There are a lot of things that you can buy when you get where you're going, but sometimes that isn't convenient or economically feasible. I've, unfortunately, forgotten some necessary things when I've traveled, and I've remembered to never do that again, but sometimes you just miss something.
I always suggest having a standard packing list for your trips that have all the essentials on it and can be changed up for everything else. Here are 6 things you don't want to forget or pack in your checked bag, if you have to do that:
Medication
Whether you have prescription meds that you need to take or you plan to bring along regular over the counter items, like aspirin and bandages. These things should go in your carry-on. While we all know what a pain it is to have to run up to the grocery store or drug store for something for a headache, but it can be almost impossible to figure out how to get a few days of your prescription meds when you're on a trip, especially when you're out of the country.
OTC meds and necessities like pain relievers aren't always easy to find everywhere in the world and can even be quite a bit more than they are at home. I keep a small stock of ibuprofen, antacids, sleep aids, bandages, antibacterial gel, and several other things in my bag at all times and replace as needed.
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| Photo by Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition on Unsplash |
Menstrual Products
If you are a person who menstruates, then you know how inconvenient it can be when you aren't expecting to start your period. After starting right in the middle of a vacation (twice!) and not having any product with me, I make sure to keep a small supply of items with me, just in case. If nothing else, it'll help tide you over until you can get to a store. If nothing else, some overnight pads and either a cup or enough tampons for several days should be in your bag, whether you expect to start or not. As a perimenopausal woman, you may not have a period for months and then all of a sudden get it and it lasts way longer than you expect.
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| Photo by De an Sun on Unsplash |
Charging Cord(s)
I've forgotten a charging cord for my ipod before when they weren't available everywhere for, like, $7. I went to a bunch of electronics stores in Quito, Ecuador and nobody had one. One of the guys who worked at our hotel was nice enough to lend us one for a few days, which was very nice, but also not optimal. I have a cord bag that has a travel cord for my laptop, charging cords for our phones and other electronics, and USB wall and car adapters. It's always in my bag, so I know I always have what I need for everything we bring.
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| Photo by Rocio Ramirez on Unsplash |
Passport/ID and Travel Info
You're not going to get very far if you don't have your passport or your ID, unless you aren't flying. Also, make sure your identification is still in good standing. While the airport may not care if your driver license is still valid, they will care if you're trying to rent a car or if your passport is expired.
Sometimes your phone dies or you don't have a signal. Make sure you have a back-up version of your travel documents, so you know where you're going and how to contact places if you need to. It's also important to have copies of things securely in the cloud, in case something bad happens and you lose your passport or you get robbed.
Contact Solution
This never seemed like an issue when I traveled until we went from Disneyland Paris to actual Paris and forgot all of our liquids in our hotel and no way to retrieve them. While I freaked out about not having most of my makeup, we had to go purchase toothpaste and shampoo, we also had to buy contact solution. Oddly, this was not available in any store we went to and were told we would need to go to an optometrist to buy it. They were all closed until the next day, and when we finally went to one the next morning, a tiny bottle was $8.
This may have changed by now, but I just like to make sure I have everything I need with me all the time. We both also check every drawer and shelf before we leave an accommodation now. I was lucky that I had the bare minimum of makeup, including what could be used as moisturizer, to get me through the week we had left of our trip. (On the last day I saw a Sephora in the neighborhood of our rental, but by then I just ordered replacement items from my home Sephora. Now I only take small containers with what I need.)
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| Photo by Rocio Ramirez on Unsplash |
Emergency Cash/Card
Things happen and sometimes travel can be unexpected, so just in case things don't go as planned, make sure to have an emergency credit card and some cash that can get you through a few days or a long travel delay. You don't need me to tell you why this is important. Also make sure you have a physical credit card. Not everyone takes Apple Pay or Venmo and only having tap-to-pay on your phone is not a great option.
Now that you know what you need to be a successful traveler and be ready for curveballs, go pack your bag and worry about fewer things. Have you ever forgotten something important/necessary on a trip?
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