There are a million and one things you could bring with you while travelling. Chances are good your laptop, tablet, and a smartphone aren’t all necessary though. Here are a few things that have been absolute life savers for me on countless trips around the world.
Hand Sanitizer
When you’re rushing around a new city taking in the sights, you never know where you’ll find the next public bathroom, let alone one with soap! Keeping hand sanitizer in your bag is a must!
A Pack of Tissues
Similarly to the note above, you never know when you’ll be in a washroom without toilet paper, or eating food from a street cart without a napkin. Save yourself the hassle and the mess by keeping some tissues handy.
Permanent Marker
One day you may need to leave your mark! My favourite marker moment was on the Abbey Road wall where people come from all corners of the world to write their name and a note. I’ve visited twice to write the name of a friend who passed away.
Baby Powder
Don’t underestimate the power of baby powder! It’s great to put on your skin to give it a matte finish, and to dust along your roots to get rid of excess oil when you’re not able to wash your hair. It’s an easy way to look great even if you’re roughing it!
Mini Tripod or Monopod
I’ve got a small tripod that has worked well for taking photos of a group or stabilizing my camera for a particular shot. One thing I really want is a monopod, being made popular by the selfie lovers of the world! If you’re travelling on your own, your photos often end up being close-ups of the side of your face… a monopod will help make your travel snaps photo frame worthy.
Related: What about the big things? Here’s the travel gear you should bring on your first trip.
Polysporin and Band Aids
I’ve found it tougher to get Polysporin in Europe than at home. It’s probably hiding behind a counter somewhere! I make sure to bring both of these things with me whenever I’m travelling since cutting my finger quite badly on my own razor in a dirty Indian bathroom. Talk about panic! Band Aids will also help when you get the inevitable blisters from all the walking.
Eyemask and Earplugs
These are a must-have if you’re staying in a hostel. No one is going to stop talking or turn the light out because you’re leaving at the crack of dawn. I still bring an eyemask with me when I’m staying in hotels, just in case their curtains aren’t dark enough.
Alarm Clock
Your phone will work for this, but I remember moving abroad and realising I had nothing to wake me up the next morning. This is important, you’re not there to sleep the days away!
Antihistamines
Two weeks in to living in London, a strange rash broke out on my neck. It was only on my neck, and didn’t go further than my jawline. What was it? I never found out! But what saved me was taking antihistamine tablets to reduce the irritation.
Empty plastic bags
Don’t underestimate your need for plastic bags! Where are you putting your dirty laundry? What happens when you need to leave early and your towel or swimsuit is still wet? And those shoes from the hike that are covered in mud? Plastic bags will save you time and time again.
What item has saved you on a trip? I’d love to know!
Tick to all of those items – except the permanent market…I am always petrified things will explode all over my clothes. Permanent ink all over my favourite silks would slay me…I also take a small box of zip-lock bags – they are brilliant and have so many uses…Cheers.
Ziplock bags! Genius. That’s on my list for next time 🙂