11 Must-Have Travel Essentials for Your Next Extended Adventure

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Congratulations, you've got a backpack for your next adventure! But now comes the hard part, deciding what essentials to take with you.

This post is aimed at extended vacations or nomad-style 'roaming the Earth' trips but even if you're preparing for a business trip or packing for a holiday for two weeks, there are some items that should always make it onto your list. Here I'll provide you with some essential travel tips and a list of 11 must-have items that you need to carry with you on your next extended adventure. But before we get started, if you haven't got a backpack yet, check out the recommended options by following the link.

an image of backpack
Backpack is an essential when travelling

1. Portable Power Bank

Let's face it; we all rely on our phones, tablets, and laptops when we travel. But what happens when you're on a long flight or trekking through a jungle and your battery dies?

This is where a portable power bank comes in handy. To have longer battery life, you can use a solar-powered portable charger or a power bank with an AC outlet. Some popular power bank brands to check out include Anker, RAV Power, and Aukey. Add a lightweight power bank to your trip now.

2. Quick Drying Travel Towel

If you're on the go, you need a towel that dries quickly. Do microfibre towels dry you faster? I hear you asking; microfibre towels are a great option as they do dry you faster and are easy to pack. Another great alternative is Bamboo towels which are also eco-friendly, soft, and fast-drying.

How fast do quick-dry towels dry?

Quick-dry towels are designed to dry faster than traditional towels. In general, they can dry in just a few hours, which is much faster than a regular towel that can take several hours or even a full day to dry completely.

Be sure to add a lightweight travel towel or quick-dry bath towel to your travel essentials list. Get yours now.

3. Travel-Sized First Aid Kit:

Accidents can happen, and it's best to be prepared. Pack a travel-sized first aid kit to have on hand when you need it. You never know when you might accidentally step on a Lego (ouch!) or get a paper cut from a travel guidebook (seriously, those things are sharp!).

A good, travel-sized, first-aid kit should include the following:

Bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications.

Make sure to check the expiration dates before you go - you don't want to be caught with expired antiseptic wipes in the middle of nowhere!

A mini first aid kit is all you really need, perfect for on-the-go emergencies! Here's one designed by Doctors!

4. Reusable Water Bottle with Built-In Filter

I don’t know if a water bottle is a life saver but water definitely is, especially clean water. A reusable water bottle with a built-in filter is perfect for the hiker or long-distance walker. It's also great to have in places with low sanitation. You can use this for your gym workouts too, which you'll definitely be doing... right?... RIGHT?!

Do filter water bottles really work?

Disclaimer: Yes. Filtered bottles can effectively remove bacteria, protozoa, and other impurities from water. Making it safe to drink. However, the effectiveness of the filter may vary depending on the quality of the water source and the type of filter used. It's always best to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Use a filter water bottle that's appropriate for the situation.

I like to recommend the filtered bottles that have the UV light for extra filtration. Click the image to see the product yourself.

an image of a reuasble bottle that uses UV to filter harmful bacteria
UV filtered water bottles can make excellent accessories
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5. Travel Adapter

Don't leave home without a travel adapter! It's essential for charging your electronic devices in different countries. Universal travel plugs can cover all types of plug sockets, so you won't have to worry about what adapter you need for a particular country.

Level up your travel game with the ultimate universal travel plug! Say goodbye to adapter woes and power up anywhere on the globe. Ready to upgrade? Grab your universal travel plug here and stay charged wherever your adventures take you!

6. VPN Service

Although I have used Surfshark in the past, and still do, I must admit that it sometimes interferes with my connection when I don't need it. However, you can still try it out with their Surfshark free trial to see if it suits your needs. Here are other VPN's you can use:

Why it's good: Blazing fast speeds, top-notch security, and servers in numerous locations worldwide. Perfect for seamless streaming and secure browsing.

Why it's good: Robust security features, a vast server network, and a user-friendly interface. Ideal for privacy-conscious travellers.

Why it's good: User-friendly interface, dedicated streaming servers, and a focus on user privacy. A reliable choice for content streaming enthusiasts.

Why it's good: Proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol for excellent speed, user-friendly interface, and a free version available. Perfect for those prioritizing speed.

