When it comes to making a list of travel essentials, we always tend to pack more than necessary thinking – what if I need this?
Well, what kind of travel essentials you carry depends to a great extent upon where you are heading. And, of course on the purpose of your travel, whether you are going on a holiday or a work trip. However, there are some things which one must carry when travelling irrespective of where one is going and why.
When I travel, I end up packing everything that comes to my mind. It is not a healthy practice, I know. Although my packing list is quite long, to travel as light as possible, I made a list of 12 travel essentials that I take with me and discard the rest (try to!)
So here are the 12 things I carry whenever and wherever I travel :
1. Medical Kit
Hurting yourself while traveling and not having a first aid kit handy is a mistake I learnt from. After which I made it a point to keep my medical kit the first thing in my travel bag. And not just bandaid or antiseptic liquid, I keep even medicines (just in case!).
2. Sunscreen
If you think you need sunscreen only when you are going on a beach holiday, then you are mistaken. Stepping out of the house without sunscreen on is a sin in itself. So, it is indeed one of the most important travel essentials- whether it is a one-day trip or a week-long vacation.
3. Phone Charger
Need I say how essential a phone charger is? It is the first thing that is kept in a travel bag. And along with this travel essential, you can also keep a portable charger, which can be quite handy when you want to charge your phone on the go.
4. Slip-Ons
Carry whatever shoes you want, but never forget to keep a pair of sliders or slippers in your travel bag. Firstly, they are extremely comfortable and then they also look good on every outfit- dresses, jeans, shorts- you name it!
5. Earphones/Headphones
I am not a fan of using earphones or headphones while I am exploring new places. However, during flights or while waiting for flights, using earphones to listen to music or watch movies can be the best way to kill the long boring hours.
6. Shrug/Shawl
I personally feel a lot colder than an average person. During flights mostly, I need a shrug or a shawl. So, I never forget to carry one in my handbag.
7. Moisturizer
A little moisturizer is all we need to keep our skin soft and glowing, especially when on the go. I always carry one in my bag. It is the simplest skin care routine you can keep up with when traveling.
8. Card Holder or Travel Wallet
No one can risk losing a credit card or an ID card, more so when you are traveling. So for people who lose things easily, it is imperative you keep all your important cards in one place just like I do. It is perhaps the easiest way to manage all your cards when you are traveling where you have so much else to do.
9. Sunglasses
I think this travel essential does not need any explanation. Sunglasses are an accessory which I always have in my bag, irrespective of whether I am traveling or not.
10. Kindle/Book
I can never do without a book or my Kindle when I am traveling. Whether it is waiting at the airport or sitting in a long-hour flight, a book can be the best companion to spend time and entertain yourself, at the same time.
11. Disinfecting Wipes & Sanitizer
Another must-carry travel essentials include disinfecting wipes and sanitizer. Travelling can be rough and you cannot expect cleanliness and hygiene when exploring places. So these two travel essentials can in some way keep your hygiene aspect in check.
12. Travel Pillow
Last but not the least, a travel pillow is another important travel accessory that you need if you want to sleep comfortably during your flight, especially if your flight is longer than an hour or so.
Do you have other travel essentials in mind that you always keep when you travel? Let me know your list in the comment section below!