Packing for a trip is a critical first step that ensures you have everything you need to enjoy your time away. However, it’s also something that you may do in a hurry, causing you to forget your essentials. Before you head out on your next vacation, take a look at this list of underrated and oft-forgotten items that you should definitely include in your luggage.
Wipes
If you’ve ever traveled with kids, you likely carried baby wipes to clean up messes and spills. But even if you’re headed out on a solo trip or your kids are staying home, wipes are still a must-have on every type of vacation. From the moment you get on the plane to head to your destination, you’ll want something to clean the dirty tray before you use it. Wipes are also helpful if you’re camping or hiking and don’t have access to running water, allowing you to quickly wipe your hands before a meal. You may even appreciate having a pack of wipes for your hotel or rental home bathroom.
Along with baby wipes, you may want to bring a package of antibacterial wipes to keep handy if you encounter any surfaces that could pose a health risk. When used as directed, antibacterial surface wipes can eliminate dirt and messes while also killing up to 99.9% of bacteria.
Headlamp
A headlamp is something you probably wouldn’t think of including in your travel luggage, but once you’ve traveled with one, you’ll realize just how beneficial it can be. While most smartphones include a flashlight, you have to hold it with your hands to take advantage of the illumination. A hands-free light makes it easier to explore dark tunnels and caves, seeing every corner of the area. If you enjoy exploration as part of your vacations, a headlamp is a must.
Phone Charger / Battery
A phone charger is a must-have for every traveler. Before you depart, check what type of electrical sockets or outlets are used in the country you plan to visit. You may need to get a charger with a different plug to work with your phone. If you’re renting a car, consider taking a car phone charger to keep in the rental, as well. Another helpful charging device is a portable battery pack, which you can plug in to while you’re out exploring. Even a small USB pack can typically charge a smartphone once before needing a recharge.
If your smartphone has a removable battery, consider picking up a spare to take with you on a trip. Some phones allow you to easily swap out the battery for a fully charged one, eliminating the need to find an outlet when you’re on the go. You may also want to consider picking up a spare battery for anything else you travel with that uses a rechargeable battery, such as your digital camera, tablet, or baby monitor. Airlines restrict certain types of batteries in carry-on luggage, so check the restrictions before you try to take your backup onboard.
Luggage Lock
In certain areas of the world, traveling with valuables can be dangerous. Leaving anything valuable in a hotel room or other lodging space can also put your stuff at risk. Many hotels don’t offer private safes in their rooms, especially in other countries, so you’re either stuck traveling with your laptop or tablet, or you have to take the risk of leaving it in the room. Adding a lock to your luggage can reduce the risk of theft, as it requires a code to access the zipper.
Before you invest in a lock, make sure that the one you plan to buy is TSA-approved. If it’s not, TSA officials can cut it off your luggage before you even arrive at your final destination. A brightly colored luggage lock can also help you spot your bag at a crowded baggage claim.
Rain Gear
Rain can put a serious damper on your vacation plans when you’re not equipped with the right gear. On the other hand, when you have what you need to head out in a rainstorm, you can often take advantage of lighter crowds at top attractions and experience areas in different ways. Include a packable rain jacket and waterproof footwear on every trip you take to always be prepared for inclement weather. A packable anorak or poncho can often fit into a tiny pouch, so you don’t have to worry about it taking up too much precious space.
Along with your poncho or anorak, it’s helpful to have a water-resistant bag packed for your outings while on your trip. Whether you’re taking a trip to an amusement park, spending the week in Europe, or enjoying a beach vacation, it’s helpful to have a bag pre-packed with the items you’ll want while you’re away from your hotel. This small backpack, fanny pack, or clutch should include the essentials you’ll need when you’re out exploring, such as sunscreen, snacks, a water bottle, your phone, and cash and/or credit cards. Choosing a water-resistant material helps prevent damage to your items if a storm hits while you’re exploring.
Notebook and Pen
If you’re a note-taker, bring along a notebook and pen to keep track of your adventures. While snapping photos is a popular pastime among travelers, it can be tough to remember where you were when you took a particular picture. A notebook allows you to write down where you went and when you were there, any special experiences you had in a particular place, and even the places at which you had a particularly memorable meal or beverage.
Now that you know what essentials you need to pack in your luggage, you can feel more equipped to head out on any type of journey. Next Vacay can help you extend your travel budget, offering flight deal alerts that help you book when the prices are lowest. Use the subscription-based service to score an amazing price on your next vacation, whether you’re planning to relax at a tropical beachfront destination, backpack through the wilderness, or get your adrenaline pumping at a thrilling amusement park.
