Your worldly goods are coming round the world with you - on your back. Do you really need those glitter sandals with three-inch heels or beloved leather jacket?

On your back be it
A decent rucksack is essential. You're lugging your life on your back for the duration of your trip. Ask for some advice at a decent travel shop and take your time when making a choice.

Consider this:
Is it comfortable?
Is it easily adjustable?
Is it waterproof?
Are there re-enforcers for when it gets really full?
Can the zips be padlocked together?

Daypack and money belt
You'll need another bag for all your essentials. Lots of backpacks come with detachable daypacks that are also ideal for short trips. You'll need to keep your valuables close - tucked into the top of your trousers in a secure money belt is a good bet. Just don't leave it on the seat of the bus when you go to the toilet…

Tips for a perfect pack
There's a knack to loading your sack: if in any doubt at all, don't take it. If you have to question whether you need it, you won't. Yes, your new boob tube may help you pull but when it's extra weight in your backpack, so you'll just have to make do with buying your potential date an extra pint. You'll find everyone is a bit less clothes conscious when travelling anyway. (However, please don't take this to the extreme and deck yourself head to toe in tie-die - we've seen it happen and it ain't pretty…).

Don't cram to the max. Leave as much room as possible for the inevitable must-have 'souvenirs'. Plus, if you don't have time on your travels to pack as carefully as you (or your mum) did the first time, the more room, the easier it'll be.

Rolling clothes instead of folding makes for an economical use of space. Things get less creased that way too. Start with your heavy items at the bottom and distribute weight evenly. Oh, go and ask your mum.

Anything you won't need in your first few days that you can buy cheaper abroad, buy it abroad, cheaper.

Take things that double as something else. E.g. After-sun doubles as moisturiser, string doubles as a washing line and so on. Your ultimate, multi-purpose item? The Sarong - not just for beach bums or David Beckham, the sarong is the traveller's must-have. They double as: sheets, towels, wraps, shawls, beach towels, cover for your legs as you go into sacred buildings abroad.

For more advice and info

Read:
'Before you go' by Tom Griffiths (Aspect Guides)

Click on:
www.yhaadventure.com
For all your packing and travelling needs - buy online or find your local store

www.statravel.co.uk/c_yearout/travelsafe_plan.asp
STA can help with travel plans and their website's got loads of good info