Amari’s Must-Have Travel Essentials
Vienna, Austria
Howdy! I'm Amari, the founder of Knomi Kado and also a solo world traveler. Traveling the world is my passion, but I'll admit, it can be incredibly exhausting. After unexpectedly being laid off earlier this year, I seized the opportunity to embark on a 30-day journey through Europe. It may not be the typical response to job loss, but I've always yearned for an extended vacation. Before this particular adventure, my longest trip was just around 10 days, with a decent portion of that time spent in transit. Switzerland was amazing, but it left me wishing I had more time to explore and experience.
Since I've never worked for one company long enough to accrue a month of paid time off or qualify for a sabbatical, I saw my layoff as a chance to make my dream a reality. Of course, I made it a bit more challenging by trying to cover 10 countries with only a carry-on and a backpack. Why? Well, I've learned that not every building has an elevator or escalator, and the cost of checked luggage on several European airlines is criminal. Packing light not only saved me hundreds of dollars but also spared my neck and back from the strain of lugging heavy bags up countless flights of stairs.
But this isn’t about the 14 outfits and three pairs of shoes that I kept exchanging up until the day of my flight. This blog post is about my travel essentials, my carefully selected trip companions that comfort me on flights, across continents, and through countless adventures year after year. Whether you're a seasoned explorer looking to update your packing list or a newbie stamp collector planning your first getaway, I hope my favorite travel accessories can make your upcoming trip run smoother.
Portable Charger
Undoubtedly, a portable charger is one of the most essential travel companions, but yet I still come across fellow travelers who go without. If you don’t already own one, buy a charger with 10,000 mAh capacity or higher — it's what determines how many times you can charge your devices.
Handheld Fan
I went from 50° and raining in Munich to 107° and humid in Budapest. My portable fan also came in handy on various means of public transportation and in very long customs lines. The trick is to combine your portable fan with water or ice, you will be cooler even when the temperature reaches 3 digits.
Slipper Socks
Some people wear socks or shoes in their hotel rooms for hygienic purposes. Who really knows how often those floors are sanitized and those carpets are deep cleaned? However, I wear slipper socks simply because they’re comfy, and they help me feel relaxed.
Vigo, Spain
Satin Pillowcase
It doesn’t matter where in the world you are, haircare should never be neglected. Satin pillowcases reduce friction, thereby minimizing frizziness, breakage, and split ends. Its smooth texture is also skin-friendly, lowering the risk of acne.
Vaseline
Vaseline is a godsend because its multipurpose. You can use it on chapped lips, and to moisturize your dry skin, protect wounds, and remove makeup.
Plastic Bags
When traveling, I tend to use plastic bags for snacks, storing important documents, like a passport, and separating my clothes.
Laundry Detergent or Soap Sheets
I didn’t find out about soap sheets until this year. If you’ve never heard of it, it’s what it sounds like: sheets of soap. You may not want to use a pod in the bathroom sink, but you can use the soap to quickly clean your socks or that satin pillowcase. Might I add both laundry detergent and soap sheets are great candidates for those plastic bags. You don’t want them wet before they’re ready to be used.
Soulac-sur-Mer, France
Fanny Pack
Fanny packs or belt bags or waist bags or whatever you choose to call them are fantastic. You can fit your essentials in it, and it’s not bulky. It’s lighter than a purse, there’s no strap digging in to your shoulder, it’s not a clutch you can easily set down and forget, and depending on its size it’s allowed in sporting venues.
Reusable Straw
Some places don’t offer straws, and it’s not just the beachfront properties that are trying to save marine life. If you’re questioning the cleanliness of your glass or you simply prefer sipping your beverage through a straw, carrying a reusable straw on your next trip will definitely come in handy.
Tissue / Wipes
I was on the bus in Sydney, Australia. Out of nowhere, the young lady sitting in front of me puked on herself. I handed her a tissue and disinfectant wipes, and she couldn’t stop thanking me. I know that’s a very unique situation. What’s most likely to happen to you would be an empty tissue holder in the bathroom stall you didn’t check before sitting down or the 4 times in a row you sneezed unexpectedly.
These are my 10 favorite travel essentials that I’ve found useful in my globetrotting endeavors, but they might not all resonate with you, which is fine. Here at Knomi Kado, we purchase gifts based on your interests, and travel happens to be one of the 7 categories from which we shop.