If you’ve got your next holiday locked in, one of the best things you can do for your future self (who is hopefully laying on a beach with a cocktail in hand) is think ahead. A well-packed suitcase requires more than a bottle of sunscreen and enough pairs of underwear – especially when so many things can go wrong on the road (and on the way from bag drop to destination). Luckily, we live in a time where any carry-on kit can include all the essentials to get you (and your bags) to your destination in one piece. Here are our top picks.
You’ve made it onto the plane which means you’re halfway there, now you just have to sit (or snooze) through hours of light and noise disruptions. Unplug from the chaos with the help of ear plugs and an eye mask which are guaranteed to keep you sane–just don’t miss meal time.
Once you touch down at your destination, things can get tricky. There’s a taxi to book, or a bus to board, and good luck stepping foot inside your mode of transport without a way to pay. That’s where travel cards come in handy. They’ll allow you to immediately withdraw money and purchase any goodies overseas, all without the ginormous international transaction fee.
While it’s easy to remember travel essentials like eye masks and sunscreen, most people don’t account for illness during their holiday, even though statistically one in five travellers will wind up bedridden for a day. The most common culprit? Traveller’s tummy, otherwise known as Bali belly or simply diarrhoea. A gurgling gut usually strikes around the first two weeks of a trip–though for some it comes as early as day two. Rather than soldiering on or losing days that you could spend out and about exploring, pick up a packet of Gastro-Stop Plus before you go. This product provides relief from diarrhoea, shortening its duration while also relieving symptoms of bloating, cramps and gas that often go hand in hand with gastric upsets. (Make sure you read the label and follow the directions for use.) If symptoms persist for longer than 48 hours, seek medical advice from a doctor or pharmacist.
Hydration is key during long travel days, but if you've been struck down with stomach troubles, electrolyte-rich drinks can be a lifesaver. Combine these with plenty of rest and patience as you let nature, well, take its course.
No matter where your holiday takes you, a microfibre towel is sure to come in handy. Compact, absorbent and quick-drying, it saves space in your luggage and ensures you can say goodbye to damp, smelly towels for good.
Keeping an eye on your bag at all times can be exhausting, especially when travel requires you to be always on the go. Keep your belongings safe with an extra level of security by picking up a bag lock for your luggage. These little compact, travel essentials are easy to use and bring around without adding any extra weight to your bags.
While thongs may have been the shoe of the summer for cool girls worldwide, we’d argue they never went out of style. A staple in any shoe collection—thongs are easy, accessible, and wallet-friendly. Plus, they’re the ultimate travel companion. Slip them on during a flight to give your feet a chance to breathe, wear them to the beach, or keep them handy for any public showers you might need to brave.
We all know the horror stories that come with checked-in luggage. After an exhausting flight you make your way to the carousel only to wait for what feels like an eternity for your bags not to show up at all. Soothe the anxiety by making sure any checked baggage is accounted for with an Apple AirTag. There’s no price you can put on that kind of peace of mind – but in this case, it won’t break the bank.
What separates an expert traveller from a rookie comes down to one simple act; whether or not they had to buy an overpriced adapter at the airport. Most people don’t account for a waning battery and step off the plane with barely enough juice to maps their way to the hotel. Even worse is when you arrive at your new home-away-from home to discover your trusty plugs are not so helpful here. Guarantee a smooth start to your holiday by picking up an international adapter and portable charger well in advance.
Whether your holiday is set to be full of sunshine and beach days or you’re going to a more gloomy location, UV rays are year-round. Winter sunlight can be just as damaging, especially at high altitudes or on reflective surfaces like the snowy ski slopes. Do yourself a favour and pack a little bottle just to be safe.
** Kaplan MA et al. Arch Fam Med 1999;8:243-8. Sponsored by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Fort Washington, Pa.