Recommended travel essentials: 15 must-have travel items

June 27, 2021 By

When planning for a holiday, we often get confused and irritated about packing for our smooth vacation. It becomes hard to jot down all the essential traveling items that we need for our tour. The most important things to keep in mind are the lists of items that should be packed depending on the length of your trip, the weather, and places to visit. So, to ease your vacation, we are here to help you out. You can rely on us and take help from this list of items to have a peaceful and restful holiday.

When it comes to travel packing, I always make sure to minimize my travel gear and only pack the best (and necessary) travel items. Use this ultimate guide of some of the essential things you need to pack for your tour. Whether it’s toiletries, clothes, gadgets, or glasses, we have got you covered. So, I’m sharing 20 essential travel items lists that you must have in your bags.

1. Portable Charger (Power Bank)

Our phone can run out of battery. So carry a portable phone charger wherever you go. No one wants to have a phone battery dead and miss out on clicking some amazing photo. Power Bank is a must for any trip, and it will never let you down. If you don’t want to get lost in the city, don’t forget to keep your phone charged with a Portable Charger.

2. Ziploc Bags

Ziploc Bags helps to keep all the small bits together. Putting your Phone in an airtight Ziploc Bag will instantly save your phone in water as it is waterproof. Just stick your electronics into the Ziploc bag, squeeze the air out, zip it, and your items are completely waterproof. If you’re listening to music at the beach, these bags will help keep sand and water out of your speakers.

3. Bluetooth Speakers

Ever thought about enjoying your vacay without Music? With a portable Bluetooth speaker, you can listen to music and chill on your beach, parties, and rooms. Having a bit of music playing can give you a positive vibe and set your mood. Just connect your phone to the speaker and listen to the music of your choice. Bluetooth Speaker will give you the company whenever you need it, says Andrew, who provides pay someone to take my online exam services.

4. Universal Adapter

Universal Adapter is an essential device to have when traveling. Travel adapters allow any electronic device to plug into a differently shaped outlet from one country to another. For example, U.K. wall outlets require a plug with a top vertical prong while the U.S. requires one with two flat vertical prongs. So, when traveling overseas, you need a travel adapter to charge your electronic devices.

5. Water bottle

No matter where we travel, we always need a water bottle. To keep your beverages cold or hot and have clean water, you need to carry reusable bottles during travel. Staying hydrated is one of the most useful things you can do for your body when traveling, says Paul, who provides do my coursework services. Instead of using single-use plastic bottles, consider a reusable water bottle that can store your drink.

6. Sunscreen

You always need to wear sunscreen whenever outside. We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen. You should carry a travel-sized pack of sunscreen to moisturize and protect your skin from the sun. Use an oil-free and fragrance-free sunscreen moisturizer that is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist tested. Apply an SPF30 or more sunscreen even if you are on the beach.

7. First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is an essential item you must carry for your vacation. If you are unsure of exactly what they carry on a first aid kit. I am here t rescue you. Here are my picks for the essentials. Bandages/Crepe Bandages, Surgical tape, Cotton, Scissors, Tweezers, Antiseptic Wipes, Pain Relief Medicine, Antibacterial Creams.

8. Sunglasses

One of the most important travel accessories you should pack is your sunglasses. You must carry sunglasses that block harmful UVA and UVB rays, says Carolina, who provides python assignment help services. Investing in different styles such as aviator or the wayfarer is always a good idea. Go for good-quality sunglasses with polarized and UV-protected lenses.

9. Toiletries

Toiletries have always been a serious struggle for me. Sometimes I over pack them, and other times I almost forget to pack toothbrushes and toothpaste. Follow this guide to pack your toiletries. Shampoo, Conditioner, Face Wash/Scrub, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Face Moisturizer, Mouthwash, Styling Brush/Styling Comb, Body Wash, Comb/Brush.

10. Backpack

You need a good travel backpack even if you are traveling for a day or two or even for a week. Look for a travel backpack that has a sturdy hip belt and water storage space. Pick a bag that is big enough to carry some extra weight. Make sure your bag is semi-waterproof so that your stuff doesn’t get wet in a drizzle.

Other than the above-mentioned essentials, carry your clothes for going out, nightwear, beachwear, and party dresses. You can also carry an eye mask, noise-canceling Headphones, travel towels, U-shaped pillows. Make a list of the items you need for your vacation and pack efficiently.

Best travel water filter system (SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON)

August 22, 2019 By

When traveling abroad and when backpacking or camping in the backcountry, it’s crucial to have a travel water filter system you can rely on. The best systems we’ve found use gravity to do most of the work, but there’s an abundance of choice. Which travel water filter system is right for you? Read our side by side comparison!

Katadyn BeFree gravity system:

The simplicity of a gravity-based filtration system makes them reliable, plus these systems are lightweight, easily packable, and versatile for a large group or family. The Katadyn Gravity BeFree 3.0 L filter fits this bill perfectly. It’s extremely easy to use: you just fill the reservoir and hang it using the included rugged bail handle and carry loop, and wait for it to filter at an impressive two liters per minute.

When you’re not using it, the filter packs down small; it collapses and then can be rolled tight, fitting easily into a day bag, backpack, or carry-on bag. It’s been tested to protect against harmful organisms, removing protozoa (99.99%) and bacteria (99.9999%), which means it meets EPA standards, so not only can you bring the Katadyn filter along on your next backpacking or kayaking adventure in the US, but it works well for trips abroad as well, when you need to be assured of potable water. Note that it does not meet standards for virus removal; it’s to ensure safe drinking water against bacteria only.

