Are you a globetrotter or a first-time traveller? Knowing the travel essentials to pack for your next vacation is always a good idea. Starting from your choice of travel bag to the least basics, it’s crucial to have a checklist, so you don’t forget anything.
So, what do you need to bring when planning your next vacation? Read all about them in this post.
Get the Right Travel Bag
The first thing you need to shop for when planning a vacation is your travel bag. It is best to opt for a bag that is versatile and large enough to contain your stuff. Before you choose the right travel bag for your trip, consider a few factors, including the length of your trip, airlines, primary activities during vacation, and your travel destination.
All these will affect your choice of bag. Some bag options that you can consider depending on your needs, include rolling luggage, 4-wheels, a wheeled backpack, a duffel bag, a carry-on, and a travel backpack.
Pack Travel Essentials
Are you planning on doing different activities during your vacation? Then you will need to pack a good amount of gear. It is a good idea to get a packing organizer if you want to pack many layers. This will help you to organize your essentials based on their usage.
You can organize your essentials by item type. For instance, you can pack all your pants together in one section, shirts in another section, underwear in another, and jackets in another. You can also organize your essentials based on activities that you will do during your vacation.
For example, you can put your hiking essentials together in one section and beach essentials in another. For your clothing essentials, things you should bring on vacation include:
- Lightweight clothing
- Fleece jacket or sweater
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Pants and/or shorts
- T-shirts and tank tops
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Socks
- Windbreaker, rain jacket, or umbrella
- Hat or sun visor
- Swim trunks or swimsuits
- Sleepwear
- Bandana or scarf
- Skirts and/or dresses
- Cell phone and charger
- Electric converters, organizers, and adapter
- Jewellery organized in a sac or small cube
- Sunglasses with the glasses case
- Travel apps for money conversion, digital journaling, direction, and language
When packing clothing essentials, it is crucial to pack smart. Don’t pack clothing items you don’t need. It is recommended that you create a packing list to itemize essential items that you really need. If you are travelling to a mosquito-prone environment, it is recommended that you bring mosquito repellants or clothing with SPF.
Don’t forget your Toiletry Bag
We recommend that you maintain a light toiletry bag. If you are taking liquids, aerosols, pastes, creams, and gels, each should be a maximum of 100ml. Store them in a quart-sized, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Some toiletry essentials you need to include in your list are:
- Mouthwash, floss, toothbrush, and toothpaste
- Hairbrush, bobby pins/barrettes, comb, hair ties
- Hair products, including hair gel, hairspray, and beard oil
- Travel towel
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Deodorant, perfume, cologne
- Face lotion and sunscreen with SPF
- Makeup, makeup remover, or face wash
- Night-time lotion/moisturizer
- Feminine hygiene products
- Personal hygiene items
- Lip gloss or lipstick and lip balm
- Prescription sunglasses and glasses
- Extract contacts, contact case, and solution
- Prescription medications – remember to bring the prescription and label to enable you to refill when needed.
Pack Basic First Aid Kit
If you are going on an international vacation, we recommend that you go through the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website to get comprehensive details on local travel advice, travel vaccines, and medicines. Next, get a basic first aid kit.
You can buy a pre-made travel health kit online or construct one using a water-resistant packing sack and medicines from your medicine cabinet. Some items that you should include in your first aid kit include:
- Bandages, adhesives, and gauze
- Fever and pain relievers
- Personal prescriptions
- Throat lozenges and cold medicines
- Thermometer
- Oral rehydration salts
- Diarrhoea or laxative medicines
- Multivitamins
- Hydrocortisone cream or any antibacterial ointment
- Sunburn relief
- Motion sickness pills
- Eye drops
- Mosquito net/insect repellent/ sting reliever
- Altitude sickness pills, especially if you are going hiking at higher altitudes
- Region-specific vaccinations and medicines
Pack for Comfort and Entertainment
So, for your carry-on bag, you should include everything that will make your flight comfortable and entertaining, especially if you’re going on a long trip.
Even if you are going on a bus, train, or a boat ride, it is nice to have a carry-on bag where you can keep the essential things you need on the go. Your carry-on back should include some personal items and basic tech items. These include:
- Mobile device and charger
- Headphones
- Laptop, e-reader, iPad, and chargers
- Electrical adapters and converters
- Camera, memory card, and chargers
For your comfort and entertainment, you can add the following items to your list:
- Blanket, travel pillow, ear plugs, and eye mask
- Books and magazines
- Travel journal and pen
- Travel games
- Guide books, maps, travel guides, and language guides
And if you smoke cannabis you may want to have a bong or hand pipe shipped to your hotel so you don’t have to worry about the hassles of traveling. Buying a glass pipe from an online head shop is the best way to go for this type of situation.
Don’t forget Cash, Credit Cards, and Travel Documents
Get a travel document organizer and collect all the important documents you need for your trip. An organizer can hold your passport, credit card, ID, health insurance card, travel insurance document, and printed reservations.
It can also hold your travel itineraries, transportation tickets, emergency contacts, coins, a pen, and a boarding pass. Having these items in a single organizer makes it easy for you to access them on the go.
Conclusion
Finally, don’t forget to put your home in order before leaving. Imagine returning from your vacation to see your home in a mess or bills unpaid. So, before you leave, get the post office to hold your email, set up an email auto-responder, stop newspaper delivery, and pre-pay your bills.
Also, remember to turn off washing machine taps and water heater/air conditioner, unplug appliances, lock all windows and doors, store valuables safely, and leave your house key and travel itinerary with a friend.
Chloe Harmon
