Remember, don't worry - you could go to most typical backpacker destinations, with only the clothes on your back and buy a backpack, all your medication, cosmetics, clothes and bits and bobs there for much less than at home (with the possible exception of the essential clothing section below).

Adage: Lay everything out that you really want to take, halve it and take twice as much money. Unfortunately the best time to pack for a trip is straight after one.

Advice for females travellers comes mainly from Georgina Lewry and reader comments (many thanks to Angela Van Dyck for her many comments and sterling proof reading efforts). The rest is based on the experiences of myself and a few others. This is not a definitive list (but as close as you might come to one); needs and people do vary, as does what is 'essential' in particular regions. In reality you need to learn most of the lessons below yourself. However, if this page persuades you to leave at least one thing at home that you would not need, then it has at least achieved something. If you want to know more about what to take with you to a specific region, you can do far worse than pick up one of the Rough Guide's: First Time Guides.

• No more than two T-shirts or similar. You could keep one to mess up and/or sleep in if needed (buy locally, you might acquire one as a souvenir) and the other could be a nicer moisture wicking polyester/dry-flo type or similar, made from a special fabric designed to suck sweat away from your body. You can always buy and discard more on the road.

Many prefer to take a polo shirt or short-sleeve shirt instead of T-shirt since it is smarter, can have its collar turned up and can be worn with a T-shirt underneath if the temperature drops. One polo/short-sleeve shirt, one T-shirt is a good mix. Women will be able to pack a few little vest-tops without taking up much room. As above moisture wicking fabric can increase comfort since it is important to remember that depending on where you are going, you are probably going to sweat a lot.

• A shirt and/or a polo shirt. At least one item with long sleeves (if these can be rolled up and fastened, even better). Shirts really are the way to go. They are the one item of clothing that will make you look less of a tourist and are practical in many ways. Their pockets are pretty secure and easy to access when sitting down (i.e. paying bus fares). They can look and feel both casual and smart, are cooling (after your head, the second best way to lose heat is through the neck area) and sleeves/collars are great sun/wind blockers. 

The importance of having at least one item of clothing with long sleeves, even if a thin cotton top, cannot be overstated since sun and mosquito protection can be paramount. If you want to blend in as much as possible when away, long sleeve shirts as opposed to T-Shirts are the clothing item of choice for much of the developing world. However, bear in mind you will never blend in completely and those who try look pretty comical. It's amazing just how funny a sari worn with a pair of Teva sandals looks!

• At least one thin, lightweight (micro) fleece - no matter where you are going it can still get pretty cold on airplanes, air-conditioned buses/trains and early mornings/late evenings (among others, SE Asian transport is notorious for fierce air-con). If you are going somewhere cooler, take a thicker fleece/fleece jacket instead. If you are heading somewhere cooler still, .i.e. high altitude or during mid-winter, take both. It's useful for any fleece to have some front zip so it can be zipped up to cover your neck (warmer) or zipped down (cooler). Take care to buy as much insulation for space as possible - you can always layer for extra warmth.

In really cold climates, you can use thermal underwear (merino wool T and polo shirts are excellent options) and if really necessary a down jacket and hat will give you the most warmth for space you can find and are the best investment you can make for silly cold climates. If you wish you could also compliment a hat with a neck gaiter (essentially just a fleece sleeve).

As a very rough rule, if you are travelling mid-(northern hemisphere)winter north of an imaginary horizontal line that can be drawn on a map through Hanoi, Nouakchott (North Africa) and Gujarat (India), then days - depending how far north of this line you are - will be mild (Delhi, Luxor) to cold (Beijing, Istanbul), but mornings/evening will certainly be cold enough to warrant a second fleece, warm under-clothes or down jacket. The same is true for mid-(southern hemisphere)winter south of an imaginary line dawn on a map through northern Australia, Southern Brazil and Botswana.

If you are lucky enough to be going on a long trip through many regions over many months, then don't panic by packing great bulky warm clothing for a cold stop on your trip months down the line - simply buy on route.

• Wrap-around or other long skirts are great for females who may get a lot of unwanted attention (normally in Asia) for showing too much skin and should be sensitive to the culture particularly in religious areas. Such a skirt also comes in handy for making bathroom stops au-natural with a little privacy, say when your bus pulls over by a field for a toilet stop. Girls, depending on their destination should also consider packing a thin lace or cotton cardigan to cover shoulders/midriff when wearing a vest-type top and wishing to enter a religious building or, and especially in Southern Asia or the Islamic world, it makes sense not to show any mid-rift and in some cases pick up locally a tunic-like light cotton top that hangs long down over your rear, that you'll see locals and other travellers with.

