8 essential items you should always travel with

When traveling, it's crucial to pack efficiently to ensure you have everything you need while also keeping your luggage manageable and light. Here are 8 essential items to travel with when you jet set around the world.

Apart from the basic travel documents—passport and itinerary—these are the 8 items you should keep in mind while packing.

Lightweight carry-on luggage and duffel bag

If you want to travel light and comfortably without fretting or getting annoyed by a heavy backpack or satchel on your shoulders, carrying a small lightweight carry-on suitcase is your go-to option. Sometimes, when you're traveling to places that are just a short day trip or a couple of hours away from your city or place of stay, you want to keep your hands free and travel light. In times like these, a small carry-on suitcase or duffel bag does the trick. You can always keep a duffel bag folded inside your luggage and take it out when needed, whether it's for a quick day trip or to compartmentalize your stuff.

Yoga pants or comfortable joggers

Whether you're taking a long-haul flight, going on a train journey, or embarking on a road trip, wearing comfortable clothes is the key to making your journey more enjoyable. This could be yoga pants, joggers, loose-fit clothes, or anything that works for you and makes your journey hassle-free. A comfortable outfit can also enhance your experience when hiking or exploring the city you're visiting.

Sweater or sweatshirt

It's always advisable to keep a sweater or sweatshirt handy, even if you're traveling to a place with a high temperature or during the summer.

• This is just in case you start feeling cold indoors, on the flight, or in the train due to air conditioning.
• Carrying a breathable, lightweight, weatherproof jacket is also a wise choice if you plan to visit a place that might get chilly at night or as a precaution.

Travel adapters, chargers and portable chargers

• Ensure you have the right adapters and chargers for your electronic devices, such as phones, laptops, and cameras.

• Carrying a portable charger is extremely necessary because you never know if you will find a charging point everywhere.

Medications & prescriptions

• If you take medications, pack an adequate supply and include a copy of your prescriptions just in case. Don't forget to carry those medications you take occasionally.
• In addition, carry general medicines like paracetamol, diarrhea medication, painkillers, motion sickness pills, and allergy medication.
• Band-aids, bandages, sanitizer, mosquito and insect repellents are also essential.

READ MORE | 7 tips you should keep in mind before that international long haul flight

Travel sized-toileteries, sanitizer, and cleansing wipes

Bring travel-sized toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, sunscreen, and a toothbrush to save space and comply with airline regulations.

• Given the ongoing pandemic, hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes have become indispensable travel essentials.

• Carrying sanitizer or cleansing wipes while traveling makes it easy to clean your hands whenever and wherever you want without searching for soap and water, ensuring you maintain hygiene at all times.

Travel space bags or zipper bags

• Airtight waterproof bags are very convenient when traveling. You can use them to store your various liquids and creams, preventing them from leaking all over your clothes.
• They're also great for wet clothes, travel towels, organizing cables, and keeping your snacks.
• From clothes to accessories to used clothes, these travel space bags can keep your suitcases organized and clean.

A small first-aid kit

This is one of the most crucial items on a travel essentials list as it can be helpful during unfortunate and unforeseen accidents.

• A first-aid kit will ensure that you don't get infections and have immediate help if anything happens.
• If you're traveling to a remote area, it's a good idea to pack a simple first-aid kit.
• You can buy one off the shelf or make your own.
• It should contain items such as adhesive bandages, pain medication, anti-bacterial ointment, antiseptic wipes, and any other supplies you might need.

READ MORE | 6 mistakes to avoid when checking in and out of a hotel

Can you think of any other essential items that can be added to this list? Let us know in the comments.