When you travel, what do you take with you? Are you a light packer and take just the bare minimum? Or are you the kind of traveler who can't bear leaving the house without your own hair dryer, toiletries, etc.? With me, I think I'm somewhat in the middle. I have some items that I must have whenever I travel, but I can work with whatever toiletries are provided at the hotel. Plus, I'd rather save room in my luggage for local souvenirs!I always have my iPod video, books and magazines to keep me entertained while I'm on the road or on a plane. In case something happens, I make sure to have my travel documentations in both original and copies so I can pack them in multiple places. Also, anything related to health such as sunscreen, insect repellent, bandages, aspirin and antacids are must-haves for me -- in travel size, of course!
Another must-have for me is my carry-on luggage when I travel by air. My checked-in luggage was left behind in Narita Airport in Tokyo once. Good thing I had my carry-on with me, so the next two days without my big luggage weren't so bad. Oh, and now, I always make sure to have travel insurance when I travel. An airplane company (sorry, I'm not naming any names) lost my luggage on my way to Curacao, but one quick call to my travel insurance company put my vacation back on the happiness track. I got a $1,000 shopping spree from my insurance company to replace my missing items. Nice!Anyway, traveling is fun, but not when you have to deal with missing luggage or sickness. So for today, I thought I'd list top searched travel essentials for safety to give you some ideas on what to take with you on your trip. Is there anything else that you think should've made the list?
AOL's top searched travel essentials for safety from this month:
1. Travel insurance
2. Sunscreen
3. Money belts
4. First aid kits
5. Traveler's Checks
6. Vaccination
7. TSA locks
8. Insect repellent
9. Car rental insurance
10. Travel wallet
To find your travel needs, check out AOL Travel for travel deals, AOL Shopping for travel essential items and search on AOL Search for travel essentials, such as travel insurance and traveler's checks.
See sponsored links for: travel insurance, cheap airfares, discount hotels.
Reader Comments (Page 4 of 4)
61. when traveling amtrak, think of it as camping. they offer nothing. sometimes there is a snack car or a dining car, but the prices are steep and quality is lacking. don't think you can jump off at this stop or the other to grab a sandwich because they skip stops that don't have pre purchased tickets. then the stops may be only 3 minutes and the buiding is not accesible. if there's even a building. bring all your own toiletries, towels, blankets, pillows, and entertainment. we rented a battery operated dvd player for the week and it only lasted 3 days. There was one electric outlet on the train to charge everyone's cell phone. there was one pay phone that you could use your credit card with but the service was intermittant with the mountains and rough terrain.
Posted at 6:55PM on Jul 25th 2007 by nancy
62. I'm a very experienced traveler. I can get along with only carry on luggage for as much as 4 weeks. Always have an extra set of underware and all your meds in carry on luggage. Wear comfortable walking shoes and pack one other pair. Take mid size zip lock bags. They weigh next to nothing and can be used for all sorts of things -- take my word for it. Finally remember that if you have your passport and a credit card everything else can be remedied.
Posted at 7:00PM on Jul 25th 2007 by Maggie
63. I am an enthusiastic Amtrak rider. My husband and I rode it across country twice and it was great. The only thing you need to remember is get a sleeping car; don't get the end room on the end car. That is the only room that was for us truly terrible. Fortunately we only had one night in that room. The rest is great. Food is good and you get to meet some very nice people. RIDE AMTRAK!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted at 7:10PM on Jul 25th 2007 by Ruth
64. If you think you packed too much, you did. Lighten the load. Remember that you are the one who will be lugging this bag of treasures all day.
I get free sample sizes of face wash, creams, etc. Get trial or travel size bottles of shampoo, soap, deoderant, and toothpaste. I do carry a couple bandades but won't get a first aid kit - that's too much.
With the "3-1-1" rule, there is a limit of what you can carry. You can check the big stuff. The 3-1-1 rule is listed on most TSA web pages but it's 3 ounces of gel, liquid or paste all put in one quart size zip lock bag per one person. It comes down to this rule: do I need it or want it?
These days, less is best. Take a credit card and go shopping if you find yourself stranded or your luggage delayed or lost. Don't have extra money? Mail your extra items to your destination.
Posted at 7:23PM on Jul 25th 2007 by Bobbie
65. Travellers checks and some credit cards are worthless in some countries. Better to find the first ATM in the country. Your debit card will give you local money, often necessary just to use the toilet!
Posted at 7:30PM on Jul 25th 2007 by Carmen
66. P.S. As for Eastern Europe (Croatia etc) remove your money and ATM card quickly or the machine will keep them. And its better to have cash because some so called "sales" are for cash only and paying by credit card you will find you've paid the full price.
