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.

The post 8 Essential Items For Travelers When Visiting Any National Park appeared first on Best of European Union.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Nick Ares

Personalisation

You may think your black suitcase is highly distinctive, but when you’re standing at the luggage carousel with the other 300 people from your holiday flight, all of whom also have a black suitcase, it may suddenly seem a bit less identifiable. Personalise your luggage in a way which will let you spot it quickly on the luggage belt or when it comes off a coach with a brightly coloured ribbon tied around the handles, stickers or a luggage strap marked with your name or even a favourite football club. The more unusual the personalisation, the easier it will be to grab your bag quickly.

Labelling and Security

Statistics show that for every 1,000 passengers who fly, 3 arrive at their destination without their bags. 98% of this luggage is eventually reunited with its proper owners, and this process can be made quicker by attaching labels to each piece of luggage with your name and contact details such as mobile number or email address. It is never wise to pack expensive electrical items in your hold baggage; it is best to keep these items with you in the cabin of the plane.

Choice of Luggage

The type of luggage which you take will depend on the sort of trip. A Samsonite hard sided case is not the best choice for a month trekking in the Himalayas, and you may feel out of place at a very smart hotel with a battered old rucksack. For weekends away, something like The North Face Base Camp Duffel bag is light, portable and comes in a range of eye-catching colours. As The North Face Base Camp Duffel is relatively unusual, it will also be easy to pick out on the carousel.

Excess Baggage

When booking your tickets, check the regulations about baggage carefully. Although for many long haul trips the luggage limit may be as high as 30kg, on budget airlines passengers are subject to much stricter regulations about what they are allowed to check in, both in terms of size and weight. Some airlines such as BA have a flat rate of £40 for bags up to 10kg over the limit, whereas others such as Ryanair charge £20 per kilo for overweight bags. Weigh your bags before leaving for the airport to avoid any nasty surprises at check in.

Carry On Luggage

With the high rates for checked in luggage, it can be tempting to cram everything into the bag you take onto the plane with you. Airlines have a limit on the weight you can take onto the plane with you, and a heavy bag falling out of the overhead lockers can be dangerous. Budget airlines are strict about the size of cabin baggage, and anything over the limit will have to be checked in. Measure your bags against the dimensions quoted on the airline’s website to ensure you will be allowed to take your bag on the plane.

Trekitt offer a large range of travel bags including The North Face Basecamp Duffel.

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