It’s Travel Thursday and I’m Nelle. Of course, I’m your favorite travel writer. And I want to talk about the 11 things you can’t travel without. I mean, I can’t travel without these things. And I have a feeling you won’t be able too either.

Water Bottle

The first things I want to talk about is hydration. Just because you on vacation that doesn’t mean you stop drinking water. I mean you’re a human being and you need water. Your body is literally 70- something percent water. I’m not a doctor but water is important.

Whether you are traveling in the state or abroad. Bring a water bottle with you. Here’s a trick Incase you forget. If you’re in a trusted country. Then buy water and reuse the bottle.

Comfy Shoes

When we travel the first thing people think about is the nice places they will visit. But they always forget that those nice places require walking. Lots and lots of walking.

With lots of walking come hurting feet. However, all your pain can be avoided by bringing comfy shoes. You will thank me later. Trust me this happened to me my first trip to New York. AND this girl is not a stubborn learner. The wrong shoes had me soaking my feet in Epson salt.

Headphones

This is a need that everyone has. Imagine sitting on a flight and the headphones that the stewardess gives you SUCK! Well, that will be your reality until you realize that one of the 11 things you absolutely can’t travel without is headphones.

They block people out, they play your music. While providing you the entertainment you need. When I went to Haiti there was no tv. But that did not matter because I had my headphones.

Portable Charger

My phone always dies. They have yet to create a phone that I have owned that has an amazing battery. With that being said, I once traveled to New Jersey. I thought it was a great idea to go into new york.

On my way back to the place I was staying. Girl phone died. I had no way of navigating the new York Subway system without a phone. I had to invest in a portable charger right then and there. Needless to say, I now carry that charger every time I go on a trip.

Hygiene Products

Okay, let’s be honest. This is common sense. Some very important things you should not travel without are hygiene products. Yes, I know it goes without saying. But just in case I need to say it. Don’t forget to pack your hygiene products.

For my ladies, hygiene products also include all we need for aunt flow (wink wink). You never know what could happen. Therefore, be prepared.

Pen/Notepad

As I was talking to a friend while writing this post. She suggested that I include pen and paper to the list of 11 things you absolutely can’t travel without. After talking it over. Her reasoning made sense.

Although a pen and notepad is not something we typically think about packing. She argued that there will always be something you need to sign. What if your phone died and just before it goes you need to write down the number you are calling. This has actually happened to me. So I agree with her, don’t forget your pen and notepad.

Drivers License or ID

Even when I travel in-country or out of the country. I always carry my driver’s license or ID. I never know when I need it. That is why I add it to the list. Because it identifies who I am. Even if I have my passport, I personally like to carry two forms of ID.

Hand sanitizer/Towelettes

We use our hands more than any part of our bodies. Always touching things, ourselves, our faces, mouth and each other. consequently, you should always absolutely pack hand sanitizer/towelettes when you travel. It’s something you can’t travel without. Turns out you can’t always run to the toilet to clean your hands. Also, you may be in a place where a toilet is not available. Do yourself a favor and pack hand sanitizer/towelettes.

Wipes/tissues

Back in my expat days, I use to live in Asia. Taiwan to be exact. Turned out they did not always provide toilet paper at toilets. Better yet I never went to a toilet that provided it while in public. What did I do? I started carrying my own little thing of tissue. This habit has never left me. It should be a habit that you pick up too. That is why a very important object of the 11 things you absolutely can’t travel without is wipes/tissues. You will thank me later.

Cash

Yes, I mean cash money. As a travel guru, I suggest that when you travel you always have some kind of cash on you. No, it doesn’t have to be large bills or a large sum. however, I do suggest that you carry a small amount with you. Cash is a must because your card may not work everywhere. especially abroad. So don’t forget your cash.

Medication

ast but not least, don’t forget that you absolutely can’t travel without your medications. Prescribe and over the counter alike. You would be surprised at how far a bottle of Aleve goes. Plus you don’t want to go on a trip only to realize you did not pack your medication and guess what your diabetic. Trust me this has happened to me. I am not diabetic but I went to Europe with some family members and one of them did not pack the right needles for her medication. To make matters worst the needles she needed where prescribed.

Praise the Lord, ironically, someone who was with us had her exact medication. Whew, we avoided that incident. everybody learned that day that you cant absolutely travel without your medication. You never know when you need an aspirin. In my case, it was an Aleve.

Well, that’s all loves. These are the 11 things you absolutely can’t travel without. I have experience going without all of them. None of those experiences were fun. Don’t be like me remember the things you absolutely can’t travel without.

Keep up with Mernelle on her blog here, and more travel posts, here.