As summer comes to a close, everyone is scrambling to take one last vacation until fall semester begins. When traveling, it’s easy to forget some essential items that need to be in your luggage. I’m traveling this week and though what a perfect time to write about travel essentials.

Headphones

Without headphones, you can’t be entertained much by your phone or laptop. So if you’re riding in a car or on a plane, having headphones gives you the ability to do numerous things. Listen to music or even snapchat stories.

Tote Bag

A tote bag is essential for every trip you take. It can fit so many things so you don’t have to worry if you have enough room. On a flight, I love taking a tote bag because you can fit everything from a laptop to snacks. A backpack works great too.

Tech Gear

I dedicate this category to all electronic devices. Phones, cameras, and maybe even a drone is essential to making your vacation awesome. You want to record memories so these devices are needed.

Money

This one is obvious, but if you are going out of the country, make sure you have the right currency or are prepared to change currency. It’s also easier to use cash when traveling but be aware of your surroundings. If you like to use credit, make sure you call your credit card company and inform then that you are traveling.

Comfy Outfit

It seems like everyone has their go to travel outfit. Make sure it’s comfortable and not constraining. The last thing you want is a tight pair of jeans squeezing your internal organs the entire trip. I love wearing big tee, leggings, and sneakers.

Snacks

Honestly, this is one of my favorite things about a trip. Whether I’m driving or flying, I stock my purse up with snacks. Of course, the snacks are not healthy. But it’s also smart to have snacks just in case your trip takes longer than expected.

Germ Removers

I cannot express how bad it feels when someone coughs throughout the entire flight right next to you. So having Purell or wipes on hand is a lifesaver. This can slightly help you from getting sick.

Outlet Adapter

You only have to worry about this if you’re traveling outside the United States. Arriving in a foreign country and realizing your charger does not work in the outlet it a heart attache within itself.

Liquids

Make sure your water bottle is empty if you are taking it through security. Or just take the plunge and purchase at five dollar water in your terminal. Being dehydrated will make your traveling an unpleasant experience so never forget to drink your liquids!

Travel Playlist

Create a travel playlist on Spotify. Include songs you won’t normally listen to. For me, I always like to listen to 80s music while I’m traveling.

Puzzles or Books

Not actual puzzles with pieces, but word puzzles or word searches. I enjoy buying a word search book right before I travel and that keeps me preoccupied. Reading a book is the classic way to pass time while you travel.

The Essential Essentials

Now these are the things you need to travel with. Without them, you won’t be able to go anywhere. Things like your ID, passport, and credit cards. I like to keep a small bag that has all of them packed together. I like taking my insurance card too, just in case anything happens.