I’m always anticipating my next trip. I’m one of those people that almost always has a trip scheduled, so I have something to look forward to. I’m eager to visit Tampa soon to get away from the cold weather and travel to my friend in Paris in the spring. Whether it’s a 2-hour roadtrip or a 10-hour global flight, I’m excited for the voyage.
While traveling is exhilarating and eye-opening, I dread the packing and preparation stages, especially when I need to take into consideration the ever-changing weather, temperature and climate. Even though I’m a notorious over-packer and planner, there have been a few times when I’ve totally botched my packing process. (Don’t get me started about the time I forgot to pack socks and pajamas.) While you can usually find what you need at your destination, you can save money and time by simply packing properly beforehand.
You might not be likely to forget things like clothes or shoes, but what about less obvious items that will make your trip smoother and more comfortable? Whether you already have your trip booked or you’re planning in advance, these are the 13 things you should never forget to pack.
For more travel tips, learn about the best way to pack a carry-on and the best time to book flights this holiday season.
1. Hygiene items and prescriptions
On your travels, the last thing you want to forget is any essential hygiene or medical item. While you can easily get more deodorant to stay fresh on your trip, it’s much more important to remember medications that will be incredibly difficult to replace once you arrive at your destination. This includes contact lenses, birth control, prescription glasses and any other medications.
For women, most times we can plan a trip around our cycle, but sometimes life happens. It can be very costly and uncomfortable to be on a trip without sanitary items, especially when you need them. So, just make it a habit to pack a few. It’s better to have them and not need them than to not have them and need them.
Also, don’t forget to pack sunscreen when you’re traveling in the summer or if you’re visiting a particularly sunny or tropical destination.
2. A reusable water bottle
Bringing a reusable bottle saves money and keeps you hydrated.
If you’re spending hours walking through city streets or going on a full-day hike in a national park, you’re going to need to hydrate frequently. It’s not always easy to access water in certain destinations — not to mention how brutally hot or humid it can be in certain climates — so taking a refillable bottle with you is always helpful.
Sure, you could rely on purchasing water bottles at your destination, but water is often expensive in popular tourist hubs or hotels, and grocery or convenience stores aren’t always nearby, especially in rural or woodland areas.
Here’s a list of some great water bottles. If your destination’s tap water isn’t drinkable, think about a water bottle with a built-in filter.
3. Portable power banks
When traveling, you’re likely going to be using your phone more — pulling up boarding passes, looking up places to go and directions to those places, keeping in touch with friends and family back home and taking hundreds of pictures. All of this drains your battery, and it can be frustrating to interrupt your busy itinerary of sightseeing to charge your phone. Plus, access to power outlets is never guaranteed.
That’s why it’s always good to bring a portable power bank with you. Power banks put the power in your pocket for easy access and usually aren’t too expensive. I recommend investing in one that’s not only reliable, but can also charge your phone multiple times before needing to be charged itself.
4. Towelettes
Stinky shoes? Just use a dryer sheet.
For me, this is a no-brainer. When you’re walking miles and miles through various train or bus stations, airports and cities, you’re going to work up quite the sweat. And your shoes will likely pay the price.
Bring several dryer sheets with you to help mask the smell of your shoes. Upon returning to the hotel or Airbnb at the end of your day, simply place a dryer sheet in each shoe to help aerate them.
