When you pack for travel, you have your necessities, and then you have your desires and special items. While many backpackers are okay leaving some things at home, we all have a few personal possessions or travel accessories we like to bring along with us to provide comfort and ease…as long as they’re not heavy, of course! Here are my favorite travel accessories that I must always pack with me. What are yours?
1.) A Journal:
Whenever I go anywhere, I must have a journal. And, not just any journal either, but something that I took time into choosing. Sometimes I bring a larger composition notebook, other times I bring a tiny memo. Usually, I bring both, and a few colorful pens or cute pencils as well. I always have it within my reach, so I can be ready to write whenever possible.
2.) A Book or Kindle:
There’s nothing like having something good to read when you’re on a plane, sitting on the beach, or drinking coffee at a nice cafe. I always bring a book or my Kindle wherever I go. Reading is one of my favourite things to do on my downtimes during travel, as I don’t get much time while I’m working to do so. Being able to read is paradise in itself.
3.) A Hoodie:
No matter where I go, I always bring a hoodie with me. Though it was terribly hot in some of the countries I’ve been to, I still brought a sweater of some sort. Sometimes the AC in a building can be turned up too high, or the plane can get rather cold. Even in the hottest of places, the temperature can drop significantly at night or at higher altitudes. I always bring something to keep me warm.
4.) A Prayer Card:
I’m not religious by any means, but in Judaism we have a prayer called ‘Tefilat Haderech’, which literally translates to ‘Traveler’s Prayer.’ When I went to Israel the first time, my counselors gave us each a laminated card with the prayer written on it. I’ve kept it in my wallet since then, and take it out to read each time I’m on a plane. As long as I have it on my person, I feel a little more safe.
5.) My Fujifilm Instax:
I love my Polaroid camera. If I know I’m going to a scenic spot, I pack this lightweight baby along and snap away. I love taking the pictures out and putting them in my wallet until I return back home and can finally put them in my little album. It’s just a hobby, but it’s fun.
6.) A Hat:
I haven’t always been so cautious of the sun, but I’ve realized over the years that protecting my head allows me to be out longer without feeling exhausted or getting headaches. Even if I’m not going to somewhere necessarily hot, I still bring one with me and pack it in my carry-on so I can pop it on whenever I feel the need to. It also makes a cute accessory when I don’t know what else to wear!
7.) My Toiletry Pouch:
I was never more excited about toiletries before I got this amazing pouch. I got it from an artsy store in Korea which makes a ton of these fold up, plastic pouches with neat designs on them. I just put all my stuff in the little pouches, and it folds up into a little bag-like item I can throw in with the rest of my things.
What’s your favourite travel accessory?
Author’s Bio: Hana LaRock is originally from New York, though has called other places around the world her home for the last two years. She currently lives in South Korea as an English teacher and freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her dog, and of course, traveling. You can find her at www.hanalarockwriting.com.
