Whether you a globe trotter travelling often or are simply planning ahead for that long awaited holiday, you need more than just a wardrobe. Depending on where you are going and how long you intend to stay, some travel accessories you just won’t be able to live without – literally! Here are the top five classic travel accessories you can’t go without. (If you do, you’ll wish you hadn’t!)

1) Universal Electronics Chargers

One of the most common things that travellers often forget is their mobile phone chargers. However, in recent years it has come to light that travellers are also forgetting iPad chargers and various tablet and laptop chargers. Many people have gone to purchasing one of those universal electronics chargers that have interchangeable plugs, a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead of carrying fifty thousand (an exaggeration of course) different chargers, they just bring along their universal charger that works with every single piece of electronics they own. Just don’t lose the various plugs as you may not be able to find replacements where you are going.

2) Electronics Cases

No matter where you intend to holiday, it is vital to protect all those pieces of sensitive electronics mentioned above. You may want to consider a waterproof mobile phone case or a water proof tablet case as well. In some locations around the world the sun can be shining and it can be raining cats and dogs at the same time. Always protect your electronics from those sudden onslaughts.

3) Sunglasses

Again, many of the warmest places in the world are also the wettest places, except of course the Sahara Desert. Holidaymakers tend to flock to places with exquisite coastlines for a bit of fun in the sun, but do they remember to take their shades? Quite often not, especially if they come from a portion of the world where sunshine isn’t an everyday affair. Those of you in the UK know exactly what we are talking about. For the ultimate in classic sunglasses with trendsetting appeal, you may want to take along a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses. Manufactured to be durable as well as trendy, you won’t go wrong. Remember, it could rain today and be ultra-bright tomorrow – don’t forget those shades!

4) Power Packs

What if you are out and about on a day trip touring the pyramids in Egypt and your mobile phone or digital camera suddenly dies? Always carry a backup battery pack (power pack) and for goodness sake, keep it charged! These are the greatest things since the discovery of electricity and are often so small they can be carried in a shirt pocket. While you’re at it, don’t forget to check the electric current before you go as you may need a converter as well. You can’t very well recharge that power pack if you are rated for 220 and the current is 110 and vice versa.

5) Rain Gear

So now we are back to rainy days that crop up whilst you aren’t expecting even a mist. It pays to buy those disposable rain capes and a foldup mini umbrella as well. The umbrella is small enough to fit nicely in a woman’s handbag but a man may need to fasten it to his belt loops with a clip. Remember, there really are some places where monsoonal rains come upon you at the drop of a hat with no warning whatsoever. Sounds crazy, but if you’ve ever lived in any tropical location you know it is a daily occurrence in summer months.

There are plenty more classic travel accessories you shouldn’t go without but these are the ones you must not go without. Pack early and check your ‘to bring’ list often. Failing to have just one vital accessory can spoil the day, and that is not an exaggeration.