Sometimes, the difference between a successful vacation and a horrible one comes down to what you carry during the trip.
For instance, a scintillating game drive across the plains of the Masai Mara – Serengeti ecosystem in East Africa could come to a screeching halt due to malaria or trypanosomiasis infection. Any traveler planning a trip to this region would be proactive enough to sleep under treated mosquito nets and wear tsetse fly-proof clothing.
Similarly, a road drive across the scenic landscapes of New Zealand might end suddenly when routine road checks reveal that you lack proper documentation. This is when you’d appreciate the significance of always having your passport with you.
Fortunately, it’s possible to avoid these unpleasant surprises and make every vacation an occasion to cherish forever. The secret lies in carrying the right travel essentials.
Read on as I take you through the top six travel essentials to always carry while traveling.
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- Some Cash
Many tourists are usually opposed to the idea of carrying hard cash while traveling. Indeed, these fears are well-founded, as no one wants to lose their hard-earned money to overzealous muggers.
However, always consider the fact that there may not be ATMs everywhere. For off-grid travelers, this is more of the rule rather than the exception.
So, always have some cash with you, preferably in small changes and local currencies. That makes it easy to purchase souvenirs as well as tip your tour guides.
- Your Meds
We’ve already alluded to the risks of mosquitoes and tsetse flies for tourists planning vacations in East Africa.
But these aren’t the only travel-related health concerns. Neither are they unique to East Africa. There are also risks of bacterial infections, fungal infections, allergic reactions, etc.
Even tourists traveling to destinations with no known endemic diseases can still suffer from jet lag, back pain, and gastrointestinal complications like constipation and diarrhea. So, it pays to be prepared for any medical emergencies.
One way to do that is by arming yourself with certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications, including;
- Antimalarials
- Antacids
- Mild laxatives
- Antidiarrheals
- Mild sedatives
- Analgesics
- Fever medications
- Antihistamines
- Motion sickness medications
- Expectorants and decongestants
Besides these OTSs, also remember to carry your prescription medications. That’s especially if you’re living with a chronic illness.
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Last but not least, always have a handy first-aid kit.
Ensure the kit contains at least five of the following items;
- Bandages
- Cotton swabs
- Disposable gloves
- Antibacterial and antifungal ointments
- Antiseptic wound cleaners
- Aloe gels for sunburn
- Eye drops
- Anti-itch gels
- Eye drops
- Digital thermometer
- Suitable Clothing
It doesn’t matter whether you’re going on a weekend or month-long vacation. The importance of packing suitable clothing cannot be overemphasized.
One way to hone in on the right clothing to pack for your next trip is to check the prevailing weather conditions in your travel destination. Pay particular attention to these elements – temperature, sunshine, and precipitation.
The nature of activities you intend to engage in also determines the kind of clothes to pack. For instance, you’ll need long-sleeved shirts if planning a day-long excursion through densely forested landscapes. That way, you can keep bugs and nettles at bay.
Other considerations when choosing the right clothes to pack for your vacation include;
- Dirt-masking abilities
- Machine-washability
- Plain clothes as opposed to stylish and glamorous outfits
- A Powerful Camera
There’s only one way to immortalize your experiences during a vacation – by capturing them on camera. The good news is that there are plenty of top-of-the-range cameras designed specifically for travelers. You only need to choose what fits your budget needs.
As you carry a camera, consider accessories like a tripod stand, SD cards, extra batteries, and a camera backpack.
What’s more, you don’t even need a camera if you already have a smartphone. All you have to do is learn a few tricks on how to take good pictures using a smartphone.
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- Portable Power Source
This is another travel essential that’s particularly recommended for off-grid travelers. When you’re several miles away from the nearest power source, it pays to have a handy power bank.
You can use the device to charge your electronic gadgets like smartphones, laptops, and cameras.
A powered phone or laptop allows you to keep in constant touch with your near and dear ones, while a charged camera means you’ll never miss a chance to capture amazing moments.
- Your Travel Documents
Many tourists think that their passports are safer locked in suitcases in their hotel rooms. On the contrary, travel experts recommend having your passport with you at all times. That’s especially if you’re traveling in countries with rampant insecurity.
The last thing you want is for the law enforcement agencies to discover that you’re an alien but without sufficient documentation to prove you’re legally in the country.
Besides your passport, the following are other essential travel documents to carry at all times;
- Travel visa
- Driver’s license
- Travel itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Copies of all identification documents
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Final Word
There goes our definitive list of the top 6 things to always have with you while traveling. As you plan your next vacation, remember to keep these essentials in mind to avoid unnecessary inconveniences.