Are you a last-minute packer. Yep, so am I, got to be a generational thing am I right? This post is a guide to ensure all you procrastinators have everything you need for your getaway. From travel locks for your safety to cameras to capture your beautiful memories, this list has it all. Make sure to read till the end and tick off as you go to ensure nothing is missed.
This blog has five categories that I think are essential in any tourist travel bag. They are
- Essentials
- Electronics
- Clothing
- Amenities
- Miscellaneous items
Let’s jump right into it.
Essentials
1. Passport
Your passport seems simple enough right but without it, you can’t travel or even leave the country. I can’t tell you the number of times a buddy of mine has forgotten it and his mom had to quickly come drop it off. So, make sure the first thing in your carry backpack is your passport.
2. Boarding Pass
I know a lot of you are thinking boarding passes, you get that at the airports. Well, you’re not wrong however you can check in to your flight 24 hours in advance online. This will allow you to print your boarding pass and skip those treacherous long airport queues. Say goodbye to stressful airport missions and hello to relaxed check-ins and agonising wait times.
3. Medication
Your health is the most important quality you have and it must be prioritised. All the medication you are prescribed to have SHOULD be packed in your hand luggage. You cannot afford for it to be lost in a transit error. It’ll prevent you from enjoying your travels and can cause you to get extremely sick. There’s nothing worse than being in a foreign country and not getting the correct treatment. Remember Health is wealth and pack your medication.
4. Clear Plastic Bag
In the UK to take any liquids past the security check it has to comply with certain travel regulations. These regulations stipulate that
- No more than 100ml of liquid
- Must be in a transparent plastic bag
Therefore, I recommend taking a small plastic bag just in case you need to take some unexpected items in your hand luggage.
5. Filtered Water bottle
- FILTERED WATER DISPENSER: One 20 oz. BPA-free Brita Stainless Steel Water Bottle with one filter, a double-wall insulated bottle that stays cold for a full 24 hours
Making sure you always have access to clean water is essential. I would highly recommend you guys take a filtered water bottle with you on your holiday. It will alleviate a lot of your worries especially if you’re travelling to a rural country where clean water is in scarcity.
Electronics
6. Phone
Yep, your phone simple enough right. But this device is so important to you and your travels. It acts as a translator, secondary wallet, navigation system and walkie talkie. It is paramount that you don’t leave this behind when you’re rushing to the car to try and catch your flight.
7. AirTag
- Keep track of and find your items alongside friends and devices in the Find My app
I recommend you guys invest in a set of Air Tags they are so beneficial to you. You should put one in each suitcase before you fly. It will allow you to track your luggage and ensure it’s travelling with you in the plane’s cargo bay. This will alleviate a lot of your worries and allow you to have a stress-free flight.
8. Battery Bank
- Colossal Cell Capacity: 26,800mAh of power charges most phones over 6 times, tablets at least 2 times, and any other USB device multiple times.
A portable battery bank is essential when travelling, it ensures your devices can be kept charged whilst on the go. Imagine exploring a foreign city where you don’t speak the local language and your phone goes dead. You’d be in trouble right. By keeping a battery bank on your person, it ensures you will always be able to navigate yourself back to your accommodation.
9. Digital Camera
- SHOOT DECENT IMAGES WITH EASE – The digital camera captures high-clarity FHD 1080P videos and 44MP photos with the newest CMOS metering system, no need for complicated manual settings while delivering natural color images automatically. One second to press the shutter, it’s easy for starters and kids.
I know what you’re thinking, a digital camera why? I have my phone. The quality difference between a professional digital camera to your classic iPhone is wild. It captures your spectacular memories down to the last detail. I can’t recommend getting a digital camera enough. The pictures I took on the camera have been printed and converted into memory books They are one of my prized possessions. I’m seriously considering getting them insured.
Clothing
10. Swimsuits
I know some of you have forgotten your swimsuit back at home. I can’t possibly be the only one. Surprisingly it is extremely difficult to purchase them abroad without having to go to a big shopping mall. If you’re anything like me and want to immediately use the hotel’s pool make sure you bring your swimsuits from back home.
11. Sunglasses
- ★ Protect Your Eyes With Style ▶ We created our polarized sunglasses men women to protect your eyes while you are out under the harmful sun UV rays and to make you look Irresistible at the same time. Whether you are driving, walking or working, whether you are a man or a woman, prepare yourself for all the prime attention you can get and the envy of all of those who can’t figure out your little secret: Your KALIYADI Sunglasses.
