10 Items Every Traveler Should Pack

When traveling, there are often two types of travelers. First, there are those travelers that pack their suitcase a week in advance. They want to make sure they all the items they might need on their vacation or business trip. These are the types that check and double check until they leave for the airport. On the flip side, there are travelers that are packing the night before an early flight. They throw items in their carry-on, and what they've forgotten they'll worry about later. Whichever type of traveler you are, there are always essential items that you shouldn't leave home without having in your suitcase.

1) Identification:

In the United States, your driver's license identifies you almost anywhere. If you leave this at home and you're in the security terminal, you'll be turned away. It's a form of identification they require to board air crafts and to board cruise lines. It includes your photo, name and address if your luggage is lost. It contains your birth dates and a sobriety scan if you go out drinking. On the back it signifies you're a donor god forbid an emergency happen out of town. This holds all the information you'll need-leave home without it, and you'll be lost.

2) Keys:

I'm more specifically talking about doors that lock automatically, such as apartments. If you forget your keys and they're on the inside, this may delay your trip and make you miss your flight. Furthermore, if you have chosen to lock your luggage, keep these keys in a secure place to ensure you have them later on in your trip.

3) Money:

Instead of carrying cash, while traveling I carry traveler's checks. It's much easier to handle, and it's tendered the same as cash. Also, if you lose cash, it can't be traced or replaced. On the other hand, if you lose traveler's checks, American express sends you more. Make sure you're careful about all debit and credit cards. It's easy for someone to steal your identity, so a good tip is to put your hand over your number while sliding it. This prevents everyone from seeing your number. Furthermore, try to carry your money on your body instead of in your carry-on. This is much more secure, and will help prevent theft from luggage.

4) Travel Tickets:

The majority of the population isn't wealthy, and forgotten travel tickets can become an expensive mistake. It's a good idea to keep all airline, cruise and train tickets next to your money and/or identification. Each time you go through a security gate, you'll have to present this document.Also, the outline of your trip is usually printed on the ticket.

5) Some type of leisure item:

A train ride or plane ride can also be so exciting looking out the window. Take along something in your carry-on that you enjoy doing. This may vary with different people, but on my last Metra train ride to Chicago I took writing ideas to write on for Helium. On my last plane ride, I took music, a portable DVD player, and a handful of puzzle books. It kept me busy the 3 hours to California.


6) Food & Drink:

Don't expect airlines to cater to specific diets. While they do their best, they can't meet the needs of everyone. One of the best items you can prepare for your trip is your own snacks and beverages. Put them in a small area of your carry-on and if you have them, you won't have to worry about buying food in the airport.

7) Camera:

Unless you're traveling on business, you may want some way to remember your trip. Kids are only young once and capturing these memories on film is priceless. Even some business trips can allow for sightseeing trips, so take advantage of it. On top of that, don't forget camera accessories such as batteries and a camera case.

8) Cell phone:

I should know better than to include this because everyone has it and calls it "baby."I'm guilty of the same, but still there have been times that I have gone off leaving it and missed calls. If this contains your schedule, phone numbers, and alarms, don't leave it at home. Double check for the charger, and make sure it's charged when you leave home. If it's not, try to find an outlet in the airport where you can sit and wait for it to charge.

9) Weather-related items:

Airports are commonly cold all throughout the year. If you're easily cold like myself, take a hoodie/jacket along with you when you travel. You want to be comfortable, and remember everyone's body temperature varies by a few degrees. Other related items are hats, gloves and scarves or umbrellas. It might be a good idea to be prepared for all types of weather.

10) Any medication you may need

This is crucial for some people, and often the first item they pack in their carry-on. Federal regulations require they be in a clear, one-gallon Ziploc bag. They must be removed at the security check point, and as long as they're prescriptions you'll be fine. There's no notes from doctors needed here.

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