Travel Must-Haves

If you are traveling alone, it’s best to limit yourself to a carry-on size bag. A common mistake travelers make is to overpack. Don’t pack items for “just in case” situations or thinking you’ll save money by having everything you’ll need. You’ll most likely not use them at all. It’ll just take up space. The lighter your bag, the easier it is for you to get around. If you really need something, you can just buy it there, but there are items that I absolutely must bring:

travel_must_have
Toothbrush – Yes, a simple toothbrush. Even if you decide to check in your bag, keep a toothbrush with you on the plane. After long flights or long layovers, taking the time to brush your teeth at the airport can make you feel human again. You’ll instantly feel refreshed and ready to seize the day!

Emergency Cash – Keep some cash anywhere besides your wallet just in case your wallet gets misplaced or stolen.

Notebook – If you’re traveling alone, no one else is there to experience it with you. Those memories can be forgotten. Be sure to write notes about your trip so you can read about them again when you’re older.

Camera – Again, no one else is there to experience it with you. Be sure to take lots of pictures and make sure those memories won’t be forgotten. A picture is worth a thousand words. I use Canon 5D Mark II and GoPro HERO 2 (which is OLD). You can get the newest version GoPro HERO5 Black.

Door Stop – As a woman traveling alone, safety is a big concern. If you stay in a hotel by yourself, sticking a door stop underneath the door can help you feel a little more at ease about keeping intruders out.

Credit Cards – Try to use your credit card to pay for your purchases as much as you can, but make sure it’s a credit card with no international transaction fees. Credit cards have a better exchange rate, plus you’d be collecting either points, cash rewards, or miles that you can use for future travels. Also, bring at least two credit cards just in case you lose one. I learned that the hard way.

Smart Phone – It does everything. Camera, internet, map, flashlight, the possibilities are endless! Oh yeah, and you can use it for calling. Get a wallet case for you phone. It’s more convenient and takes up less pockets like this iPhone 6 CaseSamsung Galaxy S7 Edge Case, or this Silk Stick-on Phone Wallet for iPhone and Android. Don’t forget your charger!

Universal adapter – Another convenient all in one item. You can charge your electronics anywhere in the world! I use Insten Universal Travel Charger Adapter

Pen – Keep a pen with you. You’ll always need a pen. Trust me.

Passport – This is your most precious item. Make copies of it and put a copy in your luggage. Don’t ever leave it in your hotel room. Keep your passport close to you at all times. Keep it as close to your body as you can.

For clothing, pick a neutral color so your tops and bottoms can be mix and matched to create different outfits. Rolling your clothes up instead of folding them also makes a lot more room in your bag. Pack only a week’s worth of clothes even if you’ll be traveling for months at a time, but make sure you pick materials that can be dried quickly. If you want to save money on laundry, the hotel sink will be your best friend. Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. And if you were to overpack on one item, make sure it’s underwear. Really fast drying underwear.

Happy travels and adventure is out there! And don’t forget to pack underwear.

So what are some of your travel must-have items?

You can follow me on Instagram @dianajlee or shoot me an email: diana@globetrottingartist.com

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