This filter is BPA-free of course, and the wide-mouth opening makes it easier to fill than most. I’ve learned this the hard way with other bladders, when trying to awkwardly fill them in shallow streams, hard to access lakes, or bubbling springs. I did notice that it was easier to fill the bladder by using a second container, such as a backpacking cooking pot or cup to help feed the water into the reservoir.

You should clean the Katadyn filter occasionally, which is simple: just shake or swish to remove debris. We actually do this every trip, and it’s worked out very well. So far, this filter has come along with us on a front-country and backcountry combination trip to Mt. Katahdin in Maine as well as a backpacking trip through Central America. Next, it will accompany my son through Indonesia.

You can pick up the Katadyn Gravity BeFree online at the official Katadyn site or Amazon for $69 for the 3L option.

LifeStraw Flex with Gravity Bag:

Pair the confidence you already have in LifeStraw with the convenience of filtering a gallon of water at a time. You get next-level protection against heavy metals including lead as well as bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and organic chemical matter like pesticides, and herbicides, all in an ultralight system. The whole thing only weighs 6 ounces, and can filter one liter every two minutes. As always with LifeStraw, when you buy a product, you give a product to one school child (one year of clean water).

It works in the same manner as other gravity-based systems: just fill the bag, hang, add the filter, and allow the water to drip through the filter and into your water vessel whenever you need it. Alternatively, you can use the LifeStraw filter individually like you would any LifeStraw, which is a nice bonus of versatility. Pick up the system for only $54, a great value.

Platypus GravityWorks:

©Earl Harper

The GravityWorks system is similar to that of the LifeStraw and Katadyn varieties, but it involves two bladders instead of one. This can be a pro or a con: on one hand, the system is slightly heavier and bulkier to pack, but on the other, you have a dedicated clean-water bladder to use in a variety of ways, storing clean water and carrying it to your next backpacking location, for instance. 

You can choose between a 2 liter and 4 liter kit (I like the 2 liter). Just fill the ‘dirty water’ bladder with lake, stream, or iffy hotel water, then attach the included hose and filter system between it and the dedicated clean water bladder. Hang the dirty water bladder higher (hence the use of gravity), and wait for your water to fill the bladder. The disadvantage to this system is that you have to wait for the clean water bladder to completely fill, which can take a matter of about 20 minutes. With the other systems, you can have water on demand, though you might have to squeeze the bag a bit if you’re impatient. 

With the GravityWorks system, you get extra parts, including a universal bottle adapter. Pick up the Platypus GravityWorks on Amazon for $99.

Sawyer Squeeze:

It’s small, it’s easy to carry, and it’s cheap: the Sawyer Squeeze is a super simple system that involves a bag (bladder) plus a small filter. You fill the bag with water and squeeze it through the filter and into your water vessel. You can get bags in various sizes (the smaller ones are only $12) so this can still work for a family or group, but it will be slower going. I like to have a Sawyer Squeeze in my day pack as an extra filter, just in case. Pick one up on Amazon.

Grayl GEOPress:

Another individual travel water filter system, the Grayl is by far the easiest to use, if you don’t like drinking through a straw. You just scoop up water from a creek, lake, river, or faucet, then press the filter down through the water vessel like you would a French press coffee container. It takes about ten seconds and while you do need to use some force, if you have a sable surface, it’s easy.

Once you’ve filtered your water, you’re good to go. I don’t like drinking my filtered water from a straw if I can help it, so I really liked the design of the GEOPress, which allowed me to gulp instead of drink from a straw. With the GEOPress, you get 24 ounces of safe drinking water swiftly.

The water bottle is heavier and bulkier than I’d like (but they do have a slimmer, lighter version if you’re willing to reduce your ounces), but it’s worth it if you don’t have to also carry a water filter or pump with you. I love the ease of arriving at a river and just scooping up my water.

GEOPress protects from global waterborne pathogens (virus, bacteria, protozoan cysts), pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals, and even microplastics, so you’re getting the purest water possible. The cap has a fast-flowing drink spout that can be sealed closed, and vents air while purifying (unscrew the cap a bit when you’re filtering, or you’ll be hard-pressed (pun intended) to press down the filter).

Pick up a GEOPress in one of four colors for $89 (less than most filter systems) or opt for the smaller ultralight filter for $59.

LifeStraw Universal:

When we hike, we like to have Lifestraw filters in ALL our water bottles. Lifestraw Universal gives you just that: this kit sets you up with one filter (2-stage), two sized bottle caps, and one cap lid. We have used the kit to add a Lifestraw filter to our favorite water bottles, from a wide-mouth Nalgene to a narrow-mouth Camelbak. Details for the caps: the wide cap is 63 mm and the narrow cap is 43 mm. The filter height is 7.3 inches. You also get a carry bag.

As always, the filter does the following:

  • Removes 99.999999 % of bacteria
  • Removes 99.999 % of parasites
  • Reduces organic chemical matter (pesticides, herbicides, VOCs)
  • Removes 99.999% of microplastics
  • Compatible with most water bottles
  • Lasts 1,000 gallons

Now when we backpack or camp, everyone in our family can use a Lifestraw filter in their favorite water bottle, and I can travel with a filter in the bottle I love to use for international trips. The Universal kit is only $34, allowing you to switch out your filter from bottle to bottle at will. Pick up your kit on the Lifestraw website or at other online retailers, such as Amazon.

Tip: Lifestraw, Platypus, and Katadyn all carry their own versions of an individual water bottle with filter included. Find your favorite brand and buy a few extras to have in day packs when you travel!