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Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. - Gustave Flaubert
An avid traveler will tell you that traveling is one of the most rewarding experiences one can have. But if you are not well-prepared, it can feel like a hassle. It will not only cost you time but money as well.
There are the normal essentials like eye masks, earplugs, and passports, etc., and then, there are some which can make your trip a lot more worthwhile and more bearable.
Here are my top 10 travel essentials that you should pack when traveling:
1. Wheeled Luggage
No matter what your choice of luggage is, be it a backpack, a duffel bag or a suitcase, see if you could get a wheeled one. Wheeled luggage also relieves you of unwanted strained muscles and backaches. It also makes maneuvering of luggage quite easy. On the rough and uneven pathways, while hiking or camping, wheeled luggage comes in handy as you can drag it or pick it up whenever you want.
2. Documents Holder
Having a document holder is very convenient whether you are traveling solo or with a group. You should have all of your important identification and travel documents in one place. A document holder will save you time and energy from rummaging through every bag pocket.
3. Tote Bag or Daypack
You can't haul your suitcase everywhere! If you are going sightseeing, you will definitely need something to carry some snacks, a water bottle, and a map. A backpack or tote bag is the ideal choice for carrying your basic stuff. While traveling with kids, you have to pack a few extra things as well. So, using daypacks are better for distributing the weight comfortably across your shoulders and back compared to tote bags.
4. Portable Power Source
Unseen circumstances can leave you baffled if you are not prepared. For example, your phone battery dying suddenly when you need it most. Having one to two portable power sources can make your trip a whole lot easier. This way you can easily charge your phones, gadgets, cameras, etc. Make sure you carry enough juice to accommodate all of your powered devices.
5. Laundry Bag & Spare Handbags
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You can only live out of a travel bag or suitcase if you are organized. Always pack a few extra shopping bags and a laundry bag to keep your dirty clothes away from your clean ones. If you do not have a laundry bag, then a plastic bag can also do the job quite well and they don’t take much of your luggage space either. Packing cubes to separate the contents of your luggage are also an excellent option!
6. Location Tracking App
When going to a new place, everyone packs a guidebook and a map so that they can move around easily. Google maps have replaced paper maps now. But you can surely use a location tracking app such as Xnspy. Say you have teens traveling with you, and they want to shop or see sights on their own, having this app at hand lets you keep an eye on them digitally.
7. Combination Padlock
Keeping a padlock is common sense while traveling right? But it is better that you invest in a combination one. You will be relieved to not have to search for keys or ask the hotel management to get you a pair of pliers. A combination padlock makes your trip a lot safer and easier. If there aren’t any safes where you are staying, then you can use it to lock your suitcase/bag as well.
8. Plug Adapters & Voltage Converter
People do not pay much heed to these two items. But they are very important when you are traveling overseas and have to use electronic equipment or plug-in appliances. Some of the device chargers, hair dryers, hair straighteners, travel irons, laptops, and cell phones are dual voltage but others require a voltage converter for safe use.
First, check the labels on all of the electronic things you plan to take with you. If the label of an appliance says “Input 100V-240V 50 / 60 Hz,” this means that the item is dual voltage. A plug adapter will work just fine in such a case. If there is no such information on the label, do not plug it directly into an electric socket. A voltage converter is needed to tone down the 220-volt current so that your appliance is safe to use and does not burn or get damaged.
9. Medicines and First-Aid Kit
Everyone packs the standard first-aid paraphernalia like Band-Aids, Savlon, and painkillers. It is a good idea to pack tablets for motion sickness, traveler's diarrhea, and anti-bacterial creams as well.
In some countries, the common medications you use may be restricted or unavailable. So pack your prescription medications along with a letter from your doctor that states what the medicine is, how much you will be traveling with and whether it is for you or your spouse/child or anyone else. Make sure you read the travel guide by the government of the country you are traveling to before leaving.
10. Extra Cash/Credit Card
As they say, that do not put all your eggs in one basket, similarly, do not put all your cash in your wallet when you travel. If you take just one credit card along with you, there is no backup if you lose it. And that could be quite a troubling situation to get oneself into a new land. So, keeping a spare is always a good idea.
If you want more convenience and security, then travel money cards are a better option. You can convert your money into different currencies and then store it on your card. That money can be used overseas. If you are traveling overseas, then having travel money cards ensure secure purchases.
Hope you find this list useful for your next trip.
Happy traveling!
