Travel Essentials #GottaHaveIt

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by ChasingCarlii
It’s no secret that one of the most nerve wrecking things to go through is getting ready to prepare for a vacation. What to take? What not to take? Should you check in your luggage? Or do you dare just take a carry on? As I sit here in Shanghai, China for my connecting flight, my mind tosses as I try to figure out if I’ve taken care of all my essentials!
Top Ten Travel Essentials:
1. Travel Documents– Make sure all forms of identification are up to date; local flights: Drivers license accepted International flights: valid Passport/VISA. Make sure your flight information has also been updated, sometimes airlines make changes at the last minute, i.e departure/arrival time change, terminal change etc. if you take medication have a subscription ready just in case.
2. Travel Light– I took a 10 day trip and only traveled with a carry on suitcase and backpack; all under 15 lbs-20 lbs depending on the airline. If you choose to get a lock, make sure its TSA approved! Bring items that you can switch up and rearrange (ladies: dresses, a pants here, top there Fellas: it becomes tricky for you with all those jeans and shoes you have) remember, it’s your vacation not PARIS FASHION WEEK. Another investment might be suitcase organizers.  The truth is, why pay the baggage claim fees for clothes you won’t even use while you’re there.
3. Toiletries– Besides packing your clothes, toiletries should be a top priority. Depending on your destination you may some specialty items but here’s a list of the basic:
***Note if traveling with carry-on all liquid items must be 3oz. or BELOW, if checking baggage there is no ounce limit***
Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss
Body Soap
Deodorant
Razor/ Shaving cream
Hair Products (both men and women #BeardGang)
Lip Balm
Mini First Aid Kit
Make-Up (under 3oz)
Sunscreen lotion (YES! Even if your melanin is popping, the sun BURNS US TOO)
**Feminine products (even if it’s not that time of the month… ya never know… international products are NOT the same as US)
Bath slippers (eww don’t be walking around the hotel/rental spaces with your bare feet! Heard of fungi?)
5. Research– you don’t have to become some sort of geographical archeologist and find the entire history of the country, but one should definitely look up potential weather conditions during your travel time frame , tradition/customs and certain laws. Unlike America, some countries are not as lax when it comes to tradition and respect. For example, when I visited Morocco, Africa I did not know it was disrespectful to eat with your left hand until the server slapped my hand as I reached for my sandwich; although a light friendly tap I felt so bad for offending their culture. Another example is the lack of freedom of speech in certain places. In 2016, like America, the people of Thailand pronounced its new leader, King … unlike American is unlawful for anyone to speak negatively about the King and those is high leadership; if caught one will be fined and penalized…. clearly they haven’t heard what Americans say about number 45.
6. Portable Chargers: Another item where you’ll thank me later! Portable battery chargers are literally life savers… get it? Battery life? Saver? (LOL I know I’m corny) One of the most annoying things is to have to look for a compatible outlet when you’re in a different country, now I just pull out my portable charger. Make sure to charge it fully before the journey so it lasts. Most will be able to fully charger your smartphone at 5 times and my laptop! Talk about #POWER I personally use RAVPower External Battery and I looooooooooooove it!!!!
7. Universal Converter Adapter– if traveling overseas it’s important to get the run down on what type of voltage that country uses. Even if you don’t travel very often, it still helps when the time comes. A suggestion is to get an universal adapter click on the link to see where I got mine.
8. Time Management– often times we get so caught up in planning every minute and second of our vacation that we forget to block out time for ourselves. I’ve fallen victim to this soooo many times; getting so caught up in the motions of vacationing but it just turns into another laundry list to do. Spare yourself the agony of planning too much! No matter where I go I always try to block out, depending on how long the vacation is, at least 5hrs to 24 hrs where I do nothing but stay in the hotel/rental watch TV, visit the pool/fitness center, put on some music and simply RELAX! Why, you may ask? It’s simple, sometimes we need to force ourselves to take a mental break. Letting go of our troubles, simply living in the moment.
9. Snacks– #Fun Fact, you can bring food on a flight/ airport except beverages…. So what? Well 1, airport food is SUPER EXPENSIVE, I paid $2.54 for a CAN of ginger ale (not even the bottle). 2, if you’re a picky eater like myself then I suggest you pack a few snacks for the trip! Especially if traveling internationally, you’ll thank me later
10. Writing Utensils/ Translator Dictionary- ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS bring pen and paper. Believe me, you don’t want to be that person on the flight waiting to borrow someone else’s pen while they fill out papers for them AND their family members.  
Although we live in an age where technology rules everything, sometimes you may travel to such a remote place that your service is too poor to get on the internet to use google translate. A suggestion is to learn basic greeting phrases.
**Bonus** ALWAYS find out where the US Embassy is!!! Yes you’ll be safe but you should always be prepared!
Until next time…….
#ChasingCarlii #TravelJunkie #WanderlustSoul
#Travel

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ChasingCarlii

6 thoughts on “Travel Essentials #GottaHaveIt”

  2. I would add for toiletries, non liquid versions of things saved my life! Lush cosmetics has solid shampoo, conditioner and lotion so I didn’t have to skimp on anything during my last international trip ( first time with carry on only!)

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