12 things you should never forget to pack when you travel

Many of us have taken a two-year hiatus from traveling during an injury. Covid-19 has increased worldwide. But if you’re like me, you’re itching to get back to exploring new places. Although traveling is typically an exciting and eye-opening experience, it can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to packing.

Even though I am a very popular person, I forget to pack what I need and I am forced to buy what I have left. (So ​​don’t start the trip where I forgot to pack socks and pajamas.) While you can often find what you need at your destination, it’s easier to pack what you need in advance.

Considering that it has been a while since many of us travel, it seems important to refresh the items that are often forgotten. You might not forget the pants or the shoes, but what about the items you don’t think about? If you’ve already booked your trip or are already thinking about it, here are 12 things you should bring on your next vacation. (For more, see our top picks Cameras for winter travel And the best Carry-on luggage).

Also read: This is the best way to pack a suitcase.

1. Power transmission

In all my travels, one thing I’ve learned is that there aren’t enough electrical outlets where I live. Choosing between having a light or charging your phone is a chore, and it’s only annoying if you’re sharing a room with others.

My solution: bring your own power strip.

There’s also no need to pack a full-sized power pack. Belkin, Philips, and other companies offer compact and portable power adapters. They turn one outlet into many and typically come with some built-in USB ports as well.

2. Reusable water bottle

Whether you’re walking for hours on city streets or hiking all day in a national park, you’ll need to hydrate often. Finding water in certain destinations isn’t always easy — not to mention how brutally hot or humid it can be in some climates — so it’s always a good idea to take a refillable bottle with you.

Of course, you can rely on buying bottled water at your destination, but water is often expensive at popular tourist attractions or hotels, and grocery or convenience stores aren’t always nearby, especially in rural or forested areas.

Here is the list Favorite water bottles of the year. If the tap water of your destination is not drinkable, try it A water bottle with a built-in filter.

3. Portable power banks

You can use your phone even more when you’re traveling – check boarding passes, find places to go and get directions to those places, connect with friends and family back home, and take hundreds of photos. All of this drains your battery, and it can be annoying to interrupt a busy viewing experience to charge your phone. Also, access to power outlets is never guaranteed.

That’s why it’s always good to bring a portable Power bank with you. Power banks put the power in your pocket for easy access and are often inexpensive. I recommend investing in one that is not only reliable, but can charge your phone several times before charging on its own.

Also read: Must-have travel gadgets to make international travel stress-free.

4. Towels

While bus tours or subway rides can be super fun, they’re not always the cleanest places. During your trip, you may need to carry “high-touch” items such as remote controls, light switches, telephones, doorknobs, faucet handles, etc., so it’s important to consider hygiene to prevent illness.

Washing your hands may not always be a quick option so be sure to pack a few towels with you. Also, small cleaners should make it through security checks without any problems.

5. Quick-dry towel

Towels come in abundance and you never know when one will save the day. Maybe you spilled on your clothes or got caught in a rainstorm and need to dry them off quickly. Or maybe you have arrived at your hotel or Airbnb They didn’t provide towels just to get it.

Quick-dry towels are not the most luxurious option, but they are lightweight and easy to store when traveling. Best of all, they dry very quickly so you can clean and pack them in your bag without waiting too long.

6. Plastic bags

I swear if there is a travel imperative, it’s a plastic bag. Need to pack your mud shoes? Plastic bag. Want to separate old clothes from your clean items? Plastic bag.

Although plastic or garbage bags are not the most attractive travel items, they have many uses and do not take up much space in your luggage.

7. A sealed bag

I always carry a lot in my carry-on: I want to bring my cameras, a hat, glasses, a change of clothes and some toiletries in case my checkbook goes missing. But all these items quickly arrive to leave very little room in my bag and I usually don’t want to take them all with me when I use the destination I’m visiting.

I suggest taking another small, preferably collapsible bag, that you can use while visiting. This will save you from packing and packing your carry-on bag. In addition, you can use it to carry the souvenirs you picked up on the road.

8. Bottle protectors

Almost every trip I take I return with a bottle of wine or specialty beer as a souvenir. I love bringing home a special bottle of beer, liquor or wine to share with friends and family as I tell them about my adventures.

But before that happens, the bottle has to go through the journey home properly. And that means you need to bring some kind of protection. Many people swear by the wine-bottle-in-soak-soak method or wash glass bottles in their clothes, but I prefer to pack a proper protective bottle bag. I recommend a protective bottle with padding and a zippered top to help protect your clothing.

9. Dryer sheets

For me, this is a no-brainer. When you walk miles and miles through various train or bus stations, airports, and cities, you will work up a sweat. And your shoes can pay the price.

Bring plenty of dryer sheets to help mask the smell of your shoes. When you return to your hotel or Airbnb at the end of the day, simply place a dryer sheet in each shoe to help absorb air.

10. Universal plug adapter

Maybe you already know this. Anyway, I’m going to remind you: if you’re traveling abroad, you need a plug adapter. Outlets in the US are different sizes than outlets overseas, which means that if you plan to use electronic devices in different countries, you’ll need an adapter.

You can try to buy them at your destination, but they can be expensive and difficult to find. It’s a good idea to pack one before you go to save time and money.

11. Travel router

Okay, this may sound extreme, but the Travel Router has saved me more than once. Internet connection is not always reliable when traveling or in certain rural areas, and a Wired connection It will almost always be more reliable than wireless (especially in hotels). I feel safer traveling knowing I have a stable connection to call in case of an emergency, keep track of my travel group or connect with loved ones back home.

Here’s some more good news: Travel routers are usually small, affordable, and easy to pack. You can buy one for anywhere from $20 to $100, and they’re usually not much more than a wall adapter.

12. Padded down or rain jacket

Whether you’re heading to a tropical destination or hitting the streets of a European city, it’s always wise to bring an extra down or rain jacket. Even if you check the forecast religiously, you can still get caught in a rain storm or have a colder-than-expected night.

One of the best options that won’t weigh down your luggage is to bring a packable down or rain jacket. Trust me, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Final thoughts

Travel can be a life-changing experience that creates memories that last a lifetime. But before you can experience all the magic of cities around the world, you have to pack. And packing the right way makes all the difference in reducing stress and saving you money in the long run. While everyone has a different idea of ​​travel essentials, the 12 tips above are the ones I’ve found most useful in my own travels.

If you’re thinking about planning a vacation soon and are stressed about getting ready, we have tons of resources to help. Prepare like a pro for your next trip with these travel hacks and tips: