Never before in our history as a species has traveling been easier. Long gone are the days of giants sail ship taking months just to cross the oceans, their crew never sure if the next day won’t be their last. Today, taking a trip to the other side of the world is simply a matter of buying a plane ticket and sitting comfortably for some hours, your biggest worry often being the quality of the served meal. After all, travel accidents may be deadly, but statistically speaking are also very rare.
But just because the quality of travel has improved to the point where it is extremely safe, it doesn’t mean that you should come unprepared. Many travel destinations may either have less than stellar services or be too far out in the wilds to offer even the bare necessities.
As such, we’ve compiled a list of absolute musts that you should always take with you to travel comfortably and safely, including two pairs of quality shoes, hand sanitizers, a first aid kit, water purification tablets, and a power bank to charge your phone in an emergency. Read on and what to take with you to ensure the best traveling experience!
Two Pairs of Quality Shoes
A good pair of shoes is one of the essential elements in your travel kit. After all, you’ll be wearing them constantly while traveling, and they’re one of the first things that contribute to your primary comfort level during the trip. For this reason, you should always take a pair of high-quality shoes made for rough terrain or running shoes and a comfortable enough part of shoes for walking long distances.
Since running shoes are more comfortable and offer more cushioning for long walks, they’re suited for casual travel in cities, but you can also opt for more casual options like Jordan 1. If you’re going somewhere with particularly tricky terrain, a pair of hybrids might also be in order. However, if you’re hiking through a jungle or climbing a mountain range, you should bring along proper hiking boots.
Hand Sanitizers
While it may seem like a small thing, hand sanitizers can make a huge difference in your travel experience. When you’re eating with your hands in a country where hygiene isn’t as great as it is back home, or when you simply don’t have easy access to soap and water, hand sanitizers can be a lifesaver.
Moreover, in our pandemic era, hand sanitizers are essential items for everyday use, not only traveling. So, you should always take at least two bottles of hand sanitizer with you to travel comfortably and safely.
Small First Aid Kit
No matter how careful and attentive you are, accidents are bound to happen while traveling, especially if you’re outdoors. In the event of an injury, it is crucial to have some basic supplies with you. Among the absolute necessities are bandages and disinfectants, in addition to gauze and plasters.
You can either get a standard first aid kit from the pharmacy or assemble one yourself, considering possible medical conditions and allergies you might be dealing with. If possible, bring along some basic painkillers and anti-inflammatories as well. If you’re going somewhere with a very different climate than your own, bring along some hydrocortisone cream as well to deal with any skin conditions that may crop up due to the weather.
Water Purification Tablets
There are many dangers associated with drinking contaminated water in foreign countries. Many bacteria and parasites are resistant to pharmaceutical antibiotics, reducing your chances of a quick recovery if you get sick because of drinking contaminated water regularly.
As such, it’s important to purify your water before drinking it or using it for cooking. There are several types of water purification tablets available today, including iodine, chlorine (bleach), and chlorine dioxide tablets. They differ by the number of harmful pathogens they fight off, smell and aftertaste, as well as the time needed to purify water. Choose the type that suits your traveling needs the most and ensure that you won’t run out of drinking water during your trip.
Power Bank
You’ll likely find yourself needing to charge your phone at some point in your travels while in a place without access to electricity or USB charging ports. This could happen for various reasons, such as being out in the wilderness for days on end with no access to civilization or living in a country where your electrical devices aren’t compatible with the national grid’s voltage.
In any case, having a power bank can save your life if your phone suddenly runs out of battery life at a crucial moment. Power banks come in many shapes and sizes nowadays – choose one that is small enough to slip into your pocket but big enough to charge your phone multiple times.
Conclusion
If you’re planning on traveling to someplace where you’ll be far from civilization for a considerable amount of time, the chances are that you’ll need to pack extra supplies with you. Don’t forget to bring a good pair of hiking boots, as well as plenty of hand sanitizers and water purification tablets. It can also be a good idea to bring a small first aid kit with you as well – it may come in handy if you get injured while traveling.
Finally, make sure to bring a power bank to charge your phone just in case. These things will ensure that you have the best travel experience possible. Good luck!