One thing about me is that I am somewhat of a travel person. Not very much (for now) but I definitely would want to spend my life doing so. I go outside often; I do errands and go out for leisure, maybe if there are outdoor trips I am invited in, I make sure I can go and have a great time. I work at home so taking the time to be out and about is helpful for me to not lose my mind.
I enjoy being out in the city; shopping, walking around parks, trying out food and more. I also get to appreciate nature. I'm not a big hiking and camping person (yet) but I like swimming, ecological parks, maybe biking, and light outdoor experiences. The thing is, I don't get to have the time, money, and energy to try more adventures, so I only end up with walking around the city, going to malls and nearby parks, and eating out. I don't go far a lot, and I haven't been for quite some time. Besides, if things go well, I plan to go on several bigger trips sometime this year.
With that, I am also big on being prepared for anywhere I go. I make sure that I get everything I need everywhere I go. I am also raised to be always ready for trips and learned from my family to make sure things are all set before I go out. That way it will not be very inconvenient. I am known as someone with a bulky bag for this reason. In fact, I get to help others as well because I am ready. There could even be an inside joke about me being a girl scout because I'm "always ready" (that was the scout's slogan. I also joined during my first grade).
This is a little, simple guide to how I pack my bag to wherever I go. It varies from every type of trips I go.
What's in my basic purse (simple and quick errands)?
What’s in my bag? Let's start whenever it’s uneventful. I'm just going out in the city and only having quick basic errands like shopping and food, especially if I’m just expected to get home right away. I bring less (just my needs) for my convenience and less overwhelm. It’s also less prone to losing stuff.
Wallet
Cards - I am a huge fan of card payments wherever I go (or any form of cashless payments, really). I always make sure my cards are always with me. It's great for convenience and points. Sometimes if I get lucky, I can avail myself of some exclusive promos. Although I know that not all establishments offer cashless payments yet, I still can use my card to withdraw money.
Cash - From commuting to most of my purchases and transactions, I use cash. A lot of establishments and transportation in my area are not cashless ready, and having bills and coins in your pocket has always been the norm. So whenever you have to go out, you should always have some cash with you.
ID - A piece of advice I learned online is bring at least one valid/government ID wherever you go, you'll never know when you'll get into a transaction that will need you to prove your identity. I always have my National ID in my wallet. I don't get to use it, but there were scenarios that I did, and now it's just good to have those handy, saves so much hassle.
Devices
Phone - This goes without explanation, really. Your phone is your friend when you're out, like literally. You get to catch up with people, make transactions, keep yourself entertained, and a lot more.
Tablet - I seldom bring my tablet out because it could feel heavy and bulky, but when I do, it is big stuff. I get to use it for entertainment or if I need to work around something that would require me a bigger screen.
Earbuds - The world is empty without my earbuds. I get to listen to music or watch videos everywhere; in commute, in malls, in restaurants, literally everywhere.
Camera - I don't bring it sometimes especially if I'm just grabbing some groceries, but I bring it a lot if I'm going to some interesting places/events or if I know I'm stopping by a nice place.
Power bank + Wires - I have a pocket one and it works wonders. It lasts long and makes sure that my phone won't give up on me while I'm out.
Keys - Pretty self-explanatory. It's important to make sure to have our house keys so that we can lock the house if we're going to be away, security stuff. I don't drive but I also have a copy of our vehicle key just in case.
Hygiene Items
Alcohol/Sanitizer - I'm not a germ freak per se, but I know I could get messy, and I could touch dirty things (dirty metals make my hand itch), so I've always built a habit of bringing a small spray bottle of alcohol. I also use it to spray myself whenever I'm feeling sticky and sweaty.
Face Towel and/or Tissues/Wipes - Aside from having my face towel wherever I go, I also bring a small pack of tissues most of the time. I'm messy when I eat out, and I can be very oily and sweaty from too much moving around and humidity. I need to wipe my face, and hands of course. I feel naked and dirty without having a face towel or any wiping stuff with me.
Perfume - Speaking of sweaty and oily, I can also feel smelly most of the time, even when I just showered. So, I always have a little bottle of perfume with me.
Some Make-up (I already do basic makeup at home but I bring a few items for retouches and to make myself presentable)
Powder - To help with the oiliness in my face.
Lipstick/Lipgloss - For the lips (I also use it on cheeks).
Lip balm - To aid with chappy, dried lips.
Pocket mirror - To make sure I look fine
Hair Ties - To save my hair from the hot mess.
Ointments/Eucalyptus Oil - As a huge ball of anxiety, stress, and discomfort, I always bring a small bottle of eucalyptus oil with me to relieve my discomfort every time I'll need it.
Portable Fan - The hot weather adds up to my physical discomforts, so having portable fan with me really helps in making sure I get the ventilation I need.
