10 Things I Never Travel Without

Apart from essential travel documents, a camera and of course cash and cards, there are a few essential items I always make sure I have before any trip. In no particular order, here are some of the things I never travel without;

Medicine

malariakit curativeMost importantly, malaria medicine. I would normally avoid drugs as best as I can while I’m home but when I travel, this is absolutely essential to pack. The risk of a semi-immune person having malaria greatly increases when you leave the country and a lot of cases end in fatality. The symptoms of malaria are very much like that of a fever and can be easily overlooked in malaria free countries.

Where possible, a malaria kit is the best option to travel with. A kit would typically contain a thermometer, a set of test strips and a malaria drug.

Earpieces and Plugs

More like Ear ‘Peace’. You can’t over emphasize the need for these. Whether you’re using them to block out road noise threatening to keep you awake all night you while you lay in your hostel or listen to music to while away time on that 14hr train/bus ride, you’ll find that big things often come in small packages.

Wipes and Hand Sanitizers

Both needed to keep your hands clean and free of germs to a large extent.

Smaller Bag

small pink bagSmall bags are perfect for in-between trips and weekend getaways. Also, when I travel, I take this in as a hand luggage and pack in some clothes to last a day or two just in case my main luggage gets missing in transit.

Waterproof Seal Bags

These may come in handy for your important documents and gadgets.

Universal Adapters and Power Strips

Apart from the obvious reason why you need these, how cool would it be for your spouse to respond to the question “how did you both meet?” with the answer “well, I saw him/her sitting alone at the airport with an empty power strip and I walked up to ask if I could plug in my phone, the rest is history!”

Haha! No seriously, these are essential for travel.

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly

VaselineSo, this one is not really necessary for everyone but I have an unhealthy addiction to Vaseline. No, I don’t eat it. I just like to smell it and rub it when my hands and feet get dry.

Makeup Bag

Or what you can call a utility bag. Here, I keep handy items like safety pins, needle & threads, et cetera. Might be useful for something!

Ijebu Garri & Groundnut

So, I’m not really a foodie. In fact, I only recently got into trying out new foods in the places I visit. To stay safe, I always carry the life-saving combo of ijebu garri and groundnut for my longer trips but I suspect that this would come off the list soon as I am now beginning to enjoy eating local foods.

A Journal and a Pen (duh!)

travel with a pen

Travel with a Pen, get it? LOL, okay, well travel journals are wonderful. They make a good read later on and help you relive the wonderful moments of your trip. There is no right or wrong way to keep a journal. I write in a book and on my phone and I’m limited to just words for now. But I like the idea of making some form of scrap book out of them. Like pasting boarding passes and post cards, dining receipts and so on.

So, there you have it, my list of essential travel items. What are some of the things you never travel without?

6 comments

    1. LOL, I don’t even know! It’s such a wonderful and versatile Nigerian delicacy! No lie.

  1. Lmao! Oh no you did not say ijebu garri and groundnut😂😂😂! Shame on you! Anyways here is mine in no particular order.
    1. Wipes, wipes and more wipes. I’m sure you know why. Having a toddler wipes are so damn essential. You need to wipe everything wipeable and have the wipes everywhere.
    2. Extra tee shirt. Believe me as you are changing your baby you probably need to change too.
    3. Red oak unripe plantain chips (or any other kind) and fox cookies. I’m addicted to these and my constant travel buddy eats like a rat at midnight 😂
    4. Universal adaptors are an essential for me too.

    1. Haha, shaming me cos I love garri?? What an outrage!

      Thanks for sharing your top travel essentials. I’ll definitely keep that in mind when my little one comes along. *rubs belly* Pregnancy announcement, maybe?

I love to hear from you, Leave a comment here!

Close
Help! Why are we losing home and away! 😭🤣 God abeg!

I will resume my complaining once we fix our visa process/make it more accessible for other African travellers!

