You know I looooove to travel, but like all of us, I hate packing. Seriously, who loves it? (If you do, feel free to message me, and maybe you can show us your ways). Now, as a seasoned traveler (if I may so 😉 ), I have come to realize that there are a few travel essentials that I must always carry with me, regardless of whether it’s a trip requiring road or air travel.

The following is a list of my top FIVE travel must-haves, of course, assuming that the important travel documents are ready.

1. Chargers

So there’s nothing like the blissful mood upon reaching your travel destination (mostly likely after some tedious traveling) and finding that the views really do match what you saw online. But what use are these magical views if you can’t capture it, just because you forgot your camera charger, or worse, your camera itself.

Well fortunately for me, Diva and Dad pack their cameras and chargers. But I did nonchalantly tell you about that one time I had forgotten my electronic wheelchair charger when I went to Botswana and Zambia. The stress when I realized that my wheelchair may “die” at one point, during the trip, was unreal.

So now, I urge you to pack not only your electronics: mobile phones, cameras, tablets etc, but also your chargers. I also suggest you carry portable battery chargers, which are especially useful on long journeys. And if you’re traveling internationally, then make sure to take a universal adapter to avoid any unwanted surprises.

2. Suitable clothing and shoes

I know, it’s quite obvious that you will pack your clothes. But, there is nothing worse than packing for the wrong type of weather. I always like to check the weather online of where I’m traveling to, and pack accordingly. And sure, we all remember to plan our outfits and pack those, but don’t forget your sweaters and jackets, socks, nightwear and your swimming costumes.

Now imagine this…you’re at the beach. The water is a serene blue, and the skies are clear and a warm breeze is blowing your way. You want to walk on the beach, but you forgot to pack flip flops. Now, either you buy them from the super-expensive hotel shop or just risk it barefoot. As silly as it sounds, no one wants to be in such a position.

In relation to where you’re touring, make sure to pack appropriate footwear, from flip flops for the beach to formal wear for dinners to hiking shoes for those treks.

3. Toiletries

So the above travel essentials are simple, but when it comes to toiletries, it is rather easy to forget to pack a toothbrush or shampoo; and, while it has now become quite easy to find such necessities all over the world, but if you have a specific preference, then make sure to pack extras.

More importantly, don’t forget to account for your medicines. No one wants to be stuck in a beautiful vacation spot without their necessary medication. I highly recommend that you also carry extra meds for those situations that we don’t want, but could occur. Yes, I’m talking about the dreaded stomach problems and the flu or cold.

Lastly, don’t forget your sunscreen and your insect repellent. Sun burns and giant bug bites do not make for cute ‘grams!

4. Entertainment

As much as I like to be making the most at all times of my holiday, there are various times to relax. So I like to pack some sort of entertainment to keep me occupied. Pick both an individual and group entertainment activity to keep you busy, especially on those relaxed days and the long voyages to your destination. I personally like to journal about my travels and read a novel too. Both Diva and I also love a good Sudoku puzzle or a game of cards.

5. Snacks

As a vegetarian, I have often traveled from one end of the world to the other, and sometimes it has meant that people have not simply understood my dietary needs. (Remember Botswana?) Today, because of globalization, this may be not a frequent problem as before. But, do pack some familiar foods, that can also help prevent severe homesickness.

I do not remember any family vacation, where we have not carried any chevdo ( a classic Indian snack mix)  and other snacks with us.

Plus, who doesn’t love snacking on those loooong road trips or flights?

And those are my top five must-have travel essentials. Did I miss out on any? What are your travel essentials? Tell me below, or connect with me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram 🙂

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All photos, unless stated otherwise, are courtesy of Diva Shah