Last Updated on February 22, 2023
After a tough few years, the travel industry is forecasted to bounce back in 2023. In fact, “the Travel Foundation is forecasting an increase in travel spending in 2023 compared to 2022 (or 2019, for that matter).” As a result, if you were thinking of jetting off into the sunset over the next few months, you aren’t alone!
However, as the pandemic meant that even the most seasoned travellers had to stay a little closer to home, it’s normal to feel a little out of practice when prepping for a vacation. After all, there are many different things you’ve got to organize, from finding suitable accommodation to ensuring your passport is in-date.
Once the finer details have been ironed out, you’ve then got to think about packing your suitcase. While time-consuming, it’s essential that you pack correctly, as the last thing you want to do is arrive at your destination only to find you’ve left something super important back home.
With that in mind, here are some things that every adventurer should pack in their suitcase (or backpack).
Table Of Contents
First Aid Kit
While most holidays will run smoothly and without the need for first-aid, having a first-aid kit to hand is incredibly useful. After all, it ensures that you can deal with any issues that arise quickly and efficiently without having to run to the store. Your basic first-aid kit should include the following:
- Antibacterial wipes
- Plasters
- Gauze and bandages
- Safety Pins
- Tape
- Burn dressing
- Disposable gloves.
If you’re going on a camping or outdoor holiday, where you’ll be spending a lot of time in nature and without access to healthcare amenities, you may also want to pack an emergency antibiotics kit.
Microfibre Towel
Whether you’re going to swim in the ocean or take a dip in the pool, you must bring along some towels when heading on vacation. Microfibre towels are your best choice, as they’re lightweight and easy to fold away (or stuff into your suitcase). This means that you have more space for the rest of your wardrobe and belongings. The microfibres also mean that the towels also dry quickly.
Inflatables
Vacationing is all about having fun, and while you may aim to take up as little space in your suitcase as possible, you should still make sure you pack things that will brighten your day, such as inflatables from sunnylife. After all, the only way to make relaxing poolside better is by relaxing in a fun, brightly coloured inflatable!
Sunscreen
Sunscreen or suncream is another must-have item when on holiday, even if the skies are looking a little cloudier than you anticipated. This is because “on overcast days, up to 80% of UV rays can still penetrate light cloud cover and reach your skin, according to the World Health Organization.” As tourist-centric destinations tend to hike up the prices for this kind of product, buying your sunscreen ahead of time can be a great way to save money when travelling. You should also pack after-sun products, which can soothe any of the symptoms of sunburn and promote proper healing.
A Wallet For Important Items
You should also ensure that you pack a wallet, or separate bag, to store all of your important items and documents when travelling. Ideally, this should be waterproof to reduce the chances of these items getting damaged and leading to issues further down the line. This wallet can be used to store the following:
- Passports and residency cards
- Travel insurance documents
- Booking confirmation/reservation details
- Cash/bank cards
Portable Phone Charger
Your phone is often your lifeline when travelling, whether it contains important information regarding your accommodation booking or you are using it to take photographs. As a result, you should always pack a portable charger so that you aren’t caught out when your battery suddenly dies mid-trip. You should also make sure you pack the right adapters in your case for any electrical items.
Antibacterial Wipes
Antibacterial wipes are another handy item to store in your suitcase or backpack, not only because our cleanliness standards increased during the pandemic. After all, this means that you can quickly clean up any spaces you encounter, from aeroplane seats to tabletops. This is a great way to put your worries to pay.
Waterproof Fannypack
One of the biggest mistakes people make when travelling is leaving valuable items, such as mobile phones and cash, unattended. This behaviour is understandable, as you can hardly take your phone into the ocean or pool with you. This can be easily remedied by ensuring that you have a waterproof fanny pack in your suitcase, which will prevent water damage while also eliminating the need for you to leave your belongings on the beach!
Earplugs
Whether you’re camping, staying in hostels, or sleeping in a luxury hotel, it can sometimes be challenging to fall asleep in unfamiliar environments, especially if they’re noisy. In these instances, having a pair of noise-cancelling earplugs to hand will make all of the difference. As this will help you get more sleep, it means that you’ll be able to make the most of your holiday as a result, without battling fatigue at every corner.
Eye Mask
An eyemask is another excellent way to ensure you get enough sleep when travelling. It can also be worn during the journey itself (providing you aren’t behind the wheel, of course). For example, catching up on sleep during a long plane journey means that you’re able to make the most of your time once you arrive!
A Sense Of Adventure
No vacation is complete without a sense of adventure, so be sure to pack away your high spirits and bring them along for the trip. The more adventurous you are, the more memories you will make over the holidays. As such, it’s crucial that you open yourself up to spontaneity over your trip. Remember, while you may have an itinerary in mind, it is okay to go off script, especially if an exciting or unexpected opportunity comes your way.