7 Backpack Essentials for Travel
Coming to Singapore, a city-island hounded around by massive plots of country land has definitely propelled our taste buds for travel. After all, living in Mauritius for 19 years can plague with the high cost of airfare to cross the oceans.But, as an international student, you somehow steer yourself quite naturally to become a travel bug. For the soon-to-be travel bugs and the wanderers and seekers, this one's for you. ;)
When it comes to traveling, especially backpack-traveling: one’s bag is one’s life, or at least becomes it.
When traveling alone or in a group to a noticeably slightly unsafe area, the smaller it is the less it sticks outs and the less vulnerable one feels. The closer one can stick to it and less cumbersome it is the happier one will be. But that doesn’t mean one should compromise on not packing some essential things along. There are simply a bunch of things that no traveler can wander without!
1. Important Documents
Passport Photographs and Copies, ID, Driver's License, Cash and VISA Card, Health insurance cards/document(s), Travel insurance info, Reservations and itineraries, Hotel and/or tour contact information, Transportation tickets (plane, train, bus, car, etc.), Emergency contacts and important addresses.
2. Battery Storage
Power Banks, Multiplugs: power adaptor plug with a build-in USB socket and car light plug to USB adaptor. You’ll need to get a travel plug converter for the country you’ll be going to or order to plug your power strip in.
3. Hygiene Necessities
Toothpaste and Toothbrush, Baby Wipes, Sanitary pads or Tampons, a microfiber travel towel, Hand Sanitizers.
You may not be a baby but I can assure you, wipes come in handy for a variety of reasons: when you can’t take a shower, to refresh yourself after a sweaty day or long hike, to wash your hands or face before you eat, women: when it’s that time of the month and you want to freshen up!
What’s special about a travel towel? It dries almost overnight and are resistant to odours. These are perfect for when you’re always-on-the-go and don’t have time to spare in waiting for things to dry. The towels can also alternately be used as blankets.
4. First Aid Box
Mosquito Repellent, Deep Heat, Antibiotics/Paracetamol, Imodium, and Andrews, Strepsils, Eye drops, Allergy medicines.
5. Comfort
Ear Plugs, Sleeping Mask, Zip Lock Bags, a Scarf and Scissors, Disposable Underwear, Snacks, Water bottle, Umbrella, Music and an Alarm Clock
If you don't want to miss your flight home or an early morning train, make sure you bring along a travel alarm clock. A word of warning: Don't play the "snooze" game with your alarm or fellow dorm mates will be forced to kill you for disturbing their sleep.
No doubt your clothing will not see a washing machine and iron very often on the road. A scarf can help spruce up a suffering wardrobe. Unless you’re planning to stay at The Four Seasons in every country you visit where they supply luxurious lounge chairs, you’ll appreciate packing something to relax on. A scarf in a lightweight material like linen or cotton can actually help you stay cool in warmer climates. And, of course, you can wear it as a shawl to stay warm when the temperature drops. Donning a scarf instantly makes your attire more appropriate and can be especially useful if you plan on visiting religious sites. Wat Pho, home of the reclining Buddha in Bangkok, even keeps scarves on hand to lend to visitors to the temple. Buy more at the market than will fit into your backpack? Place your treasures in the middle of a scarf and tie up the corners for a makeshift bag. Tie a scarf around your mouth and nose to keep yourself from inhaling dust and vehicle exhaust on those bumpy rides on dirt roads.
6. Research
Culture and Weather: Essential Clothing, Essential Footwear, Essential Budget
7. Travel Security
Be careful of pickpockets and scam artists. The easiest way to keep your belongings safe is to keep them hidden and close to you. One way to do this is to stash your valuables underneath your clothing. You can do this with a money belt, hidden pocket, neck wallet, undercover bra stash.
Some Bonus Don'ts
1. Jewelry
No matter where you are; when traveling it’s best not to draw attention to yourself with expensive looking things
2. Make Up
3. Books
We live in the digital age my friends, only carry one book at a time with you. They are bulky and heavy.
4. Too many Clothing and Footwear
