Top 5 Underrated Travel Essentials

Shirley Zhu
Dec 1, 2018
4 min read

After travelling to 13 countries these past 2.5 years, I like to think I'm pretty experienced at packing. I've compiled a list of my top five travel essentials that I think people often overlook, but can truly make a difference when you are on the go and away from home. As you'll see, these are not big ticket items and you most likely already have them lying at home!

1. WATER BOTTLE

Ever get past airport security and think 'I'm thirsty' but don't want to shell out an arm and a leg to purchase over-priced bottled water. Yeah, I've been there too. Let's make sure it never happens again!

Bringing a reusable water bottle is one of the best things you can do for yourself when travelling. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but you'll be saving money AND ensure you are always hydrated. Whatever my travel destination, the first thing I always do is hunt down a grocery store and purchase a giant tub of bottled water. This is always cheaper than buying individual 500 mL bottles of water and ensures that I'll always have access to clean drinking water in the comfort of my room. I drink a lot of water in one day, so that latter reason is pretty important for me. Most international airports are also equipped with filtered water stations - so gone are the days of having to purchase expensive bottled water after you pass security!

Trust me, bring a water bottle. Your wallet and the environment will thank you.

2. PLASTIC SLIPPERS/FLIP FLOPS

Being raised in a Chinese household, I've always worn slippers indoors and it just feels abnormal not wearing them. So bringing slippers or flip flops with me is not only a personal preference, but a hygienic one as well. Have you ever thought about the amount of germs there are in your travel accommodations such as hostels, hotel rooms, and Airbnbs. Well, probably more than you want to know. I learned this the hard way when I was completing my semester abroad in Hong Kong and had to share showering facilities with 16 other people on my floor...let's just say the mould on the shower's tiling has left a permanent mental note to always bring plastic slippers or flip flops.

My personal preference is flip flops! They are easy to wash, small and lightweight, inexpensive, and multi-purpose! I love that I can always count on my flip flops to wear outdoors if I need some light walking/browsing footwear. In fact, I actually wore my flip flops through Angkor Wat in Cambodia (picture above) because it was too hot to wear anything else! I always looking out for the annual Old Navy's $1 flip flops sale in June to stock up on a new pair every year.

3. EXTRA (PLASTIC) BAG

Doesn't have to be plastic, but do bring an extra lightweight bag of some sort. Having extra bags on hand will make your travels easier for many purposes. Personally, I always need an empty bag to separate my dirty laundry from my clean clothes. They're also great for holding my dirty laundry for a few days if I'm staying put in one destination for a few days. I'm a bit of a neat freak and hate having my dirty clothes just lying on the floor or sprawled across my room.

They also make great makeshift packing cubes and shoe bags! ...or if you bought too many souvenirs and need to carry an extra bag in your hand.

4. PEN & PAPER

I've lost count how many times I've needed to fill out customs forms and strangers are asking to borrow my pen on the flight or as we're waiting in line to cross customs. I'm all for sharing, but come on - this is a rookie mistake. If you are reading this blog, you are not a rookie and will always carry a pen.

Furthermore, if you're travelling to a country where language might be barrier, I've had luck where I've asked locals to write down whatever they're saying in their language and used Google Translate's photo feature to translate their sentence #PowerOfGoogle. I also like to journal tidbits of my adventures in real time, so pen and paper are always essential!

5. FLIP CARDS WITH PICTURES

No matter where you travel, communication is always key. Your limits are truly tested when there is a language barrier between you and the locals but there is a lot you can do to prepare yourself. Aside from learning a few basics before your trip (hello and thank you are a must), I also like to bring flip cards of pictures of travel essentials in case I ever need to ask using visuals. Some of the pictures I print off include a toilet, airplane, water, police officer, doctor, and food. If I have time beforehand, I also like to customize the flip cards so they include a translation of the item in the local language. However, sometimes this is also difficult if you're visiting different regions where dialects and access to education could differ.