"Wait... What Did I Forget?!"
Let’s be honest. No matter how many times we travel, we ALWAYS forget something. It’s a universal truth, like airplane food being questionable and hotel pillows never being quite right. (DON’T PACK YOUR FAVORITE PILLOW) You can make the most detailed packing list, check it twice like a vacationing Santa, and still end up at your destination realizing you forgot your sunglasses, your charger, or if you’re truly living on the edge… your passport. For some reason my partner usually packs mine with his, and I’ll double check before we leave. Also that will remove the responsibility from me.
To save you from that dreadful "I swear I packed it!" moment, here’s a list of the things we all tend to overlook, so your trip goes off without a hitch (or at least without a last-minute airport gift shop run).
Now, let’s pack like the travel pros we pretend to be!
✈️ Commonly Overlooked Travel Essentials ✈️
Phone Charger & Extra Charging Cable – Your device will inevitably need charged on a flight.
Sunglasses – If you do, you’ll be rocking out those bright plastic framed glasses that scream “TOURIST!”
Sunscreen & Lip Balm with SPF – You should always have this. Always.
Hat or Visor – Even if you have it for the shade, sometimes you want breakfast before you fix your hair.
Bug Spray or Wipes – Nothing ruins paradise like becoming an all-you-can-eat buffet for mosquitoes.
Comfortable Walking Shoes – You’ll want more than one pair… your feet sweat, shoes take on different shapes. Let them dry out.
Prescriptions & Medications – Good luck trying to explain your missing meds in a foreign pharmacy. Also, this should be your 1st item to ready.
Tide Pen or Stain Wipes – Because sangria and white linen don’t mix well. I’m a mess, you’re a mess. We will need it.
Reusable Shopping Bag – For groceries, souvenirs, or last-minute duty-free splurges. No one wants to have a plastic bag floating away.
Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes – Planes, trains, and public bathrooms. Enough said. COVID taught us that handwashing happens less than it should.
Travel-Sized Laundry Detergent – Because sometimes that one extra outfit isn’t enough. Trust, I washed clothes in a sick as a flight attendant. Also, less packing.
Copies of Important Documents – Passport, ID, and travel insurance details—keep a digital and physical backup.
Headphones or Earbuds – Unless you enjoy hearing someone’s life story at full volume on a plane. Even think about over-the-ear for long hauls.
A Light Jacket or Sweater – Because hotel air-conditioning is either nonexistent or Arctic-level. You’ll freeze by me on a plane.. or anywhere.
Nail Clippers & Tweezers – That one broken nail will drive you crazy the entire trip. Also give under your nails a lookie.
Extra Contacts, Glasses & Solution – Seeing the sights is important… literally. Don’t be an Annelle, “Nobody move! My contact!”
Power Adapter (If Traveling Internationally) – Unless you want to spend Day 1 hunting for one at a ridiculous markup. and it offers USB spots.
Notebook & Pen – Because sometimes Wi-Fi isn’t an option, and filling out customs forms with a borrowed crayon isn’t ideal. I’m a note taker.
Gum or Mints – Because you don’t want to be that person on a long flight. I loathe gum, but chew it for a brief moment and get rid of it.
An Empty Space in Your Suitcase – You will shop, even if you swear you won’t. I will cram things in my carry-on and put that in my bigger suitcase. Either way you’ll have space. Then I only have my backpack with me on the flight. If you don’t do this, do what I learned from friends on a trip to China. Only take clothing you can leave with there. At each stop they would leave the clothing. It’ll likely be donated to local charity. Then you have less than you came for. Let’s be honest. EVERYONE buys too many things on vacation.
Now, go forth and pack like the travel pro you pretend to be. Safe travels! ✈️✨
