How can anyone go wrong with the most basic items required for travelling? You have your passport, sunscreen, sneakers, camera, clothing and almost all of the basics covered, but dear traveler, travelling habits have evolved, as have technology and gear. Whether you are backpacking alone or taking a summer vacation with family or friends, your list of travel essentials will differ depending on the destination and your personal needs.
Here is a list of some essential travel gear for that exciting upcoming holiday:
Swiss Army knife
Dear traveler, the Swiss Army Knife is part of the standard kit for NASA astronauts, and there is no reason why you shouldn’t be carrying one on your adventure. Whether you are breathing the great outdoors while camping or just travelling around the city, a Swiss army knife will be needed. Piece of advice – don’t leave it in your carry-on baggage in the airport – it will likely get confiscated.
Small flashlight
A lot of people regard this as invaluable, but you never know when you might get stuck in an inappropriate situation at a wrong time. You can buy waterproof pen flashlights online at a good price.
Hand sanitizer
Surely you must have used public transport a couple of times and are well aware about the unhygienic commute. Well, it’s all the same everywhere. If you are a germophobe, then you absolutely understand what I mean. Having a hand sanitizer will keep your health and mind at ease.
Cash
Yes we know ATM’s are in operation at almost every other corner, but emergency strikes when you least expect it. Popular backpacker Matt who has been travelling since 2006
mentions in his blog nomadicmatt.com, “I recommend having a stash of $200 USD for emergency situations. I don’t carry this money around, but leave it in my hotel room safe in case something happens. It will be useful if you get robbed or lose your wallet.”
Dry shampoo
Saves you from all the hassle of blow-drying or air-drying your hair, when you should essentially just be busy exploring your surroundings. If you liked this idea, then you would probably want to explore more about the latest on-the-go shower products that include tooth powder and face/body wipes. Just in case you decide to skip a shower, these products can save you from the guilt and uneasiness. There are many options available in the market – pick the one that best suits your skin type.
Protein bars
Whether you are a backpacker or a picky eater travelling with a question mark about local meals or restaurants, protein bars can come in handy in those moments of cravings. Choose from a range of healthy options and devour this tiny snack that can be squeezed anywhere inside your luggage. “You don’t realize, but when you are on a holiday you’re on your feet
for almost the entire day. Protein bars can give you an energy boost and they are light and easy to carry,” says sales and marketing employee Kavya Singh, who is a regular traveller in
the Asian continent.
Zip-lock plastic bags
It is guaranteed that these will be taken into use almost every other day. Use these to separate the wet from dry, clean from not so clean, or just simply to seal a potentially leaky item.
First Aid Kit
Yes, I know this is the most basic and obvious of all travel essentials, but my list would be absolutely incomplete without the mention of a first aid kit. Also make sure you have taken the necessary vaccinations before boarding the flight. Visit www.phac-aspc.gc.ca to learn about the required vaccinations for each country as stated by the Canadian government.
Universal adapter cable
Save on those crazy airport or ‘highly priced only for tourists’ commodities such as a universal adapter. Make sure you check what kind of plug the country uses, and if planning in advance, order a charger online. If you are carrying battery-operated devices, then bring extra batteries. Again, do not carry batteries in your carry-on luggage – it will get confiscated.
What NOT to carry:
Jewellery/Accessories: Avoid lugging these and save some space in your luggage for gifts or souvenirs.
Sharp objects: Such as scissors, blades and knives. These are mostly banned on flights.
Cotton clothing: It is wise to avoid carrying thick cotton clothing. They take time to dry and get wrinkled.
Extra shoes: Felicia Jones, a student in London who recently went on her first backpacking trip to Spain, says, “I am a shoe person. It needs to be right with everything, but when I was in Spain it was nothing more than a burden on my shoulders. When you are in that situation, it becomes more about comfort than the look.” Hence, a strict no no to this one.
