If you’re one of those people who spends the lead-up to a holiday worrying that you haven’t packed everything you need, you’re not alone. Many of us obsess over taking every single item we could possibly have a need for while we’re away — and as a result end up lugging more luggage along with us than we really need to.

It’s sensible to take a step back and think logically about what you absolutely must take with you and separate those items from those that are essentially luxuries or at the very least things that you could pick up while you’re away if needs be. Looking at the situation in those terms, you’ll quickly determine that there are only a handful of items that you absolutely must take with you when head off on your travels.

Passport/other legal documentation

We’ll start off with a no-brainer. If you’re travelling overseas, you’ll need to have your passport with you if you want to be allowed into your destination country.Some countries will also require you to present other legal documentation such as a visa, so be sure to do your research before you travel.

Travel itinerary

While there’s no fun in mapping out your entire stay before you leave, it is important to print out or note down some essential information before you leave for the airport. You’ll need your e-ticket to get on the plane, while details such as the address and contact details of the accommodation you’ll be staying in are also handy to have in case you have trouble finding it when you arrive.

Travel insurance information

If you’re heading off on holiday then you need to make sure you’re covered with an appropriate travel insurance policy. This will provide much needed assistance in the event of a medical emergency or if you’re the victim of crime while you’re away, so don’t take the risk of travelling without insurance. Take all the relevant details with you so that you can get the ball rolling as soon as possible if you’re unfortunate enough to need to make a claim.

Foreign currency

While you could just pack a debit or credit card and worry about money once you land, you’ll be much better off if you buy your foreign currency before you travel. Not only will you ensure a better exchange rate by exchanging your currency early; you’ll also have the opportunity to take the majority of it as traveller’s cheques if you wish, giving you added security.

Mobile phone

Of course, people managed to go on holiday just fine before the invention of the mobile phone but it truly is a modern essential for travellers. Being able to call for help instantly in the event of an emergency or if you find yourself lost abroad is a ‘luxury’ that you can’t really afford to ignore. If you’re planning to use your mobile phone a lot while you’re away, do a spot of research to see if it would be cheaper to take your existing handset with you or to buy a cheap local phone once you arrive at your destination.