The Top Things You Didn’t Pack

Sure, you’ve written your list and checked it twice, but did you remember to pack along these lifesavers?

Head lamp

From navigating a dark dorm room in your hostel to allowing you to explore the beach after dark to providing light in areas where electricity comes and goes, a good head lamp is invaluable. Plus, if you’re doing any trekking or adventure travel (like exploring caves), it’s likely you’ll need one.

Detergent

A small box of powdered detergent is particularly useful for minimalist travelers. It’ll give you the flexibility to wash things right in your room easily, particularly items that need a wash between wearings. (Think: underwear and sweaty workout gear.)

Ziploc bags

Ziploc bags are a must-have for travelers. Keep your toiletries in them to ensure they don’t open and get on your clothing, store hard-to-find items like jewelry, use them to keep wet items away from dry ones, as impromptu moisture covers for electronics and more. Be sure to pack a variety of sizes.

Extra medication

If you require daily medication, make sure you bring at least several days worth extra. You never know when you won’t be able to reach a pharmacy, an unknown-to-you holiday prevents stores from being open, the medication is out of stock or another unknown and unpleasant situation might arise. And keep those prescriptions in your carry-on!

Carry-on bag with a change of clothing

Speaking of carry-on bags, yours should include any medications, electronics and a change of clothing. If your bag gets lost, you don’t want to be worried about the fate of your digital camera — or whether the clothes you’ve spent 48 hours traveling in still smell okay.