When planning a trip, the first things that come to mind are usually: phone, keys, passport, wallet, and a good pair of walking shoes. These are really indispensable items. However, bad luck can catch you at any time. For example, your phone suddenly stops working, your passport suddenly goes missing, or your suitcase is full but you don't want to buy more luggage...
Here's a list of 10 things to pack for your next vacation, to help you be prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise.
Vacuum bags
Compact zip bag for easy folding of clothes.
You want to pack a lot of outfits to capture diverse travel moments, or you plan to shop until you drop on vacation but want to "avoid" checked baggage fees. Use compression bags. Simply roll or fold your clothes and put them in the compression bag, then squeeze out the excess air before zipping it shut. It's like a vacuum seal.
Instant coffee
Instant coffee is indispensable on long trips.
If you are a coffee addict who cannot start the day without a cup of coffee, imagine staying in a hotel, hostel or Airbnb, waking up to find that the coffee shop is not open or there is no coffee maker in the room. What a nightmare! Bring a few packets of instant coffee, and as long as you have water, you will never have to worry about starting the day, even if you sign up for a tour at 4am.
Toilet paper
Toilet paper is an important item.
Some places in the world are less equipped with things that Americans and Westerners in general take for granted. Toilet paper may be at the top of that list. It’s never a bad idea to carry some tissue or toilet paper with you, especially when traveling abroad. How many times have you sat in a restroom for hours only to realize there was no toilet paper? Never let that happen again by being prepared.
Insect spray
Protect your health during your trip.
What’s more annoying than being attacked by creatures like mosquitoes and ants? Remember that mosquitoes carry some of the world’s deadliest diseases. While this rule applies everywhere, it’s especially useful for trips to the tropics. A good bug spray, small enough to carry on the plane, will keep you free of mosquito and ant bites for the duration of your vacation. You can buy bug spray anywhere in the world, but it will cost many times more.
Mobile Wi-Fi or SIM
Convenient portable Wi-Fi transmitter.
There’s nothing worse than arriving at your vacation destination and finding your phone won’t connect to the local internet. It’s even worse when, after just a few days of enjoying the internet, you come home with a huge mobile bill.
A surefire way to save money and headaches with Wi-Fi is to buy a SIM card as soon as you land at the airport or bring a portable Wi-Fi hotspot to ensure you’re always within range. Wi-Fi hotspots can be a little tricky, and sometimes you need to make sure they work internationally, like the Solis. SIM cards are a great low-cost option, but don’t forget to keep your original SIM safe.
Cash and universal charger
Universal charger.
Does it sound silly to add cash to this list? Maybe, but it is essential in case your ATM/VISA card stops working abroad for some reason. Similar to cash, you have to consider what kind of charger your device will need, especially if you are traveling abroad. To avoid headaches, buy a universal charger.
Snacks
Snacks.
Imagine boarding a 10-hour flight, being served a snack, landing at your destination, waiting in line for customs, then waiting to get to your hotel, checking in, and anything that could go wrong along the way. You can save your stomach by bringing non-perishable snacks. Snacks like dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate are great to take abroad.
Passport copy
Make a backup copy of your passport if necessary.
Can you imagine a scenario more painful than losing your passport abroad? It is not very common but it does happen to many travelers. Sometimes your passport may even expire while you are traveling. As long as you are in a place with an embassy of your country, you will have an alternative. But, it does not hurt to always carry a photocopy of your passport with you to prove your identity.
Handwriting Journey
Bring a notebook in case of phone problems.
We’re living in 2022 – a digitally-focused world. This can be great until something happens to our phones, tablets, or laptops. Imagine you’re in a taxi, the driver asks for directions, and when you turn on your phone, it won’t turn on. You don’t have your hotel address or your destination. Write down everything: flight number, departure time, hotel address, contact phone number, and pretty much anything else relevant to your trip.
