Sunscreen being $20 in the cruise ship’s gift shop?! When I first started traveling around, as an adult that is, I often would forget some unusual items. Most people would not even give it another thought. I, however, was learning that saving money in certain situations would help me in the long term.

If you are like me, then you cringe on the thought of spending an extreme amount of money for something you can get at the dollar store. I only pack in a carry on so I understand the need to utilize your suitcase. When I am packing for a trip, I think to myself, “What would I have a difficult time getting if I need it?” This list is not a copy/paste for you because your travel needs may be different then mine. My goal is to get you thinking about those crucial items that you would need.

First Aid Kit

I am not talking about the pre-made packaged “First-Aid Kits” that you would see at the pharmacy. Just some small items that you would need in a pinch. For me, my specific items that I put together are:

• Band-aids
• Neosporin
• Tweezers
• Fingernail clippers
• Eye drops

I would grab all these items at the dollar store or use the items that you already have at home. I, personally, have a separate set for my travel bag so I know exactly where to find it when I am packing. If you choose to pack Neosporin, I would recommend finding a small container to store this in (as big as a contact lens case) so you can save some room.

Linen Items

You look at this and think, “what the heck is she talking about?!” Let me tell you these items before you scroll past this.

• Wrinkle Release spray
  • You won’t always have access to an iron and I am not one for wrinkles in my photos. I have tried the hair straightener “hack” and let me tell you, it is so awkward to try to do. It was not worth the hassle. You just have to spray it on your clothes then you just “flatten” the wrinkles.
• Static Guard
  • Depending on your outfit options, static cling is bound to happen. I have fought static while in public and it is not fun. Of course there are other ways to reduce static, however, this is the easiest in my opinion.
• Bedding Spray
  • This is definitely a personal preference because I have a little bit of germaphobia. This set is nice because it is already under TSA liquid requirement. You just spray this on your bed and it gives just a little bit of “peace of mind” when sleeping. At least it does for me.
  • The alternative for some people is to buy disposable sheets that you place overtop the provided ones.
• Laundry soap & clothespins
  • Again, this one is more of a preference. Traveling as a family increases the amount of luggage you have. It’s a fact. So, I suggest this alternative to packing your entire wardrobe. You can pack half the amount of clothes and just do a set of laundry on your trip. Having this would save you money when you do decide that you would need to do a load.
• Tide pen
  • Last item I have for my “linen items” is a Tide pen. With you wearing a limited amount of clothing, nothing is worse then accidently staining your shirt. Carrying this helps keep the hotel “detours” to a minimum while saving a clean shirt in the process.

Poncho (or Umbrella)

This one has gotten me so many looks by my family members. It sounds completely strange to think to bring a poncho, however, it is a lifesaver. I personally choose a poncho because it is easier to pack.

I have gone on many cruises in my life and let me tell you that it is very common to get rain while you are at sea. It is also common to get sudden rain while you are at port, as well. I personally, do not like to be wet. I will store these in my small pocket of my bag and pull it out when I need it.

“I could’ve used your raincoats from the cruise”

My mama sent me this text today while on her trip in Ireland. I would say that a poncho in Ireland would be my number one pack because I am constantly hearing about their rain.

Foldable cup

This one seems odd, however, I’ve seen the need for one. When traveling as a group, water bottles are often forgotten. A slim, folding cup has been helpful in these situations so that the group can share one (or two) water bottles.

Safety Equipment (for my girl travelers)

It is hard to live in society today as a female. With that said, it means that traveling for girl’s trips and especially on solo trips, is a lot more scary. There are a couple options that I have/would use for safety.

• Door lock
• Door alarm
• Small camera

I personally use the door lock, like the one posted below. I attach it to the door and it gives me the comfort to know that no one can get in.

I have seen some Tik Tok users with the door alarm. You would slip it under the door and if it were to open, it would sound the alarm.

Lastly, the small camera could be hidden and it would provide comfort in knowing if anyone entered your temporary residence/room while you were away.

P.S. A piece of advice for the girlies. I would immediately turn off all the lights in your hotel room and open your cell phone camera. This will help you identify any hidden cameras in you room before you change (or anything else). I do this every time I enter my room and before I even open my suitcase.

I hope this list has helped you think of those items that you could be forgetting. I plan on having a separate post about my cruise essentials so keep an eye out.