According to Henry David Thoreau, “Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves”. However, while you are on that journey of self-discovery across different sections of the globe, here are ten things that you should always have on you to make your experiences just a little bit smoother.
A Backpack
A backpack with padded straps is a must-have on your travels, whether you are planning a backpacking trip into the woods or not. On most flights, you will be allowed to carry stuff in your backpack to the seat, so that’s an added advantage! Don’t ignore the “padded” part either, especially if you are planning a hike.
A Camera
They say that the human eye is the most advanced camera ever, but your eyes won’t exactly let you see, print, or share photos, unfortunately! Don’t forget to take your camera on even the smallest of trips because you never know what you will come across on a journey. In case you don’t already have one or you would like to upgrade to something with better imaging capabilities, check out Best Cameras For The Money to find a product that suits your budget and your needs perfectly.
A First-Aid Kit
A first-aid kit will vary in size and content, depending on where you are going, but you should always carry one with at least some band-aids, antacids, and antihistamines. On the other hand, an overnight hiking trip into the woods means that you will have to stock up on a lot more bandages, painkillers, antibiotics, etc. As a result, a camping kit will also be bigger by default.
More Space
Whether you are carrying an extra suitcase on your trip to Paris or you have packed your stuff in a few plastic bags, more space is something that you will come to appreciate while traveling and shopping.
A Few Books
It might seem strange to a lot of people that they are being told to carry books on a trip, especially in this age of technology, but they can be the traveler’s best friend when they are camping in the middle of the woods or while relaxing on a remote beach island in the Caribbean.
A Photo ID
Even when you are traveling within the US or the very state you live in, it’s wise to carry a valid photo ID (driving license, passport) at all times, so don’t neglect that or you might not be able to buy liquor for that late-night party.
Emergency Contact Card
Everyone should carry this everywhere they go, but especially when on a trip. Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, so in the off chance that you are injured, lose consciousness or worse, your emergency contact card will be the only way for the people around you or the emergency services to contact friends and family.
This list is just a general one and depending on where you are going and for what purpose, it could become a lot longer. Nevertheless, these seven are mandatory for almost all trips, so don’t forget even a single one on your next vacation.