1. Clothing and Accessories to Pack for travel essentials
Travel Essentials: Comfortable footwear is essential. Bring 1-2 pairs of shoes: one multi-purpose pair and a set of athletic shoes. Flip-flops can be useful for the beach. Choose clothes that you can dress up or down. Make sure that everything matches and complements one another. Consider culturally-appropriate clothing to blend in. Avoid standing out or attracting unwanted attention.
1.1. Versatile Outfits
Versatile clothing is essential for travelers. Have 1 or 2 outfits for any occasion. For hiking and dinner, jeans and a top may be too casual and uncomfortable. Consider a sundress for ladies and convertible pants for guys. Convertible pants can be shorts when it’s warm and pants in the evening. Sandals go well with a sundress and are comfortable. Merrell shoes are casual for guys and can be used for short hikes. Closed-toed shoes are important for horseback riding and rainy days. Add a lightweight fleece jacket for both outfits. Fleece jackets can be dressed up or down and keep you dry.
1.2. Comfortable Shoes
When traveling in a city, walking on hard surfaces can lead to foot fatigue and soreness. Choose comfortable sneakers or walking shoes for this type of travel. Consider packing sandals for warmer months or beach destinations. Brands offer supportive orthopedic sandals for extra arch and heel support. Having comfortable and supportive shoes is important while traveling, as there will be a lot of walking and standing. Instead of packing multiple pairs of shoes, opt for a versatile, comfortable pair that can be worn for most occasions.
1.3. Weather-appropriate Attire
Think about the weather in the place you’ll be visiting. Check the forecast online. Bring a heavy coat for cold weather. A North Face style coat is recommended for warmth and compactness. Pack a fleece for chilly weather. Bring shorts and T-shirts for warm or hot destinations. Consider a dressy outfit and one pair of long pants. Bring a small umbrella or poncho for rain. Opt for comfortable sneakers or sandals. Bring old sneakers for beach destinations.
1.4. Swimwear and Beach Towel
When traveling to warmer places, it’s important to stay hydrated. Swimwear is essential for any water activity. Swim shorts for guys and bikinis for women are a must. Shorts and t-shirts are a good alternative for water adventures, as they dry faster. In foreign lands, try out the local attire like beachwear. Don’t forget to bring a beach towel for wet activities.
1.5. Hat and Sunglasses
If going on a sunny beach vacation, bring a wide-brimmed hat for protection. Baseball caps may not always be sufficient for ears and neck. My favorite hat is made of plastic mesh, allowing air circulation and remaining cool. It has a six-inch brim, a ventilated crown, and an adjustable chin strap. It can be crushed, packed, and reshaped without damage. These hats are affordable and widely available. Canvas alternatives are stylish and practical. For sightseeing or river rafting, consider more conservative headwear.
Effective sun protection is crucial for the face and neck during outdoor activities. Sunglasses with proper UV protection are essential. Purchase fashionable shades with UV filtration or be wary of fake street vendors. Use a strap or old glasses in case of loss or breakage.
2. Toiletries and Personal Care Items
Travel-sized toiletries are smaller and lighter than normal ones, saving space and suitable for short trips. Pack small liquid bottles in a sealable plastic bag to prevent leakage. Buy small, empty plastic bottles for your own liquids and discard after use. Special travel toiletries containers are needed for carry-on luggage, following airport requirements. These containers come in sets of bottles and jars, with secure lids to prevent spills. Jars are ideal for hair creams and wax. No need to transfer liquids to different bottles, as these containers are reusable.
2.1. Travel-sized Toiletries
You may be surprised to find that travel-sized products cost just about as much as full-sized ones. At the drugstore, I found a 2 oz. bottle of Aveeno lotion for $1.12 compared to an 8 oz. bottle for $1.74. What’s up with that? Typically, the travel-sized products are way more expensive per ounce. That didn’t stop me from buying the larger bottles and transferring the contents to my own travel-sized containers.
However, that can be a little risky, remember those lotion explosions I mentioned? Yeah, facilities for transferring contents can be pretty basic and are often not very spill-proof. Rather than having to buy more of the product and more containers, etc., just spend the money upfront and buy the travel-sized products! It’s cheap and guarantees no accidental explosions in your bag – your clothes will thank you. Here’s a general list of travel-sized body care products you might find at a drugstore.
2.2. Toothbrush and Toothpaste
When you travel, often times the first thing you want to do when you reach your destination is have a shower and freshen up. Packing a toothbrush and toothpaste in your carry-on or personal item is good for long flights especially if you have a layover.
If you don’t have enough energy to unpack or be too late arriving at your destination that your luggage has to be brought to you the next day, by having this in your carry-on or personal item that you will have it easily accessible. This prevents you from using the excuse, “Oh I’m too tired maybe I’ll just do it in the morning.” It is better to freshen up as soon as you can so you can start to feel human again, especially if you want to indulge in the nightlife at your destination. Your mouth will feel cleaner and it is one less morning chore to do.
