Figuring out what to pack for a trip can be really difficult — you don’t want to overdo it, but you also don’t want to neglect something important, and end up paying for it later.

While there’s no right or wrong when it comes to packing, there are “basics”, “nice-to-haves”, and “just-in-cases”. We’re students, so nice-to-haves are out of the equation. Just-in-cases, however? That’s the stuff that saves us a lot of money and hassle.

#1 Sunscreen

Sunscreen is one of those things you don’t realise you need until you really, really need it. Like when you wake up ready for a day at the beach, look out the window, and it’s 30 freakin’ degrees.

The other thing is that sunscreen gets extra expensive when you’re desperate — pharmacies in the city or airports cost an arm and a leg for a simple tube of Banana Boat.

Solve this problem ahead of time by chucking in a little tube instead.

#2 Ziplock Bags

It’s so easy for your shit to get lost in your luggage, especially if you’re a) disorganised b) lazy, or c) all of the above. (Guilty.)

Putting your phone charger, passport, toiletries, or kindle in a plastic bag will make them way easier to find. Bonus: they’ll be completely protected in the freak circumstance that you and your suitcase fall into a river.

#3 Poncho Or Rain Jacket

Nothing fancy — just the kind you can roll up and stuff in the outer pocket of your suitcase. If you’re going to a country with tropical weather, an unexpected downpour of rain isn’t uncommon. With a rain jacket you’ll have a safety net in case it turns wet, or even cold.

#4 Ibuprofen

Whether brought on from a hangover, or that guy with the really annoying voice in your hostel, you’re bound to get a headache at some point in your trip. And just like sunscreen, you take it for granted until you actually need it.

Keep a stash in your day bag for emergencies. Even if you don’t use it, a fellow traveller probably will, and you’ll soon become their new bestie.

#5 USB

You know how your parents harp on and on about taking a copy of your passport, or printing out your itinerary before you go?

What you know — and they don’t — is that paper cramps your style. And honestly, there’s a 95 per cent chance you’ll lose it before you hit the third country on your Contiki tour.

Instead, keep a small USB in a small pocket that’s loaded up with all of this information. If you really, really need it, you can go to an internet cafe and print it off. Done.