You Cannot Travel Next Without These 6 Things

29 Sep You Cannot Travel Next Without These 6 Things

Posted at 14:05h in Uncategorized by Anna Bertoldini

There are a lot of articles out there with bucket lists on what to bring and not to bring when traveling, and it really depends on where you go. If you’re heading to Alaska your luggage will look a lot different than if you were going to, let’s say, Honduras.

But there are a few items that you’ll need with you wherever you travel to, whatever season, and on whatever budget.

I’ve put together a list of absolute necessities when traveling. I mean, without these you’re basically not going to get around that easily. So pack and have these handy, then think about the rest.

It really boils down to a few items:

1. Portable charger

Phones are getting more and more efficient with battery durability and energy saving, but it’s always better to be on the safe side. You will use your phone a lot during your travels, especially if you’re adventuring. You’ll need your phone for mapping your itineraries, taking pictures, calling, social media posting, checking in to your flight(s), etc.

All these activities drain a big chunk of your battery and it’s important to have a portable source of power to save you when you don’t have access to a plug.

For example, even if you rely on signage or a paper map when getting around a foreign city, you may take public transport. If you can’t find your way or missed a bus/tram/metro you had to take, you need your phone to re-route. Taxis are often pricey and schedules sometimes are hard to access or illegible.

There are many portable chargers out there. I would recommend investing in a powerful yet portable one that you can pack easily and charge your phone over 100%.

It’s a must and I would put it in my top 3 things to always have with you.

2. Universal adapter

Also very important, take a universal adapter with you anytime you go abroad — really. In the past, I’ve forgot that the plug is different when visiting different spots. I had to buy an adapter upon arrival, which can be expensive if you have to do it each time you visit a new place. After a few burns, I always pack my universal adapter just in case.

Plugs differ amongst countries around the world. This Insten Universal Worldwide Travel Adapter is among the best I’ve found so far, covering 150+ countries:

You can find it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Worldwide-Countries-International-Compatible/dp/B000YN01X4

You will not regret investing in this!

3. SIM card

Upon arrival in a new country overseas, buy a prepaid local SIM card. Yes, you can use Wi-Fi and survive with random connections here and there. But is it really worth the time-consuming effort of registering for it in new places or always bothering the wait staff for the Wi-Fi password? You don’t want to be that guy.

You will need the internet while walking around, and if you’re like me, to post lots of foodie and adventure stories on social media! Plus, you may need to make calls to reserve a table in restaurants or call a hotel if you need an airport shuttle.

They usually sell prepaid SIM cards at the airport and at major train stations for varying fees, depending on packages and length of stay. Some offer minutes, texts, and data plans, some just data plans, while others offer some combination of the three. Unlock your phone before leaving on your trip, or you won’t be able to use the SIM card (consult with your provider in case your phone is locked).

I’ve always gotten away with unlimited data plans without calls or texts, but it really depends on your individual needs.

4. Currency exchange app

A handy currency exchange app will save you lots, literally. Traveling between countries with different currencies confuses me a ton as I deal with different values all the time.

For example, on a recent trip, I left Italy which uses the euro, traveling to South Korea which uses the South Korean won. As of now, 1 euro is approximately 1000 won. After South Korea, I went to Japan, which uses the Japanese yen. Now, 1 euro equals about 100 yen. It was extremely confusing calculating prices and understanding how much I was paying for stuff. Every once in a while, I consulted the currency exchange app for help.

I still think in terms of my home currency (the €) to understand how much things cost, so it’s beneficial for me “translate” prices to get a better idea.

I like the XE Currency Converter app, but there are loads out there!

5. Google Translate

Now, if you’re reading this blog you’re probably proficient in English, which is both a privilege and a huge asset when traveling. But not everyone is like you.

English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, yet there are many people, even in the most touristy areas and cities, who don’t speak it. So it’s up to you to adapt to local culture and customs, not the other way around.

Please don’t assume everyone speaks English or act as if it’s a human requirement to know it. Many people don’t have access to the same education or need to learn another language so be patient.

Whether you are ordering a steak, asking for directions, or requesting a service, people need to understand what you’re saying. If English and gesticulating don’t help, Google Translate can. You can translate words and sentences and play them back in audio form. You can also download language packages so you can access them offline too.

Google Translate saved me when I was hospitalized in Bulgaria and had to explain my symptoms to the nurses who did not speak English. I translated my issues, feelings, and pains and could get proper care thanks to the app.

6. Google Maps

Google Maps should be on everyone’s phone already and is definitely one of the best apps for finding your way around a new place!

Whether you’re walking, cycling, driving, or taking public transport, Google Translate can guide you ANYWHERE. They even include taxi and Uber services.

Although Google Maps works in most places, in some countries where there’s a higher level of data protection (in South Korea, for example) it may not be the best option. In that case, research the local navigation app (in South Korea it was KakaoMap) ahead of time so it’s already installed and ready to go!

To help you out, here are Google’s Map Coverage details so you know when to download a local app for your next trip.

Conclusion

So yeah, there are the absolute necessities in traveling the world 😉

Let me know in the comments if you have other tips you’d like to share!

Tags:

inspiration, life, lifestyle, travel

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