• Swim-wear: grab a pair of swimmers (girls see text on the right) that are fairly lightweight, don't take up loads space and are quick drying.

Wearing shorts will pretty much always make you stick out as a tourist, sometimes command you less respect and will not allow you to enter most churches, mosques and temples. You will almost never see locals wearing them, however if you want to take a pair of shorts (and can't use your swim wear as a substitute when on a beach) feel free.

Female swim-wear & modesty issues:

Tourist patronized beach resorts across the world (e.g. Southern and South East Asia or South/Central America) are fairly liberal (or at least the tourist population acts so) and what is acceptable in Europe normally goes (with the general exception of topless bathing).

A sensible costume (two pieces is fine) is best, but the rule is really whatever you would feel comfortable in at home in front of your parents. In more sensitive areas and off tourist beaches, wearing a T-shirt and even sarong over your costume may be necessary as local women will probably bathe fully clothed.

• Low cut light trail running shoes such as Salomon or North Face's range (or many other outdoor brands) are prefect for trekking and cooler weather or when you'll just not into sandals. Whatever pair you select make sure they are broken in. Basic sandals are always available abroad, good shoes are not (in less developed countries anyway - you will now find them increasingly in big Asian capitals). If you expect rain or wet weather then Gore-Tex lined versions are a worthy investment.

Big hiking boots take up a lot of room and are heavy/bulky to carry. They are hell in hot weather and you will go through socks very quickly, constantly having to wash them and continually having smelly feet. These could be the worst thing you take. Many travellers strap them to the outside of their bags or wear them when on the move. Think about where you are going, the temperature, altitude and any must-do treks, i.e. Nepal, Guatemala, Peru and New Zealand. It's only when trekking in cool mountainous regions with difficult terrain that you might feel you need the extra ankle support a boot offers, but from a travel point of view, low-cut (compact), cool and light is the way to go.

Quite frankly in many, many popular destinations it is just too hot to wear serious hiking boots and they are quite unnecessary.

• Light flip-flops, (thong) type sandals can always be brought locally, are normally very lightweight and pack neatly. These, at least for most, are no good for walking long distances in so a comfortable pair or an alternative are recommended. If taking closed footwear these are perfect for a hot weather/beach footwear option that will not take up loads of room and are light.

Never keen to recommend brands, but Teva do an amazing range of cheap, super light/comfortable flip-flops (thong) type sandals for both men and women. See comment.

Option 1:

Option 2:

Option 3:

I am just going to a hot climate in one region (i.e. South East Asia), will not be doing any big walks and understand I must keep my feet covered with insect repellent at certain times. I'm also not too squeamish and understand that on the odd occasion my feet will be open to some less than clean streets - take only sandals.

Really keeps your pack small/light and you get to wear a nice pair that support your feet and are practically uncovered walking shoes with thick soles. Your feet stay cool and you'll be wearing the same as most locals. See comment.

You can always wear socks with them if your feet get too cold such as on an say air-conditioned night bus, but at almost all times it'll be too hot to wear normal shoes. If for any reason you need something formal/alternative, you'll make a cheap local purchase.

It is going to be quite cold where I am going (I am not moving around, i.e. single climate, European/N.American winter) and even with the temperature I want to trek/climb. It may also be wet - take shoes appropriate to the climate. i.e. good shoes for real cold (China or Japan in the winter) or heavily vented shoes for warmer slightly varied dry climates (East Africa).

Trail running-type trainers are perfect, sturdy, light and very comfortable for walking. They are produced by most major outdoor companies and come in varying weight, waterproofing and venting. Coupling with nice thick sock such as a merino wool pair, will add loads of warmth and padding.

You could purchase a new pair in any major Asian capital and/or pick up flip-flop type sandals on the way if you need them.

I am doing a trip across different climates, regions and altitudes. I like to walk and plan to trek at some stage - take both shoes and sandals.

First timers and those unsure should perhaps take both, especially if they have limited info about regions and will visit more than one. Sandals should really be the light and compact flip-flop variety that can be stored easily in or on the outside of a pack, without adding too much weight.

