Whether you’re going on a short weekend trip or an extended adventure, packing the right items is essential for a smooth and enjoyable journey. Forgetting essentials can cause stress and inconvenience. To prevent such mishaps, we’ve compiled a list of ten must-have items for travel. Let’s get started!
I am sure you will say I already know the ten items you will have on this list. There are many articles about there about his same topic. However, this one is going to be a bit different. We will not be talking about:
- Passport and Travel Documents
- Medications and Prescriptions
- Charging Cables and Universal Travel Adapters
- Travel Insurance
- Toiletries
Instead, my list includes 10 items I have either left behind or needed when traveling. No matter the destination, international trip, or weekend camping trip, I never leave home without these items.
1. Cash and an additional form of payment from your bank card.
There has been a time or two when the gas stations only took cash or their card systems were down. I always make sure to have cash on hand, just in case. I have also had instances where my bank locked my bank card despite telling them I was traveling, and had that been my only form of payment, I would have been stuck until their call center opened the next morning. When I travel, I carry my bank card, cash, and then an emergency credit card that I only use for emergencies and nothing else.
2. Water.
During my time in the southwest, it became a habit to always have water on hand as a precautionary measure. When people advise carrying water, they usually refer to drinking purposes. Personally, I believe it’s crucial to carry extra water not only for drinking but also for unforeseen emergencies. You never know when it might come in handy for your vehicle, in first aid situations, or assisting someone needing water for their emergency. Additionally, if you are traveling with pets, as I do, I will always keep additional water just for them.
3. Toilet paper, paper towels, and cloth towels.
Accidents happen, and sometimes your digestion doesn’t agree with your food or drink. Leaving a cap off your drink can lead to spills in your cup holders. That’s why I always carry paper towels, disinfecting wipes, and cloth towels for quick cleanups. When traveling with a dog, muddy feet and accidents may require more than a simple wipe-off. Also, it’s wise to have toilet paper on hand as some campsites or restrooms may not provide it. Keep a stash in your pocket or vehicle for easy access.
4. An emergency set of clothes.
When flying, you never know when you might end up with all of your luggage sent to another location. A friend recently told me about his family’s luggage disaster with a “discount” airline. When they arrived at their destination, their luggage ended up in another city, and they were told they might get it within a week, but they were only going to be at their destination for a short weekend trip. I always pack extra clothes and the basics in my carry-on to avoid situations like this because you never know when you and your luggage might be thousands of miles apart. Even on trips where I am driving, I always keep a spare set of clothes hidden away if my vehicle is ever broken into and my suitcase or bags are stolen.
5. Snacks and food.
Having snacks while traveling is important for happiness and convenience. However, you never know when you might end up without food options at your destination due to unforeseen circumstances. Even during holidays when fewer people travel, you may find limited places to eat, especially if you’re driving and only gas stations accept card payments. To ensure you have sustenance, carry snacks and additional food to get you through until you can find a grocery store or a proper meal. The amount of food you can bring depends on your mode of travel. In my case, I have a fridge in my truck for full meals. If flying, I grab snacks from the airport and a portable meal to sustain me during travel. It’s also helpful to know the operating hours of concessions to avoid being stuck with only vending machines. Always be mindful of the time and holidays, and pack food for situations when access to food might be limited.
Making sure you are packing these things on your adventures, you know where they are, and having them accessible will help make your travels more enjoyable, especially when things turn into situations you had not planned for. As they say, adventures never go as planned, but if you can plan for that, you can at least mitigate the lack of fun during those misadventures. As always, my friends, happy trails, and stay adventurous!
Leave a Reply