Most people prepare for a trip by planning. Where to visit, what to see and do, how to travel there and back, and around once you get there. All the time and effort going into the actual trip. Sometimes, we forget about what to pack, or we pack in such a hurry that we forget some essentials, or we have too many ‘essentials’. Read on to find out a few things that I wish I had put into my bag when I first started to travel long-term. (Alternatively, check this post out about what I wish I had not put into my bag).
- Comfortable shoes
I mean, really comfortable shoes. On my first trip abroad, I packed a pair of hiker Teva sandals. I had never worn them. I hadn’t wanted to before I left, because I didn’t want to wear them out. (Yes. I had that thought.) I wore them for one day walking around Barcelona. 12 hours into my trip I had several painful blisters, and I never wore them again that trip. I lugged the sandals with me through 22 countries and almost eight months of travel. I knew that my next trip, I would need them. But I would wear them around home first for a few hours at a time. Today, they’re my favourite, well-worn sandals.
Something like these. Sometimes, you can get solid black ones and they would easily double as a ‘dress’ sandal!
2. Retractable Charging Cords
My first trip, I broke 3 pairs of ear-phones and two charging cords, just trying to untangle them, and with all the use they were getting. Shortly after coming home, I bought a handy little charging tool from amazon and I’ve never looked back. Best purchase ever!
Plus this charges all my electronics at once!
3. A lightweight scarf (think accessory, not to ward off the cold)
I rarely wore scarves at home, so despite my trip research about taking one, I opted not to. (Amazing how I thought hiking shoes were a necessity but a little, practice no-weight scarf was ‘too luxurious’). But now, it is the single greatest travel accessory. Use it as sun-protection. To dress up or down various clothes. As a towel in a pinch. To cover your head/shoulders/knees in or around religious sights. I’ve even used it ‘bandage’ a twisted ankle. Even if you are one of those ‘super light’ travellers, I would still include this in my backpack.
Keep your travel colours in mind if you’re choosing a pattern. Try for lightweight, rumple-friendly, and easy to style.
4. Compressible Bag
I didn’t bring one at first, because I assumed between my day-bag and my backpack, I would do fine. However, every trip since, I have tossed one in my bag. Aim for a washable, lightweight material. These are very handy. I’ve used mine for getting groceries, beach day packing (I would be a lot more upset losing my day-bag than one of these), lunch sacs for train journeys, etc. You can’t go wrong with this!
5. Detergent Sheets and Dryer Sheets
The detergent sheets are amazing for doing machine-wash laundry. Toss it in and many have both detergent and softener. This is much easier than carrying tabs, or packets for hand laundry, which is what I did the first time around. Most countries have laundry facilities either in the hostels/hotels, or nearby. For a little luxury in a quick stop; several laundry-facilities will have someone in charge (often selling detergent, etc). Several times, I have left my laundry with the person, they’ve put it in the dryer, and I’ve come back several hours later to washed, dried and folded laundry, for just a few dollars more than the laundry itself cost.) Great if you would prefer not to waste a sightseeing day in the laundromat!
I put a few dryer sheets in my luggage before I leave. It keeps my clothes smelling fresh for months, even after several wears. Sometimes, I even think it helps de-wrinkle!
6. Platypus (or similar) collapsible Water Bottle
Another greatest purchase ever. My first overseas trip I tossed in a water bottle without much thought. While it was true that I met several people who wanted to know how to pronounce the name on the bottle (I bought it at my university – The University of Saskatchewan), it took up So. Much. Space. After my collapsible water bottle purchase I’ve never looked back. Fill up after airport security. When it’s empty, you can tuck it into a pocket and it’s super lightweight. Four years going strong and there isn’t a single odour or discolouration.
7. Duo-sided, flexible wire TSA approved lock.
This is one of my incredibly useful finds that I bought mid-trip. Both sides lock/unlock (but be careful of the reset button!), so you can lock zippers at the airport. But the true use of this is on travel days on your trip. Lock one side to your bag, and the other to your seat/the luggage rack/something unmovable. Remember. The opportunistic thief looks for the easiest bag to run with. When the thief tries to steal your bag and it won’t give, they’ll go on to the next bag, leaving yours safe.
There you have the top items I wish I had brought with me originally. I’m sure there are lots of items that you have brought on your travels that you would never leave without! Let me know what you discover!
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