10 THINGS I CANNOT TRAVEL WITHOUT

1. Gadgets: As we know technology is a major part of our society today. We have the luxury of documenting our experiences through sources of film preserving our memories. This brings me to why it is absolutely important that I have my gadgets needed for my travels. This includes my Sony Alpha 7, Tripod, iPhone 10x, all applicable chargers and a Universal Converter. 

2. Medical Kit: You never know when you’ll be in need of medical assistant. If you can prevent visiting a hospital or walk-in clinic, then why not. This is why I always have an emergency kit available to avoid any trip to the Doctors or Pharmacy for my basic needs. To name a few, my kit includes: Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, Tylenol, Advil, Gravel, Canesten, Benadryl, Band-aids, Alcohol wipes and Polysporin. 

(Other kits may include: Epipen for allergies, Inhaler for Asthma and a Medical bracelet - to be worn)

3. Travel Insurance. Other than having a passport and a photocopy of it, money, or necessary documents needed for entry, I cannot travel without Insurance. Whether you are covered by your place of work, credit card or outside agencies, it gives you a sense of comfort.

4. Lock. You never know when you might need it. Plus its better to be secured than anything. Some of my travels I’ve stayed in Hostels and in order for me to securely locked my luggage or backpack, a lock was needed. As for my checked luggage, I almost always put on a lock. Nevertheless, I do not carry any valuables in my checked luggage other than my clothes. Valuables like jewelry and gadgets are kept with me at all times in my carry-on luggage or personal hand luggage.

5. Rape Whistle. Never had to use it before but I’ve always brought it with me no matter where I go or who I travel with. 

6. Plane Blanket. I’m one for always being cold, so I can never leave this behind. NEVER. My plane ride would be the worst if I didn’t have at least two blankets to feel comfortable. I’d even ask the flight attendant for extra blankets if two was not enough. I love to be warm at all times.

7. Small Aluminum Water Bottle. Not a big fan of bringing around plastic water bottles all day in and out of the sun. I’d rather keep it cool in an aluminum or metal water bottle. 

8. Travel Cube: This includes the essentials needed for a female traveller: Feminine products, Skincare products, Makeup, Hair tie or Silk Bonnet (Black girl style), Sunscreen,  Lotion, Lip balm and Hand sanitizer. 

If trying to pack light, most products can be bought on the road once you reach your destination if you're not too particular like myself with having a specific brand available. 

9. Feminine wipes or Kleenex. You just never know where you’ll end up. 

10. Swim wear, Runners (White Creps) and Birkenstocks. No matter where I am in the world, I always have to bring a pair of bathing suit. Even when it is not needed I hope that I will wear it someday. Coming from someone who cannot even swim, I have quite the addiction to swimwear. I kid you not, I have over 50 pairs old, new and cannot fit. As for the runners, I almost always need a pair of comfortable to shoes to go about my day or to wear on the plane. I don't know about anyone, but my feet swells when I’m travelling. I would either toss on a pair of runners to alleviate the pain or my Birkenstocks. Birkenstocks does wonders!