10 Travel Must-Haves

Here are the 10 must-haves that I think make the foundation for a good holiday: 1. Comfy Shoes Even if you are headed for a sun lounger where you plan to lay for 2 weeks whilst pina coladas are brought to you, you want comfy shoes to travel in. Airports are huge these days, and your step count may be above your norm never mind the waiting standing in queues. 2. Noise Cancelling Headphones I don’t think I could do a flight now without noise cancelling headphones. That reduction in ambient noise of the plane mechanics and air conditioning means that I feel more relaxed on the journey and jet lag headache never seems as bad when I get to the other side. 3. Lip balm That aircon is extremely drying and I could not go without my favourite lip balm to hand. Easy to pack as the first item in hand luggage because it is under the 100ml limit. Whether that is menthol to help with the relaxation or a fruity kick if you haven’t managed to gain the air stewards attention for a new drink. 4. Water bottle Speaking of hydration though, I always have my insulated water bottle with me. Take it through security empty and then fill it up at a water station when you are through because who wants to pay airport prices for a bottled water. Then whilst on holiday fill it with water and the insulated bottle will keep it cold whilst you are out and about. 5. Suncream Make sure to take suncream on your travels to protect yourself and family from those harmful UV rays. Even if you are eco conscious there are many options on the market now for reef safe and… Remember this is true even if you are not in a swimsuit; on a mountain bike adventure or whilst on the ski slope, that sun will still be radiating your skin. 6. Antihistamine Places will generally have plasters and basic painkiller available from a first aid kit but not necessarily antihistamine. As a person with allergies I always have some with me. Whether it’s for a very strong aftershave cloud I’ve walked through in Duty Free, that foreign insect that enjoyed eating my leg or after petting the cute dog outside the local café (even though I’m allergic). 7. eBook reader I love that I can download books from a variety of genres and then decide what I am feeling in the moment. The lightweight nature of it means that it can accompany me to the pool or on a jaunty bus ride to an all day excursion. It is generally suncream and sweat-proof. 8. Earplugs I am a very light sleeper and always have earplugs when I travel even in the UK. I have tried many different types over the years but I find that the disposable foam pairs work best for me, using one set for around 1 week of holiday. Whether its zoning out for a quick snooze on a flight, blocking out loud music from the pool deck or the loud elevator in the hotel. 9. Patience Speaking of those small annoyances though, patience is the next thing a think is a must have for a good trip. Yes you have spent good money to go on holiday but so has all those people exasperated in that hotter than hell queue waiting to go through airport immigration. Be kind to staff in the airport and in your hotel and you will soon be eating that ice cream you dreamt about. 10. Fun And last but not least, fun! You may not have packed it in your suitcase but try pack it in to your holiday. Whatever that means to you because it is your experience but don’t panic if things don’t go exactly to plan. Live in the moment, those are the moments that will become the best memories.