2.3. Shampoo and Conditioner
For those of you who are hotel/motel lodging it and you really want to use their shampoo and conditioner, my best advice to you is still to bring your own supplies. More often than not, the shampoo and conditioner provided by hotels are harsh on the hair and scalp. If you’re going to be traveling for a long period of time, the last thing you want is to dry out your hair and have to go around with a flaky scalp.
This also applies to those who will be traveling internationally. Depending on where you go, quality hair care products may be hard to find and you may be stuck with hotel brand products. To avoid bad hair days, stick with your luxurious hair care products.
Make your hair look clean, shiny, and healthy by packing travel-sized shampoo and conditioner. Washing your hair is always a must, even if you’re roughing it. Clean hair does wonders in making yourself feel better after feeling sweaty and grimy after a long day of sightseeing. You’ll feel better knowing that you look better! Skip hair washing and you’ll be wearing a hat to hide the fact that your hair looks and feels like an oil slick.
2.4. Skincare Products
Skincare is essential for protecting your skin against harm. When traveling, pack basic products like cleanser, toner, moisturizer, serum, and sunscreen in small jars. Cleanser removes dirt, oil, and makeup, while toner restores pH and prepares skin for other products. Moisturizer is crucial for locking in moisture and preventing dryness. Moisturizers should be tailored to the specific skin type.
2.5. Medications and First Aid Kit
It is always important to be prepared for an unexpected injury. Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, having a first aid kit is considered essential. If your trip consists of adventure travel or visiting remote locations, pack a small, basic first aid kit. The American Red Cross offers a recommended list to build a travel first aid kit. It is a good idea to personalize your kit based on your activity, destination, and any special needs. Of course, we can never forget band-aids, the instant remedy for every kid’s injury.
Include medications and prescriptions in your packing list. Keep your prescriptions in a safe place where you can easily access them, and as a precaution, take the generic names of the medication since they will be easier to recognize abroad. If you wear eyeglasses or contacts often, keep an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses and solution with your emergency medication in a travel pack. Also, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a note or wear ID stating your medical conditions, allergies, and blood type.
3. Electronics and Entertainment on the Trip
Traveling is enjoyable because of the anticipation, experience, and memories. Taking electronics is necessary for recollection. Take a portable charger for your smartphone. A camera provides higher quality photos. Use a GoPro for recording your journey. A portable speaker is great for playing music. Bring an e-reader or maximum two physical books. Reading can be done during transit or in a serene location.
3.1. Phone and Charger
A cell phone is vital for travel, offering GPS, travel guides, and communication. Check if your provider is compatible with foreign SIM cards for cheaper options. Get a portable charger to avoid constant searches for charging spots. I recommend the “Jackery Bar Pocket-sized charger” for its compact size and ability to charge multiple times.
3.2. Camera or GoPro
When traveling, it’s natural to want to document the exciting and new things you experience. Taking a camera with you allows you to capture moments that will bring back memories and emotions. Pictures are an easy way to store and revisit any moment in your life, and you might even get a professional-quality shot. A GoPro can have the same effect, with realistic videos that can be replayed and generate good feelings. GoPros are great because they can be used in any environment, even underwater or in extreme situations.
3.3. Portable Speaker
For the areas that lack electricity, such as primitive camping sites, hostels, and foreign lodging, speakers that feature long battery life are ideal. The JBL Charge 3 offers a staggering 20 hours of playtime and can even be used to charge your other devices. It’s waterproof, durable, and provides excellent sound quality. JBL has proven to make good quality and reliable speakers time and time again. The UE Roll 2 speaker also offers up to 9 hours of battery life and can be attached to various surfaces via a bungee cord. It has an IPX7 rating and produces a 360-degree sound. Both of these speakers are lightweight and great choices for outdoor and foreign travels.
When you embark on a trip, it’s only natural to pack a good portable speaker. Most people are used to seeing portable speakers as an extravagant item that only those who travel in luxury can afford to bring with them. But the way I see it, music is such an influential aspect of our lives that in a way, it’s almost essential to our existence. Whether we’re celebrating a joyous occasion or mourning a devastating loss, music always seems to convey the emotions that we as mere mortals cannot articulate in our daily lives. And during our vacations, why wouldn’t we want to listen to the music that makes us happy?
3.4. E-reader or Books
Different people like to spend their time in different ways while they are specifically on vacations. Some would like sitting and reading books, while some would be watching television if available. If you are a reader, you cannot afford to leave books at your home. For frequent travelers, carrying books can become heavy and problematic. The issue with not carrying any reading material is sometimes unavoidable train journeys and long waiting hours. To get rid of these problems, you can buy an e-reader which is lightweight and has the ability to store thousands of books.
If you are an occasional reader, buying an e-reader specifically for your vacation is not a good idea. For you, buying some pocket-sized novella or a comic would be a better option. An e-reader is of compact size and lightweight, so it is a good option to replace books for travelers who frequently are required to relocate while on vacation.
