Traveling is such a refreshing feeling. Stepping out of familiar territories to see what’s beyond the comfort of your home always gives you a new perspective on life. While flying out can be great, forgetting important items can ruin your trip.
Even the most meticulous travelers, with their color-coded lists and perfectly rolled clothes, can find themselves halfway through a trip wishing they’d remembered that one thing.
From essentials you didn’t think you’d need to small comforts that make all the difference, this article lists five commonly overlooked travel items that can save you time, stress, and even money on your next adventure.
A Backup Power Source (That You Actually Charged)
If you’re traveling to an unfamiliar city, your phone automatically becomes your best friend. Your mobile device is so important for getting directions, translating local languages, and reserving a space in a hotel; now imagine your phone guiding you when, suddenly, your battery dies.
It’s a situation that nobody wants to be faced with, but it’s actually really common. Although many travelers make sure to have a power bank in their bag, the true mistake is neglecting to charge it in advance.
A backup power source is one of those things you’ll never know how much you need until you do. Whether it be a portable battery or some kind of solar-powered gadget, having a fully juiced power bank can be a total lifesaver. Make sure, before leaving, that the backup isn’t just in the bag but charged and ready to go.
Bonus tip: Pack the charging cable for your power bank—yes, people forget that, too! You’ll also probably need a way to stay connected during your travels A Holafly travel eSim is a fantastic option to access the internet in multiple countries
Reusable water bottle
When you head out sightseeing or on a hike, an insulated reusable bottle is a game-changer— make sure to fill it with ice to keep drinks cold all day. Traveling to a chilly destination? Swap out the water for something hot to stay warm while exploring. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping you refreshed and comfortable on the go!
First Aid and Medications
Mishaps happen all the time, and they often lead to minor injuries. A change in weather could even get you down with a minor cold. Before you board that plane, you need to make sure you’re well-armed enough to handle the pains, sickness, and injuries that may come along.
Packing a first-aid kit with a set of medicines is required, even for seasoned travelers. This should include band-aids, painkillers, disinfectant wipes, and any personal medication.
Copies of Important Documents
Losing your travel documents can make your trip outright horrible, so prepare by making physical and digital copies of your passport, driver’s license, travel insurance, itinerary, and any essential tickets or reservations.
Keep physical copies in a different location from the originals, such as in another bag or a travel-safe pouch. As for digital backups, securely store them in cloud storage or email them to yourself for easy access anywhere.
Hand Sanitizer
Traveling involves sharing areas with numerous people, which encourages the spread of germs. To maintain health while traveling, carry a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol.
Apply a small amount onto a cloth to wipe down areas people touch a lot such as handles, doors, and tray tables. This handy gel can additionally serve as a fast cleaner for your eyeglasses or phone display.
Perfecting Your Travel Prep
Of course, even seasoned travel planners can sometimes leave a few essentials behind, but with a little bit more attention, you can avoid that “I can’t believe I forgot that.” moment. Once you’re well-prepared and have checked off all your items, you can travel without worry and be prepared for anything that may happen on your trip.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.