8 Not So Obvious Travel Essentials
Whether you're on a long exotic vacation or a shorter weekend getaway, these must haves can make your trip one to remember even in the most unexpected situations.
1. To Go Toilet Seat Covers
Yes, these exist! Many public restrooms in airports, cities throughout the U.S. and other countries do not have seat covers. These small convenient packages include a few seat covers and can easily be packed in a purse or carry on. This can be especially helpful for those traveling with young children and can typically be found in the travel section at your local general merchandise store or on Amazon.
2. Bug Repellent Bracelets
Although insect repellent spray is usually on the packing checklist for those heading to tropical destination or an outdoor adventure, these bracelets are a great way to keep the bugs away while avoiding the oil and scent of spray. I recommend packing both bracelets and spray. The last thing you want to put on when going to a nice dinner on your Caribbean vacation is bug spray, so an insect repellent bracelet will do the trick. They can be found at sporting goods stores or in the camping section of your local Target/ Walmart.
3. Hand Soap Sheets
Most of us carry hand sanitizer, especially when traveling, but carrying hand soap seems inconvenient...until now. These hand soap sheets are small, convenient and perfect for camping or restrooms that don't have soap available. You simply put a sheet in your hand, dissolve with water, and rub your hands to lather. They can be found on Amazon in smaller packs of 30 sheets or larger packs of 50 sheets.
4. Download Offline Google Maps and Other Necessary Apps
For those traveling out of the country without an international cell phone plan, nothing is worse than getting lost in an unfamiliar city where you can only access directions with WiFi. Google offers a function on Google Maps where you can download a map beforehand and access directions offline. Here's how it works:
Before leaving in your trip, open Google Maps and search a city, like London.
Once you see the city you've searched, zoom in or out of the map as much as you'd like. The area that appears on your screen will be the area that is downloaded. The larger the area, the larger the file and longer it will take to download.
Next, select "Download" at the bottom of the map where the city name is.
To access a downloaded map, select the menu and go to "Offline Maps"
Note - You can get driving directions offline, but not transit or walking directions.
A few other apps worth downloading before an international trip are a currency converter app like My Currency Converter & Rates and a translator app. Translator apps that include photo translation are very helpful as you can translate a food menu by taking a photo.
5. Motion Sickness Relief Drops
Perfect for beach vacations and boat trips, these anti-nausea drops are placed behind each ear to relieve motion sickness. This a good alternative to oral medications that sometimes cause drowsiness. I recommend Motioneaze.
6. Headphones with Aux Cord
Most travelers always pack headphones, but this tip is for iPhone users or those with wireless headsets. Don't forget to pack your aux adaptor or an extra pair of headphones that have an auxiliary cord. Televisions on flights are only compatible with aux headphones and you don't want to be stuck on a long flight without the option to catch a movie or watch some your favorite TV shows.
7. Benadryl
Those who have allergies typically travel with allergy medicine, but Benadryl is also good to have in the event of an unexpected allergic reaction. Even if you don't have any allergies, you never know how your body will react to new foods or environments. In some cases, Benadryl can help control an allergic reaction. For more severe cases, contact the nearest physician.
8. Pen
This one seems so simple, yet it's easily missed when packing. Having a pen in your carry on, especially on an international flight, comes in handy when it's time to fill out customs forms on the flight. Flight attendants usually have a limited amount of pens, so remembering to pack one can make for a more seamless arrival into an international airport.
