
Travelling can be stressful, but having the right gear can make it a lot easier. Here are some must-haves for your next trip:
- A good book or two, or a Kindle if you prefer.
- A portable charger to keep your phone charged on the go.
- A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated—just make sure it's empty when going through security.
- A travel adapter if you're heading to a different country.
- A lightweight raincoat in case of unexpected showers.
- A hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
- A small first aid kit for any minor injuries.
- A comfortable pair of shoes—you'll likely be doing a lot of walking!
- A lightweight travel towel if you're planning any swimming or water activities.
- A travel pillow and eye mask to help you get some rest during long journeys.
- A travel-sized toiletries kit to stay fresh on the move.
- A lightweight daypack or backpack to carry all your essentials.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Clothing | Compression socks, extra socks, warm socks, quick-dry clothing, wool undergarments, lounge pants, swimsuit, hiking pants, travel jeans, travel shoes, travel towel |
Toiletries | Toothpaste tablets, deodorant, moisturizer, sunscreen, lip balm, bug repellent, hand cream, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, hair gel, hair dryer, hair diffuser, microfiber hair towel, curling iron, toothbrush, contact lens case, contact solution, contact tweezer tool, contact remover tool, nail clippers |
Electronics | Portable charger, travel adapter, camera, camera bag, tripod, headphones, noise-cancelling headphones, Bluetooth transmitter, portable fan, portable steamer, e-reader, tablet, laptop, phone, old phone, portable lock box, power bank, mini first aid kit, sunglasses, sunglasses case, portable kettle |
Food | Snacks, water bottle, reusable water bottle, collapsible water bottle, collapsible coffee cup |
Other | Packing cubes, travel pillow, travel blanket, travel belt, travel strap, travel wallet, travel bag, dirty laundry bag, vacuum seal bags, luggage protector, luggage strap, luggage scale, travel clothesline, travel hangers, travel organizer, travel seat back organizer, travel drink holder, travel fan, travel door lock, travel soap sheets, travel clips, travel sunscreen stickers, travel stickers, travel tags, travel mirror, travel umbrella, travel credit card, travel insurance, travel guides, travel maps, travel books, travel games, travel entertainment, travel medicine, travel documents, travel money, travel purse, travel baggallini, travel mosquito net |
A filtered water bottle
Filtered water bottles are a great way to save money, as you won't have to spend money on bottled water. They also ensure that you have continual access to clean drinking water, which is especially important when travelling in countries where it is unsafe to drink tap water.
Filtered water bottles are also beneficial for the environment, as they reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste.
When choosing a filtered water bottle, it is important to consider the type of filter it uses. Some filters only remove large particulates and most bacteria, while others are capable of removing viruses and heavy metals. It is also worth considering the pore size of the filter, as smaller pore sizes will remove more contaminants but may become clogged more easily.
Additionally, some filtered water bottles use UV-C light to purify water, which is effective at killing bacteria and viruses but may not remove chemical contaminants.
- Grayl GeoPress: Market leaders in purifying water bottles. Offers a 10-year guarantee. Easy to use and fast purification process, but may be bulky for some travellers.
- Grayl UltraPress: A smaller, more compact version of the GeoPress. May be a more appealing choice for travellers due to its reduced size.
- Water-to-Go: Removes over 99% of contaminants and allows beneficial minerals to pass through. Lightweight and comes in two sizes.
- LARQ Bottle Movement PureVis: Self-cleaning bottle that uses UV-C light to purify water. Has a large capacity and is suitable for travel in developed nations.
- LifeStraw: Removes bacteria, parasites and protozoa. Lightweight and compact, making it ideal for hiking and camping.
When travelling with a filtered water bottle, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for preparing and maintaining the filter. It is also crucial to only use the bottle for its intended purpose and to carry spare filters when travelling for long periods.
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Compression socks
There are three primary types of compression socks: graduated compression socks, nonmedical support hosiery, and anti-embolism stockings. Graduated compression socks are generally prescribed and require a professional fitting. Nonmedical support hosiery is more flexible and can be purchased without a prescription. Anti-embolism stockings are designed to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and require a prescription.
Sitting for long periods of time can make it hard for your legs to return blood to your heart, which can lead to swelling, discomfort, and leg fatigue. Compression socks can help to reduce these symptoms by promoting blood flow from your legs back to your heart. They are especially useful for those who are pregnant, using estrogen-based birth control, taking hormone replacement therapy, diagnosed with vein disease, or have a family history of blood clots.
If you are considering wearing compression socks while travelling, it is recommended to wear them for the duration of your trip, starting an hour or two before you depart. It is also important to note that compression socks should not be worn by those with skin that is easily bruised or a compromised skin layer that scrapes or bruises easily, as they can cause injury and lead to infection.
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Moisturiser
- Apply moisturiser to your skin before your flight, especially after cleansing your face. This will create a protective barrier against the dry airplane cabin air.
