The Globetrotter’s Guide: Essentials for Savvy Travelers

The thrill of travel! In every moment we will be savoring the anticipation of adventure, the joy of seeing new cultures, and the thrill of making memories that will last the rest of our lives. Well, that pesky little task of packing, stands in the way of you immersing yourself in the wonders of the world. Sure, you’ve got the basics down: toiletries, clothes, passport. But lesser-known items that can help make a good travel experience great?

I have been to over 30 countries, have spent more than three years on the road, and learned a thing or two about packing smart. It’s more than just stuff like swimsuits and chargers. I’m not here to discuss the obvious, I’m here to discuss the unusual, the unexpected, and the downright crucial that I never leave home without.

Health and Wellness Essentials

Holistic Health with Essential Oils. First, we need to put our whiff of wellness. I am a strong advocate of the use of essential oils in keeping natural health. Lavender oil to battle jet lag with a good night’s rest, peppermint oil for a minty breath fix, or bergamot for a natural perfume alternative — these little bottles of plant power are my top remedy. These are life savers in stressful travel situations and take up very little space in your bag.

Skin Care Savvy. I never skimp on my skincare routine — even when I am on the go — because good skin is my priority. My travel trifecta for keeping my skin glowing and photo-ready involves a Vitamin C Serum, sunscreen, and a jade face roller. These pieces combat the symptoms of travel stress and various climates and keep me lookin’ and feelin’ my best.

A Dose of Preparedness. I found out the hard way that you do need to travel with medicines. I no longer go through life without Imodium and electrolytes, ever, ever since I had Parisian food poisoning. Although I generally stay away from pharmaceuticals, this is one case I’m willing to make an exception with. When you’re not near home, and not feeling well, they can make a difference.

Eco-Friendly and Practical Solutions

The Mighty Reusable Bag. Next up, the unsung hero of eco-friendly travel: the reusable bag. These days there is no reason to use single-use plastic. The 24/7 Bag from Flip & Tumble is something I can vouch for (I’m a fan). It’s durable, compressible, and useful for shopping and then taking to the beach. Also useful as an impromptu laundry bag or for holding those odd purchases you find yourself making from time to time.

Hydration is Key. Any traveler must have a reusable water bottle. Reducing plastic waste is only one part of the story. Keeping hydrated without always having to buy water bottles from tourist hotspots that can be expensive can be surprisingly pricey. For your added convenience and safety, choose a bottle that has its filter built in.

The Multipurpose Marvel: Dr. Bronner’s Soap is a jack of all trades. I clean my face with it and use it to wash my clothes. This is the ultimate space-saver and a travel essential for me. It is the perfect eco-friendly travel partner and will have you covered for any need for cleaning.

go pro, pen, notepad — Photo by freephotocc on Pixabay

Comfort and Convenience on the Go

Stay Fit on the Fly. Why should you forego working out when you’re traveling away from home? Not me! As a result, I always pack my yoga mat and resistance bands to make sure I can get a proper workout regardless of where I am on the planet. But these lightweight items make it easy to stay active and keep up your health regimen.

The Versatile Turkish Towel. I love a Turkish towel — it’s just so versatile. A beach towel, picnic blanket, scarf, and on and on. One of those items you won’t believe you could travel anywhere without once you’ve started. It’s also lightweight and quick drying, and thus perfect for traveling.

Journaling Joys. I journal daily, and traveling is one of the best times to practice. It helps me work through stuff, and it helps me record memories that might otherwise disappear. All you’ll need to record your adventures is a compact journal and a reliable pen.

Get a Power Up with an External Battery Pack. An external battery pack is a lifesaver as you look to explore and don’t have access to a power outlet. This way you know your phone and camera are always ready to snap that once-in-a-lifetime moment. Go for a lightweight high-capacity device so that you are able to charge your devices all day long.

Adapt to the New Travel Landscape

Hygiene and Prescriptions. Hygiene items (essential) and prescriptions are a no-brainer. Make sure you have enough with you from medical necessities such as contact lenses to birth control pills. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where travel has changed drastically, it’s only become more important to carry things like hand sanitizer, masks, and personal hygiene products.

Travel Routers and Portable Power Banks. A portable power bank will keep your devices charged on the go. It’s a small investment with a big payoff. If you need some stable internet to stay connected while traveling to hotels and rural areas that don’t provide great internet signals or even internet at all, then a travel router can be a lifesaver.

The trip isn’t just about seeing a new place, it’s experiencing the trip, the journey. With that in mind, packing the right items can help take these experiences from good to great, to make sure your trip goes smoother, is more comfortable, and ultimately, more enjoyable. Next time you find yourself preparing a journey, consider these 12 unusual must-haves. And they could very well be the difference between a good trip and a great trip. Safe travels, fellow adventurers!