TRAVEL LINKS
There is certainly no shortage of resources online for the independent traveller. Here are a few of our favourites.
- +Lonely Planet
- A terrific site with bags of information. You could do worse than begin your journey planning here with everything from flights to accommodation. The famous guides are authoritative and up to date.
- +Advice for Health
of Travellers - A very useful government site for travellers. From here you can order your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) giving you access to free medical care within the EEC. There are the latest health updates from around the world as well as advice on getting treatment in different countries. There is advice on staying healthy and on avoiding specific diseases.
- +Google Earth
- Like a living detailed atlas. If you haven't experienced the power of this programme before, go there now!
- +Rough Planet
- Gives an excellent brief overview of every country giving basic information on topics such as currency, attractions, crime and weather. A nice one to check out if you're still undecided where to go.
- +Backpacker Planet
- Describing itself as a "budget guide for the independent traveller", this is a very nicely designed site full of useful information and tips.
- +XE.com
- Handy currency converter.
- +Randy's Travel Page
- Articles, anecdotes, galleries, tips - lots to whet the appetite!
- +dohop.com
- An online flight planner. Dohop searches more than 660 airlines around the world for the best flights and connections. It finds the fastest route, checks the latest prices and finds links to airlines and travel agents.
- +The Man in Seat Sixty-One
- An interesting site giving you global sea and rail travel options as an alternative to flying.
- +Travel Library
- Good for checking out hotels rentals, hostels etc. Lots of reviews and recommendations.
- +Nature Travels
- UK specialists for wildlife trips and outdoor holidays in Sweden.
TRAVEL
••Travel Kit Check List - Tips
What you decide to take on your trip will be determined by several different factors which you will need to think about:
- How long am I going for?
- What kind of weather conditions will I be experiencing? What kind of terrain?
- Am I going solo, or with friends/ family/ children?
- Do I have any specific individual requirements?
- Do I wish to record my journey in any form; video, photos, or a journal of some kind?
- Are there any sports or special activities that I will be doing?
- Do I need to bring any gifts for people?
There is however one overriding principle that will help you to buy and to pack the right stuff.
Travel as light as possible.
Use your commonsense and try to plan according to the kind of trip that you are going on. Try to stick to what you definitely need rather than what you might possibly want, while allowing yourself a few indulgences for the sake of morale!
If you can share an item with a fellow traveller, then share. If you are in a group, for example, it makes no sense for everyone to pack a travel iron. If you can rent a piece of specialist equipment at your destination then it may make sense to go for that option.
Kitting out and packing is a pleasurable part of the travel experience. Your mind will begin to focus with anticipation on the adventures and fun which lie ahead. There's nothing worse than a last minute rush, lurching out of the front door and hurling yourself onto a plane to be dumped somewhere strange a few hours later. Relax and enjoy your preparations making sure that you leave yourself plenty of time.
The RANGER Kit Check List is based on our personal experience but it should be treated as a guide only. It has been designed to help you make sure that you do not forget anything important, and that you have everything that you might need. Should you require any more help please do not hesitate to ask our friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Have a great time!
••RANGER Travel Kit Check List
Documentation / Money
- Passport
- Visas
- Immunisation papers / medical forms
- Hotel reservations
- Driving licence / International
- Foreign currency
- Credit cards
- Travellers cheques
- Insurance documents
- Special event tickets
- Emergency information: passport nos. phone nos. addresses etc.
- Maps / travel guides
Luggage
- Rucksack / suitcase / holdall
- Daysack
- Padlocks / chain / mesh
- Money belt (concealable)
- Wallet
- Wash bag
- Stuff sacks for organisation
- Luggage id tags
Clothing
- Shirts / T Shirts
- Trousers / Skirts / Shorts
- Underwear
- Socks / Tights. DVT socks?
- Nightwear
- Swimwear / sarong
- Pullover / fleece / sweatshirt
- Jacket, light or heavy
- Waterproofs
- Hat, peak or brim for sun
- Bandana
- Boots/ travel shoes
- Sandals / flip flops
Hygiene and Health
- Toiletries
- Towel. Travel / beach
- Travel first aid kit
- Prescription medication / Contraception
- Tampons
- Anti malarial pills
- Insect repellent
- Diarrhoea treatment
- Food supplements, vitamins etc
- Sun lotion or block
- Water purification system / tablets
- Mosquito net and attachments
- Travel soap / detergent
Personal Stuff
- Prescription glasses
- Watch
- Reading material
- Walkman / world radio
- Games / cards
- Camera / film
- Journal / notebook
- Pen / pencil
- Binoculars / monocular
Useful Stuff
- Swiss army knife
- Mini flashlight / headlamp
- Water bottle
- Matches / lighter
- Sleeping bag / travel sheet
- Sewing kit
- Travel clothes line
- Travel iron
- Travel alarm clock
- Sunglasses (with neck strap)
- Mesh bag for laundry
- Spare batteries
- Resealable plastic bags
- Elastic bands / safety pins / tape

