10 Best Essential Items For Budget Travelers

Preparation is key in planning your trip!

Let’s face it, it sucks when you arrive at your destination and facepalm…you forgot to bring an item you needed. There have been a few times when I forgot one small item that drive me nuts; bug spray, travel adapter, wet wipes, travel-size dental cream…hate to admit it but I definitely have forgotten at least one thing. Do yourself the favor and simply write down a packing list of your ‘essential items’ so you don’t forget.

1) Travel insurance policy:

Whenever I travel I usually will get insurance for my flights and any trips as well. Most tour companies you book with will require travel insurance. Booking your flight(s) you’re given the option to add insurance…just do it! Many tour operators that require it will offer their travelers a link to get the insurance hassle-free.

If you’re doing a non-guided tour then investing in travel insurance would be a wise decision. If you want to learn more about travel insurance check out World Nomads, they’ve been protecting travelers since 2002.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

2) Portable power bank:

You more than likely have a power bank so take it with you. If not here’s one that is a solid add-on. Some reasons why you do need a portable power bank are:

• You never know when you need the extra juice for your phone so you never miss that perfect shot. If you’re like me and have to
• If you have to do some work during travel, then YOU NEED this!
• If you’re traveling alone and need navigation a good power bank and prove to be a lifesaver.
• Streaming your shows on the plane or during a long layover.
• You have the flexibility to charge multiple devices at once.

I personally recommend the SABANI 35000mAh power bank, treated me right in my last European adventure.

3) Packing Cubes:

I absolutely swear by these, why I didn’t do this earlier is beyond me. These will make your packing so much more efficient and convenient. Read my Top 5 Packing Cubes and see which works best for you.

4) Collapsible water bottle:

These will come in handy and save you money at the airport and on your day trips as well. I always travel with a collapsible water bottle and take advantage of the airport water fountain. Sames goes with day trips, I’ll usually fill up my bottle at breakfast and take it with me.

5) Hand wipes / Butt wipes:

Yes, you read this correctly! Think about it for a second, you’re traveling abroad stuck on a plane flying what may be 11 hours straight then you’re rushing to catch your connection flight for another 4 hours. So yeah you may be due for a quick clean wipe down. I always carry these myself so I can freshen up mid flight. I just recently picked up Klean Freak body wipes and these rock!

6) Travel first aid kit:

This can be very simple; in my case I simply pack my normal medications. I will also pack my epi-pen, Dramamine (for motion sickness), an over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication, sunscreen, bug spray and ‘after bite’ lotion for those tropical trips as well.

Last but not least ibuprofen, or aspirin for those hangovers. The best part is that many of these items will be conveniently located at your local pharmacy. They have a whole section of travel-size items you can choose from.

7) Flip flops & Shower Tote:

You will especially need these when staying at a hostel. Hostels have shared dorm-type showers so do yourself a favor and get yourself a pair of flip-flops. These are relatively inexpensive and can be found just about anywhere. If you’re hopping from hostel to hostel you may want to get a shower tote.

8) Bug Spray!

I wish I brought this with me when I visited Cartagena, Colombia. I have ‘sweet blood’ so mosquitos look at me like some all you can eat buffet. The worst part is that I’m slightly allergic so my skin just swells around the bite. If you’re traveling to the tropics then you need bug spray and it’s gotta be at least DEET 40.

Trust me when I say I didn’t forget to bring bug spray with me when I went to Cambodia, Thailand, or Brazil! You can buy this easily when you’re in the tropics but you’ll be paying the “tourist forgot this” price. No worries I got you covered with this brand that’s carry on friendly.

9) TSA Approved Luggage Locks:

These are a must for those with backpacks or roller luggage that don’t have any anti-theft locks already on them. I tend to err on the side of caution when it comes to traveling abroad. Since my own backpack doesn’t have locking zippers I need to secure them in some way. Not all airline employees are honest. Just because you’re at a hostel not everyone is going to be honest so why expose yourself? Here are two cable locks I use whenever I travel:

• Master Lock – TSA approved luggage locks
• Forge – TSA approved cable luggage locks

10) Packable Puffer Jacket:

I LOVE puffer jackets. You get a twofer with a puffer jacket: (1) Most have a slim profile yet are very warm. (2) They’re pack-able occupying little space in your carry-on. The slim profile allows you to layer up when you need to and layer down when the air warms up. You can wear a puffer jacket in 50 degrees (F) and not feel hot and still keep warm when it’s 30 degrees F.

Bonus – Beat Jet Lag!

I wish I had these when I first traveled to Asia, I was dragging for 4 days and I never was able to shake it….honestly, I had to force myself to stay awake. I despise jet lag with a passion, middle of the day I’m dozing off and I can’t focus on having fun. Be aware that jet lag is worse when traveling east because you’re going over several time zone. Try using TRAVELSANA Sleep Well, it’s 100% all-natural with 1 mg of Melatonin. If you’re like me and jet lag hits you hard then read my post on Proven Hacks for Beating Jet Lag Like a Pro!

Summary

These are just a few examples of essential products that can make your travels more comfortable and convenient. This is clearly a shortlist and basic so depending on where you plan to travel you may need some more items but try not to stuff your toiletry bag with things you can do away with.