Where to Buy Travel Essentials: Best Deals for All Budget Types

1. Pack accordingly

Considerably the first thing that any traveler should consider when packing is to know where, when, and who you are packing for. Packing for a solo trip over the weekend can be relatively easy, but the same thing cannot be said if you’re going on a Disneyland trip with your family or a week-long cruise with your partner. Pack accordingly and strategically by having a packing list on hand and some travel essentials packed and loaded.

Packing does not only mean bringing all that you want with you. Instead, it involves careful consideration of the items you need against those you wish to bring. Generally, airlines pose baggage limits in both size and weight. Considering this, it is important that you pick the clothes and items you bring without missing any of our travel essentials to keep you well and comfortable on your trip. 

2. Pack your clothes strategically.

Knowing how to pack your clothes efficiently and strategically can make a huge difference in how you will pack your suitcase. Knowing that your clothes will take up the most space in your bag or suitcase, it is crucial to learn tricks to help you utilize every inch available in your bag. One of the easiest packing tips that you should know when it comes to clothes is to roll them into tight logs instead of simply folding them into your bag. Aside from that, you can also limit the number of clothing items you bring and consider reusing, washing, or buying clothes if you would need more. 

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make the ‘army roll’ for your clothes:

• Lay your shirt on a flat surface.
• Grab the bottom end and tuck, and fold it about 1/8 of the length of the shirt. 
• With the tuck facing downward, fold the sleeves to keep it in place and fold the whole shirt in three parts overlapping each other.
• Gently rotate the shirt so that the tuck is facing away.
• Grab the end of the shirt and start rolling as tight as you could while easing over the creases as you go. 
• At the end, grab the roll in your hand and tuck it into the pocket created by the first fold to secure it in place.  

3. Organization is key.

When it comes to strategic packing, organizing your stuff into bags, containers, or kits that can help you maintain a clean and neat suitcase. Aside from rolling your clothes, you can start organizing your bag by keeping smaller items such as your makeup, toiletries, as well as cables, and chargers in respective packs. This will keep the items in place without creating a mess inside your suitcase when you travel. Also, consider packing the most used items such as your toiletries on the top portion of your bag so that it is easily accessible without having to dig deeper into the rest of your luggage. The same concept applies to clothes where you should pack your shirts, pants, and jackets according to when you plan to use them.

>> Sort your stuff with packing cubes.

1. Documents

One of the first things that you need to pack and prepare before your departure are all the travel documents and identification you would need to be able to even fly out of the country. Pack documents together in your carry-on bag or purse for easy access whenever required to show your passport, present a valid ID or check-in to your hotel accommodation. While you should be able to access these items with ease, make sure that they are well secure from theft and that you don’t accidentally drop or lose these during your trip. 

2. Comfort

Traveling through long flights to Asia or Europe can become uncomfortable at times. Consider that flight conditions are not always soft and comf. You should also bring special items with you that will allow you to sleep on the plane better, avoid unnecessary noise, and travel with a lot more ease. 

3. Entertainment

For people flying across the world or traveling on a long road trip, the travel hours can become a bit dry and mind-numbingly boring. While the view may sometimes leave you amazed, sitting inside an airplane for more than a few hours can take a toll on you. To make your trip a bit more interesting and exciting, consider bringing entertainment devices or equipment that can keep you busy as you travel from LA to the Philippines. 

4. Hygiene and Personal Care

Going on the road for a long time can take you to some sticky, grimy, and greasy situations. And considering that you won’t be in the comforts of your own home for hours or days, you must be packed and ready to clean yourself up whenever you want to. Nothing beats being able to brush your teeth, wash your face, and freshen yourself up while you’re on the road using your own toiletries. 

5. Safety and Security

Your safety and security while traveling should always be the top priority at all times. Especially for those traveling alone, it is important not only to keep yourself safe from harm but to also keep your bags and other belongings secure whenever you go out and leave your stuff in your hotel room. 

1. Luggage

If you’re flying across the country or going on a tour for several days, carrying a bag or two may not be the most convenient option. Considering the fact that you would have to bring all of your bags with you as you go, having luggage or a suitcase to fit most of your stuff can make your whole commute and travel a lot easier. Not only will it provide more space for your clothes and belongings, but it will also give you the option to simply have your suitcase checked in instead of having it as carry-on. 

There are generally two types of suitcases – hardside and softside. Hardside luggage are those that feature a hard case and rigid frame, which offer a ton of protection from accidental falls and bumps. Most often, weather-resistant, hardside cases are also lauded for the security it adds to your items as it is notably difficult to cut through a hard case as compared to a canvas or nylon suitcase. However, it is also important to note that hardside suitcases offer little to no flexibility, which makes it challenging to squeeze in items as needed. 

Softside suitcases are luggage made using cloth material such as canvas or nylon. Considering its material, this type of suitcase offers more flexibility in terms of storage and often features several pockets and compartments for better organization. However, unlike hardside suitcases, softside cases do not have much to offer in terms of security and protection as the material can be cut by a blade.

2. Multitool

Having a multitool on hand in case of emergency can be a matter of life or death, whether for yourself or others.  While relatively simple, a multitool can come in handy whenever you need to cut through some fabric, fix a loose screw, or open a bottle of liquor. Regardless, it is important to remember that multitools feature a sharp or pointed edge and are generally prohibited as a carry-on. They can only be allowed if kept in a checked bag while traveling. 

3. Noise-cancelling Headphones

Traveling means having to meet and deal with numerous people. And while you cannot control the noise that comes from such a crowded place, having a trusted noise-canceling headphone readily available for you is a fantastic way to escape the loud noise and chaos of a buzzing airport or a crying baby on the plane. Keep your headphone in your carry-on and pop it in to listen to a podcast or to watch a movie unbothered and undisturbed. 

4. Travel Pillow

While you can rely on your chosen airline to provide you with a pillow and a blanket when you fly, you can’t really do the same thing when traveling by land or sitting and waiting on an airport bench. When you are dead tired and looking for a comfortable position to rest, use your travel pillow to support your neck for a restful sleep. Throw in an eye mask and earplugs, and you’ll have a pretty good rest with enough energy for the rest of your activities. 

5. Portable Charger 

Considering our reliance on our mobile phones and laptops, portable chargers are lifesavers in dire situations when you are running low on power and there is no outlet in sight for you to charge your device. Portable chargers come in different sizes and capacities. While some models may be ideal only to charge your phone once or twice, some can be used to power your laptop, phone, wireless earphones, and more.

6. Travel Towel

Most hotels such as the Hyatt and the Marriott Hotels provide a complete set of bathroom necessities and toiletries for their guests. However, some hostels, guesthouses, or motels do not. In cases like this, having a travel towel would be extremely helpful in keeping you clean and fresh. Even better, travel towels are designed to be compact and lightweight so that they won’t take as much space in your luggage when you pack it. 

7. Travel Wallet

Having a travel wallet is one way to keep your carry-on as organized as possible. You can put your cash, credit cards, IDs, travel documents, ticket, boarding pass, passport, and more together for easy access with your travel wallet. Just be extra cautious and aware of your surrounding, as losing your travel wallet while going out would be a serious problem.