If necessary wearing the shoes (trail-running variety as per option 2) when carry your bag to keep its size down. You do not need any more footwear than this. Remember both can be bought (of limited varying quality abroad), basic sandals being easier. Remember you could start with one or the other, get somewhere like Australia and buy more or send one pair home.

• Trek-type towel: the ones that claim to absorb 900% of their weight and are fast-drying. Viscose is one of the materials available (feel like soft, fluffy leather), but there are now many other types such as Micro Fibre (which is anti-bacterial and has a toweling feel) and your best bet is to get a recommendation from the store or website you shop at. Note that the sizes these come in are pretty small and you may need to take two if you have long hair and want one to wrap in it when wet or couple with a sarong to cover your body. You might however prefer a much bulkier small 'normal' thin cotton towel over the above mentioned travel variety as these can take a bit of getting use to. Whatever you take make sure you have some tassels on two corners of your towel in order to hang it up to dry. 

It's funny, in some countries, normally the less developed ones (generally, when you go a few dollars above rock bottom accommodation rates), you don't use your towel once and in others, you end up using it every day. If you do get fed up of your shitty little travel towel you can always spend a bit more on a slightly nicer hotel and get a 'real' soft white fluffy towel at least for one night.

Hostels will sometimes hire towels and some of the more progressive ones even offer them.

Medical kit

• Medical kit: make your own up and keep it small - just what you need to get through any bad times/emergencies until you next get to a pharmacy. Pharmacies abroad are normally excellent, easily located and 9 out of 10 times someone there will speak English, Spanish (in Latin America) or French (in West Africa). So while away or before you head off, pick up only a couple of doses/treatments of the following suggestions:

Lip salve with sun protection, cold/flu pills (with decongestant), something for a sore throat, plasters (band aids), condoms or contraceptive pill (see below), antiseptic/antibiotic cream, laxative, diarrhoea blocker, Pepto-Bismol or similar (Bismuth: upset stomach and diarrhoea reliever, pill form easier to carry), Hydrocortisone cream (2%) or something else to treat insect bites, a needle (maybe part of a mini-sewing kit) for blisters, perhaps a forehead digital thermometer and of course some pain killers.

If you feel you'll need them, then to the above list you can add: anti-fungal cream, travel/motion sickness pills, (on longer trips) mouth ulcer (aka canker sores) treatment (especially if taking Chloroquine malaria medication), anti-histamine pills and syringes and needles (but don't go mad and only if really heading off the beaten track - generally these are not something you really need to carry around with you).

Don't forget that all things medical are available much cheaper and plentifully on the way. There is very little point in weighing yourself down with a huge first aid kit. For example Salbutamol/Ventalin inhalers are available in major Asian cities at a quarter of the European price. The same goes with anti-malarial's in Bangkok, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and similar places. If you need to carry unusual prescription medicine, check it is legal in the country you are visiting. Take a prescription and a doctors note in case you are stopped by Customs. - For ideas and details of Malaria medication see the before you go section, but as a general note, this can be bought cheaply in Asia/Africa too.

Wash kit

• Wash kit: you'll need some shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant/antiperspirant and a toothbrush + razor - all of which and other such items (hair gel, conditioner, soap, etc.) are always available along the road in neat small travel friendly quantities.

If you can help it, you need have no item in your wash kit or anywhere else in your bag, greater than 50-100ml, i.e. little travel size bottles you'll find if you hunt around and certainly when travelling, that'll hold enough for a few weeks use, when at which point you can purchase more.

This makes even more sense if you plan to take your bag as carry-on on flights. As is common knowledge regulations are in force limiting you to 100ml of liquid/cream/paste per item. This bullshit which started in Europe quickly spread around the world, although outside N.America and Europe airport security isn't quite as clear and you'll see all variations of notices ranging from a total ban to limited amounts. Either way you are politely asked to declare these items as the reality is X-ray machines won't pick up the little travel sized containers it is worth taking.

• Shaving cream - the tiny bottles of Silicon based cream (non-soap) which go incredibly far are highly recommended. The brand 'King of Shaves' is the most common (there are other) and is far better than having to carry a bulky can and/or shaving brushes. E-mailed comment: 'I've been using it [King of Shaves] and travelling with that product for years. A tiny bottle will last a long time and a little goes very far'. Equally in many parts of Asia its easy and very cheap to get a shave from numerous barbers on or off the street.

