Whether you are day tripping from home or a cruise ship, or travelling alone, as a couple or with family, supporting the Scouting adage of “be prepared” is an essential travel tip.
When our kids were little we carried backpacks for all their essentials. We lugged around drinks and snacks, wet wipes and extra clothes, toys and other distractions. Now that we are older we still carry as much stuff, it’s just different stuff. It is important to be prepared for whatever comes your way so that it does not interrupt your travel plans.
Following is a list of what we generally carry with us in our backpacks. Decide from this what you think you will need. If I have missed anything you find essential be sure to drop us a note. This list can be a work in progress.
- Depending on the weather we carry an umbrella, windbreaker or light sweater, sunglasses and a hat. This can be very helpful if you are travelling off season in cooler or rainy weather, or need shade from the heat of a blistering summer day.
- A camera, cell phone or tablet to take pictures.
- Phone are important as they carry the pre-programmed numbers for the Canadian Embassy and our hotel or cruise ship in case of emergencies. Be sure to check with your cell phone provider for an economical plan for other countries. We have Rogers “Roam as You Go” plans so we only pay for the days when we have to turn our phones on. Facebook Messenger takes care of communication with the kids.
- The tablet also carries our Google translate app, walking directions and maps, audio apps for the sites we are visiting and protected copies of all our travel documents. When we find free Wi-Fi we use the tablet to send emails and photos back home.
- Our lunch, water bottles and snacks. See our article entitled “A Traveler’s Picnic” for more information on this handy inclusion.
- For our health we carry sunscreen, aspirins, lip balm, and a first aid kit that includes bandages. You should also carry any prescriptions medications you may need throughout the day.
- I also carry a collapsible shopping bag in case I purchase souvenirs that won’t fit into the backpack or require careful handling. This has turned out to be very handy.
We do not carry our passports or money in our backpacks. Both of us wear money belts, especially in the cities with the most risk of pick pockets. All other identification, including all credit cards, should be in a money belt as well. It makes me feel fat, but certainly more secure.
I have talked to many travelers who find being burdened by packs and purses interferes with their carefree experience. Others are concerned about leaving packs in buses, taxis or restaurants. Others still about being targeted by thieves because a heavy pack suggests there might be something valuable inside. There is also the physical ramifications of carrying a weight on your back all day. These are all reasonable concerns and should be taken into consideration before making your final decision. Carrying a backpack is definitely a personal preference.