You’re all set to go on a long-awaited vacation, but as you pack your carry-on bag and get ready to head out the door, you realize that there are some things you forgot. What was it again? Ah yes, sunscreen! You may have packed everything else—a map of the area, a guidebook for local attractions and restaurants—but without sunscreen, it doesn’t matter how well planned your trip is because you’ll be miserable in no time (and before too long). So what do you need when traveling?
Here are 8 major travel essentials every traveler should take with them:
Sunscreen: As mentioned, you need sunscreen. It’s the number one item that most travelers forget to pack and it can make all of your planning go down the drain if you don’t have enough protection from sunburns or skin cancer. In fact, many countries require a certain amount of SPF when traveling abroad so be sure to check out the rules for that country before you go.
First aid kit: You never know what might happen on your trip, so it’s best to be prepared with a first aid kit filled with bandages and antiseptic wipes or ointment in case of an injury. It may not seem like much but being able to take care of an issue before it gets more serious could be the difference between being able to enjoy your trip and having a miserable time.
Luggage locks: Luggage is easy enough for thieves to get their hands on, especially if you check yours at the airport or train station while traveling so make sure that they aren’t stealing anything from you by using luggage locks to keep your belongings safe.
Extra clothing: Chances are that you’ll have a few items of clothing with you already but it’s always best to pack an extra set in case something happens or if the weather changes for the worse while on vacation so be sure to bring at least one subtle item (like black pants or a simple dress) that can help you blend in with the locals.
First aid kit: You never know what might happen on your trip, so it’s best to be prepared with a first aid kit filled with bandages and antiseptic wipes or ointment in case of an injury. It may not seem like much but being able to take care of an issue before it gets more serious could be the difference between being able to enjoy your trip and having a miserable time.
Luggage locks: Luggage is easy enough for thieves to get their hands on, especially if you check yours at the airport or train station while traveling so make sure that they aren’t stealing anything from you by using luggage locks to keep your belongings safe.
Extra clothing: Chances are that you’ll have a few items of clothing with you already but it’s always best to pack an extra set in case something happens or if the weather changes for the worse while on vacation so be sure to bring at least one subtle item (like black pants or a simple dress) that can help you blend in with the locals.
Travel adaptor: You’ll want to make sure you have a travel adapter so that your phone, laptop, and other electronics can charge while on vacation. Having an international power outlet converter also means having the right power plug for wherever you’re going (e.g., if it’s different than in the U.S.)
It’s always a good idea to be prepared and know what you need for your trip. That way, if anything comes up while traveling, you’ll have everything on hand to deal with it. We hope this article has been helpful in answering some of the questions that come up when packing!
