No matter how many times I travel, there are always those little things I forget to pack—and then regret it later. Some of these items might seem small, but they make a huge difference in making travel smoother and more enjoyable.
Here are the things I always forget (but now try to remember!) and why they’re essential.
1. Playing Cards
🃏 Why they’re a must: Perfect for long bus rides, hostel common rooms, or killing time at the airport. A deck of cards is small, lightweight, and a great way to make friends on the road.
✔️ Bonus: Also useful for drinking games and icebreakers with new travel buddies!
2. Chewing Gum
😬 Why it’s important: Whether it’s for freshening breath before a long flight, relieving ear pressure during takeoff, or just a quick pick-me-up, gum is one of those things you don’t realise you need until you don’t have it.
✔️ Tip! – Grab a couple of packs before your trip so you don’t end up overpaying at the airport.
3. A Pen
✍️ Why you’ll be glad you packed one: Filling out customs forms, jotting down an address, or writing in a travel journal—having a pen on hand is essential.
✔️ Bonus: Many travellers forget pens, so carrying an extra one makes you an instant hero in airport lines!
4. Head Torch (or Small Flashlight)
🔦 Why it’s a lifesaver: If you’re staying in a dorm, camping, or even just walking around a new place at night, a head torch is super handy.
✔️ Especially useful for: Power outages, night hikes, or digging through your bag in a dark room.
5. Travel Adapter
🔌 Why it’s essential: Different countries have different plug types, and you don’t want to be stuck with a dead phone because you forgot an adapter. A universal travel adapter works in multiple countries and saves you the headache.
✔️ Tip! – Look for one with USB ports to charge multiple devices at once.
6. Reusable Water Bottle
💧 Why it’s a must-have: Staying hydrated while traveling is crucial, and buying bottled water constantly adds up. A reusable water bottle saves money, reduces plastic waste, and keeps you hydrated on long travel days.
✔️ Tip! – Get one with a built-in filter if you’re traveling somewhere with questionable tap water.
7. First Aid Kit
⛑️ Why you’ll need it: Small cuts, blisters, or headaches can happen at any time, and having a compact first aid kit means you don’t have to hunt for a pharmacy in an unfamiliar place.
✔️ Must-haves: Band-aids, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, and motion sickness pills.
8. Laundry Bag (or Ziplock Bags)
🛍️ Why it’s useful: A lightweight laundry bag (or even a large ziplock) keeps dirty clothes separate from clean ones. It’s a simple but effective way to stay organised.
✔️ Bonus: Ziplock bags are also great for storing wet swimsuits or leaky toiletries.
9. Extra Socks & Underwear
🧦 Why they’re easy to forget: You can always re-wear a t-shirt, but running out of clean socks and underwear is never fun. Pack a few extra pairs to be safe.
✔️ Tip! – Consider moisture-wicking or quick-dry fabrics if you’ll be hand-washing on the go.
10. Snacks
🍫 Why you’ll thank yourself later: Airport food is overpriced, and finding something to eat on long bus or train rides isn’t always easy. Having a few protein bars, nuts, or dried fruit can save you from getting hangry.
✔️ Bonus: Great for when you arrive late at night and shops are closed.
✔️ Tip! – Remember some countries have restrictions on bring things like nuts into the country. Ensure you know if you need to discard.
11. Padlock
🔒 Why it’s important: If you’re staying in hostels, a small padlock is a must to secure your locker. Even if you’re not, it’s great for locking up your backpack when in transit.
✔️ Tip! – Get a TSA-approved one if you’re flying.
12. Ear Plugs
🔇 Why they’re a game-changer: Whether it’s a noisy hostel dorm, a snoring seatmate on a plane, or unexpected street noise, ear plugs help you get a good night’s sleep anywhere.
✔️ Bonus: A lifesaver for overnight trains, flights, and busy cities.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few small but super handy things I always seem to forget when packing. Now, I keep a little checklist with these items to make sure they make it into my bag every time.
Save yourself the hassle and add these to your packing list now! ✈️🎒
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