I can also be quite an over-packer but I’ve tried to travel light a lot of times. I would share some of the most important travel essentials that I’ve deemed very crucial and were useful for me. 

Before we delve into that, understand that this is not an exhaustive list because there are certain factors that determine what you pack on your trip: 

• Purpose of travelling: The reasons for your trip will differ from time to time from excursions, work trips, or a family visitation.                                         
• Duration: How long will you be there for? This will determine the number of clothes and will largely inform how you pack/what you pack.             
• Season: What kind of clothing will you pack – Is it summer or winter time, do you have to make sure you get your socks ready?. What is the weather like in the place you’re going to?. This will inform the decision on the type of clothing you decide to go with. 
• Mode of traveling:  Are you travelling by air, road or going by train? This is very important because the kind of bags and number of things will matter if you have to get it weighed at the airport and almost everyone tries to save cost. For times where you travel on air, it pays to keep things that may not be accepted that are in bottes into your handbag so you can have that handy. 

Now that you’ve put those very key things into consideration, what are essential items you need to take along with you while travelling? 

   10 Must-have Travel essentials

1. Toiletry bag: As a woman, you need to have a toiletry bag where you can keep things that you use daily like your skincare, toilet paper, and pads (Just to be safe and keep a good menstrual hygiene in check.)  Get travel-size bottles to keep your skincare products, and do not forget your sunscreen. 
2. Water bottle: This is very important to keep you hydrated during your journey as you may not be able to get water at some point in your journey.                                                                                                                            
3. Phone charger with cords: To keep yourself connected, getting yourself the portable charger will help you to use your map apps, get in touch with family, and be safe in case of emergencies.                                      
4. Keychain Alarm: There may be dangerous situations where you need to alarm people, to catch their attention. Having a keychain alarm is a simple and easy way to achieve that while traveling. s is a good way.            
5. Mosquito repellent: This will protect you from mosquito bites no matter the region or state you go, too. You will need this as you do not know what kinds of bugs or insects they deal with where you’re going.         
6. Body bag pouch: This is where you keep your phone charger/phone and valuables, you do not want to be caught slipping.                                       
7. Backpack/ Travel bags: Depending on the above factors you need one of these or both, a backpack if you’re not staying long, and traveling bag if it’s a bit of a long trip, and both if absolutely.                                                      
8. Comfortable shoes: Although you may be a lover of heels or flats, you need comfortable shoes on a journey, to keep your feet protected during the trip, and for times when you have to go hiking or do other related activities.                                                                                                                       
9. Your meds: If you have usual supplements that you use, your health is not on hold because you’re travelling. Your meds are a very serious travel essential.                                                                                                                            
10.  Sun-protection: This encompasses your sunscreen, hats, and sun shades depending on the season. 

Okay, that may seem like a lot but it gives you a good idea of your needed travel essentials when you’re going on your trip, so you don’t find yourself confused or over the place about it when you want to pack. The listed items are some of the very important essentials you need while travelling, they serve varying purposes from keeping you safe, connected, and also light on your journey.