Travel Packing List: Top Things to Bring When Traveling

Passport carrier

Staying organized when traveling is key to making sure not to lose import documents like flight tickets or hotel reservations. I like to use a passport carrier that I can put around my neck. Quick and easy access to paperwork allowing you to keep all important documents on your personal body. Lessening the chance of losing them or having something stolen.

Travel Pillow

Last time I went back to Colorado from Costa Rica, I snapped my travel pillow to my backpack just like I always do. I experienced a moment of dread 30 minutes after my ride had left the airport. The lady in front of me threw her bag and pillow up on the security belt. At that moment I remember when we stopped to eat, I unclipped the pillow so I could take just the bag with me. I never clipped it back on. It was still on the backseat of the jeep. The next 15 hours of travel were very uncomfortable.

Wipes

Handy dandy antibacterial wet wipes are easy to pack plus they take up little room. Make sure to put them where they are easily accessible. This will allow you to wipe down and disinfect your personal space like seats and tray tables on the aircraft or bus. 

Water Bottle

To clarify, the bottle should be empty until you pass through airport security. Airports have water fountains and bottle filling stations. Be sure to fill your water bottle before you board. Many flights have restricted services and may not offer in flight beverages. I have been on many flights where services were stopped due to turbulence.

Bonus tip: If you want a little flavor you can always pack a single serving drink mix.

There are several water bottle options in both style and function. I prefer the one with screw cap, because it protects the area my lips touch. The insulation keeps my drink cold much longer.

Cell Phone

Truthfully I don't know anyone who travels without a cell phone nowadays. Before leaving the country make sure the cell phone is unlocked or that the provider has service in the country you are traveling to. If not, you run the risk of not being able to use it. Even worse you might not be able to access your information like reservations, phone numbers, or photocopies of important travel documents.  As a result you would face missed reservations and confusion when entering the country.

Today's cell phones even work as cameras. My husband Steve has been taking amazing photos on his Apple iPhone 11 Pro. The camera is an added plus when it comes to traveling lightly. He can leave the bigger cameras behind and still get high-quality photos and videos.

Best over-ear headphones

Being able to block out the noise when traveling is a must. I'm very picky about my headphones. I prefer to listen to an audiobook or watch a show during my travels. The bonus is that they block out the crying baby or snoring passengers next to me making the difference in enjoying my travels or being miserable.

My favorite noise-counseling over the ear headphones are made by Bose. They are so comfortable, I can wear them for long periods. Even with my glasses on, they don't hurt my ears or head. Bose noise-counseling technology is amazing! It allows you to change the amount of sound that is allowed in. This provides you the ability to block out more sound or allow some in if you are trying to listen for announcements.

Best in-ear headphones

I never travel without my in-ear headphones. My favorite are Apple Airpods Pro. The wireless charging case holds over 24 hours of the battery, allowing you to charge on the go. Apple Airpods Pro also have good noise cancellation. The lightweight design is great for on the move but not as comfortable long term as the over-ear style. Airpods take up less room when packing light.

I can access what I need from my phone; however, since I make my living from my computer it's a no brainer that 99% of the time it comes with me. One of the best things about my MacBook Pro is that it syncs with my iPhone and iPad seamlessly. It's a Mac, so you know it is ready to perform. I don't have time for computer issues.

If I plan on doing any book reading, I most likely will take my tablet. It doesn't take up a lot of room so most of the time it gets thrown in at the last minute.

It is also nice that I can download movies to the tablet and watch them during my travels. Long layovers fly by when you get caught up in a great movie.

Tip: This item pairs nicely with the over-ear headphones for distraction-free viewing.

Protect your devices 

You should always plug your devices into a power surge strip. Costa Rica runs off 120V just like the US. However, Costa Rica's electricity can be sketchy at times. No matter what part of the country, power surges happens all the time. Using a surge protector is essential to help you protect your valuable electronics.

I like the brick ones with multiple outlets and USB Ports. This allows you to charge and protect multiple devices while traveling.

Tip:

Don't forget the cords &adaptors for your devices.

Jacket 

Depending on where you visit in Costa Rica will determine what jacket you need. Traveling with a light jacket or hoodie is always a good idea. Costa Rica has many different microclimates. The weather can change drastically from one part of the country to another.

Rainy season

Costa Rica rainy season all depends on the time of year and what side of the country you are on. The Pacific Coast Is different than the Caribbean coast. If you are going anywhere during the rainy season you will want to pack a rain jacket or poncho. When going to the Cloud Forest I have needed both my rain jacket and hoodie. I used both to stay dry and warm.

If I can only take a small bag the drawstring bags wins. I can fit almost all my packing lists in this bag, Only a couple of things will have to be left behind. Unless it's a short trip and I only need a few things, The smaller drawstring bags works great when taking an adventure or a day at the beach. It also has enough space to allow me to a speaker.

Like I said in the beginning how much space and weight I pay for will play a big roll in the way I pack. Usually I fill my drawstring bag with my overnight items. This organizes those items and makes it easy to access them.

Best Bag for Traveling

A good backpack has enough space to pack everything from my list and more. That's why I use a "ful" backpack. It is designed as a computer backpack so it is easy to remove my electronics for security checks. Extra pockets help keep things organized. 

Make sure to place the drawstring bag inside the backpack. This will give you an extra bag when get to the destination. The smaller drawstring bags works great when taking an adventure or a day at the beach. It also has enough space to allow me to a speaker. 

Bonus Item 

I love my music so when there is enough room I throw the JBL Charge in the bag. Since the speaker is bluetooth and waterproof it works great for the beach, pool or hotel room. I'm amazed at the warm sound it produces. Great quality sound for the soundtrack.

Personal Care

It's a dirty world out there. A small bottle of hand sanitizer will make it easier when getting through security. I use the kind that straps to the outside of the bag providing easy access to help ensure that I use it more often.

Be sure to refill your travel bottle when you get home. You can buy the hand sanitizer in a big pump bottle and save money over replacing the small bottles.