Discover, Explore, Pack! The Must-Have Travel Essentials for Millennials

Passport? Check.

Boarding Pass? Check.

International Driver’s Permit? Che—wait, what?

You probably didn’t expect that last one, did you? Well, Millennials are changing the way the old guys used to travel, and they’re actually packing the right stuff. 

Don’t be blinded by your excitement for the trip that you end up hauling stuff you don’t need halfway across the globe. Checking out travel blogs, YouTube videos, and backpacking guides is great and all but make sure that you are also selective of the advice you take. Like yes, you need to bring sunblock with you especially when visiting tropical climates you’re not used to (read more). But no, you don’t need to saddle your 12-step skincare in your carry-on. For the time being, maybe you can make do with a simple toner and moisturizer.

Traveling is one of the best ways to explore the world, learn new things, and have fun. But it can also be stressful, expensive, and unpredictable. That’s why millennials, who are known for being adventurous, curious, and tech-savvy, need some travel essentials to make their trips more enjoyable and hassle-free. Here are five items that I think every millennial traveler should pack in their suitcase.

1. Universal Adaptor 

One of the challenges of traveling to different countries is dealing with different plugs and voltages. You don’t want to fry your gadgets or be unable to use them because of incompatible sockets. That’s why a universal adapter is a lifesaver for millennials who have multiple devices to charge and use.

A universal adapter can fit any plug and socket, and adjust to any voltage, so you can use your devices without worry. It’s like having a magic key that unlocks any door.Don’t assume that electrical outlets work the same all over the world. In the US, we commonly use Type A and B plugs, both having flat parallel pins and the latter having an additional grounding pin. So, we don’t actively think about what the plugging situation is in other countries we plan to visit. Well, it’s safe to say that they won’t always have outlets that can accommodate Type A and B plugs.

Do your research in advance and prepare the right adaptor to bring on your trip. It’s a small item that you can easily tuck in your carry-on but it’s incredibly useful to have as soon as you land at your destination. 

Learn more about plug types in different countries here: https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatacenter/definition/Electric-plugs-for-each-country.

2. A Portable Charger

Nothing ruins a trip faster than a dead phone. Imagine missing out on capturing that perfect Instagram shot, getting lost in a foreign city, or being unable to contact your friends or family. That’s why a portable charger is a must-have for millennials who rely on their devices for everything. A portable charger can keep your phone, tablet, camera, or laptop powered up for hours, even when there’s no outlet in sight. It’s like having a backup generator for your digital life.

3. A Travel Journal

While technology is great, sometimes it’s nice to go old-school and write down your thoughts and experiences on paper. A travel journal is a great way to document your journey, reflect on your feelings, and unleash your creativity. You can also use it to collect souvenirs, such as tickets, postcards, stickers, or stamps. A travel journal is more than just a notebook; it’s a personal and unique record of your adventures that you can cherish for years to come.

Why is a Travel Journal so important for Millennial travelers? 

• It helps them process their emotions and thoughts. Traveling can be overwhelming, exciting, challenging, and inspiring. Writing down how you feel and what you think can help you make sense of your experiences and learn from them. It can also help you cope with any negative emotions, such as loneliness, homesickness, or anxiety, that may arise during your trip.
• It unleashes their creativity and imagination. Writing down your stories, ideas, dreams, or fantasies can help you express yourself and discover new aspects of your personality. You can also use your journal to experiment with different styles, genres, formats, or techniques of writing. You can write poems, songs, jokes, quotes, or sketches. You can also use your journal to plan your future trips, goals, or projects.
• It creates a legacy and a treasure. Writing down your adventures can help you share them with others, such as your friends, family, or future generations. You can also use your journal to inspire others to travel or pursue their passions. Your journal is a unique and personal document that reflects who you are and what you have done. It is something that you can keep, revisit, or pass on as a valuable and meaningful gift.

4. International Driver’s Permit

If you’re a millennial who loves to travel, you probably have a list of items that you always bring with you on your trips. Things like your passport, your camera, your sunscreen, and your headphones. But there’s one thing that you might be missing, and that is your international driver’s permit.

An international driver’s permit, or IDP, is a document that allows you to drive legally in over 150 countries, as long as you have a valid driver’s license from your home country. It’s easy to get, inexpensive, and valid for one year. You can apply for it online or at your local automobile association.

Why do you need an IDP, you might ask? Well, here are some benefits of having one:

• It gives you freedom and flexibility. When you travel, you don’t want to be limited by the public transportation system, which can be unreliable, crowded, or expensive. You also don’t want to waste money on taxis or ride-sharing services, which can add up quickly. With an IDP, you can rent a car and drive yourself to wherever you want, whenever you want. You can explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, take scenic routes, or change your plans on the fly. You can also save time and hassle by avoiding long queues, transfers, or delays.
• It enhances your experience and adventure. Driving in a different country can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. You can immerse yourself in the local culture, see things from a different perspective, and discover hidden gems along the way. You can also enjoy the scenery, the music, and the vibe of the place. Driving can also be a fun and bonding activity with your travel companions, as you can share stories, jokes, or snacks on the road.

5. A Reusable Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is important, especially when you’re traveling to different climates and altitudes. But buying bottled water can be costly, wasteful, and harmful to the environment. That’s why a reusable water bottle is a smart and eco-friendly choice for millennials who care about their health and the planet. A reusable water bottle can save you money, reduce plastic waste, and keep you hydrated wherever you go. Plus, it can also double as a fashion accessory, as there are many designs and colors to choose from.

A reusable water bottle is important for millennial travelers because they value sustainability and wellness. Millennials are aware of the environmental impact of their actions, and they want to minimize their carbon footprint and support green initiatives. They also want to stay healthy and fit, and drinking water is essential for that. A reusable water bottle can help them achieve both goals, while also expressing their personal style and identity. Read this article for more tips on how to travel sustainably. 

6. A VPN Subscription

A VPN, or a virtual private network, is a service that encrypts your online data and protects your privacy. This is especially useful when you’re traveling and using public Wi-Fi, which can be insecure and expose your personal information to hackers or spies. A VPN can also help you access geo-restricted content, such as Netflix, YouTube, or social media, that may be blocked or censored in some countries. A VPN subscription is a small price to pay for a big boost in security and entertainment.

A VPN subscription is important for millennial travelers because they value security and learning. Millennials are savvy and cautious about their online safety, and they don’t want to risk losing their data or identity to cybercriminals. They also want to learn and grow from their travels, and they don’t want to miss out on any educational or cultural content that may be unavailable in their location. A VPN can help them secure their online activities and access any information or media they want.

To Conclude…

These are my six travel essentials for millennials. Of course, everyone has their own preferences and needs, so feel free to add or subtract items as you see fit. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the journey. Happy travels! ?

Want to read more of our latest posts? check out our guide to Ice Skating in the US.