Picture courtesy of Wool & Oak
Close your eyes and remember the times you went on a trip. The excitement starts with packing your bags: You cover your basics and add also a couple of less-than-essential clothes and products. Then the day comes and you take your bags and head out. You go on a plane, into a car, train, or bus, and already realize that you have forgotten something: your neck pillow, which you specifically bought for trips like these and never use anywhere else. ‘Oh well!’, you think. Then you arrive at your destination. You settle in for the time being and begin to unpack. And then it hits you again: “Ah shoot! I forgot my slippers.” Later that day you discover that you didn’t bring your charger and you have to ask the hotel/hostel/Airbnb host for one.
How many times did that happen to you, honestly now? How many times did you forget to bring one or two travel essentials?
Well, yes, you could easily buy most of the things locally, but why waste money, plastic, and time. After traveling more often than ever, especially going on weekend trips, I created a short can’t-go-without travel packing list, no matter if I go to the beach or to a city, to warm or cold places.
Neck-pillow.
Especially for long flights or bus/train rides, this will save you some pain and give you semi-comfortability, when first class was not in your budget.
Your favorite scarf,
which you conveniently use as a blanket during your travel because according to industry insiders clean blankets are only given to the first flight of the day. After that, they are just folded and re-used. Yikes! Also works perfectly as a face mask, if the person next to you is coughing or has gas.
Chapstick and moisturizer.
Traveling is tiresome and is majorly dehydrating the body. Make sure to compensate with proper precautions.
Sleeping mask.
Essential, if you want to snooze on your way or if you stay in (dorm) rooms, where you have to share your room with others.
Earplugs or white noise machine.
My friends swear by their earplugs. Why? Again, if you want to snooze on your way to your destination or if you stay in (dorm) rooms, where you have to share your room with others, these can help you to get proper downtime. Sleep is the key to a great trip, but very often neglected. A good night of sleep can make or break a trip. If you cannot handle earplugs (like me), try the white noise machine, which blocks out all other noises, from the streets, other guests, animals, construction nearby.
Noise-canceling earphones.
Airplanes, trains, and busses can be very loud. Not just due to other humans, but the transportation vehicle itself, the turbines, machines, AC, you name it. I rely on noise-canceling headphones to zone out and listen to a podcast, audiobook, or music, which brings me to my next point.
Download movies, podcasts, audiobooks, and update your music playlist.
Do I need to say more?!
Portable Charger.
Nowadays you’ll find charging stations everywhere - airports, beaches, malls…yet if you want to stay mobile while following Google Maps, get yourself a light portable charger.
Toothbrush.
PS: Charge your electric toothbrush before the trip.
Slippers/flip flops.
Very important for your hygiene. You don’t want to walk around barefoot in your hotel/hostel room and certainly don’t want to shower with no feet protection. Also, you’ll have an extra pair of footwear for your daily outings - talk about a win-win situation.
Camera, extra SD cards, batteries, hard drive, or USB if necessary.
This is optional. Most of you use your phone. And that is ok.
Empty your SD cards and charge your batteries.
Again, only if you use a camera and not just your phone. This is very important. You don’t want to have a full SD card at the beginning of your trip.
Chargers of all kinds and outlet adapters.
For Phone, camera, kindle, iPad, Laptop, iPod, electric toothbrush (if longer than a week), etc. And don’t forget to check what kind of plug-in is common at your destination and get an adapter if necessary.
Sunglasses.
So essential, but are always forgotten (or lost)…
Nightgown or PJs.
Trust me, with all the outfits you put together in your head, PJs ain’t one of them. You’ll thank me later.
Deodorant, body spray, razor, tweezer.
Unfortunately, these are easy to forget. I would also suggest you have a small-sized body spray in your handbag. There have been many times in packed planes or busses, where I wished I and others would have some pleasant odor to put on.
Lingerie bag/laundry bag.
I used to utilize a plastic bag for this, but let’s be more conscious and pack that canvas bag for dirty laundry.
Socks.
Especially when you go to a warm place you tend to forget to bring at least one pair of socks. You never know and there is nothing more annoying than cold feet.
Party bag.
You don’t want to bring your big backpack to a restaurant or club when you go out. So pack that little pouch for night-outs.
Last, but not least: One book max (!). And then leave it at the hostel/hotel/AirBnB afterward. Or bring your light Kindle (I, personally, prefer books).
Share your wisdom with the person visiting after you or your fellow travelers. While I was traveling through SE Asia, I had five (!) books with me. One by one I gifted them to fellow travelers, and one by one I felt wiser - and lighter!
Did I forget something? Comment your ‘Can’t go without’- item below.