10 Amazon Gap Year Travel Must Haves
Planning on taking a gap year soon? Want to know what are some essentials often overlooked? You’ve come to the right place! From gadgets to hygiene products, find out what essentials you should bring on your next journey.
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1. Packing Compression Bag
THIS is my BIGGEST packing hack when it comes to traveling around the world. If you’re in the travel space then you’ve probably heard about packing cubes and similar things. Those are great and all but overall don’t save that much space and often takes a lot of force to try and close. These packing cubes are an amazing alternative as they are very durable and allow you to maximize the amount of space you take up. Instead of vacuuming and squishing your clothes into a packing cube, these compression sacks allow you to tighten and compress your clothes by pulling on the four adjustable straps. These straps give you a better ability to pull your clothes together as tightly as possible, freeing up more space for the rest of your items.
2. International Power Adapter
International power adapters are an obvious must have for anybody who has traveled outside of their country before. However, if you’re new to the world of traveling an item like this might have slipped your mind. No worries as this adapter allows for a USB Type C and four USB outlets to plug all your technology and electronics in to. The adapter includes 4 different plugs that cover over 150 countries including the USA, Canada, Japan, UK, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, China, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and more. Double check that the countries you plan on visiting match the outlet types of this adapter as it does not match up with a few countries such as South Africa and India.
3. Power Strip
A power strip is extremely useful for traveling, especially if you’re someone who does so with several electronics. If you’re staying at a hostel you oftentimes will only have one or two outlets readily available to you so being able to extend your reach and increase outlets is extremely useful.
4. Laundry Bag
This one seems like a no brainer, but you’re going to want to make sure you have a laundry bag to separate your clean and dirty clothes. If you’re more of a fast traveler and am constantly packing and unpacking your belongings then it is very easy to get confused on what items haven’t been washed or when the last time that they were was.
5. Laundry Detergent sheets
If you’re traveling the world in one go, you’re probably using a carry-on only. I personally LOVE carry-ons and try to strictly stick by them, but the one downside of them is the limited amount of liquids that you can regularly have on your person. These laundry detergent flakes will help you not only keep your liquid storage down, but also allow you to clean your clothing on your own time!
6. Hand soap flakes
These are an absolute must have when traveling. There will be times where you’re traveling in long bus rides or walking around a city and you have to use a public restroom. Depending on where you are in the world, clean hand soap may not be readily available. Hand sanitizer may be an option, but that goes back to the issue of liquids and very quickly run out. Having these on hand will save you when the time comes.
7. Selfie stick tripod
This is an absolute must if you’re a solo traveler like me. You may be out somewhere and want to get a photo of yourself but don’t have somewhere to prop up your phone and this item is the perfect solution for exactly that. It even offers a bluetooth clicker for you to be able to take more photos from far away without having to walk back to your phone!
8. First Aid kit
Another necessity that may be overlooked by some, a travel first aid kit provides you with necessary medical items that you may need while adhering to airline security regulations. From bandaids, gauze pads, cleansing wipes, and more you’ll be able to quickly fix yourself up when you get minor injuries.
9. Portable charger
There may be times where you’re away from working outlets for long periods of time and your devices are losing charge. To avoid scary situations like that, make sure that you have at least one portable charger on you at all times. Ones like these are long-lasting and can charge your phone up fully several times.
10. Dry bag
Last but not least, and certainly one of the most underrated items, a dry bag is essential for anybody taking a gap year to travel around the world. There is a very likely chance that you’re going to come in contact with water several times, whether thats an ocean, lake, or even heavy rainfall. Dry bags are a safe and secure way to keep your electronics and other valuables safe from water damage. These are also good for solo travelers who go to the beach by themselves and want to go in the water without abandoning their belongings on shore.