“What I Should Have Brought!” 7 Must Have Travel Essentials
Avoid the remorse of realizing “what I should have brought” once you’ve already started your trip. Do you want to know the 7 travel essentials that can make any trip go smoothly? This travel essentials list will help you to be prepared no matter where you’re going.
Going on a trip of any kind is usually very exciting. When I travel, I try to look up the weather, I go read reviews on the location, and I ask people who have been to that area for suggestions on how to get the most out of my trip. At the end of every trip, I made a short list of what I should have brought, and I am sharing it with you so that you can feel fully prepared for your trip.
You are going to learn about all of the travel essentials from things to bring on the plane, items to keep in your room, essentials that will keep you comfortable, and more.
Once you learn about these travel essentials, your next trip, whether it be for business or pleasure, will be smooth sailing.
This post is all about the travel essentials that you might not think about right away, but you will definitely be happy to have on your trip.
Amazing Travel Essentials
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1. Cash
No, you don’t need to have hundreds of dollars on you, but where you are headed might not have an ATM readily available. So instead of worrying, take some cash with you. I went to an all inclusive resort, and I was told to take between $50-$75, in small bills. What would I use it for? Tipping hotel staff, tipping bartenders, tipping excursion hosts, tipping cab drivers…..basically a lot of tipping. Or if you are in town and want to buy a few trinkets to take home, you can without having to pull out your debit card. But please, do not wad up $75 in singles and pull it all out at one time!!!! Carry in in bunches of $10 or $15.
2. Extra Bathing Suits
When I went to Punta Cana, I played in the pools all day. When I got back to my room, I rinsed out my bathing suit, and hung it up to dry. What I didn’t know was, because of the humidity in my room, that bathing suit wasn’t going to dry. So I ended up having to wear a bathing suit that I did not plan on pulling out until later on in the trip. Instead of bringing 9 different dresses and 3 pairs of heels, what I should have brought was more bathing suits. I learned from then on to bring a bathing suit for every day of the trip, and to hang rinsed out bathing suits on the balcony to dry. (Side note, only hang your bathing suit out to dry on the balcony if mother nature allows it. I will not be held responsible if your bathing suit flies away, or some form of animal runs off with it.)
3. Bug Repellant
Majority of the places you go will have bugs. Before I travel, I search Google, YouTube, and Pinterest to find out what season the country I’m traveling to is in for that time of year, so I can know what to expect (i.e. bugs), and I then head to the store to purchase a bug repellant. There are bug sprays, bug repellant oils, and even mosquito repellant wrist bands designed to keep the bugs far, far away.
4. Anti-Itch Spray
Sometimes the bugs are stronger than your repellant. Or taking a short cut through a tall bush just didn’t end well for you. And there are things in the ocean that can sting, or bite, or both. Either way, a good anti-itch spray, an itch relief stick, or an itch relief cream can go a long way.
5. Disinfectant Wipes and Sprays
We all know why disinfectant is popular right now. But you don’t have to worry about carrying around a big container of wipes, or a large spray can. You can now buy the wipes in travel packets so you can wipe down the seat back of the plane you’re on (along with the armrests, tray top, and the seat buckle), and you can get a travel spray for when you get to the hotel. I usually put one pack of travel wipes in my carry on, and then I put another in my suitcase, with a couple (2) travel sprays, so that I can get to them as soon as I open my luggage. (I do not believe you can have aerosols in your carryon. Please check with your airline.). I also like the individually wrapped disinfectant wipes. I usually try to keep at least 1 in my purse.
6. First Aid Kit
No matter your age, you are still excited to go on the trip. Excitement leads to rushing, and rushing usually ends in injury. Now, if something bites you or stings you, please let the hotel know, but if you gave yourself a deep papercut opening something, or cut yourself shaving, having a little first aid kit with some band-aids and some sort of alcohol wipe or antiseptic, allows you to patch yourself up quickly and cleanly, and allows you to get on with your day.
7. Waterproof Phone Pouches
The last item on my “what I should have brought” list is this super convenient item here. Yes most of us have waterproof phone cases, but I’m talking about those see-through hanging bags for your phone. No, you don’t think you need it now, but when you are on the boat, and want to put your phone down, or if you are buy the beach/pool and you want to take some action shots, having these little cases really comes in handy. It’s also good for those moments where you are just fresh out of pockets, and you’re tired of holding your phone. Just let your phone hang on your neck with you sit back and enjoy your vacation.
This post was all about the travel essentials that you don’t want to leave home without.
