Top 10 Must-Have Travel Essentials

It’s interesting how common it is to forget the most important, and sometimes the most basic, things when packing for a trip, isn’t it? It’s usually easier to have a list of the things you need to pack, but even with a list sometimes it’s difficult to find a place to put these things and we end up forgetting them. Sometimes, we don’t realize we need or forgot these items until we arrive at our destination or somewhere along the way.

Whatever the case may be, Jovago.com Africa’s Number 1 Hotel Booking Portal has put together a list of items a traveler should never be without.

1. Travel Documents

One could wonder how a traveler can forget his/her travel documents when they are what you need to travel. Truth is anything is possible. Sometimes you’re in a hurry and simply forget to pick them up from the table where you placed them assuming they’re in your bag. Your travel documents should be in a purse that fits into the bag you’re traveling with a night before you’re due to leave. Put them in there, and don’t bring them out until you get to the airport.

2. Phone Charger and Camera

We love our gadgets because they make our trips more entertaining in one way or the other. Sadly, it’s easy to leave your charger and other necessary gadgets behind. You should always pack them first. Or keep them in your handbag or carryon so you don’t leave them out and forget.

3. Toiletries

Toiletries are also easy to leave behind (I don’t think I’ve met a single person who remembered to pack a toothbrush). This is often because we wait until last minute to include them in our luggage. Some people intentionally leave their toiletries behind to avoid spillage and stains. If you are one of these people, try packing your toiletries in a small travel sized containers or putting them in a small bag before adding them to your luggage. Banking on getting toiletries when you arrive at your destination isn’t always best.

Alternatively, you can have a set of toiletries specifically for travel. His way, they’re already packed and waiting in your box when you need to go.

4. Credit/Debit Cards

Credit/Debit cards significantly reduce the stress on your trips, allowing you access to your funds at your convenience without the hassle and insecurity of carrying around a large sum of money. Pak these with your travel documents so you don’t leave them behind.

5. Money

Yes, credit/debit cards are awesome to have on a trip. But it’s always advisable to have some cash on hand. Some places do not accept credit cards and/or don’t have POS machines, so it’s always helpful to have cash on hand so you don’t have to start looking for an ATM. And, if you’re carrying cash, make sure it’s in currency you can easily exchange for local currency, should the need arise.

 

6. Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes

You should always have wet wipes and hand sanitizer in your bag, for hygienic purposes. They will come in handy at several points during your trip, like when you don’t trust the public toilet, or realize that there’s no water to wash your hands, or when the cutlery at a restaurant looks shifty. It’s no secret how easy it is to get sick on a trip, so why not protect yourself, especially now that we have the added worry of the Ebola virus.

7. Water bottle

You may not know this, but it’s actually really important to stay hydrated especially on a trip. Traveling takes a toll on your body and water helps you restore balance. This applies especially if you are going somewhere with a different climate than you are used to. Have a water bottle or small travel mug on hand at all times.

8. Comfortable shoes

Comfortable shoes will always make a trip less stressful. Standing on a queue is a lot more annoying when done in a pair of heels or too-tight shoes. Interestingly, they somehow make baggage lighter as well. Pack one or two pairs of comfortable shoes for your trip. You should probably put one at the bottom of the box and wear the other during the trip, or keep it in your carry-on so you can easily reach it.

9. First Aid Kit

You should have a basic first aid kit that you never travel without. Medical emergencies don’t usually warn a person before happening and it helps to be prepared and armed with painkillers, band aids, and a few other essentials. With a first aid kit, you can easily address the emergency, without panicking and/or desperately looking everywhere for help.

10. Flashlight

Although you never know when it will come in handy, it’s always helpful to have one packed, just in case. Invest in a portable one that can easily fit into your handbag or carry on so you don’t really feel like you’re carrying load around.