The 13 Things You Should NOT Travel Without

As a frequent traveller, I know you can never be too prepared this is why I wanted to share these 13 things you should never travel without. Most of the items mentioned in this post might seem obvious but it is surprising just how many people almost always travel without them. At the beginning of my solo travel adventures, I was one of those unfortunate people who forgot to travel with some of these essentials items and learned my lesson. I always say to my travel buddies, luck almost always prefers the prepared and there is nothing worse than spending money unnecessarily.

When I started to compile a list of the 13 things you should never travel without, I had to take a moment and look into my own travel bag. Whilst the list of things I compiled offline is longer than this, I think the items I have listed below are essential items that you should always travel with on all trips. It does not matter if you’re travelling for a short period or for a longer duration, it is important to ensure you have these 13 things you should never travel without. Not know does know you have these things give you piece of mind, it can save you lots of money too.

The 13 Things you should not travel without

Over the last 5 years of constant travel, I have learnt a fair number of lessons and most via trial and error with most being hard lessons. I hate wasting money when I travel because I almost always meticulously plan where my money will be spent with a few quid on for emergencies. Simple things like forgetting your charger and having to buy a new one is unacceptable for me especially after travelling for so many years. I have there created a checklist of things I need to ensure I have taken with me before I leave and it saves a lot of time.

Passport Copy {printed and online}

This might seem obvious but the amount of people that travel without a copy of their passport is outstanding. I recommend keeping a copy at home or with a family member so should you lose it then someone at least has a copy.

Portable Charger

As an active traveller, I am most often than not far away from my hotel and charger than having a portable charger is life saving. Whilst you can find charging posts at airports and such not all destinations have them in tourist spots without charging an extortionate amount.

Travel Insurance

I can not emphasize enough the importance of buying travel insurance because it truly is essential. The amount of people who travel without insurance is outstanding and what’s more shocking is the cost if you ever need to be treated abroad. Although I am a risk taker, when it comes to my health I always want to be protected.

Small First Aid Kit

I think a small first aid kit is so important, I carry the bare minimum and ensure I have band aids, bandage, pins and some analgesics. This not always saves money but its convenient and you know what products are what.

Flashlight

During summer months I rarely take a flashlight with me when I travel but as autumn creeps in then I always have it in my bag. It is such a convenient tool that is often overlooked because mobile phones have flashlights which is great but not when your phone runs out of battery.

Money {local currency vs own currency}

This might seem obvious but as we move more and more from chip & pin to contactless, many of us rarely travel with cash. I always make sure I change atleast £50 for my destination and same amount in my current for possible better rates and emergencies.

Backpack {Change of clothes/shoes}

Regardless of the type of vacation I am going on, I always carry a backpack with me that houses a change of clothes and shoes and in most cases I use it for carrying my shopping. I find backpacks convenient to have especially when you have heavier items to carry about.

Stationery {Notepad and Pen}

Whenever I travel beyond Europe, I make a point of carrying my own pen and notepad for both immigration and writing down important information. There has been many times I have struggled to find a person when completing immigration and this has taught me the importance of bringing your own stationery.

Medication/Vitamins

Whilst I don’t have specific medications that I take, I am religious about taking my medication and/or vitamins. Of late I have been taking omega-3 supplements and multivitamins and I have noticed I am not catching any cough or cold that comes my way and the omega-3 is working wonders on my skin.

Snacks

If there is something I never travel without on both short and long haul flights its snacks. Lately, I have been making an effort to be more healthy in my choices and educated myself on what sweet treats are good for you and which you should either avoid or reduce consumption of.

Water bottle or travel mug

I am an active traveller and always need water as I explore my destination, I have therefore found it useful and cost effective to have a water bottle and just refill at free water stands. Water in some popular tourist destinations can be absolutely extortionate and an unnecessary expenditure when you can carry a water bottle.

Noise Cancelling headphones

Best creation after PBJ, I travel a lot and there is nothing I hate more than folks being loud on the plane or other public transport. I never leave the house without noise cancelling headphones because they are essential especially when on a plane or the bus.

Wet Water Wipes

I don’t know about you but i loathe using public transport in some countries and if I can help it then I would rather skip it. I think wet wipes are just the best thing you can use to wipe down surface areas, seats and much more but its important you know how to dispose of them.