The Ultimate Travel Checklist

For many of us across the world, travel plans came to a firm stop in 2020. However, that does not mean that you can’t get started with planning your next adventure! Whenever and wherever you go traveling, you need to ensure that you are suitably prepared. When you have everything you need on hand, you can make the most out of your travels.  

With that in mind, here is the ultimate travel checklist, containing everything you need to make memories that last. 

A Quality backpack

If you’re going to be visiting multiple different destinations, you might not be able to take a suitcase with you. They are bulky and difficult to carry for long periods of time. Therefore, you should definitely invest in a large, quality backpack to take along with you.

Clothes

It goes without saying that you need to bring plenty of clothes along with you, however wherever possible, try to pack light. Remember whatever you pack, you have to carry. You’ll likely come across several places on your trip where you can wash clothes, so you don’t need to bring every t-shirt you own with you. When packing, be sure to make the most of the space in your backpack so that you can fit as many items in there as possible. 

An ‘Important’ Folder

When traveling, you’ll have to make sure you have easy access to a range of important documents, including your passport, extra ID (check out these FAQ on fake ID’s if you are in desperate need!), travel insurance, plane tickets, and booking confirmations for hotels and hostels. In order to keep them safe, you should store them together in a waterproof folder. This protects them from getting lost or damaged. If possible, you might want to print off multiple copies of some of the documents in case you need them.

Medicine

Unfortunately, you might not always feel your best when traveling. Therefore, you should ensure that you also carry some medicine around with you, such as painkillers and antihistamines. If you are on any prescription medication, make sure you have enough to last you the duration of your trip. It would also be beneficial to bring a copy of your prescription with you. 

A travel adapter

At some points during your travel, you’ll need to be able to charge up your phone, laptop, or any other electrical device. Therefore, an adapter is necessary to ensure that you can plug your items in, no matter what country you may be in. 

A portable charger

Sometimes, when traveling, you’ll leave your belongings at the hotel as you set out on a day trip or short adventure. However, you are bound to need your phone during that time – whether you need to use Google Maps for guidance or want to snap some photographs. Either way that means you need to ensure that your phone has plenty of battery – that’s where a portable charger comes in handy. They mean that you don’t ever have to go without your phone, which is essential in an emergency.

A first aid kit

It is important that you are fully prepared for whatever situation comes your way. One way in which you can prepare yourself is by bringing a small first aid kit along on your travels. This means that you can deal with any minor injuries, cuts, or scrapes within seconds. If you want to be ready for even the worst disaster situation, you may want an individual first aid kit (IFAK) as opposed to an everyday kit. You can check my favorite site for a  combat-ready ifak list of contents that you will need if this is the case.

Camera

When traveling, you are making memories that will last you a lifetime. Therefore, you need to take plenty of pictures so that you can share the experience with your friends and family when you return, or so that you can keep them to look back on in the future. Therefore, it is definitely worth investing in a high-quality camera to take with you. 

A drone

As you explore, you’re bound to come across sites that you don’t want to forget in a hurry. From stunning skylines to areas of natural beauty, you’ll want to make sure you take plenty of pictures of them. However, sometimes simple pictures aren’t enough – you’ll want to get stunning panoramic shots or videos. Thankfully, you can do this easily with a DJI Drone. 

A journal

As you travel, you will learn a lot about the world around you, but also yourself. Therefore, journaling is a great way to document your experiences, and it will be an excellent book to look over in the future when you return home. 

A blog

Another great way to document your travels and share your experiences with others is to set up a travel blog. This can help future adventurers gain inspiration and prepare for their trips, but it could also mean you have a source of income to rely on when out and about. However, if you are serious about running a blog, you need to put the time and effort into it. Ensure your writing is clear, fun, and engaging. Include plenty of photographs. Promote yourself on social media and stick to a blog schedule. 

A Kindle

A Kindle can hold thousands of books at any given time. This means it can provide you with hours of entertainment – whether you read while traveling from one place to another or to keep you busy on a quiet evening. Even better, they are much lighter than carrying physical books around with you so that you won’t break your back in pursuit of literature.

A collapsible water bottle

No matter what activities you are partaking in, you need to ensure that you stay hydrated, especially if you are spending a lot of time in the heat. Remember, dehydration is far more than feeling a little thirsty; it can have serious consequences, so it is essential that you take it seriously. A collapsible water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated wherever you are, and it won’t take up too much space in your bag. 

Toiletries bag

By now, you’ve probably heard some horror stories about staying in hostels (or the quality of their bathrooms) or how there isn’t always time to shower when you are on an adventure. However, that does not mean hygiene has to go out of the window. You should make sure you always have a toiletries bag with you. This should include a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, and soap.

Travel Pillow

Comfort is key, especially if you are trying to get to sleep when on a train or plane or spending a night in the tent. A travel pillow ensures you get enough rest while providing you with shoulder, neck, and back support. Many travel pillows are inflatable, meaning they won’t take up too much space in your bag, either. Furthermore, they can help you drift off into a peaceful sleep. 

Earplugs

If you’ve never stayed in a hostel before, you probably aren’t aware of just how loud other people can be. Earplugs are a great way to ensure you can fall asleep no matter what is going on around you – whether you are trying to drift off in a thriving city that never sleeps or just want to drown out your neighbor’s nighttime chats.

Suncream & After Sun

Sun cream is an essential component of your travel bag, no matter where you are going. Even if the sun isn’t shining, it can still cause damage to your skin – so don’t let an overcast or cloudy day fool you. Apply sun cream every morning and throughout the day if you are spending a lot of time outdoors. In the evening, apply a light coat of after sun to protect your skin from any damage it has sustained during the day.