The Travel Essentials
Expeditions l Overland l City l Jungle l Desert l Trekking
Expeditions
Maps, compass, guide books You will almost certainly be asked to carry your own compass but not necessarily your own map. Unless you are the leader, a mid price compass will suffice. You won't really need a guide book, however, it's worth considering a book on plants and birds.
Knife If most of your trip is in the outdoors a strong locking knife is best. If an expedition is only a small part of your travels you may wish to choose a multifunctional knife.
Bits and pieces Karabiners, whistle, gaffa tape, sewing kit, paracord, bungees, tent pegs, firelighters and all weather notebook are key. Add a large needle and thick thread to your sewing kit for equipment repairs. A strip of Velcro is useful for repairing broken zips. A world radio is a complete luxury although there's something very reassuring listening to the World Service when the going gets tough.
Overland
Maps, compass, guide books Unless you are travelling with a tour operator, you will need it all. A compass set for all zones, maps and guide books for each country you're spending time in. Some guide books cover more than one country which is useful if you are covering large regions.
Knife We recommend a multi-function knife or tool. A tool is very useful if you plan to stay in one place for any length of time or you are on a self-drive trip.
Bits and pieces All of them - be prepared.
City
Map, compass, guide books City guide books are usually accurate and informative. Sometimes they don't give you one big overall map but it's easy to pick one up when you arrive. A simple button compass is a great idea as it's easy to lose your bearings.
Knife A lighter-weight pocket knife will cover most eventualities - get one with scissors.
Bits and pieces If you are taking any electrical travel items you will need to take an adaptor. An alarm clock will stop you missing your flight.
Jungle
Maps and books just fall apart in the tropics. Keep maps in a large see-through zip-lock wallet or cover them with clear sticky-backed plastic before you leave. A weather resistant notebook is a very good idea for this climate. We always seem to go through a lot of gaffa tape, certainly in thorny jungle. If you take any electrical equipment (torch, radio etc) or camera protect them from damp as much as possible. Don't forget a whistle.
Desert
A compass and a robust knife/multi-tool will be your two best friends. It's essential to keep checking your compass so you're not walking in circles. If you are with a vehicle, a multi-tool with a stainless steel lock knife can be used for everything from cooking to digging up stones to make a fire. Seal your camera with gaffa tape to keep the copious amounts of dust out. Keep a whistle on you at all times - sound carries a long way if you lose sight of your party. A good pair of sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection is also essential.
Trekking
Carry a whistle, compass and knife on you at all times. Beef up a regular sewing kit with strong needle and thread. You will most probably be with a local guide so a map isn't essential although it is a pleasure to follow your route. Try Stanfords for decent ordnance maps, tel: 020 7836 1321. Sunglasses are very important, at higher altitudes where the sun's rays are very strong.
Maps, Compasses & Guides
Survival skills
In rural areas, jungle, desert or on trek we would strongly advise you to learn how to use a compass and read a map. Even with a guide or group, we constantly hear of people getting into trouble because they have become separated on their own without these basic survival skills. See our ultimate kit lists for each type of travel.
Beyond guide book travel
Guide books are definitely a good introduction but for real insight make an effort to talk with local people to find those extra special places. If you can find a local taxi driver with good English, it's usually cheap enough to hire him for a day or two to take you into hidden corners. There are now phrase books for practically every language and speaking a bit of the lingo is a great ice-breaker. In some parts of the world such as South America, a basic vocabulary is essential.