As I think most of you who travel have figured out, there's always something you forgot to pack, or something you wish you'd done differently, or something you swear you're going to remember to do differently next time. For me it was over packing (before I switched to my carry-on only rule) and overlooking things like forgetting I don't have internet when I leave the hotel and trying to remember directions. Trust me on that one, it only took one time to learn that lesson! So, I decided to put together a list of random things that I've learned along the way.
On-The-Go Snacks:
*Kind Bars with no chocolate, because, you know, they'll melt and that's a mess no one wants. These are great to have in your daypack/purse/backpack in case you find yourself somewhere without food.
*Cereal or oatmeal.
*What not to bring: Fresh fruit, vegetables, meats or nuts. There are many countries that don't allow these items coming from an outside location. If you are going to pack any of these items just make sure to finish eating them before you land. I've traveled with nuts and not had any issues but it's better to be safe than having to pay fines. Alternatively you can research your destination first to see if they have any food restrictions.
Misc:
*A copy of the first page of your passport. Leave this in your suitcase, that way if your daypack/purse/backpack gets stolen you'll still have identification.
*A copy of your hotel/hostel/Airbnb reservation. If your phone dies before you get to your destination this will come in handy.
*Make sure you have cash on you at all times. It doesn't have to be a lot (and it shouldn't be) but I've had times where I could only use cash and didn't have it. Think public transportation, tipping, or food stands/trucks.
*First Aid Kit. Do you know how hard it is to find things in a foreign country whose language you don't speak? I typically have band-aids, neosporin, Pepto tablets, anti-diarrheal tablets, nail clippers, nail file, couple gauze pads, tampons and headache medicine.
*Have the post office hold your mail. You can schedule start and end dates and choose whether they deliver your mail or you pick it up.
Transportation:
*Download Google Maps for offline use.
*Create a map in Google My Maps and add your hotel(s), police station, Embassy, etc. Then you can take a screen shot of it if you want to save battery life. Otherwise if you're offline the map will still pull up the information you saved and you have the ability to zoom in.
*Screen shots of walking directions. While you're at your hotel before you head out for the day, take a screen shot of walking directions. Getting lost as a solo female traveler isn't always a safe idea.
*Ask the hotel/hostel for a reputable taxi company. I personally haven't done this but there are certain countries that are known for taxi's that scam tourists.
As I think of more things to add tho this list I'll periodically update this blog. Do you have any good tips? I'd love to hear them!