Regardless of which type of holiday you plan to go on, there are some things that every traveler needs at all times. You could be heading for a luxury 5-star cruise, or you might be off on a frugal backpacking tour. Either way, make sure you always travel with these five things.
This post contains affiliate links. If you book a tour or make a purchase through one of my affiliate links, you will help support this site at no additional cost to you.
Insurance
Travel insurance can be one of the most critical parts of your journey. And you can never tell when it will get you out of trouble. So make sure you look at your travel insurance options to ensure that you have the right policy and level of coverage for your activity. And it’s paramount that you look at what’s covered. For example, activities like winter and water sports are considered more dangerous. In cases like those, you may have to purchase an additional policy.
A Universal Adaptor
Not every country uses the same style of socket or even the same voltage in the mains. You need to make sure that you can always charge your electronics no matter where you might be. Therefore, you’ll need to get your hands on a universal adaptor. These come with specific prongs so you can adjust the pins as needed.
A Change of Clothes
Whether you are getting on a flight and checking your bags or just stashing them in the hold of a bus, there is always the chance they can go missing. So we recommend keeping a spare change of clothes with you in the bags you’ll be holding onto. That way, even if you do lose your bags, you’ll have at least one set of clean clothes while you track down that suitcase.
Phone Charger
Speaking of keeping things charged, you need to make sure you always have a phone charger to hand. So many of us rely on our phones for a multitude of reasons. For example, you might use it to store tickets. It also allows you to access email, booking reservations, and so on. If you’re planning a more extended stay in a given country, it’s usually a good idea to pick up a charger from a local shop. That way, you’ll know it will work throughout your stay.
Emergency Money
Chances are you won’t forget to bring money on a major trip. But there is always the chance you could lose your cards, get scammed or have your wallet/purse stolen. That’s why it’s a good idea to bring some extra cash with you as a backup. This is best left in your luggage or hotel room, away from your primary stash. Whether it’s in the country’s currency or your home currency, having this extra bit of money will save you a lot of hassle should things go wrong.
If you’re heading to Mexico, check out this Mexican currency guide.
Want to keep the conversation going? Let’s connect via our social links below.
Emergency money and a charger are both absolutely key when you’re traveling. Both have saved me on more than one occasion.
And always have more than one credit card!
Portable Charger also so important but these days travel INSURANCE it is so important too.
Hi Linda. Do you have a policy? I use Allianz.
i always have a spare charger as we usually use our phones a lot. thanks for this guide!
You’re welcome. I travel with two chargers in case one fails.
The only one I don’t keep with me is the adapter since we haven’t traveled out of the country since having kids yet. Otherwise, yes to all of these! I keep the kids spare clothes in a large ziplock so if the ones they have on get messy, we can seal them up so that mess doesn’t get on anything else in our bags.
I think I know the ziplock bags you are talking about. Mom got me a set for Xmas a few years ago.
These are all such important things to remember, especially insurance! It’s arguably the single most important thing when it comes to traveling. You never know when you might need it.
Yes, and I tell everyone to READ THE POLICY and know how much things could potentially cost.
It is good to be as prepared as possible when it comes to traveling. These are certainly all things you don’t want to forget. My daughter is going to Europe this summer and she will be prepared with all of these things.
Hi Marysa. I hope she enjoys her trip!
True! Travel insurance and emergency money shall be not left behind, on any trip! You never know when you will need it, the most.
Yes, I usually carry American, the local currency and Euro (even if I’m not in the Euro zone).
The clothes are very important and I had a bad experience with them. I had a quick trip but I didn’t take anything with me and had to stay for a little longer. Well, let’s say it wasn’t the best haha.
Good point. I’ve had to use a local laundry service before. Especially in Southeast Asia.
Making a list of things not to forget before a travel is definitely a must! All these tips for sure will help make your trip enjoyable and smooth.
Hi Kate. Yes, for sure. I always use the NOTES app on my phone to keep track of what I need to take along.