20 Things I Always Keep Packed in My Suitcase
I always keep the following items packed in my suitcase.
1. A folding canvas bag
Comes in handy in so many ways. When you get to the gate and learn all bags have to be gate checked. The bag comes out and all lithium batteries get transferred as well as photography equipment and medication. Buy too much stuff on vacation, the bag serves as a way to transport my items home (providing that I’m not flying an airline that limits carryons to just my main bag). Decide to go to the beach? I throw all my items in that bag. Need a day bag for cameras and so forth, the bag works that way as well.
2. Locks
Always have locks on your suitcase. I don’t always lock my bag, but it sure is important to be able to when necessary like the last minute gate check or when boarding a bus and the bag has to go under the bus. On overnight buses and trains, I like to have my bag locked then as well.
If you have several single zippers, I link them up with zip ties then use one lock on all of them.
3. Recovery pack
In case I’m robbed on the street, I keep a recovery pack in my main bag. It includes copies of my passport, birth certificate, passport photos, drivers license, a credit card, $100 cash in small, unmarked, crisp bills, an old cell phone to be able to connect to WiFi, and a charger.
4. Quick drying towel
Besides being used as a towel, this has come in handy as a blanket as well as a beach cloth for unexpected beach outings. Some hotels charge hefty deposits for beach towels. I don’t want to deal with that. I just use my own.
5. Bathing suit
You never know when you’re going to end up at a beach or decide to use the pool, sauna, or hot tub at your hotel.
6. Plastic bags
I use them to pack my dirty clothes and shoes in. One way to keep the dirty clothes kind of fresh is to dry off the unused hotel soaps after your shower and place them among the dirty clothes.
7. Umbrella
8. External battery with charging cable
The one I have is a Gatcepot 24,000 mAh that will charge a cell phone five times on one charge. It also has a built in flash light. Check with your airline’s limit on battery size though. I had mine taken in China until I was able to go to the airline desk and procure a waiver.
9. Cell phone charging cable-10 feet long and charging block
It would be a real bummer to forget it. The long ones are perfect for use while in bed and web surfing.
10. European two prong plugs
It’s obvious to pack these for Europe, but I wasn’t expecting to need them in Easter Island, Guadeloupe, Brazil and the three Guianas. In Brazil and the Guianas, both plug types were used though.
11. Pens 3 to 4
Needed for filling out immigration forms. I can’t count the times the person next to me inflight has asked to borrow my pen.
12. Sunglasses
I keep a pair in every bag. I can’t stand squinting so I never want to be without a pair.
13. Band aids
You don’t realize how valuable they are until you get a blister on your foot.
14. Ear buds
They aren’t always free or provided on shorter domestic flights, but are great to have on hand if you want to catch a movie.
15. Adjustable Strap
Useful in so many ways. Whenever I’ve needed a free hand or wanted to attach something to a bag I’ve used this strap. This is pathetic, but I use it as a leash sometimes so I can pull my bag while I text. When my son was in a stroller, I used it to attach my suitcase to his stroller. Anyone who has tried to push a stroller and pull a suitcase at the same time knows what I’m talking about.
16. Something to keep me warm
Usually a pair of leggings and a long sleeved cover up. If you’re seated at the back of the plane, it’s going to be cold.
17. Coozies
Beer gets warm fast on the beach. These allow me to enjoy my drink a little longer.
18. Toothbrush and toothpaste and floss
I’m always going to need it why take the risk of forgetting it.
19. Pill bottle with pain reliever and allergy pills. Nothing ruins a trip more than not feeling good.
20. Cotton swabs
I store them in a prescription bottle with a tall lid.
~Bella