5 Things That Are Essential When You Travel

I feel like in the last 10/15 years or so, I have travelled lots, visited some amazing places and met the most incredible people in that time.  I’ve also made many packing mistakes but mainly learnt, what I find is essential when I travel. I remember once many years ago, when I was 21, just not having one particular thing (embarrassingly a pair of shoes) threatened the whole trip.  I’m obviously older now, and something like that wouldn’t bother me, well maybe not too much, ha!  However when I’m planning to travel there are a few things that I absolutely do and take with me every time, so that’s what I’m going to share with you today.

Camera

I’ve only travelled once without my camera, and just had a phone to take photographs, and It’s one of my biggest travel regrets.  It was actually an accident, and looking back in a way it might have been a good thing because it helped me completely switch off.  Something that can be hard to do as a travel blogger.  However it did mean that I did have many more candid photographs of the 10 days in Italy, and not so many really good quality ones of the beautiful scenery in Italy, and my family and friends whilst I was there.

Travel Insurance and Travel Documents

I put these two together as I think they are quite similar, and equally as important.

I make up a pack with all of my travel documents, telephone numbers and addresses that may be needed to get me out of a pickle.  I place these in a small wallet that I keep with me in my hand luggage, and my passport, this is especially important if I’m travelling alone.  I also have a photocopy of my passport with my somewhere separate just in case I lose it.

Getting good travel insurance is also top of my list, and though I’ve never experienced a need to use travel insurance myself, it’s always in the back of my mind, that it’s incredibly important to have it there just in case.  I was away on a press trip and we enjoying an evening meal. One of the party was currently involved in a dental negligence situation, and whilst she was eating her front tooth broke, it actually kind of completely collapsed.  Luckily she was covered with her insurance, so was able to have some emergency treatment. You really do never know when you may need help like this, as it can be really costly to sort in some countries.

A Change of Clothes In My hand Luggage

I would also include into this the fact I ALWAYS write my name and address and place it in my suitcase.  I am the kind of traveler that if I take an interconnecting flight, it’s always going to be my suitcase that goes missing.

In my hand luggage, I now always add enough items to last a couple of days.  Believe me, I didn’t do this to begin with and after the last time my luggage went missing, I was in Israel and didn’t have contact lenses, clothes or toiletries for over 24 hours, and it was so tricky. Luckily my hosts were very kind and helped me out, but blimey that’s a difficult thing to get around in a foreign country.

A Few of My Favourite Things.

Whilst I don’t bring that much really in terms of makeup, and beauty products, there are a few things that I do always bring with me, in a small bag.  Essentials like a good serum, facial oil and a moisturiser with a high SPF. I also like to protect my hair from the sun as its coloured, and also if its hot and humid, my hair has a tendency to grow….and I look more and more scarecrow like, so something to help with that is always an essential for me.

A Good Book

Prasanna Kumar

I actually bring a Kindle Fire, which I always have download a couple of books on, that I plan on reading.  I use the Prime books feature often, as they are free, and you just ‘return’ them once you’ve read them.  I love reading fiction books about the area you are visiting, one I remember was about living in Thailand that was so good to read whilst there.  I also like to have a local guide-book.  I think any kind of  book is always a good idea, when you travel, and I do it for several reasons. Yup I love a good read, but if you are dining alone it can help you feel less awkward or if you find yourself delayed whilst travelling, you’ll always have something to do.

So that’s my 5 travel essentials, whats yours?

All images in this collaborative post are from Unsplash.