When embarking on a
trip, there is a list of items you cannot do without. We’ve put them into ten distinct categories:
Travelling Bag
You can’t even discuss travelling without having somewhere to pack all you will need for the trip. There is a wide variety of bags to choose from depending on the trip. Planning to travel light? A duffel bag or portable travel bag is your best bet. If you are taking a flight, we recommend using a trolley (to drag around in the airport when moving around), along with a small carry on a handbag for keeping essentials you might need during the trip. If you are planning to go hiking or camping, we recommend carrying along a multi-purpose rucksack. And if you intend to pack a laptop, it’s best to put it in a laptop bag or backpack. To make your packing easier or more organised, use 3 or 5-piece travel storage bags to segment the items you are carrying; underwear in one bag, toiletries in another, makeup in a separate bag and so on.
Power Tools
Technology is so invaluable to us, so you need to always move around with a set of power tools. It is always good to have USB Chord close to charge your phone during your trip, in case there is an outlet in the vehicle or aeroplane. Otherwise, a well charged power bank will do. Other items you might need, depending on where you intend to stay when you get to your destination, are universal USB charger for multiple plug-ins, a universal wall charger or adaptor in case the power outlet differs from your charger head. If you happen on a hotel without proper heating system, having an immersible water heater (aka ring boiler) can prove useful. And just in case laundry chargers are high, carry your own portable travel-size steam iron to help remove wrinkles from your clothes. For media or internet dependent travelers, keep a travel-sized wireless router or external Bluetooth device nearby.
Snacks and a bottle of water
Afraid of eating in a place whose hygienic practices are foreign to you? Carry your own arsenal of snacks. Use a zip-lock bag to keep snack bars, biscuits and any treats you might travel with to abate hunger when it strikes. Also, always have a bottle of water on standby even if it’s just a four-hour trip. If you get your hands on a water bottle with pill organiser or a compartment, you can place pills you need to take on the trip, place it in your carry on bag.
Toiletries
Speaking of unknown sanitary conditions, always keep antiseptic/antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizers in your purse. They might come in handy. Make sure you have your own bathing soap, toothpaste, towels, hairbrush and or comb, personal hygiene items and tissue papers in your travelling bag when you travel, just in case there is none when you arrive at your destination.
Travel comfort items
Trips don’t have to be a bore when you keep your mind engaged with books (kindle/ebooks or print) or a journal and pen. Having earphones to listen to music on your phone or watch videos can be a lifesaver if the entertainment on board is not to your taste. And if you need to sleep during the ride, having an ergonomic neck pillow and or a sleep mask isn’t a bad idea.
Identification tags
Never leave home without a means of identification either for you or your luggage. People have had their stuff misplaced or run into accidents and a means to contact a next of kin or trace their missing items have been difficult. Always keep the following on you: a luggage tag, emergency contact info card, travel wallet for storing receipts, international passport and extra passport photos. You can get a luggage lock if you are travelling to a place with poor security.
Shoes
You don’t need to pack your entire shoe rack for the trip. Just a few footwear can serve you well. Like having flip-flops, canvass, and multi-purpose shoes – either a pair of pumps or wedges for ladies, or trainers.
Clothes
We can talk about this one all day. But here are a few clothing items you need to take with you on any trip: scarf or pashmina shawl, jacket/sweater, emergency blanket, dispensable underwear, a pair of shorts, joggers, tees, tank tops or sleeveless cotton tops and nightwear.
Travel kit
Travelling with a customized first aid, Nail kit (with tweezers and nail file) and sewing kit usually doesn’t cross people’s minds when packing for a trip. But it should because it can save you money and become very relevant when something unexpected happens.
Other accessories
Depending on if you are going for leisure or business, you might need to travel with a picnic or beach mat, LCD pocket light/flash-light, fold-able umbrella, money belt (to keep cash on you but out of sight) and plastic bags.
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This article was first published on 12th April 2018
ann
Ann Esievoadje is a freelance writer who is passionate about encouraging a reading culture and personal development. She has authored two books, The Quilt (fiction) and Being Mummy and Me (non-fiction). She manages Pulchra Publishing which offers a content creation/editing, transcription, different forms of writing (including Ghostwriting) service and her blog, Life Love and Anything Goes at annesievoadje.blogspot.com.ng. You can reach her at annesievoadje@gmail.com
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