11 Essential Things to Pack Before You Travel

Whether just a weekend adventure or a globetrotting one, packing is the most essential part of the journey. The contents of your bag can impact your comfort, safety and experience. 

This article focuses on packing for your travel, so you remember everything at the last minute.  

Let's look at the list of essential things to pack before travelling.

1. Clothes

Clothes occupy the most space in your luggage, so it is important to pack smart.   

• Outfits: Pack outfits with different thicknesses to adjust to the climate you may experience in your destination country. Even if the destination is hot during the day, it might be cold at night and vice versa.   
• Underwear:  You can always need more underwear during a trip. Make sure to pack one for each day and a couple of extras. 
  
• Socks: If you plan on trekking or hiking or generally walking a lot during your trip, pack socks for every day and an extra pair.

2. Toiletries

Toiletries are specific to you, and you may feel comfortable using the toiletries provided by your hotel or hostel. 

• Toothbrush  
• Toothpaste  
• Floss  
• Mouthwash  
• Soap  
• Shampoo  
• Conditioner  
• Deodorant   
• Facewash  
• Shaving kit  
• Comb/hairbrush 

3. Footwear

Pack your footwear in lieu of your activities and the temperatures of your destination. Wear your bulkiest shoes to the airport to have more space in your luggage for other things.   

• Flip-flops: Flip-flops are a great choice of footwear for when you're at the beach or moving around your hotel or the pool. Flip flops make for great shower shoes for when you are living in a hostel.  
• Shoes: Carry shoes according to the planned activities e.g., hiking, trekking, a formal dinner, etc.

4. Skin Care

Being on a trip does not have to mean you compromise on your skin care. Pack travel sizes of your daily skincare (100ML). Keeping your skincare routine the same on a journey will help prevent breakouts, skin rashes, etc.  

• Moisturiser 
  
• Serums 
• Sunscreen  
• Make-up remover

5. Medicines

Pack your everyday medicines and their spares to avoid running around a new city to find them if you run out or lose them. Have your medications and any allergy specifics mentioned on a prescription from your doctor to avoid any problems with immigration and customs.

6. Electronics

Ensure you have all the gadgets you need while you travel.

• Phone charger  
• Travel adapters (Especially if you're travelling internationally)  
• Laptop charger  
• Portable cell phone charger  
• Earphones  
• Headphones  
• Smartwatch charger  
• Camera

7. Reusable Water Bottle

As the world struggles with single-use plastic waste, reusable water bottles are the best choice when packing for a trip. Most countries offer drinkable water throughout their cities, which can be used to refill your bottles. Most restaurants and cafes also let you fill your bottles in many cities.

8. Local Currency

There may be few payment options in some places in a foreign country. In such cases, local currency or cash can be your saviour. You can usually get local currency at airports.

9. Documents

Keep your necessary paperwork handy in your bag that you will be carrying on the flight, such as: 

• Passport
• Any identification proofs
• Tickets
• Medical documents
• Travel insurance

10. Emergency Contacts

Write down the list of your emergency contacts, like close friends, family, spouse, doctor, etc., on a piece of paper so they can be contacted in case of emergencies.

11. Luggage Tags

Luggage tags are a great way to make your luggage unique and instantly recognisable. They do not only help you recognise your luggage. However, they also help the airport authorities identify your bags in case they are misplaced.