For most travelers, every single trip is a unique experience and a new challenge that would test their ability to adapt with each situation. And every time we go through a certain challenge, we learn how to prevent it from happening again. On this article, I have selected eight of the most important items that you should always carry with you when traveling, hopefully making your trip a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.
1. Power Bank
Your phone's internal battery might hold enough juice if you're on a short distance trip. If' you're out on a long trip however, like taking an intercontinental flight, especially if you plan to use your phone for inflight entertainment, then you will definitely need a power bank that you can so conveniently carry with you along the trip. Couple that with a fast charging USB cable and you're ready to go all day.
2. Dual Sim Card Smartphone
If you're traveling overseas for a few days, it is advised to get a local sim card in order to enjoy mobile data (3G/4G LTE) at affordable rates instead of using data roaming, which would cost you a fortune. A dual sim card phone would come in handy in this situation, not only allowing you to stay connected on the move for a smaller budget, but also to keep your first sim card active at the same tim. It also saves you the trouble of carrying two smartphones.
3. Backpack
I know most business travelers prefer the old suitcase on wheels, but from my experience having a backpack strapped to both shoulders can offer quite a number of advantages. The first one that comes to mind is the fact that both your hands will be free, giving you the ability to handle documents, have a sandwich, or even take the occasional picture with your smartphone. It also allows you to take it with you everywhere you go, even to the bathroom stall. Something quite difficult do with a suitcase.
4. Mini Refillable Atomizer
Recently I came across this tiny gadget, that at first glance doesn't look like much, but when you've been taking 14 to 20 hour flights, or transiting through 2 or 3 different countries in one single day like myself, then this little capsule starts looking like an indispensable piece of luxury. No more arriving at your destination smelling like a corps. All you need to do is fill it up from your favorite bottle of eau de toilette and just put it in your carry on bag. And because of it's small size, it should not be a problem at airport security.
5. Pens
This might seem like a no brainer for a lot of people, but just remember how many times you were asked to fill up a form or write down a name and a phone number and you all you could do was look around to see if anyone had a pen, right after you gave yourself a good patting. It never hurts to pack a pen or even two for good measure to avoid those awkward situations.
6. Light Jacket
Whether you're at an airport terminal, on an airplane, a bus or even a sea ferry, you're susceptible to incurring the ridiculously low temperatures sometimes set in those places. That's why it's wise to always pack a light weight jacket, like a hoodie for instance, and keep it in your carry on bag in case things get chilly. Take my word for it, my hoodie saved my life more times than I can remember.
7. Noise Canceling Earphones
Whether you want to listen to music in a noisy environment, or you just simply can't stand the chatter of a crowd around you, then you will certainly need noise canceling earphones. They are especially useful at airports or on airplanes. So now, no need to worry about the passengers behind you having a loud conversation.
8. Travel Pillow
1. Power Bank
Your phone's internal battery might hold enough juice if you're on a short distance trip. If' you're out on a long trip however, like taking an intercontinental flight, especially if you plan to use your phone for inflight entertainment, then you will definitely need a power bank that you can so conveniently carry with you along the trip. Couple that with a fast charging USB cable and you're ready to go all day.
2. Dual Sim Card Smartphone
If you're traveling overseas for a few days, it is advised to get a local sim card in order to enjoy mobile data (3G/4G LTE) at affordable rates instead of using data roaming, which would cost you a fortune. A dual sim card phone would come in handy in this situation, not only allowing you to stay connected on the move for a smaller budget, but also to keep your first sim card active at the same tim. It also saves you the trouble of carrying two smartphones.
3. Backpack
I know most business travelers prefer the old suitcase on wheels, but from my experience having a backpack strapped to both shoulders can offer quite a number of advantages. The first one that comes to mind is the fact that both your hands will be free, giving you the ability to handle documents, have a sandwich, or even take the occasional picture with your smartphone. It also allows you to take it with you everywhere you go, even to the bathroom stall. Something quite difficult do with a suitcase.
4. Mini Refillable Atomizer
Recently I came across this tiny gadget, that at first glance doesn't look like much, but when you've been taking 14 to 20 hour flights, or transiting through 2 or 3 different countries in one single day like myself, then this little capsule starts looking like an indispensable piece of luxury. No more arriving at your destination smelling like a corps. All you need to do is fill it up from your favorite bottle of eau de toilette and just put it in your carry on bag. And because of it's small size, it should not be a problem at airport security.
5. Pens
This might seem like a no brainer for a lot of people, but just remember how many times you were asked to fill up a form or write down a name and a phone number and you all you could do was look around to see if anyone had a pen, right after you gave yourself a good patting. It never hurts to pack a pen or even two for good measure to avoid those awkward situations.
6. Light Jacket
Whether you're at an airport terminal, on an airplane, a bus or even a sea ferry, you're susceptible to incurring the ridiculously low temperatures sometimes set in those places. That's why it's wise to always pack a light weight jacket, like a hoodie for instance, and keep it in your carry on bag in case things get chilly. Take my word for it, my hoodie saved my life more times than I can remember.
7. Noise Canceling Earphones
Whether you want to listen to music in a noisy environment, or you just simply can't stand the chatter of a crowd around you, then you will certainly need noise canceling earphones. They are especially useful at airports or on airplanes. So now, no need to worry about the passengers behind you having a loud conversation.
8. Travel Pillow
Need to take a nap on a long distance flight? No need to worry. With this U shaped neck pillow you can sleep without the risk of straining your neck in the process. Once you use this little beauty, you won't believe how you have ever traveled without it all this time. It comes in 2 types. Inflatable and foam filled, the latter being more expensive.
There are plenty of other items that you can carry with you during your trip. However, they are too many to mention in just one article. Please let me know which item is your favorite and you cannot travel without it.