Planning your next trip? Don’t forget these essential items.
Packing and preparing is the worst part of travelling––at least, that’s how we feel. However, there are many ways to optimize the process to make it more manageable and less stressful. In this article, we talk about our favourite ways to make travelling a little easier. These tips are perfect whether you are travelling for the weekend or heading for a backpacking excursion in Europe.
Our favourite items to pack for your upcoming trip.
The essentials, the necessaries, and the cheeky extras. We have compiled a list of our tried and true items to bring on any trip, no matter how you’re travelling. Packed neatly beside your Blue Cross Travel Insurance, these items will make your travels enjoyable.
Electronics + Cords
Your phone is attached to your hand… but did you bring your charging cable? There’s nothing worse than running out of battery halfway through a huge airport. This is especially the case if you have little ones travelling with you and you’re relying on their favourite tv show or YouTube channel to get them through. Ensure you download your favourite shows, movies, and music before your trip to access them in airplane mode during the flight.
Ensure all electronics are easily accessible, as they must be pulled out of your bag when going through security. In addition, storing your electronics in a bag that you can tuck under your seat will prevent you from needing to access your carry-on luggage mid-flight.
- Cell phone
- Ipad
- Laptop
- eReader / Kindle
- Smartwatch
Airplane-Friendly Snacks
We’ve all seen the fifteen-dollar turkey sandwich. Airport food can be prohibitively expensive, especially if you have to feed more than one person. Snacks that are airplane-friendly–like the opposite of a tuna salad–are a great way to save a few dollars and satisfy your unique cravings. In addition, you can choose healthy snack options that may not otherwise be available. There is no limit to solid foods like chips, crackers, sandwiches, and veggies, but each airport will have different rules for flying with liquids and gels like jam, yogurt, and apple sauce. Check your flight for security information and pack accordingly.
Warning: sealed gels and liquids tend to explode at high altitudes; if you bring yogurt, you’ve been warned!
Health & safety supplies
Since 2020, the way we travel has been altered permanently. In many ways, it’s actually for the better, as communicable viruses are spread far more easily in confined, high-traffic spaces. Wearing a mask is still mandatory in some airports, and wearing a mask for the duration of your travel can keep you happy and healthy for your trip ahead. Bring a medical or KN95 mask and some sanitizing wipes for your trip, and ensure you check in with different airports, train stations, and international borders about their specific COVID protocols ahead of time.
Save your neck with a travel pillow
A good travel pillow and a warm scarf are all you need to have a decent nap on a long flight. Finding a comfortable pillow can make your trip far more enjoyable and can help you beat jet lag on a long journey.
A good book goes a long way
We don’t always get much time to read in the hustle of everyday life. Travelling is a perfect liminal space to dig into a book, whether it’s a biography of someone you admire, an essay on travel, the latest fiction your friend recommended, or a small chapbook of local poetry.
Put extra toiletries in your carry-on luggage
If you are travelling with checked bags, we recommend putting a small toiletries bag in your carry-on. There’s nothing more refreshing than brushing your teeth after a long morning flight, some dry shampoo to add volume to airport hair, deodorant after a bumpy flight, or even a face mask to stave off dry skin. The only thing to be mindful of is the liquids and gel restrictions at security. To help expedite the process, put everything together in a clear bag where each item is clearly visible. A toiletries bag can be a lifesaver if your flight is delayed or your luggage is lost or mislaid.
Some of our toiletry essentials:
- Travel toothbrush
- Floss
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Face wipes
- Lotion
- Simple makeup (concealer + a tinted multi-stick can go a long way!)
- Unscented dry shampoo
- A discreet oil-based personal scent (some people are severely allergic to perfumes + cologne, so be mindful and choose a subtle scent to help you refresh)
- A sheet facemask for a long flight
Pack a change of clothes
If your travels are delayed and your checked baggage is in limbo, having spare clothes in your carry-on can make a world of difference to your comfort. Pack a warm sweater that can double as a blanket for a long connection delay or on a chilly flight and a spare outfit in case of lost or delayed checked luggage. In addition, a spare shirt can save you if you didn’t listen to our advice about in-flight yogurt.
Psst – Annual, Individual, Package Plus and Canada Package travel plans include Flight Delay Service, which provides you with access to an airport lounge or hotel room if your flight is delayed – at no extra cost.
Medications for any upset
Packing a small amount of essential medicine cabinet items can avoid many travel woes from an allergic reaction to motion sickness. Travel-sized over-the-counter items can be easily packed in case of an emergency––especially if they will be difficult to find at your destination.
- NSAIDs such as Advil
- Dramamine such as Gravol for motion sickness
- Anti-histamines if you are allergy-prone
Enjoy your flight by planning ahead.
Checking in early for your flight, giving yourself enough time to navigate busy security lines, and making sure your favourite music is ready for your flight are all great ways to prepare for your trip. Most importantly, don’t forget to pack a Blue Cross travel insurance plan to ensure your travels are easy and stress-free.