10 Items that Help You Travel Stress Free

Do you want to have a great travel experience and one that is stress free from start to finish? The following are 10 essential items that you should carry on your next trip:

1 – An anti-theft cross body bag or backpack is an essential travel item. Anti-theft bags are made with slash proof materials and RFID protected credit card pockets to keep your valuables safe and secure while you travel.

2 – A handbag organizer with several compartments for organizing credit cards, cosmetics, toiletries and other small items you want to carry along .

3 – Bringing your iPad or eReader? You’ll want to buy a padded iPad case to keep your device safe and protected. Your electronics are a big investment so it pays to invest in a quality case.

4 – A cosmetic bag or beauty case to organize your toiletries and makeup essentials; an essential travel accessory for every trip.

5 – A waterproof pouch. Whether is your iPad, eReader or phone, you’ll want to protect your electronics from water, sand or dirt while having fun outdoors.

6 – Bring a jewelry organizer case. This will allow you to separate your jewelry, keep it organized and together, and will prevent your items from getting broken and tangled.

7 – Antibacterial hand sanitizer and wipes. For your own safety, it is better to bring your own antibacterial hand sanitizer and wipes to make sure that you can protect yourself from germs while you travel.

8 – Laundry soap and a stain stick. There are travel size laundry soap packages you can pack in your luggage as well as stain sticks that will come in handy while you travel.

9 – Multi plug adapter. Be prepared to charge your electronic devices anywhere with the appropriate adapter. Make sure you are bringing a “worldwide” or “universal” plug so that you won’t have any problems charging up.

10 – Use packing cubes to organize your clothes and small items. Packing cubes are available in different sizes to accommodate larger clothing items as well as small items like socks and underwear. They save tons of space in your luggage because everything is contained and the cubes can be easily stacked and arranged in your case.

Travel Essentials No Matter What the Trip

Bottom line, my favorite thing to do in this world (outside of spending time with my family) is traveling; and while I usually boast in my blog about using only a carry-on bag…..there is a list of items I will never leave home without, no matter what the trip, and they include:

• Walking Shoes – The absolutely best way to see any city, ancient ruin, museum, tourist attraction etc….is on foot and in order to do this you have to be comfortable!!

• Sunscreen – My white freckly Irish skin makes sunscreen an essential, however no matter what your ethnicity, protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun is imperative!!

• Lip Balm and Moisturizer – Whatever the season, but particularly in colder climates, keeping your body lubricated is crucial for comfortable travel.

• Compact Toiletry Bag – A small compact toiletry bag that you can carry in your purse or in a small carry-on tote, just in case you or your luggage ventures off course.

• Ear Plugs and Eye Mask – Another essential for successful travel is sleep and depending on how smoothly everything goes, you never know where you might have to catch your zzzzz’s!

• A bottle of Ibuprofen – As I get older, a sign of a great trip is the need for Ibuprofen; sore feet, headache, aches and pains, all signs that you are taking advantage of every opportunity, while taking a small toll on your body!

• 3 ounce Bottle of Hand Sanitizer – Never knowing if hand washing is an option before eating, having a small bottle of a hand sanitizer helps ensure the foreign bugs you encounter do not reek havoc on your stomach or general health. (In addition you can carry a 3 ounce bottle on an airplane.)

• Resealable Plastic Bags – The uses for these simple large and small plastic bags are endless; packing, waterproofing, dirty or wet clothes, medications and vitamins, day trips, food, etc……………..

• Hat – Once again for sun protection or for warmth. There are a wide variety of choices depending on the type of travel but a hat is always a must (a scarf for colder climate works as well)!

• Travel Light – Whether  doing “1^st Class” travel or heading out on a camping trip, having a small portable light/headlamp to help navigate your way through dark spaces is not only convenient it is far more safe.  Also great for reading wherever you are!

• Portable Alarm Clock – Finally whether part of your wrist watch or tucked into a small pocket of your carry on, having a device to help get you moving each morning will ensure you do not sleep your vacation away!

I consider my list to be right on; but with the vast assortment of people out there, I am sure opinions will vary.  So please let me hear from you, what are your essentials while traveling? Happy trails from Irv’s Luggage!