By Sarah Curless
Once you’ve booked the tickets, stepped on the plane, and jetted off: the rest is out of your hands.
I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t always control where the wind takes you; the universe likes to have other plans.
What you can control, however, is how you prepare and what you bring for the journey.
Over the years, I have found the most crucial things to pack to save me in difficult moments.
Here are the things I could not travel without
Noise Cancelling Headphones
The world can be so much sometimes, and a big part of that comes from the blaring sounds.
Luckily, we are in a day and age where technology has advanced at a rapid speed. There are now devices that allow you to retreat to your own little world, no matter where you are.
That is, of course, noise cancelling headphones.
They are spoken about a lot for good reason, and that is because they really can be game-changing for those moments when you just feel too overwhelmed.
I noticed that the reason Japan made me feel so calm is because it was so quiet.
However, the second I stepped back into the bustling London with it’s blaring horns and noisy crowds, I was on the verge of a panic attack.
We don’t realise how much of an impact sound has on us until we remove it.
If this is something you struggle with, I highly recommend investing in some noise cancelling headphones.
The beauty is, once you put the headphones on, you are in your own world. Nobody has to know what you’re listening to!
Music has healing abilities, so you can listen to whatever speaks to your soul. This could be comforting music, upbeat music, or even just calming frequencies.
Another incredible use is that the internet is full of guided meditations designed to put your mind at ease, and headphones allow you to access these no matter where you are.
They are an amazing tool to retreat to your own bubble. I find them most useful on planes; this is when I feel most anxious and just need to disconnect.
Being present in the world is amazing, but sometimes it can be too much. It is completely okay to take a moment to yourself.
Open-ear Earbuds
Noise cancelling headphones can be so helpful for those moments when you just need to block the world out. But unfortunately, sometimes it just isn’t safe to do so.
There are times when you need to be aware of your surroundings, but it can be overwhelming.
Luckily, I have found the perfect middle ground: open-ear earplugs. These are earplugs that rest over your ear, instead of inside.
As someone with sensory issues who hates the earbuds that rest deep inside your ear, but also doesn’t want to completely block the world out; these have been a game changer.
I personally use ‘Tozo Open Earrings.’ They are so compact and can fit anywhere, and still allow me to experience the calming benefits of sound whilst being aware.
As a bonus; they are much cheaper and lighter than noise cancelling headphones!
A Journal
I will never forget one time when I was in a beautiful location by the beach, and couldn’t help but feel anxious and think ‘I just want to go home.’
But once I took a second to sit and journal, I realised that it was not the home that I needed, it was a moment to be with my thoughts.
I whole-heartedly believe that no matter where I am in the world, I can be okay as long as I have my journal.
Travelling can be fast-paced and make your head feel like a whirlwind. After all, you’re constantly taking in new information about the world and yourself.
But journaling allows you to make sense of it, understand your emotions, and calm the storm.
That is why taking a little notebook and pen with you everywhere can be life changing.
Not only can it drastically improve your mental health, but it can be a great way to look back and reflect on your trip.
You are effectively giving yourself a unique log of your travels that shows more than a photo ever could. How beautiful would it be to have a glimpse into the mind of your younger self?
A Camera
Photography can sometimes get a bad rep. When you think of a tourist, you think of those annoying crowds snapping pictures and looking at the world through a lens.
However, when it is used correctly, photography can be a powerful tool to enhance a trip.
Rather than disconnecting you, it can be a tool to engage more with the world around you. It allows you to take notice of your surroundings and notice patterns.
Hundreds of people can be given a camera, but each of them will notice different things and be drawn to different stimuli. Photography allows you to show people how the world looks through your unique eyes.
This can also be a tool to document your emotions. For example, you could start a project where you take a picture every time you feel happy or inspired.
Not only does it allow you to remember the trip, but it can be a creative outlet.
However, if you’re snapping pictures on your phone, it can be so tempting to get caught in the trap of ‘just opening reels’ or ‘just checking a message.’ This, of course, can take you out of the moment.
That is why putting your phone away and having a separate camera can be an amazing tool. This gives you a device that is purely for capturing memories and moments.
I know what you’re thinking: “I can’t afford to fork out thousands on a camera!”
Good news, you don’t have to! The photos don’t need to be good quality unless you want them to be, so the camera doesn’t need to be expensive.
You can find so many high-end, expensive cameras, but you can also find really affordable ones. Second hand is also a great option, or even a children’s camera.
At the end of the day, it’s not about the camera itself but what you do with it. Many of the older or childish cameras even have a very vintage look that adds character and charm.
No matter what camera you choose, the main purpose is having that separation from your phone.
Comfort Items
When everything is new and overwhelming, sometimes all you need is the comfort of home.
Unfortunately, you can’t magically teleport to your childhood bedroom whenever you like. What you can do, however, is bring a piece of home with you.
So, whether that is a picture, a trinket, or a meaningful piece of jewellery, have an item that grounds you and brings you back to your roots.
It doesn’t need to be expensive, just meaningful.
Whenever you feel overwhelmed or just need a bit of comfort, you always have that with you to turn to and remind you of what matters most.
Travel Journal
Souvenirs can be expensive, and a lot of the time they are tacky and don’t mean much.
But there is a much more unique kind of souvenir, one money couldn’t buy: a travel journal.
No, not the one where you write ‘dear diary’, but a different kind that has completely changed my travel game.
I bought a cheap notebook for a couple of pounds, and it is the most valuable souvenir I could ever dream of.
That is because, wherever I go, if I meet an inspiring stranger along the way, I ask them to sign it or even write a note of their best life advice.
Not only has this allowed me to engage more with the locals and make meaningful connections, but it gives me a souvenir like no other.
There is no better feeling than looking back and remembering what was truly important about the trip: the people. Reading their kind words and hearing their advice is truly transformative.
It can also encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and speak to new people.
So, why not give it a go on your next trip? You save yourself some money and bring back a unique souvenir that you can treasure forever.
A Power Bank
This one is more of a practical one (I know, boring!)
In fact, this one is a bit different because it is one that I don’t actually own.
So, why am I including it on the list, you may ask? Because everytime I travel, I wish I had one. It’s one of those things that I say I’m going to buy and never do, but always need it without fail.
That is, in fact, a power bank.
As much as I hate my phone for how much it takes my attention, unfortunately in this day and age, we need them.
Not only for practicality, but for safety. Especially if you’re solo travelling, having a sufficiently charged phone is crucial.
You need it for directions, paying, but also safety in case you get lost. Trust me, you do not want to wind up in a situation with no charge on your phone, as I have discovered the hard way one too many times.
So, we both need to take this advice, spend that extra cash and get yourself that power bank. It’s a boring purchase that will be so worth it in the long run.
A Fan
When a location is hot, there is one item that keeps me mentally sane: a fan.
As my family will know, the humidity turns me into a different beast. I am not responsible for the monster I become when the heat reaches above 25 degrees.
So, If i want to retain some level of sanity and humanity, it is so important for me to have a fan on me at all times.
Recently, a purchase that saved my life are fans that go around your neck. These are relatively cheap, give you one less thing to carry, and transfer cold directly on to your face.
If, like me, you get overwhelmed by heat, I could not recommend this more.
Packing can be an overwhelming task, especially when every location requires different things.
But hopefully, this gives you a baseline of items that can really help to ground you no matter where you are.
Why not make life easier for future you and reflect on what items would help you the most, even if they aren’t on this list?
You can’t stop difficult moments from happening, but you can always come prepared!
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