Vacation Packing List

/ Travel Tips / By

 Vacation Packing List

 

Traveling or vacationing today has become more of a science than an art. Travelers are now living in a highly technological society that has evolved into an interconnected hive that is in constant need for information updates. Our social media and information appetites are continually growing and people stream of vibes, pings, and flashes of light. Since we are continuously checking for updates or being called or texted, travelers are finding themselves in some state of distraction. Since we are distracted, we now tend to forget essential traveling supplies or quite frankly don’t even have a list.

So, I wrote this blog in hopes of assisting vacationers in establishing a packing list for their next trip. The below list of 11 items I always pack on every vacation, and I don’t leave home without any of them. Note, I will not discuss the importance of a cell phone, because a cell phone is critical and nearly every traveler now has one. So, I will start with the next essential item on the packing list.

In my early years, I used to label myself as an amateur traveler. As my number of trips started to add up and the ear and tear on my equipment started to take its toll. I had to use a very different approach. So, I purchased inexpensive items, and after a few trips, I discovered I had to replace those inexpensive items over and over. So, I found myself wasting hard-earned money all because I would not own up to my reality. So, if you are a frequent traveler, you will have yourself a ton of money and frustration if you take a professional approach. So, here is a list to consider as a professional traveler.

The Backpack

 

The backpack is considered the most valuable asset of the travelers’ ensemble. I recommend that you select a backpack with the following features:

  • External water bottle holder

  • Back airflow mesh

  • USB charging port

  • External D-Ring

  • Elastic pads

  • Luggage strap

  • RFID data protection feature

  • Expandable zipper

  • Laptop or computer compartment

  • Rainproof bevy

  • Multiple pockets

  • Chest strap/buckle

  • External pocket

  • Lockable zippers

Mobile Luggage Scale

 

Airlines have become very strict on the amount your luggage can weight. In a crowded airport it is embarrassing to have to stop and start rebalancing your luggage at the counter. This is both time-consuming, and it lets noisy passengers and airline employees see what you are transporting. For these reasons, I carry a mobile scale in my luggage to aid me in balancing my suitcase weight before I leave the hotel. These compact and lightweight scales only weigh a few ounces, but they are worth their weight in gold.

Cellphone Power Pack

 

Make sure you carefully follow TSA and airport regulation when transporting these devices. I have learned that it is best to prepare for the unexpected. Unfortunately, your cell phone will eventually run out of power. How many times have you ever been in a crowded airport and you can’t find an electrical outlet or US port? So, always plan to carry an external battery source to prevent your cell phone from running out of juice.

Kindle. I always carry my kindle device anytime I travel. Today’s Kindle’s are packed with plenty of memory to host applications and save tones of music, video, documents, and other features.

Ziplock Bags

 

Great for keeping liquid items from spilling on to your clothes or belongings. I put my toothpaste, deodorant, cologne, and small mouth wash in Ziplock bags. Also, if you come from the beach and don’t have time to dry your bathing suit and towel, a gallon-sized bag should do just the trick.

Travel Apps

 

Make sure to update your apps before you depart on vacation. My favorite travel apps are Kayak and Skyscanner.

Noise Canceling Headphones

 

If you are planning on taking a long plane flight and plan to catch-up on your favorite show, movie, or audio program you downloaded. I highly recommend that you invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Your audio entertainment is so much more enjoyable with all the background engine noise significantly reduced. You can buy a pair of Amazon starting in the $40 price range. If you have deep pockets and want superior quality, then you can certainly spend much more.

Bluetooth Sweat Resistant Earbuds

 

Great for working out or using in an environment that does not have a great deal of noise. Bluetooth wireless earbuds provide you with the ultimate freedom of mobility.

BPA Free Water Bottle

 

I learned that it is best to stay hydrated while on vacation. Water should be your number one source of hydration. With that said, adding a good water bottle to your packing list is an added plus. If you are traveling to a location where the water quality is less than ideal, LifeStraw may be a product for you to consider. Please go to www.lifestraw.com for more information on their products.

Portable Camera

 

If you love to take high quality/high-resolution photographs, a small mobile camera is a great tool to add to your packing list. Cameras on cell phones are great tools, but I instead place hundreds of photos on my camera’s SD card. As an added convenience, I purchased a camera that can Bluetooth back to my phone. So, I can select which photographs I want to immediately email, text or upload to social media.

Conclusion

 

I hope you all enjoyed reading over my list and found it very useful. Hopefully, you will soon create your own list and it will become your number one planning and packing tool. So, what is your favorite item that you will not travel without?

Are you looking for a great cruise packing list? Please feel free to use my cruise packing list below.