Whether you’re heading into rainy climates or a sunny paradise, there are some essential pieces of travel kit that should be included in every suitcase or backpack. With just a few careful additions to your luggage, you’ll be prepared for lots of different situations. Put simply, these are the items that will save you lots of hassle in the long run. Here’s our list of the travel must-haves.
First aid kit
One of the most vital items you could ever pack is a small first aid kit. While you might be jetting off to a country that has great medical facilities, you’ll still benefit from packing your own first aid kit to protect yourself or your loved ones in emergencies. From a simple bandage to an antiseptic wipe, a good traveller’s first aid kit can make a big difference.
Sunglasses
While you might think of a pair of shades as a luxury, they’re actually far from it. From sun-glare bouncing off the snow in the Arctic to low-hanging rays in Mediterranean countries, a pair of shades protects your eyes from sunburn and also prevents eye-strain and promotes visibility.
It’s worth getting a proper pair of glasses with good UV filtering. If you’re going on a casual holiday you can grab a pair of fashionable shades that have UV properties like Ted Baker sunglasses. Alternatively, grab some prescription sunglasses.
Portable Power Pack
When you’re travelling, there will be times you are completely without electricity. Being off the grid can be a reprieve from the distraction of modern tech, but it can also be dangerous if you need to communicate with the outside world.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just a casual holidaymaker, you’re likely to find a time when you’re out of power and need it fast.
Fortunately, you can use a portable power pack to charge up while you’re on the go. Unlike solar packs, which can take a while to charge, a portable pack is instead charged via a wall unit and then holds its power for moments when you need it. Depending on the capacity, you can use them to recharge devices as power-thirsty as smartphones all the way up to laptops.
Duct Tape
One of the most universal tools in the world, duct tape is a great thing to pack in any bag. You can use it to repair patches on your waterproof gear, fix broken items, bind things together and even create items like DIY flip flops.
If you don’t want the bulk of a roll, tear off around 10 foot of tape and roll it in on itself. Just don’t take it in your carry-on luggage as it may cause security problems.
Insect repellant
Insects can be the blight of any traveller, especially those travelling through jungle climates where mosquitoes are rife and can bring disease with every bite. Aside from your malaria tablets, make sure you pack some insect repellent to keep the pests at bay.
Preferably, pack a natural spray or cream without DEET (diethyltoluamide) as it can be an irritant, especially to young children.
