Here is a list of all the items that I took with me in my backpack. You may find it useful if you are planning a RTW trip yourself. I found a lot of this information by researching on the internet.

1) Passport - Make sure it has sufficient validity for the length of your trip + 6 months.

2) RTW Flight Tickets - You ain't going nowhere without these!

3) Visas - If your going to Oz sort out your ETA or working holiday visa before you leave!

4) Credit Card and ATM Card - Get yourself a Nationwide Flexaccount, this will allow you to withdraw your money abroad without incurring any bank charges.

5) Travellers Cheques - It is worth getting say $100 worth of travellers cheques and hiding them in your backpack for emergencies.

6) Travellers Business Cards - Get yourself some business cards with your email and website addy - handy to give out to people you meet on your journey.

7) Backpack and Daypack - The most important item you will buy, make sure that you get one that fits comfortably, try a few out in the shop and then buy online because you will get it cheaper. It's worth spending a bit more money to get a decent one. Look at Lowe Alpine and Berghaus.

8) Money Belt - Essential to keep money/cards safe.

9) Sleeping Bag Liner (Optional) - Use as a sleeping bag in hot countries and in hostels where the linen is not up to scratch.

10) First Aid Kit / Sterile Kit - Very important item, a must have for any traveller, especially if you are going to poorer countries.

11) Vaccination Certificates - Had a yellow fever jab? Hep B booster? Well don't forget to take your certificates with you!.

12) Waterproof Jacket - Essential item if your heading anywhere in monsoon season, look at Gortex products as they are fully waterproof, windproof and breathable at the same time.

13) Fleece - Use to keep warm in colder countries, can double up as a pillow too.

14) Inflatable Travel Pillow (Optional) - Use on trains, planes and buses for a comfortable sleep.

15) Elasticated Washing Line (Optional) - Explains itself.

16) Universal Sink Plug - This is an essential item, you will use it in 90% of places you stay.

17) Earplugs (Optional)- Use these in hostels for a good nights sleep with no interruptions.

18) MP3 Player (Optional)- Again very useful for those long train journeys, I've bought an Iriver H320 20gb Hard Disc player as you can upload photos directly to it from your digital camera.

19) Digital Camera - You want pictures don't you??.

20) Travel Towels - Recommend getting quick drying types, 1 x large bath towel and 1 x hand towel.

21) Bandanna (Optional)- Protect your head.

22) Baseball Cap (Optional) - Protect it some more

23) Maglite - You never know when your gonna need it.

24) Penknife / Leatherman tool - Essential, get one with a bottle opener, corkscrew and at least two blades.

25) Journal and Pens - For recording your day-to-day activities if your want too.

26) A Book - Take at least one book for reading material...when you've finished it you can swap it with other travellers.

27) Mosquito Repellent - Ensure that you buy repellant that contains at least 50% DEET.

28) Anti-Malarial Tablets - There are different types of these namely Malarone, Mefloquine and Doxycyline..Seek guidance from your GP.

29) Pocket Calculator (Optional) - Useful for budgeting and working out currency conversions.

30) Travel Alarm clock (Optional)- May I recommend the "Shake Awake" travel clock that you put under your pillow and it vibrates to wake you up without disturbing all the others in your dorm.

31) Waterbottle (Optional)- For your day trips.

32) Deck of Cards - Essential for those betting card games your gonna be playing.

33) Knife/Fork/Spoon/Plate Set (Optional) - Take these with you for the places without cutlery.

34) Mosquito net (Optional) - A must if you are travelling to areas with risk of malaria.

35) Batch of 6 Passport Photos - You will need these at country borders if you need to get a visa on arrival.

36) T-Shirts - Take at least 3.

37) Underware - 5 day's worth is ample.

38) 1 Pair of smart jeans - Useful for times when you need to look smart.

39) 1 x Swimming Shorts - Ofcourse you will need these!

40) 1 x Normal Shorts - Day to Day wear.

41) 1 x Combat Trousers - Lightweight fabric and airy.

42) 1 x Smart Shoes (Optional) - For respectable nights out.

43) 1 x Sandals - For the beach/hot places.

44) 1 x Trainers - Comfortable footwear is important.

45) Sunglasses (Optional) - You should protect your eyes.

46) Wash Bag - Fill with toletries like soap, shampoo, shaving stuff, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste.

47) Travel Mirror (Optional) - For times when there is no mirror and you need a shave!

48) Pills (Optional)- Take the following:- Multi-vitamins, Immodium, Paracetamol, Sleeping Pills, Anti-acids.

49) Creams and Lotions (Optional)- Calamine Lotion, Lipsalve, Savlon, Suncream.

50) Duct Tape (Optional)- Use for mending stuff and attaching mosquito nets etc.

51) Black Bin Liners (Optional)- Use to separate dirty items from clean ones and also to keep stuff waterproof.

52) Toilet Paper - Flat pack a couple of rolls your bound to need it somewhere!