Things that simply make travelling MUCH easier & enjoyable!

Isar River in Munich, Germany


In today's world, travelling anywhere isn't as simple as it used to be and some say that the travel & tourism industry will never be the same. I always choose to have faith (no matter how blind) that things will work out the way they're supposed to and this is no different. Call me naive if you want but it's just how I choose to live my life. 

With that being said, we do have an upcoming trip to Germany that involves flying Vancouver > Toronto > Munich and, to finish off the trek, a 1hr car ride to get to our final destination...queue the panic...

This isn't the happiest of trips either...we're going for a family emergency that has all kinds of possible outcomes so it's really hard to know what to expect.

I've been thinking of all the ways to make this trip as comfortable as I can for us because it's probably going to be a bit hellish (notice I don't completely admit it's going to be the worst trip ever...blind faith...it's the best...) 

I'm going to break it down into what I'm taking in my carry on and what I'm taking in my other luggage. This will be the perfect packing list for me too. I love myself a good list!

Carry On Essentials

I don't think I'll be packing any differently just because we're in a pandemic but I might add some extras here & there. My carry on luggage consists of my backpack and a carry on size suitcase. 

Entertainment

  • Headphones x2 
  • Cellphone 
  • iPad & charging cable
  • Novel
  • Crossword puzzles book
  • Nintendo Switch Lite & charger
  • Laptop & charger 
  • Journal 
  • Pencil Case with all the pens & pencils I can fit 

I pack two sets of headphones for these trips because I have a set of Bluetooth headphones so I worry about the battery dying on me. My other set is just the "old" Apple headphones that are compatible with the audio system in the airplane just in case I get bored with my stuff. 

On my iPad, I make sure I have videos downloaded to watch offline from the following streaming apps/websites:

I love Udemy & Skillshare since they have so many great options on any subject you can imagine. I've been using both of them for years. I tend to use Skillshare for my personal hobbies while Udemy has been my go to resource for professional skill development. 

The book that I'm currently reading is Age Of Souls: The Vulthrodin Archives. It's the first book from a new author and, being a huge fan of Fantasy, I HAD to read this book. I've already started it since I couldn't wait and I can HIGHLY recommend it already. You can find it listed on Amazon here.   

On my switch, I'm currently playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons & LEGO Harry Potter. I do have a couple classic games as well but those two are my favourites right now. 

My journal is an A5 dotted notebook from Archer & Olive. I currently have the Into The Forest design and to say I love it is an understatement. If you've been wanting to get into bullet journaling or any type of journaling - you should add one of these to your list. 

For my pencil case, I use a Sew Together bag that my mom made for me years ago. The number of slots are perfect since I have space for accessories, pens, pencils & markers of my choice. It's durable, easy to maintain and has gone on many adventures with me! 

Other Things In My Carry On

  • Travel pack of Lysol Wipes 
  • Flushable wipes
  • Extra pair of socks 
  • Change of clothes 
  • Hand sanitizer 
  • 3 packs of Kleenex travel size  
  • Travel Pillow
  • Lip balm
  • Deodorant 
  • Saje Peppermint Essential Oil 
  • Gravol/Ibuprofen/Allergy Medication 
  • My medications
  • Glasses & Sunglasses
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Brightening Facial Mist from Beauty Counter
  • All the snacks I can fit 
  • Passport, wallet & other travel documents 

The travel pillow I listed above is a new one I bought a few days ago so I'm eager to try it out. It arrived today and I like how soft it is. Seems comfortable enough so we'll see how it goes! 

I also decided to try these No Jet Lag tablets. Full disclosure, I am skeptical about how well they work but the product had good reviews, wasn't too expensive and would be life saving if they work. 

When travelling international, I always always always have two copies of the following printed: 

  • Passport(s)
  • Travel insurance
  • Credit card(s) 
  • Birth Certificate(s) 

Call me paranoid but I will never get stuck anywhere or in a bad situation because I didn't have any of the above. Accidents can happen anywhere at any time so it's best to be prepared.

Checked Luggage

My new packing cubes from Amazon in the White Cactus design just arrived and I'm loving them already. They’re super cute and the size of each bag is really great! I searched through a ton of different options on Amazon and I found this one to be the best deal for the price! 

Side Note: Earlier this year, I travelled to Alberta and needed smaller containers for body wash, shampoo, etc...since I was only taking a carry on. I swear these things disappear like Tupperware containers, I couldn't find any of the ones I had. I  found this travel bottle set on Amazon (do you sense a trend yet?).

I am super happy with my purchase. They were the best price for the number of containers you get, I like how they look, they don't leak, are super easy to clean and I have a container for all of my stuff. I didn't end up using the bag because once you take them out of there, it's difficult to get them back in. 

I tend to overpack but I'm getting better every time! Here's what I pack in my checked luggage: 

Clothing

  • Tank Tops x3 
  • T-Shirt x2
  • Hoodie x1 
  • Denim Jacket x1 
  • Nice Shirts x2 
  • Long Pants x3
  • PJ shorts 
  • Comfy Pants/Sweatpants
  • Socks x7
  • Underwear x7
  • Bras x3
  • A Pair of Walking Shoes 
  • A Pair Of Flats

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush & paste
  • Floss 
  • Retainer
  • Hairbrush, ties & clips
  • Shampoo & Conditioner
  • Tweezers
  • Nail file & clippers 
  • Sunscreen
  • Razor
  • Deodorant
  • Face Wash
  • Body Wash & Loofa
  • Moisturizer 
  • Perfume
  • Cotton Swabs & Round 

There you have it! Full discloser that I'm a panic packer so I will definitely come across somethings that I don't really need but will find a way to justify why I need it! 

As someone with a background in the Tourism industry, I sincerely hope that travel & tourism will once be as strong as it used to be. There are many communities that depend on those visiting so will forever have faith that we will be able to travel comfortably again! 

Talk soon! 
 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you purchase something using one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. The products recommended in this post were bought me. I am not sponsored by anyone. 

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