- Reapply moisturiser each time you wash your hands during your flight. Airplane bathrooms tend to be humid, so it's important to replenish the moisture on your skin after washing your hands.
- Look for multi-functional products that combine different steps in your skincare routine. For example, choose a moisturiser with built-in SPF or one that can be used both morning and evening. This will save space in your luggage and simplify your routine.
- If you have sensitive skin, consider bringing your own moisturiser instead of using the products provided by hotels. Hotel products often contain fragrances and preservatives that can further dry out your skin and cause irritation.
- Opt for travel-sized versions of your favourite moisturisers to comply with airport regulations and save space in your luggage. If your regular products don't come in travel sizes, decant them into smaller, labelled containers.
- Choose a lightweight moisturiser if you're travelling to a hot or humid climate. On the other hand, richer, cream-based moisturisers are better suited for colder destinations.
- Don't forget to moisturise your lips! Long travel days can dry out your lips, so keep them hydrated with a moisturising lip balm or ointment.
- If you're prone to dry eyes, consider packing eye drops as well. The dry airplane cabin air can affect your eyes, so eye drops can provide relief and help you feel more comfortable during your flight.
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Gum
Chewing gum can also help with the discomfort of flying or travelling to high-altitude destinations. When you're travelling to a different altitude, the pressure outside your head decreases, but the air pressure inside your ear can remain the same, which can be unpleasant. Chewing gum helps to reset your ear pressure by increasing saliva production and making you swallow more. Chewing gum can also help to flex your face muscles and open the passages that connect the space behind your ears with your sinuses, allowing the air pressure to equalize.
There are also a number of other health benefits associated with chewing gum. It can help to prevent tooth decay, increase saliva flow, and relieve the symptoms of dry mouth. Gum can also help to balance acids in your oesophagus, easing the symptoms of acid reflux. Chewing gum has also been linked to improved memory, increased alertness, and reduced nausea.
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A portable charger
The best portable charger for you will depend on your needs. If you're looking to charge a laptop when you're on-the-go, you'll need a charger with a higher power output and capacity. If you're looking to charge smaller devices like phones or tablets, you can opt for a more affordable, compact option.
- Battery capacity: Battery capacity is measured in milliampere hours (mAh). The higher the number, the more battery power you have. For everyday use, a charger with a capacity of 3,000 to 4,000 mAh should be enough, but if you're looking to charge more than one device at a time or a device of five volts or higher, you'll want to up the capacity.
- Charging speed and standards: The charging rate for devices like smartphones is measured in watts (W), but power banks often list the voltage (V) and amperage (A). You can calculate the wattage by multiplying the voltage and amperage. Many smartphones, including iPhones, support the power delivery standard, which means they can be charged at higher rates. Some phones, like Samsung's Galaxy range, support a supplementary PD protocol called PPS (Programmable Power Supply) that goes up to 45 W.
- Pass-through charging: This feature allows you to charge your power bank and use it to charge another device at the same time. While this can be useful, it can also cause the power bank to heat up and may shorten its lifespan.
- Travel restrictions: It's safe to travel with a power bank, but there are a couple of restrictions to keep in mind. Firstly, your portable charger must be packed in your carry-on luggage, not checked-in luggage. Secondly, the power bank must not exceed 100 Wh (watt-hours). If your power bank has a capacity higher than 27,000 mAh, you should check with your airline.
When purchasing a portable charger, it's best to buy from reputable companies and brands to ensure safety. Cheap chargers, cords, and adapters can be dangerous, so it's worth spending a little extra to avoid the risk.
- Anker PowerCore Slim 10K PD: This charger offers high-end features like Power Delivery for fast charging, as well as both types of USB ports, at a reasonable price. It has a capacity of 10,000 mAh, which is enough to charge most phones a couple of times throughout the day.
- Belkin BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Power Bank: This power bank is a great option for iPhones, as it connects easily via MagSafe. It supports wireless charging speeds of up to 15 W and includes a built-in stand for propping up your phone. It also comes in different capacities: 5,000 mAh, 8,000 mAh, and 10,000 mAh.
- Nimble Champ Portable Charger: With a capacity of 10,000 mAh, dual 20 W USB-C PD outputs, and five colour options, the Nimble Champ is a convenient and attractive choice. It's made from 90% certified recycled plastic, which is a plus for the eco-conscious.
- Otterbox Fast Charger Power Bank: Known for their durable phone cases, Otterbox brings the same expertise to their power banks. This power bank has fast charging with PD, both types of USB ports, and several options for battery capacity (5,000 mAh, 10,000 mAh, 15,000 mAh, and 20,000 mAh). It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
- Statechi Duo Wireless Charger Power Stand: This foldable and portable power bank lets you charge your phone and AirPods at the same time, without any wires, via its 10,000 mAh battery. There's also an extra 18 W USB-C port for a third device. A built-in stand allows you to continue using your phone while it charges.
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