Top 10 Traveling Essentials
It’s spring break where we live, and summer is just around the corner, which means that traveling season is officially upon us! My family and I are already planning our beach trip this year. With that in mind, here are my top 10 must-haves to bring along on any vacation:
1. Bible
I have the YouVersion Bible App on my phone, but I still like to bring a physical copy when traveling. When I was kid, a tornado hit our city. One of the sliding doors of our home had been left open with only the screen closed. The tornado did some damage outside of the house and ripped the screen from its track, but nothing inside was touched. A Bible lay open on the coffee table just inside the door. After the storm passed, the book was still on the very same page it had been on before. I suppose since then, having a Bible close by has brought me a sense of comfort.
2. Phone/Charger
The benefits of having a phone on hand are many. They include, but aren’t limited to, being able to contact someone when needed, having the perfect playlist for the drive, access to a navigation system, a camera for taking memorable pictures of your trip, and a web browser for looking up information about the area.
3. Wallet (ID/Insurance/Cash)
You, obviously, need your license if you’ll be driving. In addition to that, you may need it to check in wherever you’re staying or if you plan on purchasing alcohol on your trip. Some places are 18 or 21 and up only, so even if you don’t plan to drink, you’ll still need ID to get in. You never know when a medical emergency could happen, and you’ll need both your ID and insurance card if one does. I also think it’s a good idea to always carry some cash when traveling. You just might need it.
4. Pillow/Blanket
I like to nap in the car. And no matter where I stay, no other pillow is as good as mine. You can’t beat a feather pillow. But more to the point, you can’t beat the satin pillowcase that my grandmother made for me. (True story: I once made an ambulance wait to transport me until someone got my pillow to the hospital.)
5. Medication/First Aid Kit
My husband takes prescription medication, so of course, we bring it, and we have a daughter who is prone to car sickness, so Dramamine is next on the list. I also pack medicine for headache/pain relief and allergies, just in case, and having a first aid kit can be a lifesaver in the event you need it.
6. Snacks
Packing snacks ahead of time means less stops along the drive. And I find that I eat better if I plan in advance rather than deciding at the moment when I’m hungry. Also, everything is more expensive in tourist areas, so buying snacks at home beforehand saves money.
7. Entertainment
Whether for the ride or for some downtime during the trip, I like to bring a few things to keep everyone entertained. There are so many options for this. A few ideas are: pen/paper, books, board games, playing cards, music, movies, and video games.
8. Outfits
This includes clothes, shoes, and accessories, and I think it’s a given that requires no explanation. Though I will say, if you’re like me, you definitely overpack when it comes to this one. I mean, how am I supposed to know what I’ll be in the mood for five days from now?
9. Toiletries
While most places do provide the bare minimum, they don’t usually offer the brands I prefer nor do they include products for styling hair or things like sunscreen. I, therefore, find it best to bring my own.
10. Laundry Detergent/Bag
If you’re staying anywhere more than a few days, especially if you have children, I highly recommend washing your laundry while there if possible. Coming home from a trip with a ton of dirty clothes to clean when you get there is the worst. I also recommend bringing a laundry bag to carry back whatever clothes don’t get washed. The bags that hotels provide are always too small for us. We have a wicker hamper that is lined with a cloth bag. I just remove the bag from the hamper and bring it.
Bonus. Something belonging to my babies in heaven
This won’t be beneficial to everyone, but we lost three children, and I like to bring something of theirs, usually a teddy bear, whenever we travel. I guess it makes me feel like they’re with us in a way and still included as a part of our family.
Where is your next travel destination, and what important items did I leave off my list?