Must-Have Travel Accessories: Never Leave Home Without Them
Unless you're one of those lucky people who can pack their suitcase in 10 minutes or less and be out the door and on your way, traveling tends to involve a lot of prep. There are packing checklists, wardrobe choices to make, toiletries to gather, documents to print, and more. And that's all before leaving your house! Once you've actually left for your destination, there are additional considerations such as car or hotel parking passes, gas stations along the way, Wi-Fi passwords at hotels, and so forth.
Fortunately, there are plenty of accessories that make travel easier (and safer) for women. Many of these items can be used in different scenarios or taken with you wherever you go. Check out our top 5 travel accessories for women that you should never leave home without again!
Your ID, Credit Cards, and Cash in a Travel Wallet
If you lose your wallet, it can ruin your whole trip. Protect your valuables from theft by keeping them in a travel wallet. These small pouches are designed to be lightweight, easy to use, and hold your most important travel documents, including ID, credit cards, and cash.
Many travel wallets also have built-in RFID blocking capabilities to prevent electronic pickpocketing. RFID technology is used in many driver's licenses and credit cards and can be scanned remotely without you even knowing. Keeping your wallet protected from electronic theft can keep you from becoming a victim of identity theft. If you want to make sure you don't forget your wallet when you're out and about, you can also get a travel wallet that attaches to your keys.
Good Walking Shoes
If you are doing any amount of walking as part of your trip, you should choose high-quality walking shoes. Good walking shoes have a special type of sole called "stability" that is designed to support your arches and keep you from falling or twisting your ankle while walking. Wearing the right footwear can help prevent injury and keep you walking longer and happier.
You can wear walking shoes on your trip and back home again. If you want extra convenience, look for a pair of slip-on walking shoes that you can wear without laces. This can make for a more relaxing walk in a new city and help prevent blisters if you're new to walking shoes.
A Portable Charger
If you're traveling with a smartphone and plan to use it for navigation, taking photos, and more, bring a portable charger. This can charge your phone when you aren't able to get to an outlet. Many portable chargers come with built-in cables, so you don't need to pack a bunch of different ones. You may also want an adapter if your charger isn't compatible with the outlets at your destination or if you plan to charge your phone in your hotel room. Be sure to choose a charger that can handle whatever power needs your phone has, and bring an extra cable just in case.
A Watch with GPS and Step Tracking
If you're bringing a smartphone with you during your trip, one accessory to consider is a watch with built-in GPS. A GPS watch like the Apple Watch or the Garmin Vivoactive 3 is designed to track your distance, heart rate, calories burned, and other health metrics so you can accurately record your workout wherever you go. A GPS watch also doubles as a smartwatch and works with your smartphone to send and receive calls, text messages, and more.
Many watches also track your sleep so you can see how well you rested and how much light exposure you got. If you choose a GPS watch that also includes step tracking, you can wear it to monitor your movements without carrying a separate device in your pocket. A GPS watch is a unique accessory that has a variety of helpful functions and can track your health in a way that doesn't feel invasive.
A Secure Travel Bag
If you're going to be traveling with a laptop, a DSLR camera, or another piece of valuable equipment, you should use a travel bag designed to protect your things when you're in transit. Look for a travel bag that has a built-in computer sleeve and is made with a water-resistant material. You may also want a travel bag with wheels and a retractable handle if you plan to walk with it. Certain travel bags are built with extra security features, such as an RFID-blocking pocket and locking zipper pulls. While you're on the road, you might want to think about compiling a list of your equipment in a digital spreadsheet and putting it in the cloud.
A Small Umbrella
If you're traveling to a location that has unpredictable weather, you should pack a small umbrella. A small umbrella is easier to carry around than a large one and is usually affordable enough that you can buy a new one if you lose or break it. If you do choose a small umbrella, it may be a good idea to secure it under your clothing so it doesn't get lost while you're traveling. Be sure to pick a sturdy umbrella that is designed to withstand strong winds. And don't forget to use it!
A Good Sunscreen
Don't forget to pack for your skin too. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from the sun's rays. Wear a hat or a scarf when you are outside for long periods of time. Avoid tanning beds. Regular exfoliation can help your skin stay healthy and beautiful.
Wi-Fi Finder
If you're planning to unplug from technology while on vacation, that's great! But if you do need to stay connected, you can use a Wi-Fi finder to locate available Wi-Fi networks. This device plugs into your computer or phone and shows nearby Wi-Fi networks, including their signal strength, network name, bandwidth, and even login information. This can help you navigate unfamiliar areas and find the best connection for your needs. Many Wi-Fi finders also have a security feature that lets you block networks that aren't secure. If you have a large group that needs reliable Wi-Fi, you may want to look into a dedicated Wi-Fi router. This device can extend the range of your connection while giving each person their own secure network.
Travel Organiser
If you have a lot of loose papers to keep track of while traveling, a travel organizer can help. A travel organizer can hold a variety of documents and keep them safe from getting crumpled, torn, or lost. You can use travel organizers to store information like hotel Wi-Fi passwords, car rental contracts, travel itineraries, and more.
Many travel organizers come with separate pockets to keep things organized and easy to find. If you're bringing a laptop with you on your trip, you can also get a travel laptop bag to protect your computer, keep all your cables and accessories together, and store any other documents you need.
Conclusion
Travel is a great way to expand your horizons and see new sights and cultures. But it can also be a challenge logistically, especially if you do not prepare properly. Make sure you have all of the gadgets and accessories you need for your trip so that you can focus on enjoying yourself. Visit Womenwire.com to have all the information, tips, and tools you need to travel safely and comfortably and enjoy yourself.