Bigger Travels, what else should I pack?
In addition to my basic purse, these are what I bring when it is a huge planned trip like an out of town or an overnight stay. I used to bring books, a notebook, and a pen. But I realize I don't use it often because I read and write on my devices anyway so I just ditched them.
Clothes - This depends on how many days I will be staying in and what the purpose of the trip will be. Always make sure to bring pairs of tops, bottoms, underwear, and shoes.
Indoor clothes - I personally recommend bringing at least one or two pairs of indoor clothes, something that you feel cozy and comfortable wearing inside your hotel room and maybe sleep in.
Event/Itinerary-related - Going swimming? I must bring my pair of swimwear. Fancy dinner? I'll bring my best dress. Themed event? I should get myself something that fits the theme. Just make sure that you feel good and comfortable for anything.
Outdoor clothes - Wherever I go, I always get to walk around outside the hotel I'm staying at. Whether I'm going for a casual walk, have a coffee, or maybe some fast food.
Towels - Usually, I don't bring my own and just go for hotel towels. But I do bring mine if I feel like doing so. Also, if I am going swimming, of course I will bring my towels.
Toiletries - We know that most hotels have a toiletries kit but it's still better to bring your own, especially if you have specific preferences in soaps, shampoos, and dental products. It's also preferred since we have other products that are part of our routines.
Lotion
Soap
Shampoo
Dental Products
Comb
Deodorant
More makeup - This is not just the pocket set of makeup I usually use wherever I go, but the full glam pouch itself. I'm not really a big makeup person either so I don't have that much. But it's a full-on trip, better to look pretty when we can.
Blush
Foundation
Concealer
Eyeshadow
Eyeliner
Mascara
Medication - I don't take medications currently, but If I have/need medication that time, I make sure I have some with me if I will be out.
Other Paperwork - This goes for Tickets, Vouchers, Reservations, Forms, and other forms of document essential for your travel.
Water, mint candies, and snacks - I need food and drinks of course. Also, mint candies help me with vehicle discomforts like getting dizzy because of bad AC and motion sickness.
Simple tips and tricks if you're going away.
While we’re already on the topic of going out and traveling. Why not share some basic tips that I have been doing and think will be valuable to beginner and occasional travelers. These are not huge expert advice but these are still helpful to make your trip a good experience.
Turn off all electronics and gas tanks - Before you go, make sure everything is off and plugged out. This is to avoid home accidents while we're away, and also to save on your electronic bills and avoid unnecessary consumption. Optional on fridges especially if you have perishable items inside.
Make sure your house is locked - Avoid the chance of an intruder going into your house while you're away. This is not just applicable on doors and gates, but also other entry points like windows. It's also preferable to have a security system or trust someone to look after, but locking your house does the trick. Security stuff.
Make sure your device batteries are fully charged (even if you have a power bank or the place has charging areas) - This is just a silly habit that I do, and I think this can be helpful. I take pictures, watch videos, and listen to music a lot, pretty battery-consuming activities. So I make sure I go out with good battery percentage. I also hate dealing with charging wires when I'm out.
Arrive at the terminal 30 minutes before, maybe earlier if you're flying - Terminals and stations get pretty busy and overwhelming. You'll feel bombarded and staff members may not be able to assist you. Make sure you arrive earlier so that you'll get seamlessly settled ahead of time (and the vehicle won't leave you). Airports also have several processes before boarding, so being early makes sure that you can take your time. I've never been on a flight before but this is based on observations.
Take note of your flight/bus number and you can send it to people you trust - This way you can keep other people updated with your whereabouts or find you. They'll also be alerted for any emergencies and trip accidents. If you’re not comfortable giving those right away, it’s good to take note for yourself when you need it.
Be mindful of your IDs and documents - Whenever you're out, make sure you have at least one government ID with you at all times. Some documents can be just an e-document you can show using your phone. But based on my experience, some places may ask for physical copies. Follow if there's an indicated instruction on your document and make sure they are in good condition, clear to read, and the contents are not compromised, blurred, and mismatched to your ID
Update your emergency contacts - Heaven forbids accidents happen, but sometimes they do. A way that establishments act on it is to reach out to your emergency contacts. Whether they are listed in your IDs, written somewhere, or saved on your phone, make sure their contact information is updated so it will be easier.
Bring cash at all times - Even if cashless payments are already on the rise, there are still establishments and vehicles that prefer cash, and most of the time those are the local places and things that you’ll want to try. If you’re in another country, make sure you have local currency handy before your itinerary.
Be kind and respectful to the place, culture, and people. - This goes without further explanation. Exploring and getting to know a place gets better if you’re kind and respectful, that way you’ll be surrounded with nice people with positive vibes, resulting in a fantastic travel experience. You’ll get it.
That’s it. Manifesting good travels and new outdoor experiences for us this year!
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