Hopping around the world and discovering new destinations is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. If you’re new to travelling or if you’re just one of those “forgetful” types, here are 11 Things You Should Never Travel Without!
11 Things You Should Never Travel Without!
1. Your Passport: Your trip will be extremely short-lived if you leave this behind! When travelling internationally, make sure you have at least 6 months’ validity on your passport (from the date you plan to return home).
Ensure you take a secure day bag with you to keep your passport safe while getting around. In case you run into any troubles, you can also leave a copy of your passport with someone you trust at home.
2. Visas: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of travel, but have you checked if you require a Visa for your destination? Visas can take long periods of time to organize and process, so make sure you start your visa preparations early.
3. Important Contact Details: These will be vital if you experience an emergency overseas, so be sure to keep these on hand while you travel. Important contact details can include:
- Emergency numbers for the countries you will be visiting (e.g. ambulance, police)
- Numbers of loved ones back home
- Contact numbers/addresses of Australian embassies in the regions you will be travelling to
- Details of your travel insurance, particularly emergency support numbers
4. Essential Medications: Don’t go on holidays without your medications! It’s easy to forget these, so ensure they’re on your packing list. You should carry all medications in their original packaging and check the regulations of the nation’s you’ll be visiting to make sure your medications won’t be considered illegal.
5. Mobile Phone: You might want a little distance from electronics while you travel, but keeping a mobile phone with you is essential for emergencies, especially if you’re travelling through remote areas where help may not be readily available. If you’ve got a smartphone, you can also stock up on helpful apps and location maps to make your journey much easier!
6. Ear Plugs or a Music Device: Ending up in a noisy location where you can barely sleep or even think can happen anywhere – in a hotel, on a plane or bus, even while camping! Ear plugs, or at least a music device, will be invaluable, so bring something along to preserve your sanity.
7. Travel Towel: Microfiber travel towels can be lifesavers, particularly if you plan to stay in hostels or go camping. They’re also great if you end up encountering a bout of wet weather or if you simply need an extra towel in your room.
Lake Nakuru National Game Park, Kenya
8. Zip lock Bags: Airport security is tight these days, and many customs points require you to put your liquids and lotions into a plastic ziplock bag for scanning/inspection. While you can buy these at most airports, keeping a bundle on hand will save you both time and cash.
9. Hand Sanitizer: Remember how your Mum always told you to wash your hands before you eat? Same goes for when you’re travelling! Hand sanitizer is a good idea no matter where you go, but it can be essential in countries where hygiene and even tap water is not up to standard.
10. Bottle of Water: Travelling makes you thirsty, and keeping a bottle of water with you is highly recommended. It’ll make it easy to stay hydrated and if you’re heading to a country where you can’t drink the tap water, a bottle of your own will be critical!
11. Neck Pillow: No matter where you’re going, you’ll want to make sure you can catch some Zzz’s when you need them! Neck pillows can make sleeping on transport much easier, and they’re also ideal if you end up in a hotel where the pillows are less than comfy.