As part of the ‘Travelling Brown Girls’ Carnival’, I’ve put together my fourth contribution around the top five necessities that I feel no traveller should live without. Previous posts as part of the carnival have included ‘Five Ways to Immerse Yourself in Local Culture‘, Five Travel Tips for Travellistas on the go and My Top Five Travel Peeves.
Each post has explored different topics with the focus around travel – I hope that you enjoy reading my latest post ‘Top 5 Travel Necessities That No Travellista Should Live Without’. 
Hot showers
This is somewhat dependant upon the destination, but if the option is there then no matter the weather, I love a hot shower. It’s the best way to refresh me in the morning but also after a busy day of travelling and exploration, there is nothing better than a hot shower to relax me for a nice, sound sleep.
Bathroom at Oceania Hotel, Paris
Whether I’m staying in a five-star hotel or budget hostel, I always check out the bathroom as a priority. Whilst I can just about manage lukewarm water, cold showers are a stretch. It’s a westernised attribute that I try to leave at home, yet I completely appreciate.
Laughter
In most travel situations, I’ve had some crisis or another arise. From being harassed for money and then thrown out of a ping pong show in Thailand to a miserable travel experience rife with delays and frustration, getting through them has always been down to the ability to laugh about it later. It’s not easy when something happens that could upset your travels, but if possible then remain light-hearted about it. Nobody wants to spoil the trip for something that was out of your hands (depending upon the seriousness of course!).
A warm bed
Whether I’m sleeping in a blustery tent in the Lake District or a top hotel in Berlin, I love nothing more than a warm and comfortable bed.
King sized bed in the beautifully decorated room at Mantra Samui, Koh Samui
A good nights’ rest is my key to a productive day and in any situation, it’s the main thing that will make a difference and prevent me from being a complete misery, resulting in very poor company.
Enthusiasm
I consider travel to be a great way to see and learn more about the world about us – but there is a need to be interested in doing so. Getting on the plane is just the start of the journey. Once you’re there, be interested in exploring the destination, whether you’re interested in history, architecture, sight-seeing or beaches, there is always something to take away with you.
Memories
Whether they’re of my family and friends at home or of the experiences of various destinations, my memories keep me going at every step. When you’re staying in the middle of nowhere with no form of communication with home and no camera to capture the sights, it’s the memory that kicks in to recall sights, sounds, smells and everything that took place during those moments. Savour each moment.
What necessities could you add to my list?
April D. Thompson
February 5, 2013 at 1:41 PM
Love your list and couldn’t agree more, especially with laughter… and hot water! LOL
I don’t think the enthusiasm for slow travel will ever wane!
Carol
February 5, 2013 at 6:47 PM
Ah, yes. Enthusiasm and laughter for sure. Especially on those loooooong trips! Gotta love what you do! Love this list : )
Moniquee
February 5, 2013 at 7:55 PM
Yes, laughter and enthusiasm are definite musts when traveling. Oh, and that bed looks absolutely divine! That is definitely something I should not live without!
Tracey
February 5, 2013 at 8:47 PM
OMG. I LOVE your list!!!! Although I admit I’ve taken a cold shower or two on a trip or two. =)
ladylittlefoot
February 5, 2013 at 9:04 PM
I’d say don’t forget your appetite either. Appetite for the new whether that be a new sight or a new way of preparing chicken
.
Ad-lib Traveller
February 6, 2013 at 12:10 AM
Very much agree, being keen to do anything and everything makes all the difference!
Monique
February 5, 2013 at 9:33 PM
Laughter and enthusiasm are definite musts when traveling. Oh, and that bed looks absolutely divine! That is definitely something I should not live without!
Ad-lib Traveller
February 6, 2013 at 12:09 AM
The bed was heavenly, it’s taken from this past that I originally wrote for Mantra Samui in Thailand: http://adlibtraveller.com/2012/06/10/mantra-samui-resort-koh-samui-thailand/
Ad-lib Traveller
February 6, 2013 at 12:05 AM
Thanks for the comments ladies, really enjoyed wiring this blog post and glad to see that we all agree about the importance of laughter! The most difficult of journeys can become so much easier.
savvytraveling
February 6, 2013 at 6:18 PM
If you don’t travel with enthusiasm, what is the point of traveling? You can be indifferent or jaded at home!
Chelle Roberts
February 7, 2013 at 1:41 PM
This list is so great … you’re right! So much of our travel experience is tied to the attitude and perspective we bring with us. The ability to laugh at ourselves and the sometimes odd things that happen on the road is so important.