Whether you’re leaving for a month-long adventure to Thailand or a weekend trip to a new city, packing the right essentials can help you avoid disastrous packing mishaps. Here are 11 things to bring on every trip to help you prepare for anything life throws at you.
IMAGE: PEXELS
Extra Clothes
Start by packing all the clothes you need for your trip, including extra underwear and socks. If you’re not sure how to streamline your wardrobe, use the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule for a week-long trip — that’s five sets of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes, and one hat. Adjust to fit your style, and throw in workout gear, a jacket, a swimsuit, and dress clothes if needed.
Camera
Using your smartphone to take pictures is acceptable, but packing a higher-quality camera can help you better document your trip in high-resolution. With universal Wi-Fi hotspots, you can instantly upload your favorite pictures to Instagram or send pictures to close friends.
Before you leave, make you have enough photo storage available for vacation pics. Digital photo storage devices like the Smart Photo Manager by ibi make it easy to store pictures and videos for free and without those annoying monthly subscription fees.
Itinerary
Before leaving, make a copy of your itinerary, including flight times, lodging plans, and places you plan to visit (if applicable), to bring along on your trip. If you’re traveling abroad, share a copy with your friends and family.
Proper ID
If you’re traveling internationally, your passport is a must-have. But you should also pack at least one color photocopy of your passport pages and photo in case you lose your passport abroad. The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs outlines what you should do if your passport is lost or stolen.
Emergency Contacts
In case of an emergency, bring along a list of emergency contact information, including the phone number of an emergency contact at home, your general practitioner, and any other important phone numbers.
Travel Insurance
Vacations don’t always go according to plan, and sometimes emergencies happen. If you’re traveling abroad, travel insurance can provide a level of coverage if you’re injured or become ill. Travel insurance typically includes emergency medical evacuation and hospital treatment and can provide peace of mind during your trip. So before you go, find travel insurance with iSelect.
Travel Wallet
Because you’ll probably be packing more than your traditional wallet can hold—multiple currencies, tickets, key cards, and your passport—staying organized is imperative. Invest in a travel wallet and a passport cover to keep your travel documents secure. If you’re traveling internationally, bring extra cash in case of an emergency.
Toiletries
From moisturizer and lip balm to feminine products and shampoo and conditioner, make sure to pack your essential toiletries. Buying toiletries last minute at the airport can add up, so make sure to shop for travel-size versions of your favorites before your trip.
Comfy Shoes
Whether you’re going hiking or strolling around town, make sure to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Additionally, packing a pair of slides or slip-on shoes can keep you comfortable during your flight and will come in handy if you’re staying at an Airbnb that doesn’t allow shoes.
Medications
Make sure to pack any medications you’ll need during your flight in your carry-on bag, along with your prescription information. If possible, refill your prescription beforehand to ensure you’ll have enough to last during your trip.
Portable Charger
Only a few airlines offer USB slots for phone chargers in-flight, so make sure to pack a portable battery if you want to use your device to use a film or scroll through Facebook. Packing a portable battery can help you avoid paying for an overpriced charger before your flight.
Earplugs
If you’re not a fan of wearing headphones, but you still want to drown out the noise around you, bring along a set of earplugs. Whether you’re on a long flight or your hotel room’s walls are too thin, earplugs will be your best friend when it’s time to sleep.
Packing may seem simple, but forgetting an essential can ruin your entire trip. Following this strategic checklist, however, can help you avoid travel mishaps and enjoy your vacation.
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