• Don't forget nail clippers if you are away for a good while and maybe a pair of tweezers. A cover for the end of your tooth brush, to stop it messing things up when re-packed may be handy, or take a travel tooth brush that fits inside its own handle - you normally get given these on long-haul flights. Dental floss (not tape) is also often recommended since it can double as a strong thread for other jobs.

• It is generally never a problem to buy either tampons or sanitary towels in major towns. Stock up before you head out into remote areas where supply will be more limited. Tampons are of course less bulky to carry, so it's good to keep a few for emergencies. Buying ultra thin sanitary towels can sometimes be difficult as can finding tampons off-the-beaten track where big bulky towels are occasionally the only option. Remember that there are more women on this planet than men.

• On a longer trip, some consider taking the contraceptive pill or better still having the equivalent injection (ask your GP) to be recommended even if they are not sexually active since it offers you the choice, in the case of the pill to 'carry on' for consecutive months and to not have your period and in the case of the injection to totally be without the hassle of period abroad. If you're sexually active, take your pill instructions with you, since it may not be effective if you have a stomach bug, are on anti-biotics or Doxycycline anti-malarials. Also make sure you keep a separate supply in your bag or partner's bag, in case your main supply goes missing.

E-mailed suggestions, female hygiene:

Several female readers (all seemingly experienced travellers) have recommended the use of a Keeper or Mooncup, which is a silicone menstrual cup that lasts for several years. It needs to be emptied less frequently than you would change a tampon/sanitary towel and is of course far more eco friendly, cheaper and healthier than pads or tampons. The obvious advantage always flagged up is that the user never has to worry about buying pads or tampons along the road, and does not have to pack those bulky items. Emails received all thoroughly recommend this product for female travellers and normally state that it is the most useful thing packed. See all comments.

Something often over-looked when packing is thrush treatment. Thrush (aka yeast infection).. see full comment.

• A camera: to what extent are you into photography? And how much time and effort do you want to spend on it? Compacts aren't perfect for amazing photos, but perfect to carry around and for a record of people and places. SLRs are the business, but too big/bulky for ultra-lightweight travel. If going the SLR route a long (300mm) lens, makes all the difference, equally so with the new generation of compacts that have great zoom features. For more information on choosing a camera take a look at this link and others including good practical travel photography advice in the links section.

It goes without saying that Digital cameras with their rapidly increasing memory size, are the most common photo equipment seen around. Technology is moving fast and places are opening up in touristed less-developed countries like Guatemala, Nepal, India, Thailand (not to mention all the other techy Asia countries) where you can download your pictures off a camera and onto a CD with ease. Take your USB connection lead for such opportunities.

• Spare batteries for cameras and other equipment inc. memory cards are normally available, but carry a spare battery and film/memory card with you anyway for when you are away from big cities. Having a camera that takes standard AA batteries can be pretty useful a times. If you're taking a SLR make sure you have a UV filter, air (puff) cleaning brush and cleaning rag. A can of air is also useful, as equipment can get pretty dusty. For old schoolers, film availability varies far too much around the globe to comment on here, but is normally pretty good. 35mm film is much easier to find than APS and costs vary enormously.

Worth Noting..

It is worth noting that the rising popularity of portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras or MP3 players which almost all travellers seem to take away with them has resulted in an equally match rise in the number of these items disappearing. Whereas the vast, vast majority of the world has in general low levels of violent crime and a low threat of terrorism or other dangerous activities, petty theft, however, is becoming increasingly common, and travellers should take precautions, especially with mobile phones, digital cameras, and other small electronics which are easily “misplaced.” Some do feel uncomfortable with expensive MP3, mobiles or other electronics seeing as most insurance won't cover their loss.

Whatever you decide to take away with you - camera, iPod, mobile phone - in most cases it will be expensive and you would mind losing it, which is a risk when travelling, so make sure you have good insurance that covers the total cost of your camera, if it's an expensive one.

See the 'Insurance' section on the 'Before you Go' page for more info. They are mentioned there, but as a quick plug here as well, World Nomads has been repeatedly recommended for many reasons, one being you can list separately expensive equipment to cover their full value (quite rare).

Portable computer

• If there is one item that more and more travellers are packing it's a laptop. Think about it, you can store/edit all your photos, write a blog, find wi-fi spots and access the net, listen to music or watch movies. Sounds great and yes having a laptop can be great, but it's not for everyone and certainly only recommended in a few cases and for a few destinations. The first issue is weight, unless you have a travel designed ultra-light laptop it's going to be debatable if the extra kgs it adds is worth lugging around. Secondly, you've got the theft factor, say you do have a nice light laptop then you unfortunately do have to accept the real risk of theft or damage and finally please remember you are on holiday - it's not a sin to leave the computer at home!

