Whether this is your first trip or you’re a seasoned globetrotter, even the best-laid vacation plans can be easily dashed by something as simple as forgetting to pack the creature comforts and small necessities that you need. But fear not – bookmark this list of travel essentials because you’ll want to refer to it as your trip gets closer which will make your travels a lot easier, safer, comfortable, fun and more enjoyable!
1. Luggage Bag
Traveling with a piece of luggage with broken wheel, handle or zipper is the absolute worst! So it is important to find a travel bag that is as versatile as you need it to be, while also fitting all your essentials and being easy to carry. Here we’ve rounded up popular luggage bags that you carry:
Duffle Bag – Duffle Bag is simple, durable yet lightweight, it works great for travel or storage – its uses are endless! You can sling it over your shoulder, or put some wheels on it and get on your way. Travel Backpack – Travel backpacks shouldn’t be confused with those meant for extended hiking or camping trips. They are designed for you to pack and access them like you would a suitcase, as opposed to loading them from the top like an outdoors-oriented backpack. They have lots of zippered compartments to make them easier to live out of when you don’t know what kind of adventure you’ll have that day. Carry-on Bag– With efficient storage the carry-on bag can make short trips a breeze, or even save you from checking in baggage in the first place on longer hauls, eliminating annoying baggage fees and time wasted standing at the carousel. The modern traveler requires a versatile, secure and durable luggage bag to traverse the streets of the wide world. 2. Travel Wallets
Keep all your precious travel documents in one place with this tall, slimline travel wallet. Plenty of space to store passport, boarding cards, driver’s license, credit cards, currency, a pen and more. This travel wallet is handy and comes with a snap magnetic button closure and stores all of your travel essentials in style. Also, called as Passport Travel Wallet or Passport Holder Wallet.
3. Passport Holder
A passport is a very important travel document while going abroad. In addition to this, the same passport has to be used for years and hence should be handled carefully. A passport holder is a cover made to protect a passport and to hold it with ease and convenience at the airport while presenting it to the airport authority. It’s easy to get a passport holder online these days. Along with a lot of patterns, there are so many varieties of colors available.
4. Toiletry Bag
We often find that people are currently carrying their toiletries in plastic bags, bulky cases, and even foregoing a toiletry bag all together and just packing their toiletries in random nooks and crannies of their main travel bags – this small toiletry bag is the perfect to keep your toiletries clean and organized.
5. Travel Health
- If you are traveling abroad, at least six weeks before, visit your doctor to discuss any vaccinations you might need as well as health issues, such as malaria, that apply to your destination.
- If you take any prescription medications, ensure you have enough to take with you, allowing for some extra in case you’re delayed. It’s safest to leave your medication in its original packaging and carry a letter from your doctor stating the name of the medicine, your dose and that it’s for personal use.
- Jet lag tends to kick in when you cross two or more time zones and is worse for most travelers.
6. Plug Adapter & Voltage Converter
If you are traveling overseas and use plug-in appliances or electronic equipment, you will definitely need plug adapters. Some hair dryers, travel irons, device chargers, laptops and cell phones are dual voltage, but others need a voltage converter. Not only voltage and frequency is different in different countries, plug adapters are also shaped differently. If you want to use US electrical devices in Italy, you’ll need a three-prong plug adapter, which is a device that allows you to insert your two-prong US plug into the back of a three-prong adapter; you can then plug the adapter into an Italian wall outlet. Never plug it directly into a foreign wall outlet. You must use a voltage converter to “step down” . Without the voltage converter, your appliance will be destroyed.
7. Money Belts
Money belts are your key to peace of mind and your best safeguard against pickpockets. This waist-worn under-clothing security solution comes with zippered pockets for organization of money and documents you want to keep out of sight and elastic waistband that tucks into the slip pocket on the back for tidiness. Also, called as Waist Belts.
What NOT To Carry While Travelling
We’ve all seen these people and, inevitably, at some point we’ve actually been these people. The urge to overpack is a phenomenon most people experience in their early travel years and eventually outgrow it with experience. But some never quite make the connection between overpacking and the resulting inconvenience and misery it creates for them – and sometimes fellow travelers. Here are some non-debatable, tough-love list of things that you should never carry with you on a trip.
- Hairdryers and curling/straightening irons: Travel and glamour do not belong together. If having perfect hair is that important, you probably aren’t cut out for travel. Moreover, if you’re staying in a hotel, there will almost certainly be a hairdryer in the bathroom so leave the one you have got at home. And do you really want to spend all that time ironing or curling your hair when you can be sightseeing or sipping a cocktail on the beach?
- Huge headphones: Haven’t you seen the sleek earphones available in the market? Go get those and if you already have them carry those instead of big headphones. They are smart, convenient and not a burden on your ears or head.
- Multiple Pairs of Shoes: If you’re going to be climbing mountains, running marathons, or traveling through snowy conditions, you may need some extra footwear. But if not, you can get one or two pairs. Never carry high heels because you’re on holiday and there is no place for them.
- Too much Make-up: Carry the bare minimum and remember the basic rule – you’re on a holiday, you don’t need to dress up or deck up as if you’re going for a party. Don’t worry, we aren’t denying the basics, carry them, but cut out the unnecessary ones.
Am I missing anything?
What’s the most important travel essential YOU carry?
Martin Wynn
