• Travel necessities include adapters, power strip, a book, good playlist and toothbrush.
• Provide for entertainment and something to keep you occupied on the journey.
• Make a checklist for your luggage and include accessories for devices.
• Pack any medicines you may need on vacation.
It’s never pleasant to get to your travel destination only to find some basic items missing. Such circumstances can result in unplanned expenditure and discomfort. Given that some travel destinations are remote, restricted or expensive, especially when traveling on company tab, you could end up paying a lot of money for cheap travel necessities. As you check for the weather, security, accessibility and amenities available at your travel destination, ensure that everything on this checklist is in your luggage.
Travel Necessities: Electronic Appliances
In the digital age, most of our lives are in electronic format. Tablets, laptops and your mobile phone should be at the top of the list of what to bring. Many people, however, tend to skip the accessories for these devices. Items such as headphones, chargers, USB cables, and adapters and electronic converters are easily forgotten. When you book your next flight, start noting the items that should be in your luggage.
For those relying on e-readers, remember your device’s charger. Cameras, extra memory cards and a charger must also be included for those trips when photos are crucial. However, most modern mobile devices tend to be sufficient to use as a camera.
Travel Necessities: Entertainment and Comfort
You’ll want to provide for entertainment and comfort for both the journey and the destination. You should never assume that the in-flight selection or entertainment provided by the host will do. A long journey could become unnecessarily lengthy due to boredom and discomfort. To provide entertainment for yourself, include the following items in your carry-on luggage:
• Books and magazines
• Games
• Travel or neck pillow
• Blanket
• Eye mask
• Earplugs
• Travel guides and maps
• Language guides
Toiletries and Health Supplies
Toiletries can save you from very embarrassing and stressful situations. For those with health conditions and allergies, health supplies must be taken care of. Make sure you are aware of alternate doctors and emergency numbers at your destination. Make sure that your prescriptions are filled and sufficient to see you through your time away. Other items to include in your health and toiletries list for your next flight include:
• Hand sanitizer, wet wipes and toilet paper
• Makeup, face wash and makeup remover wipes
• Moisturizer
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash
• Hairbrush and comb
• Deodorant
• Lotion
• Cologne or perfume
• First-aid kit
This list may not apply to everyone, so choose what suits you best. Remember to keep it light and TSA-compliant if you are traveling by air. Most airlines restrict how much liquid you can bring in your carry-on luggage. There may also be guidelines about how to transport medication, so check beforehand on how to pack what you need.
Travel Necessities: Documentation
Forgetting or misplacing important documentation can curtail your travel plans significantly. Always check that your documents are not expired or otherwise invalid for the destination. Additionally, remember to notify important institutions and people such as your bank and doctor.
This will prevent the bank from blocking your credit cards due to strange locations and activity on your account. Keep copies of important documents either via email or in cloud storage. You’ll typically want to make sure you have access to the following while you travel:
• Passport
• Student ID, work ID or driver’s license
• Credit cards
• Cash
• Insurance cards and travel insurance
• Tickets and reservations
• Boarding pass
Travel Day Pack
This is primarily a small carry-on bag containing the essentials for a day or two. The main function is to ensure that you are able to operate in case your main luggage is lost. Imagine a sleepover bag with a few additions. Your travel necessities should include your passport, phone, wallet and a two-day change of clothes. You should include any important prescriptions in this bag.
