If you are heading out for a trip of any length there are a few items that are considered absolutely essential to every traveller. Here are six small items that should always be in your travel bag.

 

Earplugs

While you may not use these on every trip, it’s a smart move to keep a pair of earplugs handy in your travel bag.  They take up very little space and they come in extremely handy when you need them. Whether you are trying to catch some much-needed sleep during a long flight bus ride or you managed to book the noisiest hotel on the planet, earplugs will help you find your quiet place.

Noise Cancelling Headphones

In addition to earplugs, you should always pack a set of good quality noise cancelling headphones. I used to think regular headphones would cut it but once you’ve gone noise cancelling you never want to go back. While they’re great for the obvious choices like listening to music or watching a movie on a plane, they also make a huge difference when you’re making Skype calls and conducing other business on the road. No matter how you use them, there’s just something magical about being able to cancel out all the noise around you when you’re trying to relax and make your way to your next destination.

A First Aid Kit

You should always pack a mini version of a first aid kit on any trip. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve needed something as simple as a band-aid or painkiller only to find that there’s nowhere open to buy it. Or worse, the only spot that does have what I need is a tourist trap that wants to charge triple what it’s worth. Don’t over pack your first aid kit, but make sure it includes a good sampling of the things you’d find in your medicine cabinet at home.

A Copy of your Passport & I.D.

It’s always smart to keep a copy of your Passport, ID, and credit cards in a separate and hidden location from where you keep your regular travel documents. This way if you find yourself in a situation where your wallet was lost, or stolen, you have all the numbers and information you need to work on getting them replaced. It won’t take a ton of space at all and it will prove to be a life saver when you actually do need it.

A Swimsuit

I know that this one sounds a little out-of-place on a list that includes the “essentials” but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve ended up in a hotel or another spot that has a nice pool or hot tub only to realize that I forgot to pack a swimsuit. Even if you’re planning something like a ski vacation up North you’d be surprised how often you’ll find a hot spring that’s just begging you to take a dip.

Universal Adapter/Converter

In today’s world of gadgets and small electronics carrying a universal adapter or a voltage converter is considered an absolute must. Even though this may be common knowledge, just take a look at how many hotels and airports sell them. It’s no accident that they are double the price you’d pay at home either. A universal adapter should have a permanent home in your travel bag so it’s always there when you need it. Plus you can find them nearly anywhere close to home at a great price as compared to when you’re on the road. For example at Sears, there is a huge selection of these which are suitable for nearly every gadget you own. Apparently, there even are some deals and discount codes you can use to shop for these too, so you can save yourself a few extra bucks.

 

Do you have your own list of essential items? Let us know all about them in the comments!