Without a doubt, traveling is indeed relaxing, comforting and generally fun and enjoyable. That’s what you often perceive and feel when you see so many beautiful travel photos. Nonetheless, just like anything, there are challenging aspects of going on trips. One of them is packing. It’s an inevitable and nonnegotiable duty of travelers, and it’s time-consuming and a long period of decision-making.
Packing must be done mindfully because you cannot simply travel without the items you need for that trip. Needless to say, your clothes are the most important objects to bring because you couldn’t and wouldn’t just wear anything while on those leisure trips, right? Right. On top of that, there are plenty of considerations to look into while you plan and decide on what stuff to bring, not only talking about clothes but about everything.
It’s a shame when you unintentionally and unawarely leave behind something or some things which you need for that trip or which would help you have a better experience at least. That’s why you have to be attentive, careful and really prepared to travel.
Check out these 7 essentials that travelers usually forget to pack. It’s a universal mishap, so to avoid forgetting these items, it would be very helpful to know that they are commonly overlooked.
1 – First aid kit
Safety first everywhere you go. Sometimes though, it’s forgotten when packing things to bring for a trip. A first aid kit is one of the things that some travelers forget to pack. Do you agree? Yes, you do.
The first aid kit contains bandages for wounds, ointment, essential oils for jet lag and some general medicines. It is important to bring even a small pouch containing these, because you can’t be sure whether or not there will be a nearby clinic or hospital for health emergencies around your travel destination. You will be relieved if you stay in good-quality hotel accommodation with operational first aid services and instruments, but if you are outside or on an outdoor activity at the moment of urgency, having a first aid kit you yourself own will be the most beneficial.
Some travelers forget to pack this because they rely too much on the availability of health institutions in the places they will visit. Some forget because of too much excitement for the trip. Remember to be mindful, so you can always be prepared, not only for fun but for possible health and safety concerns during your trip.
2 – Plastic or trash bags
It’s so annoying when you have a bunch of trash in your left hand and a set of wet clothing in your right hand, and you are just standing there in front of your hotel room’s bathroom, pondering on where you could put those items in. That happens when you fail to bring plastic bags or trash bags.
Some travelers forget to bring these because they only focus on the fun and thrill of their activities and of their trip in general. But they overlook the need for storage of dirty and wet garments, shoes and also trash.
While you can ask the hotel accommodation’s housekeeping staff to request for laundry bags or trash bags, it would be best to have yours, so that wherever you go, you don’t need to worry about looking for one. This is also useful for travelers who get dizzy and nauseated while on flight, on the boat or just on land.
3 – Umbrella
No matter the season in that country you are visiting, and no matter the weather conditions in that local destination you are traveling to, an umbrella can be your secret weapon. Many travelers fail to bring theirs because they recklessly “predict” the weather.
An umbrella will shield you in all kinds of extreme weather. Rain or shine, you can and must use it to protect yourself from getting wet and cold and from too much exposure to the sun and heat. You need an umbrella as you travel, especially if you are going on walking tours, nature adventures, beach trips and more!
4 – Slippers
You are so serious about packing clothes and shoes for your OOTDs, but sometimes, you forget to take a pair of comfortable slippers for yourself. Uh-oh, you cannot always wear sneakers or boots everywhere you go. You need plain slippers too!
It will not be a problem if you are staying in excellent hotel accommodation that provides free slippers to guests, but if not, you might have an inconvenient time. Bring slippers you can use while walking inside your lodging’s room or to go to the nearest convenience store. Use slippers whenever your feet are tired from high heels or from driving all day.
5 – Sunblock
Especially if you are going for beach trips, this cannot be forgotten. Unfortunately though, some travelers forget to bring this! A sunblock or sunscreen is a huge must to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. It’s not that you just do not want to become sweaty and sticky from sweat; it’s also because you want to defend your skin from harmful UV rays.
6 – Jacket
If you think you are someone who can withstand the cold of air conditioning units inside malls and inside your house, do not be so sure and complacent when it’s time to talk about going abroad. The weather is different. In countries with naturally cold weather, it could be cold, not so cold or colder than you ever thought.
Forgetting to pack a jacket will make you look back to your life and why you have forgotten such a key clothing item! Good thing, you can just buy one for yourself, but what convenience would it be if you just brought yours!
7 – Gadget chargers
Last but definitely not the least is one of the most usually forgotten items to pack for many travelers. What are they? Gadget chargers.
It’s dangerous to leave them behind because it’s like a hopeless situation, especially if your mobile phones have unique or rare charger types. You might not be able to find one that’s similar to yours. Your travel companions might not have the same gadget design and accessory as yours. It’s a big problem because if your phone battery gets low or dies, documentation, communication and online transactions are cut off for you.
If there’s something very important to pack, next to clothing, it’s your gadget chargers, so do everything you can to avoid forgetting them!
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PACK THEM ALL!
It’s hard, inconvenient and frustrating when you accidentally leave behind something very important for your trip, especially if it’s something personal and cannot be found anywhere else. No big deal if your travel destination or hotel accommodation is close to your house, but that’s not the case when you are traveling. You are far away, and you cannot go back anytime you want to, just to get that item you forgot to pack.
Do not wait for something like that to happen to you. It would be best to make a list of all your essential travel items, ensuring that you put and pack them all in your bags. Think of the activities you are going to do and of the places you are going to visit. From those, you will know or at least have a clear idea of what kind of essentials are there for you to pack and carry.
Double-check your luggage and hand-carry bags to make sure you forget nothing before fully enjoying your trip!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nicole Ann Pore is a writer, an events host and a voice over artist. Quality and well-researched writing is her worthwhile avenue to enlighten and delight others about things that matter. She is a daytime writer for Holiday Inn Parramatta Hotel, a five-star hotel in Parramatta, New South Wales which provides a rewarding stay and a close reach of Australia’s noteworthy features. Nicole graduated Cum Laude from De La Salle University Manila, Philippines with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts.
