One of the most stressful parts of travelling can be packing. Ensuring you have accounted for everything you need may feel impossible. There is nothing worse than getting to the airport and realizing you forgot that oh-so-important and hard-to-find item. Make a packing list and check it twice, and never scramble to find a store between the airport and your destination again.
Note Your Everyday Items
Take care to make sure you have all your necessary medication. Think about the medications and prescriptions you take daily. Check to see if you will need any refills to last you while you are away. Consider packing both your contacts and your eyeglasses. Even if you primarily wear contacts, having a backup in case anything happens can be a lifesaver. Pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and soap. Plan to take a day or two extra of everything on your need daily list in case there is a return delay or a change in plans.
Choose Your Identification
Especially if your travels take you in the air or over water, carrying proper identification is important in ensuring you arrive at your destination as planned. State-issued identification will generally get you where you want to go, as long as you are not planning to travel abroad. Carrying a passport is a better option when travelling. It is a nationally and internationally recognized form of ID, so you can be confident you have proper identification, regardless of where your travels take you.
Figure Out Everything Else
You will probably be carrying your cellphone, but be sure to pack a charger. If you plan to take your laptop or tablet, pack all necessary accessories and charging cables. Pain medication, first aid cream and bandages are beneficial to have in case a need arises. A vaporizer or e-cigarette can be a costly and frustrating thing to replace. Be sure to pack your vaping system and e liquid if you use one. Don’t forget makeup, hair products, and grooming items. Double-check you have power adapters for any of the electronic items you bring.
Now that you have an idea of the important and expensive items to think about when packing, it is time to make your list. Note the things you use every day, the things you want for your trip specifically, and the things you are happy to leave behind (ahem, that work laptop if you are vacationing). Pay special attention to anything that you need in a specific quantity, such as prescriptions. Better to have extra when you return home than to have to scramble to find a pharmacy. Oh and clothes. Don’t forget your clothes.
