1. Worldwide Travel Adapter
This is perhaps my most used item. I used this every single day without fail and it came in handy so many times. This allowed me to connect to any socket/wall outlet in any country giving me 5 charging output ports both USB A and USB C. This made it possible for me to charge my phone, camera, power bank and even laptop all at the same time no matter where I was. So many people I met asked me where I got it from, so I’ve included the Amazon link below.
Can be purchased here: Worldwide Travel Adapter
2. Portable Power Bank
Be it on a long day of beach hopping and scooter riding on Nusa Penida, camping without any electricity in remote parts of Australia or staying out and having a few more drinks than expected with new friends. I cannot count the number of times my phone ran out of charge whilst I didn’t have access to a charger. Especially having an older phone having power bank with you is essential to ensure you can always charge your phone and get your self out of any sticky situations
This is the power bank I used throughout my trip: Belkin Power Bank It is small, lightweight and could charge my phone a few times before it ran out of juice. I would also recommend picking up a larger one for your main bag too for any times where you may be without charge for a few days (think Fraser island camping trips). This is the one I have: Anker Big Powerbank
3. Portable Bluetooth Speaker
I neglected to bring a portable speaker with me thinking everyone would have one and it would be a waste of space. WRONG. There were so many times where everyone in a hostel or boat or van would ask the question – ‘has anyone got a speaker’ for everyone to look round at each other and say they didn’t have one. Fortunately, I picked one up during my time working in Sydney and was able to whip my JBL out when the situation presented itself.
I recommend this speaker – very light compact, didn’t have to charge very often and only takes up a tiny part of your precious backpack space up.
4. SIM Card Removal Tool
You will have to change your SIM card multiple times throughout your trip. Digging out your old phone box and finding the little metal sim card remover tool and attaching it to your keyring will be a lifesaver on your trip if you are going abroad.
If your phone supports it and you are looking for convenience you can find E-Sims for almost any country in the world here: https://ref.airalo.com/5QH7 (Get £2.50 off your first E-Sim using my link!)
5. Headphones
Or earbuds, whatever you prefer. When solo travelling, especially on a budget, you will have some very long journeys – My longest ever was a 25 hour bus from Laos to Vietnam! Being able to tune out and relax is essential. Bring a spare pair in case you lose your main ones.
6. Laptop (Not essential)
Everyone I spoke to before going travelling told me not to bring my laptop. It would get broken, lost, heavy take up too much space wouldn’t use it etc etc they all said. I found I used my laptop nearly every single day be it watching movies, journaling, booking flights or FaceTiming home. It made booking hostels, tours and transportation so much easier and seeing everyone struggle to view weird foreign booking pages on their phones made me really glad I had my laptop with me. Although, I did accidentally become the designated hostel booker in one group I travelled in for a couple weeks. 😅