- ★ Be More Relaxed Every Day ▶ Those sunglasses come with top rated polarized lenses that we tested over time. Polarization reduces glare reflected by mirrors, shiny or polished materials or any other kind of sun rays reflection. You will feel your eyes permanently relaxed because you will not squint anymore! Whether you are driving to work or having a nice sunbath on the beach, you will be less tired at the end of the day because your eyes are more relaxed.
- ★ See The World In Its True Colors ▶ The HD polarized lens of our sunglasses mens offer true color perception because of the neutral color coating and clear vision by eliminating reflected and scattered light. Therefore you will be able to enjoy the sunglasses during all outdoor activities, driving, fishing or any water sport as well. Just imagine how good you will feel not having to worry about eyes health while being able to enjoy and admire the world in every beautiful detail.
- ★ Move Free And Feel Free ▶ We know how uncomfortable frames can be and how this affects every wearer. We care about your vision and want to help you keep your sun glasses on for as long as you need them. Therefore we picked ultra-light materials for glasses frame, shatterproof polarized lenses and we took care so that every edge is smoothed and polished so you’ll even forget that you wear them out in the sun. Wearing sunglasses has never been more relaxing, secure and comfortable than now!
- ★ Gift Ideas Package and Brand Service ▶ Classic sunglasses*3, microfiber pouch*3, microfiber glasses cleaning cloth*3, gift box*1. Our sunglasses for men women are also gift packed, which will be great gifts for your family and friends! All KALIYADI customers enjoy brand service for our polarized sunglasses. The integrity of every box and the quality of the lenses are double checked by third-party companies. And that goes with a lifetime support!
Make sure to bring some stylish sunglasses from home to get those Instagram pictures. It’s difficult to get them some that look good whilst still fitting your frame well. Sunglasses can add so much to your outfits and elevate your look. So, make sure you bring a pair with you. One of my personal favourites is available here.
12. Caps & Hats
- Washed cotton material – Vintage,classic and timeless style. Ccotton hat, as light as a feather, with 6 air holes, breathable, comfortably all day. Low profile, unconstructed baseball hat allow you iron on your personality patch
- Adjustable size – One size fits most, adjustable metal closure provides a flexible fit.Rear opening design fits women’s low ponytail comfortably. Also fits for men and teenagers, great idea for mother’s day/ father’s day/birthday/Christmas gift for your family and friends
- 3 Pack super save – Economical dad hats bundle, including black, blue, burgundy colors, meet your different needs, simple, solid color is great to match many styles of clothes, go out in any color you want
- Sun protection and occasion – Protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays，Great for running, hiking, biking, walking, garden work and daily wear, going out to work, attending baseball games and also need such a hat. It is a comfortable, simple hat
- What you will get – 1 x Black baseball cap, 1 x Blue baseabll cap,1 x Burgundy baseball cap. Professional & friendly customer service.Add to cart,buy now with confidence
Sometimes hats are necessary when the country is too hot, they provide cooling relief and helps you stop squinting when the sun is too bright. Occasionally a cap or sun hat is sometimes key to perfecting your beach outfit. So, make sure they are packed and ready to go. Some of my favourite hats are available here.
13. Trousers & Formal Shirt
- MY’S – Man You’ll Succeed: Includes a one-button jacket, a matching vest, and pants for a complete 3 piece slim fit suit; Plus, there is a complimentary tie that matches with the suit’s color; Offered in sizes XS to XXL, with a selection of 19 colors to choose from; All real pockets inside and out, adorned with chromed exquisite buttons; MY’S suits combine style, comfort, and affordability in a way that’s hard to beat
When travelling abroad for a holiday I always take one formal outfit. This is for unexpected occurrences like an emergency team call. Also, some fancy restaurants have strict dress codes, so to not limit myself I ensure to pack a suit and plan for all types of scenarios.
14. Undergarments
Well, this is an embarrassing one. Make sure you pack enough underwear for your trip, I went to Bali a few years ago and packed too little. I’d recommend packing 1.5 per day to guarantee no hiccups.
Amenities
15. Sun Cream
- [ BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN FOR FACE ] 100% Mineral-based, chemical free sunscreen, also known as a physical sunscreen, reflects UVA/UVB rays to help protect the skin. Daily face sunscreen for broad spectrum protection.