To be realistic those who benefit the most are travelers to developed countries who have a very real reason to use a computer regularly. It is true that in developed or tech friendly countries you can find enough public wi-fi hotspots and more clued on hostels do offer wi-fi. Nonetheless any hostel/guesthouse offering a free wi-fi connection is also going to have a hard-wired internet connection you can use. Or in all cases and certainly in less developed countries where wi-fi spots are few and far between there are plenty of other ways to access the net or use a PC to upload a blog, photos or chat on-line.

There are just too many pros and cons, but for first time travellers who plan to move around without a serious reason to need a computer - leave it at home. Alternately if you know the destination you are going has wi-fi spots and you are tending to stay in one or a few spots and would really benefit from having your PC with you then okay.

Last words, tread with care, a laptop is seriously removed from being an essential item.

Mobile Communications

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  Probably the biggest measure of a rapidly developing world aside from the proliferation of internet cafes is the use of cellular / mobile phones even in some of the world's poorer countries (countries like the Philippines have some of the world's highest mobile phone usage and Africa is the fastest growing market). Major North American/Australian and European networks which allow roaming, will pick up a signal in the vast majority of the populated world.

Taking a cell phone has many advantages and is recommended, but several disadvantages worth noting. Firstly if roaming on your home network, call costs (made or received) will be significant (but SMS costs are manageable). Make sure the phone you take is of the correct type for your destination/use (i.e. 'unlocked' if you want to use local SIMs and the correct band (here's good link for those in US and elsewhere).

A phone doubles as an alarm clock, calendar/calculator and although costs to make/receive calls are normally very pricey (with buying a new local SIM card for every country you visit being far from practical) plus the fact you'll come across numerous roaming and signal black spots, having a means to pick up and send SMS messages is very handy, simply because it's cheap and instant. Equally staying in touch with those you meet and contacting guides and drivers, many of whom are increasingly willing to give out their numbers in case you wish to use their services, all of which makes taking a cell phone highly recommended.

It's very important to note here that generally speaking if you use a mobile phone abroad (SMS aside) as you would at home you are going to have a huge shock when you get the bill. Buying local SIM and international SIMs plus other methods to keep cost down are covered in the 'stay in touch' section of the 'On the Road' page.

Something to keep it all in

• Backpack: with about 20-10% spare space in (room to manoeuvre and to collect more stuff) - go for between 25 and 55 litres (30 or 40 litres is perfect, that's 1,800-2,500 cubic inches). Sizes vary by manufacturer; one 30lt might look as big as another 40lt. A pack from a range such as Lowe Alpine or Lifeventure are perfect - there is a mind-boggling choice available from loads of manufactures. There are many variations on these packs. Recommended is a pack that is lightish weight, with hip straps, a zip front opening (easily secured - much more so than clips (although clips can be locked)) and that zips down far so items at the bottom can be accessed easily. Extra pluses are straps to compress the bag down if not full, any degree of waterproofness and netting/straps on the front/sides to cram things into plus gain access to in a hurry. If you have a small bag and you can't fit everything in it all the time, for example if you buy food, don't worry, just carry the rest in a sturdy shopping bag or strap it to the outside. See example image and e-mailed comments. Remember there is no 'perfect' pack, it is what works for you and is available for you to buy in the part of the world you are in.

If you are going to less developed countries and plan to travel, i.e. move about during your trip on public transport, if your bag is heavier than 10kg (even with a bottle of water stuck on the side) and much too big to go carry-on on a plane, then consider re-examining what you are taking.

• Daypack: a daypack commonly refers to a small backpack for day to day use - this is on the whole completely unnecessary and you are much better off with a packable (i.e. not rigid) shoulder or messenger bag, or even a cheap canvas shopping-type bag that the handle will fit over your shoulder. Their advantages, despite saving space, weight and not giving yourself an extra bag to worry about/carry, is they can be compressed down to be stored in your main bag and when using be moved easily over your front (when sitting down or for security). In addition your back won't get too sweaty when carrying it in hot climates, as there is nothing worse than a pack on your back all day when it's hot and sticky. You'll attract less attention and feel less like a tourist; 9/10 times, you're only be carrying a camera, guidebook, water and maybe an object of clothing/towel or sunblock - why would you need an upscale hiking type small backpack? You'll find great choice of perfect bags at next to nothing prices in most tourist destinations (India, Peru, Thailand, etc.)

