Traveling is an excellent solution for getting away from the stresses of life and a great opportunity to appreciate what the world has to offer. After all, so much is out there waiting to be seen. However, before you go ahead and book a plane ticket or start planning a route, don’t wait until the last minute to wonder what you must bring for the trip. Otherwise, it could make or break your experience.
1. Essential Documents
Since you’re traveling to another area, keep any valuable papers with you the entire time. These papers prove your identity, especially if you’re going overseas. On the bright side, you don’t need to carry every single document just to prove your identity. For those going overseas, they often expect you to show your passport and visa. But if you’re heading off somewhere local, not a lot of establishments are that strict with documents, so all you need is a valid ID.
Admittedly, all travel must haves are irreplaceable. But you must check your essential documents twice if you’ve packed them already—three times just to stay on the safe side. Moreover, to cover all bases, print or scan copies of your documents to be sent to your email inbox and your loved ones, and keep a physical copy to yourself.
2. Wallet
Although most transactions are slowly turning online, keeping some cash in your wallet doesn’t hurt, especially if you’re traveling locally. But for those going overseas, convert a small amount of your expenses to the local currency at your destination. Don’t have loads of cash on you. Divide it across different cards to give you the security of locking them out in case they get stolen.
3. Gadgets
As mentioned earlier, most transactions are going online. Naturally, the only way you can access online is to come up to an ATM or use your devices. Smartphones are the best example so far, given how mobile they are. Aside from online transactions, they’re your only key to looking up certain details, such as flight information, and communicating with people back home.
But before you start messaging them through SMS, switch out your current SIM card with a travel one as soon as you arrive. After all, no one wants to come home to thousands of dollars of phone bills for turning on their data roaming in a foreign land. Have a SIM card ejector pin to make your life easier.
With how often you use your gadgets, always remember to bring chargers or power banks with you. Otherwise, you’ll have a tough time searching for the right charger. Also, it’s worth noting that some countries use different types of power plugs. Instead of keeping track of each one, bring a universal converter instead.
4. Weather Resistance
Even though you’ve regularly listened to the news about the weather, there’s no telling what will happen in the middle of the trip. Therefore, if it’s said that it’ll be sunny for the rest of the week, don’t be surprised if it suddenly starts raining halfway through. That said, it’s better to expect the unexpected. Pack the essentials for withstanding the weather, be it rain or shine, especially if you’re traveling with family.
5. Sleep Aids
If you’re looking at a long trip ahead with far too much time to kill, it’s best to save your strength and catch some sleep. However, those who aren’t accustomed to traveling might have difficulty getting comfortable, especially on a plane. Instead of waiting for sleep to come, use some sleep aids to get there faster. Neck pillows, sound-canceling headphones, and compression socks are some aids you can try.
6. Self-Defense Gadgets
It’s better to expect the unexpected. As soon as you step foot outside the place you’ve grown familiar with, no one will know who you are except for your name and other basic details. You’ll be exposed to all sorts of people wherever you go. Hence, you’re bound to encounter less-than-savory individuals who might hurt you. Always carry a bottle of pepper spray with you or accessories that can double as pointy objects for your protection.
7. Maintenance Tools
Not everyone prefers traveling by plane or sea. Instead, they prefer staying on the ground; some even want to reach their destination by driving all the way there. Naturally, the longer the trip, the more demanding it is on the vehicle. Have a toolbox ready for sudden breakdowns and maintenance. Don’t forget to keep spare parts, such as tires and wiper blades, as well as gas and oil.
8. Entertainment
Instead of having your eyes glued to your phone to pass the time while traveling, pack some extra sources of entertainment that don’t involve gadgets. After all, using them too much would drain their batteries faster. If there are books you’ve been meaning to get into, this is your chance. But if reading’s not your favorite pastime, stash away some puzzles; crossword or word-search puzzles are always good time-wasters.
Takeaway
Traveling is a great opportunity to de-stress and see more of the world. But as fun as reaching the destination is, preparing for a trip requires careful thought. Otherwise, what’s supposed to be a dream come true might turn out to be your worst nightmare. Knowing what to pack for the trip is a vital step in preparation.
