Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here.
No one wants to forget something important when they travel. Forgetting a small item can cause a slight annoyance or cause big problems. Either way, you want to fully enjoy your hard-earned trip without worrying about something small. Here are some of the things I make sure never to travel without.
Cash
I know many of us have come to rely on using our credit cards, but it’s good to always have cash on hand when traveling. Bring an amount you’re comfortable having handy for any impromptu purchases that need it. You don’t want to miss out on fun opportunities while traveling because the vendor only took bills. Not to mention, if you’re traveling abroad, cash is useful for currency exchanges when you need it most.
Comfortable Shoes
I understand the urge to look stylish while traveling, but making room in your luggage for more than just dress shoes is essential. If you’re like me, you’ll be doing a lot of exploring during you travels. Your feet will thank you when they’re not covered in blisters after the first day.
Phone Charger
In a world where nearly everyone’s got similar phone models, it’s usually easy to find someone nearby with a charger you can borrow. However, your own phone charger is just as important. When you’re traveling, make sure you bring your charger with you. You’ll need your phone for reservations and directions. You don’t want to get lost in a new place with no way to contact the people you’re with, so make sure your charger is ready to go. I always try to bring a portable charger with me so I can power up without an outlet!
Hand Sanitizer
Travel is exciting, but it’s also quite dirty. It’s a small thing you might not think about when packing for your travels, but I’ve found this tiny bottle to be one of my most frequently used items. People I travel with are always eager to borrow some. I recommend keeping a travel-size bottle on hand for any instance where clean hands are a must.
A Copy of Important Items
While I always make sure to have my driver’s license, or passport when necessary, on hand when I’m traveling, it’s important to consider what you’ll do if you misplace it. I recommend a paper copy of whatever could keep you from getting to the destination and back home safely and easily in your bag. There’s a lot of value in having all your important documents on your phone, but if that gets misplaced, you’ll want a backup plan.
These are just a few items you won’t know you need until you do. When packing for trips, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Make sure to take a look at some of my other traveling tips here.
Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri.
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Michael Gortenburg 