Posted at 7:32PM on Jul 25th 2007 by Carmen
67. I am a world traveler, the best scenic place that I have seen is the Canadian Rocky Mountains and do visit Chateau Lake Louise and if you can afford it please stay. It's the best, this was in the month of August/September. My worst experienced traveling was in Italy, beware of pick pockets. My worst encounter was with a Gypsy Lady with a baby on her arms and her 5-7 year old daughter. I was strolling and met them on my way to a restaurant and they all intentionally attacked me by running over me on my walk. Luckily the Hotel Manager gave me a tip to push them away from you so that they cannot pick pocket from you, which I did. I learned to put my important documents into my under garments (money, passport, ID, etc. Anything that fits into my secret pockets inside my undergarments. It's hard to loose your passport, credit card, money and others stuff if you are in a place where you don't know anyone.
I have another experienced riding the EuroRail going to Italy from Nice, France. I paid for a SUite, and Italian Gypsy's with no tickets for the same Suite got in and start opening the Suite Window to be use to steal and throw your stuff to another accomplished when the Train stops at the next stop. I have to immediately close the window back and called for help an Emergency button located at the SUite. Helped arrived but did'nt do any good. I have to leave my own Suite and ask for help to the next Suite. And they problems too. One young traveler lost his Passport and Cash by pickpocket person. I do not advice traveling alone anyplace especially riding long trip on trains in Italy. I hope this help and would give you some tips how to travel safer. Thank you for reading this.
Posted at 7:37PM on Jul 25th 2007 by Virginia
68. on a recent trip to southern Africa, the airport hotel had no exchange facilities, nor did the game reserves. No means to access a bank. Other than the little I exchanged at the airport the only money I had available was the cash $ I had. I always carry $1 and $5 bills plus some 50s and several 100s. small bills always acceptable for the many tips. I returned home with all of the travelers checks I had taken. For in-flight, some granola-type bars, a jacket and a good book. Toothpaste is not allowed which simplifies. Camera, laptop, copies of all travel docs and info, a t-shirt and 2 changes of undies. So much not allowed in carry on. Pray for your luggage, Do not assume you can buy anything easily at destination!
Posted at 7:42PM on Jul 25th 2007 by Julie
69. There are a lot more essentials but others have corrected the list before me except for the most important item. I never see this most important item on other people. After a most clever pickpocket relieved me of my wallet in Rotterdam I now have a matching parachute cord attacjhed to my two traveling wallets one with tickets and passport and another charge cards and money. I feel a sliding hand now and then but no more losing of the wallet. these guys are the smoothest slight of hand thieves just wanting to relieve you of all your valuables thus making your travel a night mare. the pouches are a signal for the location of your valuables.
Posted at 7:51PM on Jul 25th 2007 by ken w
70. We traveled to and around Britain with four kids in the 1970's, the youngest nearly 4, the eldest, 11 on the first trip. Always, each of us had something to read on the plane; in those days, little ones were given coloring books, puzzles, etc. by the staff. Since invariably we would be living there for a while, I learned to take my own potato peeler and manual can opener with me, plus a baggie full of salt so I needn't buy a huge container, more than I would need. Local cleaning products for house or body were perfectly acceptable: didn't need to transport from the U.S. These days, I would probably take Imodium and a small amount of ibuprofin and/or acetiminophen for emergencies, and packets of towelettes, which are very useful.
Posted at 8:02PM on Jul 25th 2007 by Jan Curtis
71. I like my safari jacket with lots of pockets. I can keep my cash, boarding pass, passport, iPod and headphones, cellphone, Blcakberry (yes, I have a bussiness phone and a personal phone) and Sudoku book in my garment.
Posted at 8:10PM on Jul 25th 2007 by jackieannd
72. We travel to Europe every other summer. Pickpocking seems to be a pastime over there (However, violent crime is practically unheard of) So this last year, I bought purses, fanny packs and hidden waist holders made by Pac Safe. After 3 weeks, my husband had to return home while we remained for another two weeks. I knew my personal items were secure from any pickpockets or 'slice and grab' artists OR 'snatch and run' officianadoes. I had the largest purse (which was actually a laptop computer bag with the divider cut out) I was able to carry the stash of important papers, cameras, and some irreplaceable items in total security. I can't recommend or praise Pac Safe enough. It's hard to believe they have discrete locks and wire mesh AND two lines of wire in the straps. Mine also converted to a backpack for hands free travel. I will never go on vacation without their products.. Many times in the past, my husband has actually noticed someone who either keyed in on us or looked suspicious. We'd always change the position of our purses or bags. Not anymore. Bring 'em on.