7. Language Translation App

This is a must, I use google translator and its always served me very well, even if I am in a Vietnamese restaurant with no English menu I use the app to hover my phone over the text and lo and behold it turns into the Queen's' English... or the King's.

Keep in mind that for this to function, you'll probably require another pivotal essential for your travels. In fact, it could be THE utmost critical item on this list, and that is...

Related:  Time in Vietnam: Solo Travel in South Vietnam

8. A Local SIM card (or e-Sim)

For the most part, you can get these at the airports as soon as you land, although you may pay a little extra. Be sure to get as much internet data as you can. You'll need it while you're out and about. This is especially important if you're in a foreign country where you don't speak the language and need to use translation apps or GPS navigation.

Or you can look into getting an eSIM – the game-changer for modern travellers. Here's why eSIM's can be helpful to you:

  • Global Flexibility:

No more swapping SIM cards. eSIMs let you switch carriers and plans seamlessly, perfect for hopping between countries.

  • Space-Saving Magic:

Say goodbye to the SIM card juggle. eSIMs reside digitally, freeing up precious space in your device for more memories.

  • Instant Activation:

Forget the hassle of waiting for a physical SIM. Activate your eSIM instantly, ensuring you're connected when and where you need it.

  • Multi-Device Harmony:

Connect multiple devices to a single eSIM. Your phone, tablet, and smartwatch can all ride the digital waves without a hitch.

  • Eco-Friendly Exploration:

Cut down on plastic waste from traditional SIM cards. eSIMs contribute to a greener, more sustainable travel experience.

Makes it pretty difficult to understand why eSIMs aren't advertised everywhere.

If you're ready to ditch the physical SIMs for the convenience of eSIMs on your travels, check out the top picks and deals. Upgrade your connectivity game hassle-free!

9. Wi-Fi dongle

Does a dongle give you internet?

A Wi-Fi dongle is a portable device that allows you to connect to the internet using a cellular data network. It's essentially a small modem that you can carry around with you and use to access the internet on your laptop or other devices.

If you get a SIM card with enough data on it, then a Wi-Fi dongle isn't really needed. What I've found is that they are usually better performing than your phone's SIM. They can even work better (than your phone) in areas with weak or non-existent mobile signals.

an image of a wifi dongle
Wi-Fi dongle to help keep connectivity abroad

10. Travel pillow

Ah, the trusty travel pillow! Not just a plane companion, but a versatile hero in the world of travel. I mean, who needs those not-so-plush hotel and apartment pillows when you have your very own customized travel pillow? It's like having your own personal masseuse but without the hefty price tag. And let's be real, getting a good night's sleep while travelling can be a real challenge.

Make sure you pack your travel pillow to improve your comfort and reduce neck pain. You can pick these up at pretty much all airports but if you wish to go for something a little more comfortable check these out here.

11. Vacuum pack bags

Vacuum pack bags are bags that you can use to compress and pack your clothes and other items more efficiently. They come with a special valve that allows you to remove the air from the bag using a vacuum cleaner or hand pump. By doing this, you can reduce the volume of your packed items by up to 50%, making it easier to fit everything into your luggage.

Vacuum pack bags are particularly useful if you're travelling for an extended period. Or if you're going to a destination where you need to pack a lot of warm clothing. They can also be a great way to keep your clothes organized and tidy. Making it easier to find what you need when you need it.

Streamline your packing game with vacuum-sealed bags – the secret weapon for savvy travellers. Discover the magic here and say hello to more space and less hassle. Plus, these bags come with a handy hand pump for ultimate convenience!

Final Thoughts on Must-Have Travel Essentials

Arming yourself with these 11 must-have travel essentials ensures you're not just packing a bag; you're preparing for a journey of seamless adventures. From a reliable backpack to an eSim that ensures your Wi-Fi on the move, these essentials are the foundation of a traveller's toolkit. So, whether you're navigating bustling city streets or venturing into serene landscapes, let these items be your companions.

The right gear can make all the difference in the world. Be sure to check out the links provided for some of our recommended products to help make your next trip a success.

a map with a camera, some postcards, a notepad and a magnifying glass, dimmed rustic image, thegymsytraveller
Mapping destinations

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