Top 4 Travel Essentials

Packing for a vacation is in equal parts exciting and stressful. On the one hand, it means you are getting closer to departure day and that is really exciting. On the other hand, what on earth are you supposed to take with you? You’ve done the basics – clothes, toiletries and some swimwear. But, what else might you need while you’re away?

Naturally, your packing list will vary depending on where you plan on going and what you plan on doing. But, there are some things every traveller should have with them. Here are four essentials you should have in your suitcase.

Baby Wipes

But, you’re not a baby so why do you need baby wipes? I cannot tell you how many times a pack of baby wipes has saved my life – or at the very least my dignity. After long plane and train journeys, baby wipes are perfect for freshening up. Similarly on a hot day or after you’ve been hiking, they can cleanse your face of any dirt its accumulated. Or you can use them to wipe your face and hands after a messy meal. The possibilities are endless. Most supermarkets sell convenient, travel sized packets of baby wipes, if you don’t fancy carrying around a huge pack of them.

Kindle

Your vacation is the perfect time to catch up on that reading list you made ages ago and still haven’t got through. You’ll have oodles of free time as well as some long journeys to fill up no doubt. Lugging a load of books around with you is both cumbersome and unnecessary. Every good traveller should have a kindle or e-reader to hand while they travel. Load it up with good books before you leave and spend your vacation making your way through them. I particularly recommend downloading some books about the destination you are heading to. There’s something rather delightful in reading a book set in your vacation destination.

Filtered Water Bottle

Not everywhere in the world is fortunate enough to have drinkable tap water. If you are going somewhere that has questionable tap water – and even if you’re not – this water bottle is a good idea. Filtered bottles have a built in filter that will rid your water of any impurities as you fill up the bottle. It is not as effective as purification tablets or boiling your water beforehand, but it will make a difference if you have nothing else. Ideally, I would use this in tandem with purification tablets, but if you can’t get your hands on any, this will do. It is also a handy way to make sure you stay hydrated during your trip.

Day Backpack

Don’t just bring a handbag or briefcase and your suitcase with you on vacation. Take a small backpack that you can wear during the day and future you will thank you. If you are heading out for the day, be sure to fill your backpack up with water, a few first aid bits and bobs, sunscreen and anything else you might need for the day. Try and find a backpack with separate compartments and an external water bottle pocket so that if you have a leak your belongings will stay safe and dry. Make sure the backpack is light weight and comfortable and you won’t even notice it on your back while you travel.