I still haven’t packed my bags and I have a flight to catch tomorrow morning. Here I am, running errands yet again! But I really wouldn’t have it any other way. Traveling is something that adds spice to our otherwise monotonous lives. For me, every place I go to adds something to my personality. The variety of cultures, languages and people I come across while traveling leave a permanent mark in how I see the world.
To make my trip a memorable one, I count on certain essentials. They help keep me on track with my travel plans and allow me to make the most of every trip. In this post, I am going to talk about these essentials.
Good Headphones
Traveling is a perfect time to catch up on shows/movies, unless you’re driving. Carrying around your own headphones allows you to skip having to pay for those plastic ones on planes or use the little earbuds that poke the inside of your ear and usually end up falling out.
Power Bank
A power bank is one of the most important things I carry along while traveling. You know how difficult it can be to survive without a charged phone especially if you are in a new country. With a power bank, I don’t have to think twice before video-calling friends or blasting my favorite tunes on full volume.
Camera
Next is my camera, also known as my best bud. While I wander around the beautiful landscapes, I like to capture some serene frames to keep them safe in my memory box. It is nothing close to what the eyes see but it suffices for my box of memories. It is always good to look back at good old times!
Airtel SIM
Without a strong network, I can’t even begin to think of traveling. I need to look up a lot of information at a new place and stay in touch with the world even when I’m on the road. But with good old Airtel, I don’t have to worry about my calling and data needs.
Travel Adapter
Different countries have different power sockets and there’s nothing worse than not being able to charge your gadgets. Having a travel adapters can be used to convert any type of socket into what works best for your electronic. #MUSTHAVE
All-Rounder Outfit
Ever heard of missing luggage? Yes, it’s a real thing and a scary one. Make sure to pack a basic pair of denims and a t-shirt along with a light jacket (and undergarments) in your carry on bag. This will insure you have a change of clothes till the airline figures out the luggage situation.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
One pair of comfortable walking shoes that go with almost every outfit, a pair of flip-flops and one miscellaneous pair of shoes depending on where I’m going (wedding—heels; somewhere cold—boots; etc.). A white sneaker, flip-flops and a nice pair of gold comfortable walking sandals are the ones I need to have for every trip. Flip flops are also easy to go through security lines at the airport and can double as bedroom shoes around hotel rooms.
Minimalist Makeup/Toiletry Bag
This is one of the items that can really weigh down your luggage, but can be made so much lighter with just a simple question—what do I actually use while traveling? My answer is not much. Normally my Makeup bag includes a concealer, powder, a mauve lipstick which also doubles as a blush and a brow gel. In my toiletry bag I have travel size version of the following: toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, Shampoo and hair mask, body wash, dry shampoo, Face wash, moisturiser, sunscreen and a razor.
Snack/Water Bottle
It’s always a good idea to have a healthy snack option readily available while traveling. Being hangry (hungry-angry) while having to wait for some unknown reason is just no fun. Be sure to also carry around power bars and a refillable water bottle (this will need to be empty when going through airport security).
Earplugs
I can’t tell you how much of a life saver earplugs really are! For any scenario where you don’t necessarily want to be wearing your headphones — say, sleeping — but would still like to drown out the ambient annoyance around you (hello crying babies), a set of earplugs is key.
First-Aid kit
Again, precaution is better than cure. It’s a smart choice to carry along a small first-aid kit with medicines for common illnesses, bandaid, cough drops etc. I hope I never have to use it but if needed, I think it is good to be prepared for emergencies.
Waterproof backpack/Jacket/Umbrella
I carry a lot of gadgets and in some countries the weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to carry a waterproof backpack if not a jacket or umbrella to keep your belongings safe and dry.
A Copy of Your Passport and an Extra Photo
Your passport is, of course, the most important item to remember for an international trip. But you should also bring along at least two passport photo and a color photocopy of the pages with your information on the off-chance you lose it abroad. (Also download soft copy of all your documents on google drive so you can access them from anywhere in the world)
I am grateful for what I do because it enables me to travel so much. Traveling rejuvenates me every time and always has something new in store for me. Why do you guys like to travel? And what are some of your travel essentials? Let me know!