When you are traveling, the last thing you want to do is over pack. Chances are that you will have to carry everything around on your back for long stretches at a time, so every single item in that backpack really has to earn its place. One area where people seem most lost when they are packing is accessories. Of course, it is hard to anticipate what you might need, especially if you are planning a longer trip to multiple destinations, but avoid the temptation of packing everything “just in case”.
I have talked about the benefits of minimalist travel already, but here are my top accessories to take with you while traveling that will actually enhance your experience.
Water Purifier Bottle
We all know it is important to stay hydrated, especially in hot and humid climates. The problem is, that the majority of health problems encountered by travelers is caused by drinking tap water full of bacteria your stomach is unfamiliar with. The resulting issues can be more than unpleasant and leave you locked in a bathroom rather than riding a camel along the beach of Essaouira. Investing in a bottle with a built-in water purifier before you embark on your journey will allow you to always have access to fresh drinking water (and save you money on bottled water in the long run).
Noise-cancelling Headphones
The idea behind traveling to foreign countries is to make new experiences and meet new people; yet sometimes, that can get overwhelming and one of the challenges of traveling is finding a quiet moment or two for yourself. You might be staying in hostels and sharing a room with others, so privacy can be hard to come by. While noise cancelling headphones won’t make you invisible, they can at least make you feel like you are in your own bubble and clearly signify to those around you that you would like a moment to yourself. Whether to drown out the overly chatty woman in seat 10B or the 5am call to prayer in Cairo, you’ll be grateful for your noise-cancelling headphones. Take a look at this set for a good option.
Sturdy Timepiece
So I get that most people simply look at their phones if they want to know the time, but there are moments when traveling that taking out your precious phone is not really feasible. Though they are more at the luxury end of the scale, sports watches like these are far better suited for many rugged activities you may partake in during a trip. Taking a dip in the sea, attempting some rock climbing, trekking through rainforests, or simply dashing from one platform to the next at a train station… a wristwatch is often far better than fumbling around for your phone.
An e-Reader
Normally I am an absolute advocate for the real deal, but there is no denying that e-readers are by far the more practical choice while traveling. You can have as many books as you want with you without the immense added weight, as well as being able to read in any light. Long journeys on trains, buses or airplanes will zoom by, plus you can download handy travel guides on the go.
