1. Laxatives
Now I'm not sure where you're going, but if you're going across any oceans then there will probably be a change in your diet. You will get blocked up. It will make you feel like a brick. If you're traveling with people, get nice and comfortable because you'll all either be backed up at one point or s***ting yourselves. There was a point on our trip when I was handing out laxatives to people and we were cheering as we took them. No shame, just bowel movements.
2. Anti-diarrhea medication
Maybe you ate too much food or drank some bad water. Either way you're going to want to be prepared for when your BM's are all sorts of confused.
3. Tweezers that aren't too sharp
Now I know some of you can only use the sharp ones, however, you'll probably get them taken away in airport security. If you do bring them, just make sure to check them in. I totally forgot about the mustache and unibrow that need to be tamed until I was already in Thailand.
4. A travel wallet
I would recommend this product because that's what everyone else had, and was what I desperately wish I would have brought. I hear there's also a cheaper version at REI - either way, get one!
5. Double the amount of underwear you think you'll need.
Speaks for itself.
6. Noise-canceling headphones.
I can't stress this one enough.
Picture this: you're feeling amazing, young and free when you're planning your month abroad, so you book a bar/hostel on the beach. You eventually get to that bar/hostel and you have a flu. The music is going until 2 a.m. The bass is shaking your bed. British boys are yelling about their cigarettes as they run in and out of the room. You want to die.
Don't let this be you.
7. Ibuprofen and Emergen-C
Bring a ton of it, or buy it when you're there. Whichever you do, it will come in handy.
8. Larabars/Luna Bars/ClifBars
Whatever your flavor may be, you won't regret putting a handful or four into one of your backpack’s pockets.
9. A credit card
I know signing up for one is scary, I myself have not done so yet. I wish I had though because I lost my debit card at some point and am now halfway across the world relying on my dad to transfer cash into my travel partner’s bank account. You live and you learn.
10. A waterproof phone case
“Get the LifeProof,” they said. You think you'll be fine until you end up having to buy a new phone from a secondhand Apple Store in Phuket.
11. Hand sanitizer
Someone might end up throwing up on you. There might be a cute cat you want to pet, or maybe it's a cow. Whatever it may be, wherever you are - there might not be running water and soap everywhere you go so better safe than sorry.
12. Beer pong skills
This varies depending on where you're going and the vibe you're looking for. But if you're an American college student staying in hostels then there will most likely be beer pong involved somewhere. Read up on some rules and practice your aim so you can stand a chance amongst the other young adult travelers.
13. An extra phone charger
I'm not sure if this is just me, but it seems like being in a different country really brings out the worst in my lighting cord - I've had to buy three since leaving the states and I have regrets.
14. Low expectations
No trip is going to go perfectly or exactly the way you planned, or didn't plan.
15. A short book, preferably about traveling
The days that you do have time to read, you're probably going to be missing home. You're probably going to be slightly bummed, sick or maybe just lazy. Whatever the case may be, it's important to bring a book that keeps you excited about what you're doing. Right now I’m reading, “What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding” by Kristin Newman. It's 10 out of 10 - I would recommend it.
All of the above is based on real life experiences. To each their own, but I know I'm right.
