The days and weeks leading up to an overseas trip are a hectic and exciting time. Between sorting your insurance, saying your goodbyes, and weighing your luggage, make sure you don’t forget these five important (and often overlooked) items.

1. Phone Charger

Your smartphone is likely to be in your hand as you settle into your seat and switch on flight mode. Your charger might not be so lucky.

All too often, laptop, cellphone, and camera cords are still plugged into an outlet at the hotel or gathering dust under your bed, as you board your flight.

To avoid forgetting these electrical lifelines, pack your charging cords at the same time as you pack your technology.

Well-prepared travellers should also consider buying a compact power board, portable power bank, and universal plug adaptor to ensure a smooth experience charging your tech overseas.

  • Chargers (phone, laptop, tablet, camera)
  • Uploading cables (camera cords)
  • Power board
  • Power bank
  • Universal plug adaptor

2. Swimsuit

When narrowing down your wardrobe to the essentials it’s easy to overlook special occasion clothing such as snow gloves or swimsuits.

But even if you’re heading somewhere cold it’s wise to pack at least one pair of trunks for potential spa pools or hot springs.

If you know you’re headed for a location with warm weather and beaches we recommend bringing more than one swimsuit. It’s useful to have a spare while one suit is drying, and swimwear can double as an outfit for beachfront activities.

Save yourself some luggage space and skip the bulky towels. It’s more than likely your hotel or Airbnb will provide some.

If you’re determined to bring a beach towel, choose one that’s lightweight, fast-drying, and can pack down to a small size.

  • Swimsuits
  • Lightweight travel towel

3. Medication

Most of the items on this list can be easily replaced overseas, but forgetting to bring medication can put a serious damper on your trip.

It’s a wise idea to travel with a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor detailing your medication needs. Should you lose your meds, or have a medical emergency overseas, having documentation can get you the help you need faster.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses we’d also recommend bringing a spare pair or box. If anything happens to your current eyewear, a backup will keep you seeing clearly till you can buy more.

Even nomads in perfect health can benefit from bringing along a small first aid kit for the travel bag. Items such as plasters, wet wipes, and portable tissues are easy to take for granted but can be great sources of comfort when the going gets tough.

  • Medication: inhalers, antihistamines, etc.
  • Prescription list and doctor’s note
  • Spare glasses and/or contact lenses
  • First aid kit: plasters, wet wipes, tissues, pain relief, hand sanitiser, tweezers, motion sickness pills.

4. Passport

Yes, unfortunately, this does happen.

Leaving your passport on the nightstand the morning of your flight can seem like a nightmare, but forgetting where you left it is a bigger problem.

If you find yourself separated from your passport while overseas, don’t panic. Report the missing document to the local police, and contact your national embassy and travel insurance provider for help.

For such a vital piece of property, loss prevention is always better than waiting around for a replacement. It’s a wise idea to invest in a good travel wallet that can keep your passport safe, yet easy to access when you need it.

Take care not to leave your passport unattended in public places. If you’re staying in a shared room or hostel keep your passport and valuables secured in a locker when you’re away.

  • Passport
  • Travel wallet

5. Umbrella/Sunhat

Heading to a brand new destination? Good on you! But be sure to pack prepared for the local weather.

Bring a small umbrella if you’re travelling to a tropical city like Singapore with calm winds but plenty of showers.

If your city of choice buckets with rain but also features high winds, like playful Wellington, skip the umbrella for a lightweight waterproof jacket.

Nomads chasing the sun in seaside cities like Playa del Carmen will be grateful for wide brim sunhats, and in cities with high UV ray exposure, like the sweltering Cairns, pack some extra sunscreen and aloe vera gel to safeguard against crispy skin.

  • Umbrella, waterproof boots
  • Waterproof jacket, waterproof backpack cover
  • Sunhat
  • SPF 50 waterproof sunscreen
  • Aloe Vera gel

There’s a lot to remember when you’re planning a trip.

By making and checking off a list of everything you plan on bringing, you can save yourself time and jog your memory if you’re feeling tired or distracted.

Safe travels, and remember the necessities!