I have officially spent more time in Nairobi than any one location in the last four or five years, and not a day goes by I don't thank the stars for the travel opportunities I've had. This semi-nomadic pattern has given me numerous opportunities to pack and unpack my life, literally and figuratively. While I'm still prone to packing a bag slightly over 50lbs and having to unzip it all at the check-in desk and play lets-guess-how-much-shampoo-and-knit-sweaters-weigh, I have also accumulated a list of travel essentials. Here are my top 5 travel items, in order of priority:
- Items in a carry-on to get me 24-hours without my checked baggage. Okay, cheating, yes because this involves a number of items (contact lenses, fresh clothes, a toothbrush, cash, chocolate) but it's a singular concept, and it's my list anyhow so I say it's one item.
- A first-aid baggie with Emergenc-E, ibuprofin, Band-Aids, lip balm, and sunscreen. I cannot begin to explain how many times I've gotten sunburned or ill on day one of travel and have had to rally for the remainder of the trip.
- A scarf. It doubles as a blanket on the plane and can be handy in cold weather or hot. Forgot a towel? A scarf is basically the same thing! Longing for a charming tablecloth for your impromptu picnic? Viola! Also it can provide hours of amusement on long flights or layovers.
- Pen and paper. So deeply useful and underrated. I don't always have access to my smartphone and often need to write down directions, someone's number/address, spontaneously journal or make a grocery list. Also the golden rule of travel is: she who has a pen in the immigration line is the most popular traveler of all.
- Tea bags, English breakfast, enough for a couple of days. "An essential item?" you snidely ask. YES. Tea is home and peace and sustenance and a good way to make travel friends and just pass the hot water would you?
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