Traveling is one of the most worthwhile activities anyone can have in an entire lifetime. Visiting various places, experiencing various cultures, getting to know fresh people- these are just some of the splendid things one gets to experience when traveling. And let's face it, with the hustles and bustles of daily life, everyone needs a little time off to clear their heads and get away from it all.
Packing is one of the primary steps that people do, after organizing and deciding where to head at. And sometimes, this is the most difficult part of the preparation because vacationers are confused what to put inside their bags. Some over-pack due to pointless vanity bits and pieces, while some overlook the important things to bring because they are too languid to carry a hefty luggage.
But do not worry, whether you're heading to somewhere sandy, uphill, or contemporary, I've listed down 10 things you should bring for your retreat.
A durable, trendy wheeled bag / backpack – Your bag will house everything that you'll be bringing during your holiday. And just like any home, this one must be secure and able to contain everything that goes in it. When choosing a bag, always consider two things: One is the size and functionality, and the other is style. More often than not, these two things go hand in hand. Take into account the place where you're going to and try to come up with a shortlist based on your travel destination. For example, if you'll be heading for the mountains, make sure you get a good backpack with all the necessary attachments and places where you can hang your flashlight and water bottle. If you'll be staying in a high-end hotel, make sure you bring along a polished traveling suitcase that'll make you blend in. Wherever you choose to go, make sure you've got the suitable bag for the proper location.
A well-rounded daypack – Some of the most critical things come in a smaller package during the trip. Carrying an extra tote would not hurt especially if this contains maps, snacks, bottled water and other stuff that you want to clutch around your back or shoulder while checking out the area.
SECURED-BELT BAG AND POCKET MONEY: A well-planned trip entails a well-planned budget. Anyone who goes on a trip or vacation obviously needs money. You need pocket money to buy food and drinks, to pay cabs or rental cars, and, probably, to buy some take-home mementos from the place you visited. And to secure your money, it is recommended to carry them in a belt bag. Not only is it safer but also its light-weight so you can carry it anywhere without thinking where you left it off.
FIRST-AID KIT: We can not prevent accidents from occurring, so always bringing a safety kit when traveling. Toiletries, medicines, bandages, etc. are just a few of the things you should pack before you leave. Also, have with you the contact numbers of the local hospitals / clinics as well as your insurance company in case any accidents take place. It's better to be safe than be sorry.
Proper head-to-toe essentials – These are not only part of human's principal needs, but also one's fundamental travel necessity. Be it for swim wear or heavy coats, having ideal attires are a rule of thumb when traveling. Plus, taking some comfortable foot wear should also be on the list, no matter if your feet comfort is defined by a pair of furry boots or a pair of colorful flip-flops.
ESSENTIAL GADGETS: Along with your battery-operated stuff, also bringing emergency equipment such as your mobile phone and laptop to still be able to get in touch with your loved ones. Most hotels or vacation residences have access to high-speed internet so while on that wonderful paradise, you can still update your friends and family on Facebook or Twitter. And in case you get bored, you may also want to bring along portable DVD and mp3 players; it may come in handy if your room room does not have any television set.
EXTRA JUICE FOR YOUR ELECTRONICS: It's essential to carry around gadgets when traveling such as flashlight for emergency, alarm clock, and cameras to take snapshots of magnificent views. However, some outlets are not compatible with your electronics' voltage and may cause significant harm. To avert this I suggest you carry around battery-operated gadgets, since batteries are very affordable and readily accessible in any stores. In addition, pack along extra batteries in your carry-around tote bag in case you run out of power while on the road.
Research notes and maps – Mind-gears are always part of the travel-gear. Guidesbooks, maps, and even notes that you jot down on your research before driving your way to a different place are significant. Make sure that you have all the information printed in case you forget them. Remember that buying maps is less costly than buying your way out of being being lost in a certain area.
WEATHER SHIELDS: If you're heading for a sandy or hot-weathered location, never forget to apply sun block / sunscreen lotion to avoid getting too tan or getting a skin disease while traveling. With global warming heating up the world, never forget your sunglasses and umbrella to avoid getting a heat stroke. For tourists going to a cold and chilly spot, bring a hat or waterproof jacket to avoid getting damp in case it rains.
Back-up Documents – It is important to produce copies of your passport, tickets, insurance documents, credit cards, and IDs, and keep them in a protected place in your luggage. You can also leave some of the duplicates at home to ease the whole replacement process in case you lose them during your trip.
Traveling should be a lot of fun. And it will be if you're well-packed and ready for anything. So pack those bags and along with it, that optimistic attitude and sense of adventure. Remember, you're doing this to get away from all the strains of everyday living, so do not let carelessness turn your escapade into another source of anxiety.
