I don’t know about you, but after the winter we’ve had, I’m anxious to get away this summer.  Unfortunately, the three international trips we have planned are for later in the year, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not preparing now for our trips – from searching for the best hotels, to looking for the things to do, and of course, places to eat.  But, what’s a vacation without travel essentials?  For me, it’s a nightmare, which is why I’ve curated this list of travel essentials to get you through your next trip.
We know that the best travel essentials consist of things to keep up your hygiene so I will refrain from boring you with those things.  And if you’re looking for things to take with you on long flights, just check this post. Otherwise, keep reading.

For the most part, my family and I travel to warm places no matter the time of year, which means sun exposure; therefore, toting along sunscreen whether it’s for us or for our little one is important.

On our upcoming trip to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, I’m bringing along a fashionable, versatile wrap from Coolibar, and a wide brim hat that provides UPF 50 protection that will protect me from the harsh desert sun for which the UAE is known.  Both will come in handy on those long flights to hide my sleeping face, and keep me warm during the sometimes cold flights.
Speaking of Abu Dhabi, that’s a long a- – flight! Mini me is coming along, which means we have to keep her entertained. We’re bringing the ipad, and hopefully, by then, we will find some games that are suitable for in-flight activities.
Although most memories are best locked in your head, it’s sometimes nice to have a photo or two to reference back to that reminds you of the good times you had during your vacation. A camera, aside from my camera phone, is a must-have travel essential.
On our trips, my husband captures the most amazing photographs of scenery using our Sony Alpha camera.  These photos can easily be blown up on a canvas, and placed around our home, used as postcards, etc.
We know that during travel almost anything can happen whether you’re traveling with your kids or not. I find that a good travel essential is a plastic or Ziploc bag.  The bags can double as a laundry bag, wet clothes bag, muddy shoe bag, beach bag, shopping bag, snack bag, trash bag, etc.The uses are almost limitless.
Speaking of anything happening on trips, if you’re accident-prone or your overactive kids are traveling with you, or maybe your stomach can’t handle certain cuisines, it’s best to travel with a well-stocked first aid kit. The kit should include: gas-relief tablets, antacid, anti-diarrhea medicine, antihistamine for allergies or bug bites, bandages, mild laxative, non aspirin pain reliever, and a thermometer.

 

Lastly, any time we travel internationally, I not only register with the consulate/embassy through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), let our relatives know our flight and info, but I always make several copies of our travel documents.  This includes itineraries, reservations, passports, and other identification.

Now that I’ve shared my travel essentials, I’d love to hear about your travel essentials. Please comment below with what are your must-have items to bring with you during travel.