7 Absolutely Must-Haves to Take On Your Next Overnight Trip

Staying out of the house for an entire night might be a daunting activity for introverts but, the travel junkies like to pack our bags every now and then to stay out. Is this your first time going out on an overnight trip? Or do you always under/over pack for the trip? If you can relate yourself to these questions, we have a perfect solution waiting for you. We know that picking the right things can be challenging, but it’s really not impossible. In this article, we will discuss the most important things you must pack on your next overnight trip:

Trunk Organizer

It is essential to keep your belongings balanced when traveling. Use a trunk organizer to keep things in place! A trunk can either use cords or clips to attach to the car. There are large compartments in your trunk organizer, and they are an excellent way to organize everything you need for the trip. A trunk organizer will help you keep everything organized and in place, from clothes to shoes and other accessories. You don’t have to move the organizer everywhere during the trip. Just take it out when you reach the place where your stay is intended.

Pack Small

You’ll need a smaller pack. Using a compact bag allows you to pack less and prevents you from ultralight backpacking. Remember that you are only staying overnight even if you have to drop a few unimportant things. Don’t pack like you are coming to visit Dollywood all the way from Melbourne. Remember to pack all your basic necessities and personal hygiene products.

Most Important Things

• Travel size personal hygiene kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, a hairbrush, and mouthwash)
• Towel
• Extra pair of clothes
• Hairbrush
• Deodorant
• Sunscreen and basic skincare
• Charger
• Slippers

Least Important Things

• Books
• Laptop
• Kitchen utensils
• Sofa cum beds

What Type Of Bags Are Best For An Overnight Stay?

The three different types of bags that allow you to pack just enough for an overnight trip are:

• Backpack
• Duffel bag
• Tote bag

Powerbank

Going out would not prevent you from using your phone. In reality, when you go out, your phone utilization skyrockets. You will be regularly posting different things like images, videos, time-lapses, Instagram Live, and Snapchat. A smartphone battery can be a problem, particularly if you want to catch special moments with your loved ones. It is also essential to get the cell turned on in case of an emergency. If you want to explore in groups, make sure your phone is turned on so you can chat effectively. Carrying a fully charged power bank with you will assist you in keeping your phone’s battery charged.

Types of Powerbank

• A 3000 mAh power bank can charge your phone for 1 whole time. These power banks have somewhat become obsolete now.
• A power bank with a capacity of 5000mAh to 10000mAh can charge your phone 2 to 3 times. If your phone is a heavier version like Huawei mate or the latest versions of the iPhone, the power bank can give a 1.5 charge.
• 10000mAh to 200000mAh power banks can charge your phone 4 to 5 times.

Pouches and Cubes for Smaller Items

Even if it’s an overnight trip, you still need to keep everything organized. Cramming smaller items like makeup in the bag directly will stress you out and ruin everything. An overnight trip doesn’t mean that you can simply rush the packing. Regardless of the length of your journey, pack your smaller items in pouches or plastic cubes.

Packing for Smaller Items

• Small cubes for snacks, t-shirts, etc.
• Pouch set for things like phone, cards, keys, sunscreen, charging wire, AirPods, and power bank.
• Half-moon bag for makeup products and beauty products.

Portable Speakers

If your trip involves a small party or a group gathering at the beach or at someone’s house, carry some portable speakers with you. Not only will they add a vibe to your night stay, but you can also start a little personal party. Just make sure not to disturb other people out there. You can find plenty of reliable portable speakers in the market. Grab a new one or just borrow one from a friend if you don’t have it already.

Most Affordable Portable Speakers

• Tribit Storm Box Micro is available for $49.99
• Amazon Echo Dot is available for $44.99
• JBL Go 3 is available for $39.95

Medium-Priced Portable Speakers

• Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 is available for $74.95
• Bose Soundlink Micro is available for $99.00
• Pyle Boombox Speaker is available for $57.45

Expensive Portable Speakers

• Bose Soundlink Revolve Series II is available for $199
• Sony SRS-XB43 Extra Bass is available for $198
• JBL Charge 4 is available for $179.95

First Aid Kit

Now you may be thinking, what exactly is the point of bringing a first aid kit to an overnight trip? For starters, accidents do not choose the kind of trip they want to occur at. The best you can do is to be prepared, whether for a long holiday weekend or an overnight one. Personalize your first aid box for overnight travel and carry all of the essentials. If you have nausea issues, pack the prescribed medication or rash cream for sensitive skin.

Things to Pack in First Aid Kit

• Bandages
• Alcohol swabs and spirit
• Gloves
• Scissors
• Medical tape
• Masks
• Antibiotics
• Antiseptics
• Ointments
• Eye drops
• Inhaler

If you are prescribed regular medication like insulin for diabetes, make sure to pack it with your essentials but in a separate cube/pouch.

COVID-19 Safety Kit

Nowadays, you should be extremely careful about your hygiene. COVID-19 is affecting millions and billions around the globe. Even if you are vaccinated, precaution is extremely important. If the pandemic has taught us something, it is to practice good sanitation and personal hygiene. That being said keep your hygiene kit on hand at all times. Wipe before touching, and then sanitize. Put your sanitation kit in your purse with your other personal things for quick access. For example, if you plan to stay in Gatlinburg cabins, your personal safety kit should be by you all the time.

Items of COVID-19 Kit

• Plastic gloves
• Extra masks
• Hand sanitizers
• Hand wash
• Earplugs

Camping Gear

If your overnight trip takes you camping, don’t forget to bring your tent and other essential camping gear! Tents allow you to spend a warm night outdoors. If carrying camping gear is essential, then it is important to carry an accommodating backpack. It is not a good idea to carry a duffel or tote bag in this case. Other than a foldable camping bag, you must carry all the essential gear.

Essential Camping Gear Items

• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Firestarter
• Water supply
• First aid kit
• Personal safety items
• Flashlight
• Personal hygiene kit

Conclusion

If you are going for an overnight trip, there are certain things that you must carry at all times. Personal hygiene kits, toiletries, portable speakers, and other items depend completely on the extent of your trip. Since we are living in a pandemic, always make sure to carry a health and safety kit with you. Instead of overburdening yourself with unwanted things, always take things that are genuinely needed. Also, don’t forget to organize even the smallest of items in proper containers.