6 entertaining must-haves for traveling
Trips can get stressful and boring at times, especially during the long hours of transit. Personal necessities and documents are the top priorities when packing carry-on baggage. Apart from the basic must-haves, here are six things (aside from your unstoppable smartphone) that are sure to keep you entertained during your travels if sleeping seems to be impossible on the flight.
E-book/books. Travelers are bound to have some downtime, and one of the most preferred things to do (aside from sleeping) is to read a book. Should you find yourself getting bored or about to doze off while waiting to board the bus or plane, a book (that you may not have finished, one you just can’t get enough of, or something new you bought for this trip) is sure to keep you up. Reading books transport you to another world, so why not start your own journey within a journey? Not much of a bookworm? A crossword, quiz, or coloring book is also an interesting option. Classic paperbacks might have their own charms, but don’t have any qualms about taking along an e-book reader; it gives you the option to load as many books as you wish without compromising your baggage weight.
Music/audio player. No doubt smartphones are the universal media player almost everyone has. However, if you enjoy having your earphones plugged, listening to music or having a marathon of your favorite TV series on your phone, chances are its battery will drain much faster. And though you’ve packed your power bank for charging, it’s best to always be reminded that power supply is limited while traveling. Being made to play music, your MP3 or MP4 player won’t take up much space in your bag and will work its musical magic for hours to come. Bring it along because it’s always good to have a second option at hand.
Laptop or tablet. Whether you’ve got some business to work on, papers due in class, or catching up on your (downloaded) movies or series, the laptop or tablet is your ultimate partner on a long-haul flight. Not only will it keep you entertained, but it can also serve as a backup battery pack for your phone and many other gadgets.
Journal. Despite having a digital notepad on your phone, tablet, or laptop, having a small notebook or journal made of paper will definitely come handy. Travel can be quite stressful–from preparing your things and dealing with long lines to the actual travel. Often, when one is high up above the clouds, boredom and feelings of homesickness will usually kick in, and this is where the journal becomes your saving grace. It’s an escape, a storybook, a planner, an evaluation, a map and a reminder of your life’s journeys from the past.
Noise-canceling headphones/earphones. Many things can get so annoying on a travel – it could be the plane’s engines, the droning bus air-conditioning unit, children screaming (or crying), other travelers chatting loudly, or a seatmate snoring soundly. A little noise will still disturb the most chill of vibes, so spare yourself from going nuts on your travels. Don’t forget to bring those awesome headphones designed to reduce unwanted ambient sounds through active noise control. Make sure nothing bothers you while enjoying a newly-purchased album or a movie in peace while commuting.
Camera. Some share travels through written stories, others by means of photos. While the latest smartphones are a convenient and ideal option, the features of a camera (whether a compact point-and-shoot or a DSLR) are guaranteed to deliver A-grade results. The only challenge when one chooses to use a camera is the bulk that comes along with it – the accessories (charger, lenses, tripods, etc.), but thinking about the creative documentation you can come up with from your travels is truly rewarding. Explore your camera while killing time, and you’ll be ready to snap like a pro in no time.
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