What do you think about what you need the most when you travel aboard? some of the things are quite evident and self-explanatory but being a real traveler you need to think beyond carrying your passport and visa. In this blog, I would make recommendations for you which I consider important to share.
1. Never forget the basics- Hardcopy of documents
Documents such as your passport, a print out of your itinerary, hotel reservations, air tickets, travel insurance, visa, forex receipts, credit cards, copy of identity proofs, online-banking passwords etc.
Undoubtedly, the technological revolution has resulted in many important breakthroughs- photos, cloud storage, etc., but you should not forget the basics and carry a hardcopy of all your documents.
On the other hand, Serial number or receipt of expensive equipment is important to keep, so in case of theft, you can report the incident to local police authorities with all mandatory details. At times, customs may ask you to present original documents if you are carrying sophisticated items to authenticate your ownership. This could be a rare instance but there is no harm taking a picture of serial numbers and model make of all your expensive gears.
2. Medical history
If you are suffering from any medical condition, you should carry all prescriptions and diagnosis reports, as such questions could be asked by immigration authorities sometimes. This is again a rare instance but holds great importance. Imagine if you are admitted to a hospital under emergency then your medical record would certainly help you. Do not rely completely on the traveling insurance, carrying medical documents is an essential part of the whole process to initiate a medical proceeding.
3. Medicines
- First aid kit
- Pain and fever relievers (also children’s strength if you are traveling with kids)
- Thermometer
- Glucosemeter for diabetics
- Cold medicines and throat lozenges
- Diarrhea/laxative medicines
- Allergy medicines
- antibacterial ointment
- Multivitamins
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent/mosquito net/sting reliever
- Altitude sickness pills (if you are planning to hike in higher altitudes)
- Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
- Lip balm
3. Travel adaptor
Make sure you have kept a travel adaptor in your luggage or handbag which you would need the most. Buy any universal travel adaptor with a good quality-those are designed to use in the US, UK, Eur, middle-east, and south-east.
4. Ready to cook food
This is self-explanatory and saves you a lot of bucks when expenses are high and convenient when you want to eat. At times, you may not find food palatable so carrying the food of your choice is a wise decision.
5. Spare bedsheet and toiletries
It is quite evident that we should carry toiletries, an extra bedsheet, especially if you plan to stay in a hostel.
Preferably, I do hotel booking only for privacy, safety, and hygiene.
Toiletries
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Paper soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Face wash
- Nighttime lotion
6. Extra phone and charger
Even if you are obsessed with your iPhone you should always think of carrying an extra phone during your travel.
7. Pen
Yes, the most common and the uncommon thing which we usually tend to forget even if we are not traveling. Travel with style and basics.
8. Consulate contact number
Make a note of the local consulate numbers somewhere to report about an incident.
9. Rain jacket/umbrella
In case of unpredictable rainfall or torrential downpours, you should carry an umbrella/rain jacket to protect your stuff.
10. Items closer to you
Headphones, books, extra batteries for your camera, sun-glasses, extra bag, refreshments, to name a few.
thewanderingman 