Side bar: if you have connections in Vietnam, please DM me! 😭😂 I still want to go!
Help! Why are we losing home and away! 😭🤣 God abeg! I will resume my complaining once we fix our visa process/make it more accessible for other African travellers! Side bar: if you have connections in Vietnam, please DM me! 😭😂 I still want to go!
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Mount Kilimanjaro and giraffes - I could cry! 🥹

If you're looking for a great weekend trip from Nairobi to change the pace, Amboseli National Park is truly one of the best places to visit!

For a road trip that's only about 4-5 hours from Nairobi, you get epic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, large elephant herds and if you pick the right lodge, you can watch incredible wildlife come and go, right from the comfort of your dining table or even your room!
Mount Kilimanjaro and giraffes - I could cry! 🥹 If you're looking for a great weekend trip from Nairobi to change the pace, Amboseli National Park is truly one of the best places to visit! For a road trip that's only about 4-5 hours from Nairobi, you get epic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, large elephant herds and if you pick the right lodge, you can watch incredible wildlife come and go, right from the comfort of your dining table or even your room!
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
💙
💙
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
It was a rainy morning in Nairobi and we went on a walk with the pup 🐶
It was a rainy morning in Nairobi and we went on a walk with the pup 🐶
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
A not-so-hidden gem in South Korea 🇰🇷 

Suncheon Bay National Garden is absolutely worth visiting.😍
A not-so-hidden gem in South Korea 🇰🇷 Suncheon Bay National Garden is absolutely worth visiting.😍
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Everyday is a pleasant surprise! 🌻🥹
Everyday is a pleasant surprise! 🌻🥹
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Oh please, add Gyeongju to your South Korean itinerary! 🇰🇷

It's a charming, beautiful and walkable city that I think is worth visiting. 

When I visited the country for the first time, I picked Jeonju over Gyeongju. Not much thought went into that decision. I just did it - no regrets.

Luckily I got to revisit and what a joy! It's magical in every way! ✨️
Oh please, add Gyeongju to your South Korean itinerary! 🇰🇷 It's a charming, beautiful and walkable city that I think is worth visiting. When I visited the country for the first time, I picked Jeonju over Gyeongju. Not much thought went into that decision. I just did it - no regrets. Luckily I got to revisit and what a joy! It's magical in every way! ✨️
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Natural, Unfiltered Beauty! 🌸💙

The cherry blossoms were late but that itself was a blessing. I was happy to get clear, gorgeous views of Mount Fuji!

Oh, this trip - this country! Some places leave a permanent mark. This was one of them!
Natural, Unfiltered Beauty! 🌸💙 The cherry blossoms were late but that itself was a blessing. I was happy to get clear, gorgeous views of Mount Fuji! Oh, this trip - this country! Some places leave a permanent mark. This was one of them!
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Oh, this charming town! 💙

Beautiful cobbled-stone streets, a gorgeous trail that leads to yet another beautiful well-preserved Edo-period post town, temples and shrines... this is Magome-Juku 

If you plan to visit, I recommend staying a night or two. Accommodation is quite limited and everything shuts down by 5pm.

We stayed at Magomechaya for 2 nights. This place has both hostels and private rooms and our stay was absolutely wonderful. I'd definitely revisit!
Oh, this charming town! 💙 Beautiful cobbled-stone streets, a gorgeous trail that leads to yet another beautiful well-preserved Edo-period post town, temples and shrines... this is Magome-Juku If you plan to visit, I recommend staying a night or two. Accommodation is quite limited and everything shuts down by 5pm. We stayed at Magomechaya for 2 nights. This place has both hostels and private rooms and our stay was absolutely wonderful. I'd definitely revisit!
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
Latest Posts
  • 2 Weeks South Korea Travel Itinerary for First Time Visitors

  • Slow Days in Fast-Paced Tokyo

  • A Serene Weekend at Tawi Lodge, Amboseli

  • Top 10 Easiest Countries for Nigerians to Visit (Visa-Free or Easy Visa)

  • 1000 Days of Learning Swahili – I Quit!

Translate
Become an Insider!
Archives
Close

Travel with a Pen

Seek out New Adventures, Travel Differently

Travel with a Pen © Copyright 2025
Close