3.5. Travel Adapter
One way to be sure that none of your electronics are rendered useless is to bring along a travel adapter. Some countries have different size plugs or voltages. If you’re from Canada or the United States, you’ll notice that the plugs in much of Europe and Asia are different and won’t fit into North American sockets or power strips. Using an electronic with the wrong voltage than the countries can render it useless and can even fry the circuitry. A travel adapter usually has different settings or plugs that correspond to settings and plugs in different countries. Some have and many have a fuse to protect your electronics in case of a power surge.
Be aware a travel adapter is different than a power converter, which are used for electronic devices that do not have a dual voltage setting. Power converters are particularly used for heating devices such as hair straighteners or curling irons. Using a power converter for a simple electronic such as a camera battery charger can lead to disaster as the power converter can change too much power to the charger and effectively ruin it.
4. Miscellaneous Essentials & Travel Essentials to Pack
There are quite a few additional items that will help make your travels more enjoyable and less stressful. Make copies of all your travel documents and keep the copies in a safe location, or leave them with someone you trust. In addition to travel documents, we all have important documents and valuable items that we don’t want to lose – credit cards, medical cards, bank cards, etc. Consider getting a special travel wallet which will keep you organized as well as keep all of these items in one convenient place.
Luggage tags are a simple but often overlooked form of identification. You can make a luggage tag at the airport, but chances are you will be lining up, or waiting on hold with your flight itinerary. On the tags, write your name, destination address and if possible, a phone number. Similar to luggage locks, the objective is to add a layer of security and a way to identify your gear.
4.1. Travel Documents
Passports are essential for international travel and forgetting them can be costly. The type of visa you need depends on your destination and purpose of travel. Visas are labels or stamps that show approval of your application. Requirements vary, but usually include a passport and photo ID. Keep records of your travel insurance, emergency contact, and embassy details. Get an International Certificate of Vaccination if required. Have documents like flight information, itinerary, and hotel reservations. Show proof of funds and re-entry to your home country, such as a bank statement and return ticket. Written or printed verification can also be helpful.
4.2. Money and Credit Cards
Money is essential for your trip, so bring multiple forms like credit cards, ATM cards, traveler’s checks, or cash. Split them between your baggage and person in case of theft. Travel credit cards are ideal for paying abroad. They don’t charge foreign transaction fees, offer rewards and bonuses, and have flexible redemption options. They also provide luxury perks like travel insurance and priority customer service. If you don’t have a credit card, consider a debit card linked to a separate travel account. Notify your bank about your travel plans to prevent card blocks and keep their customer service number handy. A phone card can also be useful.
4.3. Travel Pillow and Blanket
There are two reasons you should pack a travel pillow on your trip. It may be more comfortable to sleep on a plane or train if you use one. If you do get some shut eye, you’ll find that a pillow will aid in avoiding stiff necks. They also take up very little space. An inflatable one will pack down quite small. Anecdotally, people find that the best travel pillow is a memory foam type, the same as they use at home. These can be quite bulky, but there are lots of shaped pillows that are designed specifically for using on the move.
The best blanket for saving space is the large, thin, fleece type blankets. I say large so that it can actually cover your whole body, and thin so that it is not bulky. They provide warmth, and the thin ones can be rolled up to a very small size. A good compromise may be a sleeping bag liner – these are light, small and can be used as sleepwear too.
All of these items will vastly improve the ease and comfort of sleeping while travelling. Even if you are not on a particularly long journey, it may be invaluable to have these items if your travel is disrupted. For example, if you have ever spent an unplanned night in an airport or train station, you will know that the environment can be extremely cold and uncomfortable.
4.4. Snacks and Water Bottle
A long journey makes you hungry. Take easy-to-carry food like sandwiches, fruit, nuts, and cereal bars. Check restrictions for air travel. Carry water and refill after security. Pack in hand luggage for easy access. Avoid foods that spoil or leak. Be aware of restrictions when crossing borders. Have a ready supply of sustenance for your travels.
4.5. Travel Locks and Luggage Tags
Travel locks serve to keep your luggage secure, while luggage tags help in returning lost luggage to its owner. Boarders on the USA Tour and also the new security programs of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or Transportation Security Administration, Canada Border Services, and Australia, New Zealand will cut a lock from your bag if they feel a need to inspect the contents. This applies to all non-TSA locks. If you plan to purchase a lock for your trip, ensure it is a TSA-approved lock.
These locks are accessible by TSA staff so that if a bag needs to be inspected, the lock can be opened by staff and relocked after inspection. These locks help to avoid damage to your bag if it does get inspected.Luggage tags help to identify your bag in a sea of other similar bags on the carousel. A tag with a name, address, and phone number will suffice, but some travelers opt for a more concealed tag to avoid attempted theft. Any tag with your personal information will do, but the concealment will help to ensure that your bag is returned to you.