In a few days, I will be traveling to New York City for the first time. I am excited about my new adventure especially the part where I’ll be eating all the food I can afford and being a stereotypical tourist.

While I haven’t traveled to many places, I have gone to visit my family multiple times and end up going to Wal-Mart because I forgot to pack something. There are your must-haves such as identification, clean pairs of underwear and shoes that are comfortable. But, I am talking about items that you didn’t think you need. To avoid these last minute mishaps, and save you money from overpriced airports and hotels, here are ten things that I find essential for traveling.

1. Reusable Water Bottle

I drink a lot of water especially before my flight to help my nerves. While TSA won’t let you take filled bottles of water, you can take in an empty bottle and fill it up once you pass TSA from a water fountain or a restaurant. You won’t spend $8 in a bottle of water at the airport or have to keep bothering the flight attendant to fill up your 8-ounce water cup multiple times.

2. Hand Sanitizer

While it is easy to assume that most places will have soap, you need to be prepared for the unexpected. Soap and water is the best way to keep your hands clean, but for those moments when you’re in a hurry, hand sanitizer will be the easiest, and healthiest, solution to avoid spreading germs. Just remember to get the sanitizer with alcohol for it to be most effective.

3. Lip Balm (with sunscreen)

Lips can get chapped for various reasons, from low humidity to frequent sun exposure. And licking your lips makes them worse. Don’t let your lips down and pack some lip balms, especially one that has a bit of sunscreen to protect your lips from getting burnt. You’ll thank me in the long run when your lips look good in your Instagram photos.

4. Stain Remover

I don’t know about all of you, but I am a messy eater. That is why I always travel with a stain remover. Stain-erasing wipes and pens take up little space in your bag and offer quick fixes for messes especially for those who might not have access to a washing machine.

5. Portable Charger

I wasn’t aware that a few airlines provided USB slots for charging devices. I usually spend the day before charging multiple portable chargers that I can spread during the day and avoid the panic of finding a charger. I recommend buying one before traveling since the once at the airports tend to be double in price.

6. Sunscreen

Did you know you can get sunburnt while sitting next to the window seat? Due to the altitude, the sun’s rays can cause you to get a sunburn before you even arrive at the beach. Avoid the awkwardness of sunburns and pack some sunscreen. Plus, you don’t want to sit in an airplane when your whole body is in pain, peeling and red like a lobster.

7. First-Aid

You might be rolling your eyes when you read this one, but hear me out. We don’t plan on accidents happening, but it’s best to prepare for them. Avoid having to find band-aids or using tape and tissue paper to stop the bleeding from a cut. Other than band-aids, pack some painkillers, cough drops, Dramamine and antibiotic ointment. Most stores, like Walgreens and Target, sell travel first aids kits.

8. Extra Bag

Why? You’ll see such a cute shop selling touristy items, and you’ll want to buy a shirt for your sister, brother, best friend and her boyfriend. Avoid trying to fit everything into your bag and take an empty suitcase. If you want to avoid this, take a much bigger bag and make space for what you might bring back home.

9. Sleeping Essentials

I can’t sleep without my eye mask, and in emergencies, I take sleeping pills. If you’re like me, do not forget to pack anything you need to help you relax. You’ll be out for most of the day when you’re traveling, and you don’t want to go back to bed and not be able to sleep. If anything, go prepared, such as taking earplugs in case your neighbors decide to throw an all-night rager.

10. Cash

Cash is a given, but you have no idea how many times I’ve traveled without taking cash. You never know what places will accept credit/debit cards and in case of emergencies, it is nice to have the money backed up.

What are some of the essential items you pack? Leave a comment to let me know!