Planning a trip is fun, exciting, and offers a touch of practicality (or, depending on how much you like to prepare or plan ahead of time, a heaping dose of practicality). After you’ve chosen your destination and booked your flights and a place to stay, you can dive into the more nuanced aspects of planning, like what sites you’ll visit and what you’ll pack.
You likely have plenty of ideas of where to go, but it can sometimes be challenging to figure out what to pack. There are so many things you want and need to bring, while making sure to not overpack. When it comes to your comfort and safety, the items listed below are a few things you’ll want to consider bringing on your next big adventure.
1. Reusable Water Bottle
Carrying a reusable water bottle during travel is incredibly useful. They can save you money by eliminating the need to purchase expensive plastic water bottles. A reusable bottle is also more convenient as you won’t have to find somewhere water is available or someone who can get you water when needed. It also has the bonus of being better for the environment, so it’s a win-win.
2. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
While you’re getting to your destination, noise-cancelling headphones can enhance your travel experience. You’ll be able to listen to music, shows, books, or movies with little disruption. If you decide to rest on the plane or any other mode of transportation you choose, they can even help you drown out the noise of an aeroplane, train, bus, or other passengers.
Beyond the travelling portion of your trip, a set of noise-cancelling headphones can prove to be useful in various settings. For instance, if it turns out the person you’re travelling with (or just sitting next to) snores, then you have something to help you sleep. Or, if you’re staying at a communal place like a hostel, you can get a few moments of peace and quiet.
3. Eye Mask and Light Blanket
On a long trip, taking time to rest from point A to point B can be challenging, but bringing along items like an eye mask and blanket can make it easier and far more comfortable. As an alternative to a blanket, you could consider a stylish scarf or shawl that you can wear during your trip, giving it a dual purpose.
4. Compression Socks
Travelling often involves heart-pumping adventures, but getting to them often requires sitting for long periods. Whether taking a plane, train, or bus, you’ll be sitting for a long time; to help promote healthy circulation, compression socks are a must. In some situations, doctors can prescribe compression socks specific to their patients, but you don’t need a prescription to use them. There are plenty of over-the-counter options that anyone can buy.
5. Portable Phone Charger
Having a working phone is not only convenient but is also part of keeping yourself safe while travelling. Carrying a portable phone charger or power bank is a great way to ensure your phone will be powered up and working.
You’ll be able to enjoy a night out knowing you can easily and quickly call or schedule a ride back to your hotel or accommodations at any point. So, if you’re heading out to a nightlife hotspot like the Las Vegas Strip instead of staying in and gambling at casinos.com, you can enjoy yourself with peace of mind. You also won’t have to worry about your phone dying when you want to take a photo or check your map throughout your trip.
6. Keychain Alarm or Whistle
Adding an alarm or whistle to your keychain is another valuable item to have on you while you travel, especially if you’re travelling solo. Unlike pepper spray or other self-defence items, alarms and whistles are generally not restricted or illegal. You may find the security it offers reassuring enough for everyday use.
7. Portable Door Lock
Portable door locks, often small enough to be part of your keychain, can add an extra layer of security when travelling. They can help prevent a door from being opened from the other side, giving you further protection than your accommodations may have.
8. Portable Bidet
While bidets are common across Asia and parts of Europe, they aren’t found everywhere. If you’re accustomed to using one, a portable bidet is a fantastic option for maintaining your hygiene preference. You can find them in a range of sizes and styles, and they often come with a fashionable storage bag so you can bring them to and from the washroom discreetly.
9. Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes are always useful to have tucked into your purse, and you’ll appreciate them even more when travelling. They reduce your chances of picking up a cold or other illness, let you sanitise if you’re somewhere that’s out of hand soap, and help you clean up in the event of a mess.
10. Plug Converter
Depending on where you have your sights set for travelling, a plug converter could be an essential item to put into your travel bag. This will ensure that you can charge your devices and your portable chargers before you head out to explore your destination.
Conclusion
Some of these items may not be the first things to come to mind while you’re making your packing list, but they can add comfort and safety to your travels. Whether for the plane, train, bus, or while you’re adventuring at your destination, you’ll want to have these things within arm’s reach.