Thanks to Hans for reminding me about one use and pointing out another.

Simply put – keep them, or at least your most recent ones.

Countries such as Tunisia insist on proof that you’ve disposed of all (or most of) their currency when you leave. As such, they want to see how much you’ve withdrawn while you’re there so they can work out if you could reasonably have spent it.

In India, if you’re buying train tickets with cash, you need to prove how you got hold of it (or something). Whatever the reason, staff will insist on seeing ATM slips that cover the amount you’re spending or they won’t sell you the ticket. Of course, you can always book them online on credit card if you can register with the relevant web site.

When hitch-hiking there are a few guidelines worth following:

• Look presentable – who’s going to pick up someone who might make the car smell?
• Be careful – obvious, really, but check out the area. For instance, I’d not hitch in the outback where there are no towns for 8 hours at a stretch. If someone seems dodgy, don’t accept a lift. Trust your instincts.
• Scout your pickup point – it’s easier to have a wander the night or day before to see where’s good to stand with your thumb out. Much more convenient than trying it at rush hour with all your bags on you. Also ask other hitchers or locals.
• Pick somewhere safe for the motorist – nobody’s going to stop on a busy dual carriageway unless you’re stood where they can get into a parking bay or similar.
• Be prepared to stagger your trip – sometimes you know you’ll get a lift directly to your destination. Other times it’s worth accepting that “starter” to get you 30 miles up the road to a better position.
• Carry some cash – it may be that someone can get you pretty close to your destination, maybe the outskirts of a town. You’ll need a few quid/dollars/kip/yen/whatever to catch public transport the last few miles. Invariably in built-up areas it’s very hard to hitch a short distance.
• Carry a sign… or not? – I personally won’t pick up someone without a sign if I’m not in the mood. However, sometimes it’s worth not using one – or just stating which highway you want to travel along – so if someone you don’t like the look of pulls up you can ask them where they’re going and politely decline, saying you’re not going that way.

Sportswear is good for travel in hot countries. As well as being “breathable” and comfortable to wear, they dry very quickly when washed meaning you can get away with carrying fewer of them.

If you’re going to be travelling somewhere dusty and/or polluted (such as China, SE Asia, India, etc) then choose grey t-shirts or something similar. Even in cold weather when you won’t sweat much – therefore not needing as frequent a change of clothes – the grime will show up something rotten on white shirts. Even black can look coated in dust of the right/wrong type. Grey’s good.

Credit where it’s due – Hans told me this.

When you’re jamming all your clothes into your suitcase/rucksack, don’t fold them neatly. Roll them up. You’ll find you can cram more into smaller spaces that way. This can be especially useful if you’re flying RyanAir as they effectively offer a few quid discount on a flight if you only use carry-on luggage. Smaller space = smaller bag = possibility of taking it in the cabin and saving some money.