My Top 10 Holiday Essentials...

This month we hear from Matt Jones, blog editor at MyVoucherCodes

I tend to go on weekend city breaks more often than I take actual holidays. I really enjoy soaking up the culture of a city in a short space of time, as opposed to relaxing on a beach or in a resort. I guess I can't turn off my impulse to need to always do something. I get a real buzz from exploring cities - my absolute favourite is Berlin. It's such a beautiful, friendly place with a bit of a hangover from its harrowing history, which I find really interesting. And it's huge and pretty leafy, making it perfect for wandering.

My least favourite destination so far was Paris. Stunning as it is, it's also incredibly scuzzy. I think what set the tone was coming out of Gare du Nord for the first time to witness a middle aged man with his trousers round his ankles urinating in the street in front of the entrance. I thought to myself, this is not cool.

Book
Not a kindle, might I add! Nothing beats the feeling of a real book, and there's nothing quite like traveling – put them together and I'm in heaven. I usually take 2 or 3 sci-fi novellas on holiday with me or, if I'm feeling a little more adventurous, the previous year's Booker Prize winner.

Notebook
Call me old fashioned, but I prefer paper scribbling to button bashing. I take my notebook everywhere I go – especially whilst on holiday. You never know when you'll need to jot down the correct pronunciation of phrases, train times, taxi numbers and loads of other important stuff. Plus it's really great for making notes help me write better Trip Advisor reviews.

First Aid Kit
I tend to do a lot of walking and exploring so I need access to blister plasters and paracetamol quite regularly. I make sure my first aid kit is stocked up with all the essentials and it's packed in my hold baggage. You never know when you're going to need a plaster when you're out and about - having a supply ready certainly beats hunting down a pharmacy and trying to explain what you need.

Walking Boots
Trainers are OK but, especially if I'm on a solo exploration mission, I tend to powerwalk a lot up and down hills and mountains, so I need the ankle support only boots offer. If you're thinking about buying pair make sure they are well broken in before setting off.

Travel Size Empty Refillable Toiletry Bottles
If I'm flying to my destination, I never leave home without my refillable bottles. Why waste money buying riff-off travel sized products when you can just top these handy bottles up from your existing supply?

Travel deals
Before I book my holiday I look online for the best deals. For me, any money that I can save on my flights, hotel and transfers goes straight back into my holiday spending money fund – and that means more in my budget to spend sampling local delicacies (usually the beer).

Phrasebooks
I think it's important to at least attempt the language so I always take a Phrasebook with me every time I travel. Even with my ability to make any accent other than my own sound completely ridiculous, I find people tend to respond in a more positive way and friendly manner if you at least try.

Voucher Codes
After researching the places of interest and attractions I'd like to visit, I check online to see if there are any printable vouchers or pre-booking deals available. There are more than you'd expect and if you can find a bargain, why not? Well, I do work for a voucher code website.

Discount Passes
Another way to save money on admission fees, as well the local public transport is by buying a travel pass scheme such as Berlin Pass. If I know I'm going to get to places that will cost me money to get in, I check if there are any travel passes available giving free or discounted entry to attractions.