Suitable clothes? Check. Itinerary? Check. Passport and money? Check and check. Are we forgetting anything else?
One of the most important things to do in preparation for a trip is to pack your necessities.
The items mentioned above are the basics; pretty easy to remember, right? There are other important essentials that you probably don’t think you’ll need them until you do. And they are arguably very useful when the situation calls for it!
Read below to see what you should bring every time you travel, no matter your destination.
1. Extension cord
Credit: Singapore The Intersection
One person alone may own up to three gadgets, but sadly certain accommodations don’t offer enough power points for you to charge them.
Worse is when you share a room with three friends. Most likely you’ll have to take turns to use the outlets.
This is where an extension cord may come in handy. All of you can have one outlet each and use them at once. Plus, the long cord will certainly help if the main power point is badly-positioned.
2. Universal adaptor
Speaking of power points, you should know that not all countries have the same type of socket. There are 15 different kinds altogether and for example, Malaysia uses Type G and C.
That’s why when you travel to countries that don’t use the same plugs or sockets, you’ll need to use an adaptor that connects your appliance to them.
Just to be safe, get a high quality one that can accommodate all sorts of power points. There are even some that come with a USB port.
3. Travel router
Credit: VERNONCHAN.COM
Some call it a pocket WiFi because it’s portable Internet that comes in a small, convenient form.
When you’re trying to move from one place to another, you can’t be relying on the public WiFi all the time. What if you aren’t lucky and there is no available Internet?
Save yourself the trouble and stress by renting a pocket router (airports should have them!) so that you can stay connected no matter where you are.
4. Compression socks
If your feet swell while you’re flying, these special socks may help ease your pain.
According to the Travel Channel, these stockings “help increase circulation and reduce the risk of swelling or worse deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and clotting on a long flight.”
5. Packable backpack
Credit: Wirecutter
Sometimes you just can’t help buying too many souvenirs to bring home but sadly they can’t fit your luggage. Here, a packable backpack will be convenient and it won’t take up too much space when it’s not in use.
You can also whip it out if you are going for some active adventures where bringing your hand bag is not practical.
6. Wet tissue
Even when you’re not travelling, this thing is useful. While on a trip, it can be used to clean your hands when there’s no sink or running water nearby, or wipe anything clean, really.
7. Quick drying towel
When you need to travel around as backpackers, this is what you will need. It’s light, compact and dries quickly. For the best results, get a packable one with anti-bacterial fabric and good absorbency but at the same time can dry in a jiffy.
8. Tape, string or zip tie
Credit: AliExpress
Bringing these items may seem strange, but it will be extremely helpful when the time comes. Solo traveller Vanessa Castaneda can relate.
“From securing loose outlets when I’m trying to charge my dying phone while stranded in the middle of rural Hungary to bags that fall apart in the middle of a street to tying things up and together when I run out of space on the plane or in the hostel, those two have always been there to save the day.”
Source: Business Insider
