Your long-awaited trip is finally coming and you are all revved up to hit the road. Time to start packing! Though it should be fun and straightforward, we’ll be the first ones to admit that packing isn’t always the most enjoyable thing to do. Packing may appear like a simple task, but it is a science with rules that individuals often learn the hard way.
Packing strategically can be the difference between experiencing a harried vacation with unnecessary detours to local drugstores and a streamlined one that gives you access to everything you will need at your fingertips. But that’s easier said than done.
More often than not, many people end up overthinking the process, which only works to make the process even more daunting than it should be. But not to worry. To help you avoid overpacking and to make sure that you have everything vital with you, here are 5 things you should always have with you when traveling:
A comfortable pair of shoes
Choosing the right pair of shoes for your trip may not seem like a big deal, but it is one huge deal. If your feet are constantly in pain and you find it difficult to walk, there is no way that you will enjoy your trip to the fullest so comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Try and pack versatile shoes that will effortlessly match with all your outfits but pack no more than 4 pairs. While the shoes should ideally be stylish and fashionable, your trendy shoes will have to take a back seat if it means that your feet will hurt the entire time. Also, pack your shoes based on the type of activities that you hope to carry out during your trip.
The best way to fit your shoes and everything that you need into your travel bag is to maximize every inch of space at your disposal. For instance, your shoes should be stuffed with socks. Also, consider laying them together heel to toe at the bottom of your bag or suitcase in a plastic or shoe bag so that your clothes do not get dirty.
A reusable Water bottle
Staying hydrated is one of the most important and cost-effective things that you can do for your trip. If you are traveling on a budget, the last thing you want to keep doing is wasting money on plastic bottles. That said, no one needs to tell you just how debilitating single-use plastic bottles are for the environment so the best thing that you can do instead is to invest in a high-quality reusable water bottle for your travels.
Some of the best water bottles that you can invest in are insulated stainless steel bottles. The best of the best are double and triple-walled to keep your water just as cold or hot as you like it. If you like flavored water though, it’s probably best to go for infuser bottles that come with an infuser basket that will contain the fruits and herbs that will flavor your water.
Your reusable water bottle, as well as any food or drinks that you may have, should be placed on top of your suitcase just in case T.S.A or customs might want to take a peek.
A bag of toiletries
Packing toiletries seems like it should be simple, but it can get complicated very quickly. You want to make sure that you have all the essentials but you don’t want to pack more than you need. Sure, you can always buy toiletries wherever you are going but store-bought travel-sized toiletries aren’t always the wisest option.
To avoid overpacking, only bring items that you use on a day to day bases such as your premium face cream or shampoo. Some other items to include are shaving creams, feminine wash, razors, eye cream, sunblock, deodorant, as well as your makeup and makeup remover.
When packing, we recommend maintaining a separate kit for your toiletries. Having a ready toilet kit that’s specifically dedicated to traveling will ensure that you never forget your makeup or your contact lens case. Having all your toiletries handy in a small pouch will also give you easy access during emergencies such as during instances of delayed departures.
Hand sanitizer
Don’t underestimate the power of a good bottle of hand sanitizer. The last thing you want on your vacation is to catch the flu and your hand sanitizer will make certain that this never happens. Plus, many hand sanitizer bottles or antibacterial hand wipes are compact enough that you can easily stash them in your carry on.
You’ll need your hand sanitizer whenever you touch door handles, security line bins, ATMs, and even the ticket kiosk at the airport so you need to have it at all times. Please keep in mind that any hand sanitizer as well as gels and aerosols that you bring with you should not be more than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters as outlined by the TSA.
A portable single adaptor
You don’t really need to take your smartphone, laptop, hairdryer, and tablet charger with you on your weekend to Paris. So think hard and long about which devices you want to take with you on your upcoming trip. Keep in mind that the less you carry, the less you’ll have to worry about and manage.
Rather than bring a charging brick or station for every device that you intend to bring with you consider investing in an easy-to-carry single adapter that has multi-pronged outlets and USB ports. Not only will this adapter save you space, but they will also come in handy when your hotel room is low on outlets to use.
Final Thoughts
A holiday packing list can be important, especially if you tend to get scatterbrained under stressful situations such as trip planning. Whether you have been traveling for years or are packing your bags for the very first time, these tips above will make sure that you have everything that you need for your travels.
Remember, the bugger the suitcase or bag, the more you are likely to pack into it. The simplest way to avoid bringing too much stuff during your travel is to pack everything in a bag or suitcase that can also work as a carry-on. Ensure that it is high quality and structured to avoid squeezing in any ‘just in case I need them’ items.