If you don't have a day pack and only a shoulder or other bag (recommend above) and need something stronger for walking on a day-trip, you can always empty your small main backpack and use that.

• You do not need a pack-safe. These are heavy, impractical to pack back into their pouches and unnecessary - despite being a great idea. The only reason to take one would be if you had a lot of camping and other equipment strapped to the outside of your bag.

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Glasses and other eye wear

If you are a glasses wearer you will need to take your prescription details or a spare prescription (carried separately). If you take sunglasses, which is a good idea, make sure you have a case to keep them in.

If you use contact lenses, then you have many options open. If you take hard or soft lenses, you will need to carry a reasonable supply of solution as this is only available in big cities in less developed countries (expensive and often hard to find in Latin America). You can now get lenses that you can leave in for a month (day and night) without having to change, if you don't want to. This is a great option and we've received good reports with no trouble experienced even in harsh environments. The other option, if you can afford it, is daily disposable contacts. You don't have to worry when about going swimming, them generally falling out, carrying heavy solution or the large amounts of dust normally around. You will only be able to buy top-up daily disposable lenses in the biggest most developed Asian and Latin American cities and any stops you make in developed countries. Again take your prescription and keep a copy of it in your webmail account by putting it in an e-mail to yourself, in case of theft

Those little bastards (mosquitoes)

• Mosquito repellent: most travellers don't like DEET much (among other things, it can burn your skin and ruin clothes) - some natural repellents (e.g. Citronella) seem to be just as good. So is generally covering up in the evening. There are many brands of good repellents on the market and repellent is normally available in major towns abroad. Repellent in pump-spray or aerosol form is handy since it is so much more easily applied to feet, ankles and other areas (most mosquitoes - at least the nasty ones - are ground feeders). For the record mosquitoes will sometimes bite through clothes and go for hand and face areas - so occasionally it is pretty hard to stop them when they are really hungry (say at certain times of the year in jungle areas) and you certainly don't want to put DEET on your hands, face and clothes.

Highly recommended is to buy a plug-in mosquito repellent, often branded 'mosquito vaporiser' or 'liquidator' from any Asian (Goodnight is the most famous brand), Central American or European drug store. You plug this small item into the mains and it releases a vapour by heating liquid from a small bottle that you screw in or from pads you insert  (bought separately, last for ages). Choking mosquito coils should not be used in unventilated areas and are a fire hazard.

It's also said that taking 500mg of Vitamin B1 daily two weeks before travelling and continually whilst travelling, prevents bites. There is no scientific evidence that this works, but you will read it widely as a solution to the question of why some people get bitten more than others. It seems that very high vitamin B levels that your body tries to sweat out will deter mosquitoes (see word of caution). In reality mosquitoes are more attracted to people with fair skin. Fair skin is thinner that darker skin, and they can smell the blood more easily. Don't think that getting a tan will help you - that just changes the colour of your skin, not the thickness. Westerners are doomed as easier targets!

A bite is uncomfortable, but if treated with Hydrocortisone cream immediately (or another of the many excellent new remedies widely available in developed countries including little devices that gives a micro electric shock and are frequently recommended) and not scratched will soon disappear. If you are covered with bites and are finding it hard to sleep, try anti-histamines. Malarial bites will likely occur in the early hours of the morning, so make sure your room is sealed and if necessary your vaporiser plugged in. Most common are bites in the evenings and mornings on the ankles, so in endemic areas a quick spray there makes sense.

 

Do I take a mosquito net?

A mosquito net is never something personally needed outside sub-Saharan Africa and you'll hear many a traveller in other areas lamenting why they brought one. For a start they take up a fair amount of room and in most cases, are pretty difficult to fasten above you (take duct tape).

Add to that fact they only protect you as much as a mosquito vaporiser (recommended) or at worst a mosquito coil under your bed. When you actually need one, like in beach huts or the jungle, they will 9/10 times be provided (even if they need some patching up with duct tape and a coil lit for added protection).

However, if you are travelling in sub-Saharan Africa (not South Africa), where the vast percentage of Malaria occurs, you should take a small net. You will still not use it all that often, but will be glad you had it. It's better to be safe than sorry in this region. Buying compact nets on the ground in developing countries can be tricky, so get one before you leave.