Anne Taylor
Until the vaccine is more widely available, many of us won’t be able to travel internationally. That doesn’t mean you can’t plan ahead, though. Below are some items you might want to buy now, so you’ll be all set for your vacation well ahead of time.
There’s nothing worse than boarding a plane only to realize you forgot to pick up or pack something you need. If you start prepping now, though, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of that happening. Below are some items you might want to buy ahead time.
A GoPro Camera
The GoPro HERO9 camera is the ultimate travel accessory, especially for outdoor-focused trips. It’s compact, easy to carry, and can film in 5K resolution. It’s also waterproof with stabilization features that will keep your videos smooth even when they’re recorded during the bumpiest of rides.
Relatively easy to use, the GoPros still require a bit of practice to learn where all the settings are. That’s why it’s such a good idea to pick one up in advance. Give yourself a month or two to get used to it so you’re not fumbling with the settings when that humpback whale breaches.
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Hiking Boots
Planning on hiking the Inca Trail or Mount Kilimanjaro? These Columbia Newton Ridge shoes for women are highly rated and ideal for most hikes.
It’s always wise to buy shoes or boots at least 3-4 weeks in advance, so you have time to break them in before you commit to a multiday adventure. This gives the leather a chance to conform to your feet. They’ll be much more comfortable and won’t give you blisters.
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You also might want to try these out on some hikes locally that have similar terrain to the location you’ll be visiting. Your feet rub your shoes differently when you’re scrambling up rocks than they do on a trail that’s mostly flat.
They’re available for men, too. The waterproof suede and leather combo make these a stylish, yet practical choice. You might like them so much, you’ll want to wear them even when you’re not hiking.
A Travel Backpack
If you can handle minimalist packing, a travel backpack can get you through a 1-2 week trip with no suitcase to lug around. The downside is you’ll be carrying it everywhere, so you’ll want to get one that’s comfortable.
Osprey’s Porter 46 Travel Pack is designed for both quick trips and longer journeys, so it’s a good investment. A backpack is perfect if you’ll be more mobile on your trips. It also makes it easier to be spontaneous on your travels.
A DSLR Camera
Even though modern cell phone technology is incredible, some people still prefer a DSLR for Insta-worthy photos. The Canon EOS Rebel is a great starter camera, and the kit even includes a case and an extra lens to get you started.
Give yourself a month or two to practice your photography skills before heading out on your trip. You’ll be amazed at how much better your pictures look after a few online tutorials.
A Daypack
A comfortable daypack is also important for long-day excursions on your vacation. While the comfort and fit aren’t as vital as a long-term backpack, you don’t want to be tugging uncomfortably at the straps all day. A daypack can also be used as your carry-on bag on flights.
Ideally, you’ll want to test out a few options before buying. Some people like backpacks that are super lightweight, while others prefer some with more support. The Osprey Daylite Daypack is perfect for those who want to keep it light.
A Flexible Tripod
A flexible tripod is a game-changer for travelers given its ability to wrap around poles, bikes, branches, and more. It can also help solo travelers avoid having only selfies to show from their travels. It also helps couples get great pictures together when no one else is around.
The UBeesize Flexible Tripod is simple enough to work with, but you’ll definitely want to purchase it a few weeks before your trip. That will give you a chance to test it out on different surfaces and see how it works. After some practice, you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect spot to set it up when you’re on vacation. This model can hold a phone or action camera, like a GoPro.
