The Journey is part of the Adventure, but traveling to a new destination can come with all sorts of unexpected events. After traveling overseas several times, I decided to compile a list of my backpack essentials. We all cross our fingers and pray that our bags will make it to our destination, but it doesn’t always happen. My advice: Be prepared for anything and always have a backup plan.
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Backpack Essentials
Eye mask and earplugs
Okay. You don’t need to pack these because the airline usually provides them. However, I used to leave them on the plane, but I’ve paid the consequences by staying in a hostel that was above a bar that didn’t close until 3 am. On an overnight bus to Paris, I was grateful that I had slipped the airline’s offering into my backpack. I do tend to lose earplugs, so I have since bought my own pair of earplugs that are attached to each other- making them harder for me to lose. If you forget to bring a set, I’ve also downloaded a white noise album to my phone and plugged in my headphones.
Baby wipes
People will normally tell you to carry your own hand sanitizer and toilet paper just in case. I just bring a package of wipes in my backpack. They are great for freshening up in the airport, but I have also needed them later in my travels. If you end up having to use a “squatty-potty”, you will appreciate having wipes afterwards instead of hand sanitizer. If you don’t have the option of showering for a few days, wipes can be a lifesaver. Read my travel hygiene post for more information about staying clean when a shower may be days away.
Pepto-Bismol
I recommend bringing your own mini-pharmacy because you never know how you are going to react to medicine that you are not used to. If you don’t bring anything else, bring the pepto. You can buy Pepto-Bismol in tablet form, so you don’t have to worry about carrying the liquid through security (or having hot pink medicine all over your backpack!). If something looked like it is going to upset your stomach, take a half a dose of pepto before the meal.
Spare Outfit
When I went to Kenya, my luggage didn’t. In fact, it is still missing… over ten years later. I bought two outfits at the local Nakumat and washed clothes in a bucket for the remainder of my trip. Since then, I always keep a spare outfit and a mini-toiletries kit in my backpack (or travel with solid toilitries. Check out my post on traveling light). When my bag was delayed on my way to the UK, I was prepared with two spare cotton dresses in my bag. They looked nice, but I could also comfortably sleep in them if my suitcase is delayed for a long time.
Coat
I used to always wear my coat on the plane because I never had room in my bag for it. Now, I pack it in my backpack in case I get cold on the plane. If I end up buying too many souvenirs, I wear the coat on the way home and use the extra space to pack. I always suggest a waterproof coat, so you can warm and dry depending on the weather conditions.
Adapters
If you’re bringing a laptop and camera, you will most likely need to buy a travel adapter . Get one before you go. Like most things, they are more expensive in the airport. Check the voltage on your electronics. If they are dual voltage, you will not need a converter. You may blow a fuse if you use a converter with a dual voltage electronic. Side note: Do not try using blow-dryers or straighteners with an adapter or converter. Just buy a cheap one if it is a necessity. I’ve known three people to blow fuses and totally break their blowdryers because they didn’t head this advice.
I didn’t put them on the list, but electronics should never be checked. I have friends that have almost packed their adapters in their checked bag. If you have a layover in an international airport, you may need to charge up before the second leg of your trip.
Have any items that are essential for the trip? Share them in the comments and don’t forget to pin!
Farrah says
So very much agreed! I always keep an extra outfit, jacket, chargers + electronics on me when I travel!
edmccartney says
Thanks for stopping by! Being prepared makes handling those annoying travel problems much easier.
Divya @ Eat Teach Blog says
I always like to keep a back-up charger for my iPhone, my Lavender essential oil (I have a fear of flying!), and an extra pair of socks! My feet get the coldest on the plane!
candy says
I never check my electronics ever. Don’t know why I have never thought to take face mask when I have seen other people have them.
Melissa says
So true…the number of times I’ve been happy to have a spare outfit in my carry on is uncanny!
Pamela Arsena says
I would agree with you on all those things. Especially the Pepto as I have stomach problems. A little preparedness goes a long way to having a great experience.
edmccartney says
Thanks for stopping by! Yes, the pepto has helped me numerous times enjoy my vacation!
Michelle Catallo says
I too have had many lessons learned when traveling pertaining to “what to and what not to bring” especially the losing of ear plugs and forgetting my charger somewhere. Really spot-on listing.
Bill Kasman says
An interesting list and one which will probably vary from person to person. From my point of view the most essential item you mention is a coat. It can double as a mini backpack if you stuff the pockets with other things and you can fold it up and use it as a pillow!
Savannah says
Nothing is worse than not having the charger for your device when your thousands of miles from home! Great list, because seriously, flying can be stressful and there are some things you just shouldn’t forget. I always bring an extra pair of socks, those plane floors are COLD! Thanks for sharing <3
edmccartney says
An extra pair of socks is a great item to have! I’m hot-blooded, so I don’t really get cold on planes but I know a lot of people do!
Carol ("Mimi") says
Great advice! It’s been a couple of years since I traveled internationally, but I plan to do so again next summer. I always appreciate advice about packing and what to have on hand during a trip . . . I’m always thinking I will forget something crucial in my preparations.
edmccartney says
It’s easy to forget something. Even as I was writing this post, I was like “oh, and this and don’t forget that.” Probably would have survived the trip without it, but I like being prepared.
Erin says
Excellent tips. It drives me crazy when I forget my earbuds. I always have an extra outfit with me, since the airlines have lost my luggage a few too many times.
xoxo, erin | sandsunandmessybuns.com