Travelling can be fun, but it’s also a lot of work. You have to pack your suitcases with clothes, toiletries, and documents for your visa application, as well as food and drinks for the road. In case, you’re visiting multiple countries during your trip, make sure you pack the right items for each country.
Essentials
There are a few things you should always carry when travelling, in order to make your trip as smooth and worry-free as possible. Here are a few of our favourite must-haves:
- A small travel wallet – This will hold all of your important documents (passport, tickets, visas, etc.), and will keep them safe and accessible while you’re on the go.
- A phone charger/ power bank – Not being able to answer calls or access your phone is frustrating, and can lead to some serious problems. Bring along a good charger/ Power bank so you can stay connected while you’re away.
- A passport photo ID – Just in case something happens to your originals, having a photo ID handy will prove that you are who you say you are.
- Money in multiple currencies – A little extra money can go a long way while travelling, and it’s always helpful to have some options at your disposal.
- An adapter/charger for your electronics – Being able to use your devices while travelling is definitely a plus! Make sure to pack an adapter/charger if necessary.
Things Not to Bring on a Trip
When travelling, it’s important to pack as lightly as possible. With so many places to see and explore, there’s no need to carry around extra weight. Here are five things you can leave at home and travel with minimal packing:
- A heavy coat or jacket. The weather will be warm most of the time and you can always buy a new one when you get there.
- Heavy shoes as it takes lot of weight
- A heavy backpack. Unless you’re visiting some remote destination, a backpack will only weigh you down and slow you down.
- Lots of toiletries. Unless you have specific needs (such as travelling to a desert), there’s no need to bring along your full supply of toiletries. Pick up some essentials in local stores before departure.
- An extensive bag collection. Unless you have an amazing reason to own every bag on the planet (like being a fashion blogger), it’s best to stick to a small selection of versatile bags that can be packed quickly and easily into your carry-on bag when travelling light
What to Pack in Your Checked Bag
When travelling, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for anything. That means packing your bag with items that can help you if something unexpected happens. Here are some things to pack in your checked bag:
- Enough food and water to last the trip (and maybe a extra bottle just in case)
- An emergency kit with basics like flashlights, first-aid supplies, and maps
- Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, insect repellent, and personal hygiene products
- An extra phone charger
- A travel pillow
Conclusion
Unless you are travelling for leisure, there is a good chance that you will be carrying some sort of carry-on bag with you on your trip. However, what should you pack in your carry-on bag and what should you leave at home? Here are a few things to keep in mind when packing for a long trip:
Clothing: You don’t need to bring an entire wardrobe with you on the plane, but make sure to include enough clothes to cover any weather conditions that may be encountered. If it’s summertime and hot outside, bring along light clothing items such as sandals and tank tops; if it is wintertime and cold outside, pack heavier items like coats.
Shoes: Unless you know that your destination allows flip flops or sandals (and even then, take precautions), pack shoes that can be worn outdoors. This means packing something like boots or rain boots instead of tennis shoes or sneakers.