Would you ever go on a date without flowers? Or appear in a highly lucrative job interview without formal dress?
No, right? You’d go prepared, try to tick all the boxes, and carry the right essentials for the specific event.
Just like that, a trip across the country or to a hill station with your loved ones is another memorable life event.
But why is it different when you travel? I mean, most people would stuff their luggage with items they don’t need, and miss out on the essentials that can elevate their traveling experience.
Below, I’ll mention some travel essentials you should always carry. Be it a planned family trip or just a weekend getaway with friends, here are some travel essentials you won’t regret bringing along.
A Reliable Internet Connection
I’m not one of those people who’d recommend you travel without an internet connection to “disconnect” from the world. And no, don’t think that if I recommend a reliable connection, I’m saying that you should browse social media and laugh at memes while surrounded by your loved ones.
What I refer to is how an internet connection can help you in different ways, especially when you’re traveling. You’d need an internet connection to navigate your way, stay in constant communication, or even check the weather at your next destination.
Plus, I won’t recommend relying on mobile data. Speaking from experience, mobile signals can disappear in remote locations, and you won’t be able to use the internet.
Personally, I prefer the free hotspot zones that come with all Spectrum Internet Plans. Besides helping me to stay connected to my loved ones, I’ve also used these reliable and high-speed hotspot zones to download HD movies a few times.
A First-Aid Toolbox
This item should be on top of any list of travel essentials. Even on a thoroughly planned trip, there’s always a chance of something going wrong. A friend might twist their ankle on a steep hike, something might bite you in the woods, or a severe migraine might try to ruin your trip.
In such situations, wouldn’t you want a first aid medical box to rely on? Here, you might think, “Why should we carry medicines when we can purchase them from a local pharmacy?”, right? Well, in remote areas, I bet you’ll have a difficult time finding a pharmacy.
So, as a firm believer in “better safe than sorry,” I’d recommend you always carry a first aid toolbox.
As for what should be included in your first aid toolbox, here’s a list of must-have items:
- Bandages
- Anti-Bacterial Swabs
- Hand Sanitizer
- Scissors
- Ibuprofen
Portable Charging Station
A portable charging station isn’t only for charging devices; it also lights campsites and jump-starts vehicles.
Many people might fail to understand why a portable charging station is essential for travel. However, I see it as a multi-purpose tool with great benefits.
A portable charging station can charge your electronic devices like smartphones, power banks, laptops, etc. But, when you’re carrying a whole power station, wouldn’t it be unfair to use it for your electronics only? Absolutely!
While camping in the dark woods or on the top of a hill, a portable charging station could easily light up your campsite. Also, if your car’s battery starts acting up in the middle of a road trip, it can help you jump-start your vehicle.
A Self-Cleaning Water Bottle
Self-cleaning bottles purify water with UV light, ensuring safe, drinkable water during travel.
It’s a fact that half of the earth’s area is covered with water, but is it potable? No.
Similarly, you can find several water sources while hiking on a steep hill, but they may not be drinkable. And, drinking that water may cause digestive or other health-related problems.
I didn’t know what a self-cleaning water bottle was until one of my friends brought it on the trip. Essentially, self-cleaning water bottles emit UV radiation from the inside of the lid. These radiations kill the harmful bacteria in the water and make it suitable for drinking.
So, to be on the safe side, always carry a self-cleaning water bottle while traveling. This way, you can fill the self-cleaning water bottle even at a waterfall, let the UV rays kill all the harmful bacteria, and stay hydrated without ever worrying about running out of potable water again.
A Tracking Device
I believe you can never go wrong with a tracking device. Fortunately, I have never lost luggage or anything important on a trip. However, I still don’t travel without a tracking device like Apple Air Tags.
Considering the peace of mind such tracking devices bring, they are worth the price. Also, there is always a risk of theft, especially when you have to leave your luggage back at the hotel.
So, as I believe that it’s best to be safe than sorry, buy a few tracking devices, connect them to your smartphone, and hide them inside your luggage and bags. This way, if someone tries to steal, or even if you forget something anywhere, you would’ve no problem in finding it with a tracking device.
Waterproof Backpack and Zip-Lock Bags
Ziplock wet bags protect electronics, waterproof backpacks help, carry first aid, stay safe, dry gear, essential for hiking or beach travel.
Ziplock wet bags can easily fit inside your backpack, and are really handy as well. It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting a beach or hiking on a mountain, you should have them to keep all your electronic devices safe from getting wet.
Also, as you might carry a backpack on a trip, make sure to buy a waterproof one. Not just small electronic devices, as there are a few more travel essentials, like a first-aid toolbox that you might carry in your backpack.
So, with a waterproof backpack on your back and zip-lock bags inside it, you won’t need to worry about your travel essentials getting wet.
Before winding up, I must confess that there were a few more items I wanted to share. However, they didn’t quite fit in the “essentials” category that I was focused on. Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter if you’re traveling to a hill station or a desert, these travel essentials will help you everywhere.
