Travel Essentials

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Once again, it is the time of the year where the entire family will be considering a trip overseas. This year the family has decided to go to Phuket, Thailand for the Lunar New Year holidays which begins on February 9th. Our trip's flight has been confirmed to depart on the 12th where we will be there for about a week. At this moment, I have actually started preparing for the trip where I will be packing the essentials for the trip. I thought I'd share this travel essentials preparation with everyone with the hope that some of you may find it useful and help me if I had missed out something with my list. 1. First Aid Kit While some people may regard this as excessive, I simply differ especially when we may never know when we would be scrambling for a plaster or something when an uncertainty happens. So, my kit pouch will have a small pair of fold-able scissors, flu medication, paracetamol, antihistamines, plasters of various sizes, a pair of tweezers, antiseptic wipes, hand sanitizer, lighter, sterile gauze pads, cotton swabs, gloves, thermometer and flashlight. 2. Shampoo and conditioner Most hotels do stock every room with shampoo and conditioner, but it’s usually low-quality. Also, such toiletries are quite individual where everyone including me has our own favorite brands/types of shampoo and conditioner, which besides the fragrance is about our various types of hair and scalp. You may want to consider bring your own shower foam or soap bar whichever your preference. 3. Neck pillow I find a neck pillow to be very convenient and comfortable for plane and bus rides. It is really good for extensively long commuting durations and for those who usually wake up with a stiff neck after a nap. Since it isn't usually supplied to discerning travelers, I think it would be wise to bring one along. 4. Tablet (Android or iPad) There will always be waiting time. Whether you’re waiting for the bus, the plane, or even group of travelers, it’s always good to have a few good e-books or audio books even to entertain while waiting. If I do not feel like reading then I can always play a few games or even go online and start mylotting. For me, I will be bringing my iPad3 with a nice pair of headphone in with me. 5. Aromatherapy Kit I never like the smell of hotel rooms especially when the non smoking rooms become unavailable when hotels run full occupancy. Even with advance requests, our reserved could always be either given away or accidentally released. I suggest this is worth the trouble especially when you are going to stay for a while and the room is reeking with nicotine. Also, I am not a fan of hotels' air fresheners which most of the time are not healthy when they are being used excessively. Essential oils are much more safer and more importantly therapeutic for various common ailments or sleeping problems. For me, I like Chamomile, Lavender, Geranium and Eucalyptus. 6. Slippers and Fuzzy socks You may not regard this as an essential or a necessity even but I am feel that it is better to be prepared. Some hotels may supply those disposable ones but if you have odd size feet then you will appreciate bringing your own. Both these are more for making your trip enjoyable where I am sure you wouldn't want to put on a pair of shoes to go to the pool, beach or the convenience store. Most of all, if your hotel has wooden floors. 7. Sketch Book I am a person that just cannot keep still and when I am over with my tablet I would just turn to this to keep my mind occupied. I can sketch, write something or even play a few games with my children. 8. Scented Lotions Wearing cologne or perfume may be good but they are rather expensive. Besides, since we are going outside most of the time and expose to the sun, we will need to apply sun lotions and moisturizers for our protection. Rather than, anything or any brand can do, we might as well get one which have a nice and preferable scent. 9. An iPod or MP3 player You may regard this small little piece a redundant but I don't think you'd lug a tablet when you are out jogging or doing your workouts in the gym. So, load it up with all your favorite musics, songs and audio books even. That way, you’ll always have something to entertain you. 10. Swiss Army Knife I find this a very useful gadget or tool or apparatus or whatever you want to call it. It is simply an all-in-one tool must have to bring for the trip. But, please remember to put it in your check-in baggage since this is banned for carry on bags. 11. Sunglasses I find this a must have for all outings which to me is about enjoying the trip and traveling in comfort. It is always good to have one ready especially if you are wearing prescription lenses. Well, I think that's about all. I believed I've covered most of the basic essentials needed for a trip. What do you think? Would you recommend something else which you feel is an essential and I had not thought/mentioned about it here?