To be stupid, selfish, and have good health are three requirements for happiness, though if stupidity is lacking, all is lost. – Gustave Flaubert
Sunday, May 3, 2015 (DAY 1,154)
Whether you are planning a short-term or long-term trip, as a 'veteran' global budget traveler, I've realized that from both talking with friends well as other backpackers that often these items are overlooked and/or forgotten, and while you can find them in most parts of the world you may be paying double the price for them ore receive a lower-grade quality. On the opposite side, you also may find these quality items cheaper at your destination, but I think knowing you have them will be helpful instead of relying or hoping that you can find them later. Therefore, without any more hesitation, here is the list of 12 items that people often overlook for travel:
Whether you are planning a short-term or long-term trip, as a 'veteran' global budget traveler, I've realized that from both talking with friends well as other backpackers that often these items are overlooked and/or forgotten, and while you can find them in most parts of the world you may be paying double the price for them ore receive a lower-grade quality. On the opposite side, you also may find these quality items cheaper at your destination, but I think knowing you have them will be helpful instead of relying or hoping that you can find them later. Therefore, without any more hesitation, here is the list of 12 items that people often overlook for travel:
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1. GLOBAL ADAPTOR AND POWER CONVERTER
Many people purchase an adaptor for the country or countries that may be visiting, but all too often they fail to realize that it may be necessary for power conversation as well, especially when protecting expensive electronics. This item acts also as a surge protector.
3. COPIES OF PASPPORTS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS
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2. Dr. SCHOLL'S INSOLE GEL SUPPORTS
This applies more to Americans and those that limit their daily walking, because whether you are traveling an urban area or more of a natural hiking and trekking, shoe inserts really do make an enormous difference, and not just on your feet, but lower back also.
4. WASHABLE MESH LAUNDRY BAG
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Simple, bring color laminated copies of your passport, therefore you do not need to keep your original on you at all times. For example in some countries if you are stopped and cannot show a photo ID, you may be subjected to fines and/or taken to prison (they're looking for bribes typically).
5. SOLAR POWERED CALCULATOR
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Regardless of the duration of your travels a separate mesh washable laundry bag works great because it not only separates your dirty clothes, is environmentally friendly, but can also be used as a sack for storing other items and when empty it compresses easily in your bag.
6. CARABINERS AND KEYCHAINS
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While most people now have smartphones with calculators, depending upon the country you are visiting I find it easy to carry a calculator that is cheap and non-reliant on batteries for negotiating prices.
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I feel as though sometimes I cannot carry enough lightweight carabiners and/or keychains, because using them to secure zippers on your overflowing bag to hostel keys, they are small & come in very useful.
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7. NAIL CLIPPERS
Surprisingly enough, many people forget to bring a pair of nail clippers! I also refuse to share mine because as rare as it may be, you can still contract hepatitis and/or other diseases if you or they cut too deeply and draw blood.
9. NECK PILLOW WITH ZIPPER
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8. ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT
You don't necessarily need to spend the extra money for the Neosporin brand, there are plenty of generic antibiotic ointments available, and remember even the small scrap or cut can easily turn in to an infection that can become life threatening,
10. VARIOUS LOCKS
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Most travelers bring a neck pillow, I've noticed, but by choose one that has a zipper not only can you add more padding but you can also use it as a secret compartment or easy access to objects.
11. TRAVEL ALARM CLOCK
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Though they may be heavy in weight, carrying a variety of different types of locks and gauges will come in very handy. Choose combination locks and email yourself the passcode in case you may forget it.
12. CHEAP DIGITAL WATCH
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I've tried searching high and low for a small solar powered digital alarm clock, but this seems to be good. Once again even in the days of smartphones I've seen too many people miss buses or day trips because they overslept because their smartphone battery died and failed to wake them up.
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I purchased the cheapest looking digital watch I could find at Target and 3-plus years later it still works fine and I have not replaced the batter in it. This again is handy in areas that you may not feel so comfortable pulling out your smartphone just to check the time.
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