These days, travelling seems to be such a common thing that you get bombarded with offers of passport holders, special luggage, travel based stationary and more, with no real thought as to the essentials that you need to pack. Lucky for you, this article is all about that – the things you should have, but probably won’t and will be thinking ‘I really wish I’d thought of that’ when you get to your destination. Check out these top essentials for any trip.
Waterproofs
One thing many people don’t seem to think of is taking a waterproof jacket of some kind. While not everywhere rains, many other places do. The weather can change in many places in an instant and just because it’s sunny and warm in the morning doesn’t mean it will stay that way though the afternoon. Most places in Central and South America along with regions of Asia at large are made up of wet and dry seasons and it’s not always possible to avoid a wet season depending on other travel plans, so keeping a waterproof poncho or jacket on hand is always a good shout.
Under Clothing Money Pouch
Many people go on about needing a fashionable purse or handbag to travel with, but what you really want to do is to have an under clothing money pouch, preferably a flat one. Not only will you be able to feel that all of your things are still with you, but they will be about a thousand times safer, even if you don’t get to flaunt your cool new bag.
Medicines
If you’re on medication of any kind from birth control to diabetic medicine, specialised painkillers to anything under the pharmaceutical sun, it’s important to take not just enough medication for your trip plus a bit extra in case the trip runs long, but also to take a doctor’s note to prove the medication is yours, is enough for your trip and you aren’t planning to sell it on. This is an incredibly important aspect due to some drugs being full on illegal in some countries. Play it safe and prove your meds.
Medical Kit
A medical kit (sometimes shortened to med kit) is an integral part to any travel checklist. Be sure to stock up on things like basic medicines – pain killers, activated charcoal, Immodium, bandages, rubbing alcohol or alcohol wipes and more. These are especially helpful when you are planning to go trekking or the like in the event of cuts, bruises and scrapes that just come with travelling territory.
For The Ladies
Men, look away if you’re squeamish. Ladies unfortunately have the added stress of travelling and having to take care of their menstrual cycle as well, which can be unpleasant at times. The products available in many countries are often significantly worse than those on offer at home and can make dealing with your monthly visitor even more unpleasant. This is why taking at least a two months supply of your own favourite brands of tampons or sanitary napkins is a great idea to make sure you stay comfy. Failing that, consider investing in a MoonCup or similar silicone replacement.
Flashlight/Head Torch
Don’t get caught out in the dark with no way to see where you’re headed! A flashlight or headlamp is a great way to ensure you will get home safely over uneven cobbled streets, up steep inclines or across slippery rocks in the dark, wherever you end up! Chances are if you’re going to a developing country (and all us travelers know the best places are the developing ones!) then you will need a flashlight at some point!
Thermals
Without a doubt, thermals are a great idea regardless of where you’re going. If you’re embarking on a one way/open return ticket with no real plan, who knows just where you could end up? From the beaches of Zanzibar to the highest Himalayas, you may need these at some point on your journey, whether you now it or not. That’s not to say you need to take full winter gear – heck no. But some long johns and thermal shirt will go a long way to keeping you toasty when you need it as you source the rest of the gear locally.
Wool
Wool – mother nature’s best friend, and now yours too! Wool is great to have in terms of socks and some outerwear as it regulates itself and will help keep your feet warm or cool and dry too. Ideal for trekking through jungles or up mountain cliffs. Wool will also keep you somewhat dry as long as it doesn’t get positively soaked. It’s a win-win with wool!
Phone
This sounds like an obvious one, but there’s one extra little thing you can do to make sure your phone really helps and provides some great assistance while travelling. Clear out old apps that you don’t use anymore and consider installing apps for accommodation and booking sites or for train times, flights, e-check ins and the like. Getting your phone just as ready for the trip as you are is a great way to make sure you have the best time and can move about with ease. Consider apps like Air Bnb, Booking.com, GPS coordinators and more. For easy internet access when abroad, consider buying a local sim card and topping it up.
Personal Wireless Internet Provider
On the topic of internet, a great thing you can look into taking with you is a portable personal network. Many companies offer these now, usually priced based off how long you want your subscription to be and how long you need the device. This is a lifesaver for people who work online and need internet even deep out in the bush. Known as PANs (personal area network), these devices create their own internet bubble up to about fifteen feet, essentially turning you into a hotspot.
So if you’ve been looking for top things to pack for that next adventure that you may not have thought of, consider packing some of these great items in order to make your next trip better than ever and more convenient too!
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