons why you should choose chauffeur services over other types of transport. Convenience is of course a big attraction and the door-to-door service offered will always be well received, especially after a long journey. Also the touch of luxury aspect; the vehicles that are used are not only in beautiful condition for the utmost comfort but they are usually fitted with all the mod-cons you would expect in nice vehicles. Also, and this is probably overlooked sometimes, driver knowledge is key. For example, you may be going to a destination which is away from the usual tourist routes and this is where driver knowledge will come into play. In these scenarios the local driver knowledge is extremely hard to beat. The chauffeur will make sure you arrive at your destination in style. If for some reason he or she does not know the route then there is always the sat-nav.

It is clear that when you are on a trip it pays to get with a good chauffeur company. They are usually easy to find online and you can book their services in this way too. Taking the chance to let someone else take up the slack and drive you around in is a very desirable option and this can also be the mode of transport that makes your trip that bit more relaxing and less stressful.

Article written by Tony Rothen representing http://www.parisblackcabs.com/ who offer Paris airport transfers, limousines, shuttles and other services to such destinations as Disneyland.

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