Traveling, especially to unfamiliar places, can sometimes come with unexpected challenges. These challenges are the moments that teach us important lessons about preparation and adaptability. I realized this during my trip to Naga City, where I found myself stranded for 3 nights in an old hotel due to a typhoon. This first-hand experience made me reflect on the essentials I wish I had packed and how being prepared can make all the difference. Here are some essential travel tips based on what I learned during my stay.
- Trolley Bag
When traveling, a trolley bag can be your best friend. It’s much more convenient than a backpack because you can simply pull it along wherever you go. Carrying a backpack with all your belongings, or one that you have to carry by hand, can add to the physical and mental load, especially if you're in a hurry or dealing with an emergency. This became clear when we rushed to find a place to stay and later, when we tried to take an unfamiliar route to Legazpi City. Since it is also waterproof, it also saved me from worrying about my things getting wet during the downpour.
- Toiletries
Toiletries are something many people take for granted, but it’s important to always have the basics, even if you're staying in a hotel. A small bar of soap, toothbrush, shampoo, and toothpaste in sachets should be part of your essentials. On the second night of my stay, my roommate asked for toiletries, but the hotel staff couldn't provide any. The price of the room didn’t include these basic items. Thankfully, I had extra, and I was able to share with her.
- Towel
This is one item I’ve learned to always carry, even if I'm staying at a hotel. While some hotels provide towels, they don’t always meet our hygiene standards. Having your own towel ensures that you’re prepared for any situation. I also always bring a "malong"—a soft cloth with many uses in our culture, especially as a blanket. When we stayed in Naga, the hotel ran out of blankets because of the unexpected influx of guests due to the typhoon. My malong turned out to be a lifesaver.
- Rubber Slippers
Some might think rubber slippers are unnecessary, especially for business trips. After all, they don’t exactly match smart-casual attire. But I regret not bringing a pair when I went to Naga. The ground was wet and muddy during our search for food, and I couldn’t wear my heeled shoes. I had to wait for my roommate to return so I could borrow her slippers before I could go out and get what I needed. Rubber slippers are lightweight and easy to pack, and they can save you a lot of hassle when the situation calls for them.
- Medicines
Always pack basic medicines when traveling. You never know when you might get sick, and having pain relievers, fever medication, cough and cold medicines, and your regular supplements is a big help. If we had stayed longer in Naga, we might have gotten sick from the exposure to rain while we were looking for food and checking road conditions. It’s always better to be prepared.
- Water & Biscuits
This is another tip I picked up from my mom. Always carry at least a bottle of water and some biscuits. First, we need to stay hydrated. Second, having water on hand helps us avoid unnecessary expenses. Biscuits can curb hunger when we’re on the go and can’t stop for food. When we left Naga, the rain was already heavy. I asked my companion if we could buy water and snacks, just in case we got stuck when we reached Legazpi. Sure enough, when we were stranded at the hotel, all the nearby stores sold out of snacks as people panicked. Thankfully, I had something to eat for the night.
- Power Bank
A power bank is a must, especially if you're using your phone for navigation, communication, or entertainment. I didn’t bring one with me because I thought it would just add unnecessary weight to my bag. I rarely use my phone for heavy tasks, and I mostly stay at home. But when we were stuck in the hotel, the electricity went out the next day. We were informed that there would be no power from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. The few outlets in the room couldn’t charge all our gadgets at once, so we had to take turns, each getting at least an hour to charge our devices. Having a power bank would have made things much easier.
- Smart SIM or Pocket Wi-Fi
There’s always debate about which network is more reliable in the Philippines. Personally, I’ve found that SMART often offers a better connection than Globe. In Mindanao, I experienced weak signal strength at my sister’s house, my nephews' place, and even at my own home—where all of us are Globe subscribers. During the typhoon, my roommate and I struggled to communicate with our families because we were using Globe, while others with SMART had a smoother connection. This experience made me realize that if I can’t switch networks, I should at least carry SIM cards for both SMART and Globe to ensure I always have a reliable connection.
- Flashlight
In an emergency, relying on your phone’s flashlight isn’t ideal since it can quickly drain your battery. A small, reliable flashlight is essential for safety. I recommend hand-powered flashlights, which generate light through mechanical action. These are great because they don’t require batteries or charging, making them perfect for emergencies when you need dependable light. During our stay in Naga, the daylight was still dim, and we had no power. We ended up using our phone flashlights inside the bathroom because there was no electricity, and the situation made me realize the importance of having a backup light source.
- Cash
In today’s digital age, we often rely on payment apps or debit cards. But in some places, cash is still king. I was used to paying with GCash or swiping my debit card in the city, but that didn’t work in Naga. The hotel staff insisted on cash payments, and I also needed cash for buying food at the nearby "sari-sari" stores. I ended up borrowing from my roommate and later repaid her by transferring the amount to her bank account. It taught me the importance of always having cash on hand when traveling.
Traveling teaches us more than just how to reach a destination; it teaches us how to adapt to the unexpected. Whether it’s a sudden storm, a change in plans, or a shortage of basic necessities, being prepared can make all the difference. The next time you travel, take these tips to heart, and always remember: it’s not just the journey that matters, but how you handle the bumps along the way.
Let these tips guide you toward smoother and safer travels. Stay prepared, stay adaptable, and make the most of your journeys!