Essentials to Pack on Your Next Vacation

Travel can both be a source of agony and excitement. Airline restrictions, weather disturbances, security checks and other unforeseen circumstances are just some of the realities travelers have to deal with. Turn stressful into stress-free by taking the following essentials on your next getaway. There are only two words to provide a solution to this:  be prepared.

• Bring an extra bag. It’s always a good idea to bring a foldable, waterproof bag. It can carry must-have last minute things. It’s also useful for purchases on shopping sprees. When you don’t have enough space in your luggage, the extra bag will definitely be the solution.

• Have a pack of resealable plastic bags. It’s always smart to take a few zip locks with you. Some airlines allow you to take small amounts of liquids in your cabin bags in transparent, resealable bags. They’re also a good way to store valuables like loose change, valuables, mobile phones, and loose change from inside your pockets before going through the security machines. Avoid spillage in your check-in luggage by packing shampoos and lotions in them. It can also keep cameras and camcorders from getting wet should you or your luggage get drenched in the rain. It’s also useful as an organizer for packing small souvenirs.

• Prepare loose coins of your destination’s currency. Loose change serves it purpose upon arrival in the airport and for some reason you couldn’t find the agency’s representative who was supposed to pick you up. Even if major airports have money exchange counters, coins are usually very difficult to procure.

• Bring hand wipes in your carry on. Hand sanitizers keep handy hands clean without the need for soap and water. However, because they come in gel form, it’s not advisable to put it in your carry on bag. Had wipes designed for babies are a good alternative as they’re not drying and can be used for the hands and face because they’re gentle since it’s designed for baby’s mild skin. It’s also provides relief when you’re touring around and you feel so sticky but have no time to go back to the hotel and refresh.

• Carry an empty sports bottle with you always. Since flight rules don’t allow you to bring more than 100 ml of liquid on board, just ask the stewardess to fill your bottle so you can take sips throughout your whole flight without having to call the stewardess every time you want a drink. The bottle is also put to good use during safari holidays in South Africa because you can just refill it with bottled water which you can purchase while having fun on South African safari holidays. The bottled water is convenient to carry around when doing your sightseeing tours and cuts costs on expenses too especially since water can be expensive in some foreign countries.

• Bring an extra notebook. A small notebook can serve as your organizer during your holiday. Before leaving for a trip, list down the ‘must-see” places, and things to do. More importantly, write down important information like flight schedules, hotel details and passport and credit card numbers for easy reference.