Sun cream is essential for any holiday, it prevents you from getting any burns and it protects you from UV light. It is essential you have sun cream as too much exposure to the sun can lead to skin cancer. Over 80% of skin cancer is caused by overexposure to UV radiation. So, it is essential to BRING YOUR SUNCREAM. I recommend the Cerave SPF50 you can find it on Amazon here.
16. Hand Sanitizer
- Made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, fragrances or dyes
Hand sanitizer is an essential item to pack when travelling abroad. It allows you to maintain good hand hygiene whilst traveling. Tourists are often exposed to various germs and bacteria that your body isn’t used to as its foreign, therefore it’s easier to get sick. Hand sanitizer helps reduce the risk of illness immensely and it allows you to enjoy your holiday with peace of mind that you’ve taken all the precautions necessary.
17. Painkillers
Another essential item that must be in your suitcase before you travel is the standard painkillers like your paracetamol or ibuprofen. This’ll ensure that if you have the necessary medication to alleviate any minor injuries like headaches or a sprained ankle. Getting medication in a foreign country could be easy but understanding the instructions would be extremely difficult. So pack painkillers before you leave.
18. Travel Lock
- Keep Security and Privacy: This portable door lock provides you with extra security and privacy in travel and home, the door cannot be opened from the outside even with a key, greatly increasing your security and preventing unauthorized entry, is a good helper when you on business, business trips travel or living alone
Your safety is your number 1 priority, I always recommend tourists take a travel lock with them to their hotels. Solo travellers must always take precautions and be mindful where they stay as you never know what could happen. A travel lock will ensure no one can enter your room whilst sleeping at night, it acts as your security system. They are fairly cheap to pick up and you can buy them form amazon here.
19. Burn Cream
- COOL DOWN ALOE VERA LOTION. We like to prevent sunburns, but if you get one, our soothing Aloe lotion is a lifesaver. Dermatologist and Sonny approved, this natural after sun mixture instantly nourishes and prevents peeling of sun damaged skin.
Every tourists suitcase should include some type of burn cream, it will help and give you so much relief if you get burnt whilst tanning. When you get bunt its hard to move that part of your body, so it is essential that you have a remedy readily available otherwise your remaining vacation will be very dull. Take it form someone who has experienced it before.. Here is the one I recommend.
Miscellaneous Items
20. Insect Repellent
- 🦟 MEET YOUR NEW FAVORITE BUG SPRAY – All natural 3 hour protection from mosquitos. Contains no DEET or other synthetic chemicals. Gluten Free, Cruelty Free, & Vegan
Don’t you hate mosquito bites and flies hovering into your hotel when you leave the balcony door undone. Yep me too, now I ensure whenever I travel I carry at least one bottle of good quality insect repellent with me. This benefits me so much as it ensures I always have a good night sleep and my skin is less irritated.
21. Baby Wipes
- 8 flip-top packs of 56 Huggies Natural Care Sensitive Baby Wipes, Unscented (448 wipes total), packaging may vary
I don’t have any kids yet I carry baby wipes with me wherever I go, sounds silly right? But they benefit me so much whenever I spill food on my shirt or stain my clothes I can always take the majority of the stains out immediately. Carrying baby wipes has helped me preserve so many clothes. So start carrying around those baby wipes.
22. Electric Fan
- Brushless Motor – Super Power: The combination of a three-phase brushless motor and a 5000mAh battery significantly improves the wind speed, power, and endurance. The maximum wind speed can reach 9m/s. The highest rotation speed of the handheld fan is three times that of a regular personal fan, reaching up to 15000 RPM. It can cool for 3-15 hours on a single charge
I’ve travelled all across the world including countries where the temperature has been around 60 degrees and I was dying for a fan. So before I travel to a destination I always check what the weather forecasts if its astronomically high and I know I’ll be sweating I make sure to take my fan . Check out the fan I always take here.
23. Travel Plugs
- WORLDWIDE ADAPTER – Our all-in-one adapter includes 4 different plugs that cover over 150 countries, such as USA, Canada, Japan, UK, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, China, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, etc. (excluding South Africa, India).
When I travelled abroad for the first time I discovered not everyone uses the same plug sockets. To say I was shocked was a understatement but now I always take my set of travel plugs with me. It ensure I can charge all my devices with no problems and helps an overthinker like me relax. You can get your own set of travel plugs here.
Well that’s the end of the list, let me know in the comment did you guys already have everything on there packed. If I missed anything that you can’t travel without let me know. If you want to put this list to good use then plan a weekend trip to Istanbul and check out my 48 hour itinerary here.
