Packing Checklist for Your Next Big Adventure
- Written by News Feature Team
Going on vacation can be so exciting, especially when you are making an adventure of it and going a little bit outside of your comfort zone. These types of trips may take a lot of planning but are so worth it in the end when you come home with a renewed sense of self and a whole bunch of great memories. Embarking on a travel adventure can give you better confidence and make you realize just how much you are actually capable of. Even the most seasoned adventurer comes across situations they did not expect though, but the difference between someone who may be more of a rookie and someone who is a veteran traveler is that if you have done this before, you will most likely be prepared for something even if you weren’t expecting it. There are a few things that everyone should be sure to have in their pack to make sure you are ready for anything.
All Purpose Tool
If you are going on an adventure, especially if you will be by yourself, it is a great idea to bring along some type of all-purpose tool. This may be a swiss army knife, a multi-head screw driver, or other useful tool. If you are in the wilderness you never know when you will need to puncture, or cut something. Even if you are traveling hostel to hostel, this tool may help you fix a faulty wheel on your suitcase. The other benefit of a tool like this is that it can be used as a form of protection if necessary.
Printed Confirmation Emails
You may think this sounds silly but have you ever been in another country with no internet and been unable to pull up your prepaid plane ticket on your phone because you do not have service? Whether it is your rental car confirmation from Sixt, or a hotel confirmation, make sure to print out a hard copy of anything you may need. Even if you do have internet wherever you are, there is always the unfortunate chance that you will lose or have your phone stolen. Make sure you are not relying on an electronic 100% for anything, because you never know.
A Rain Jacket or Umbrella
I cannot tell you how many times I have been on a trip where the weather was supposed to be perfectly nice and all of the sudden it starts downpouring. If you have ever been in this situation before, you know how frustrating it is to be forced to purchase an umbrella when you probably already have at least two at your house. Avoid this chance by packing some rain protection, just in case.
A Compass
This is another one that most people rely on their phone for. We have all become so comfortable with google maps and other applications that point us in the exact direction we may need to go. However, can you imagine being someone with no phone and no idea where you are? You can always ask for directions but in order to know you are going the right way, you often need to know your north from your south.