Whether travelling for business or pleasure, packing one’s bags is always one of the essential tasks that needs to be completed prior to travelling. What do travellers pack into their suitcases, bags or backpacks? There are those who travel light and those who load themselves with luggage. The tourist traveller is no exception. The thousand and one items – some rather unusual – that tourists take with them on holiday in effect replace their own home they are leaving behind. They provide a certain comfort, protect against bad weather, diseases or boredom even, ensure that supplies don’t run out, guide the way and help communicate with the locals. Even for pleasure travellers such as tourists, leaving home means exposing themselves to the unknown and running risks, of which the travelling paraphernalia reminds us.