Posted at 8:58PM on Jul 25th 2007 by RaccoonLover
73. Having return from a 16 day cruise and side trip, the airlines has lost my bag and all NEW clothes.
Make a list and take pictures of the clothes that you are packing!! Keep the receipts, as this will all be needed to support your claim. Also, my travel insurance is saying that their insurance is SECONDARY to any insurance I carry, (Homeowners and Medical)! I thought they would be the Primary Insurance for this trip! NOPE! Too much paperwork now to work through!
Posted at 9:53PM on Jul 25th 2007 by Char J
74. I take an empty 2 oz. spray bottle, and when I get to my destination I fill it with water and mist the wrinkles in my clothes and smooth them with my hands. I also use the spray to dampen my hair to refresh the natural curls. I have gone to cosmetic counters in upscale department stores and asked for samples of their foundation. I refill these tiny bottles as necessary. Some of these companies have empty little sample bottles and will give you a couple of those. I travel all over Europe for up to 3 weeks with only carry-on and have plenty of space. With the tight weight allowance for international carry-on I put everything heavy into my "small personal bag" (a med. backpack) and only light weight into the bag they will weigh. If I'm still over on weight, I wear my heaviest shoes and layer several pieces of clothing, then peal them off and put them back into the carry-on bag.
Posted at 10:11PM on Jul 25th 2007 by Mary Ann Chastain
75. If you fly, wear slip-on shoes for speed at check-in --and comfort aboard.
Take at least one change of shoes. Those that seemed fine at home may start to chafe on long walks to see the sights. Abroad, keep your passport on your person, not in your suitcase. Expensive jewelry likewise.
Posted at 10:42PM on Jul 25th 2007 by Mary Daniels
76. Traveler's Checks & And Being Prepared....
People still use Traveler's Checks in today's world? I work in tourism and might see 1 traveler's check every 3 months. Believe me, the world uses plastic for everything...the world (especially us Americans) has gone credit & debit card crazy...nobody carries cash, it's all plastic.
For travel, cards are a better and safer choice. Use the pre-paid credit "Travel Cards", VISA has one, they are accepted most everywhere. You can get them at almost any bank. They are easy and can be reloaded anytime. Can use for any place that accepts major credit cards and ATM machines for cash.
If you don't like the pre-paid card idea...Then pre-load a couple of your own credit cards and you have your vacation paid for and no surprised bills arriving later after the trip. I say a couple cards, as you should keep them separate in case one is lost, you are not sunk.
And yes, pack as light as possible...it does help. But, then you need to also be prepared for the unexpected things or flight delays too. And, if you want to play safe, try to carry-on your bag....it seldom will get lost if you carry it onboard with you. Plus, if you are delayed onboard a plane for hours (like is starting to become a habit with the airlines), you have your bag handy for your needs.
If you must check your main bag, always take a carry-on too, stock it with your immediate needs should you get "trapped" with an onboard delay of hours. At least you have you urgent items handy. Bring a snack and a bottle water too...if you are sitting idle onboard the plane for hours, they will not feed you. You are at their mercy, and it doesn't appear they care much about you, your needs or discomfort. And if you get upset, they can easily claim you are a "threat" to the aircraft and the FBI will be taking you off the plane...so, if you think about it, you are trapped at their mercy. Yet we support those airlines...got to wonder why we tolerate this treatment from companies we pay for a "service". Have we lost it? Nothing will change if we keep buying their tickets! Anyway...have fun and Happy Traveling.
Posted at 10:52PM on Jul 25th 2007 by Gary
77. Are you serious in this article? I have traveled everywhere in the USA and Europe and find this list ridiculous. Have you ever left your home town?
Posted at 11:43PM on Jul 25th 2007 by Paul
78. PRACTICAL AND SIMPLE:
A PAIR OF JEANS, SHIRTS, UNDERWEAR, CLEANING KIT, LEGAL DOCUMENTS WITH PHOTOCOPIES(ASIDE) AND A PRAYER OF: "IN GOD WE TRUST"... A LAP-TOP/CELL (OR ELSE) AND HAVE A GOOD TIME!
Posted at 2:48AM on Jul 26th 2007 by SANTOS
79.
Another item to carry is a door stop for extra
security in the hotel and/or ship room. Also,
I always take mini rolls of toilet paper for side
trips where there is usually none available - a mini
pack of clorox wipes is great for wiping down phone,
door knobs, toilet etc.
Posted at 7:35PM on Jul 27th 2007 by Barbara