Where will you be going for summer vacation this year?

Whether you’re flying off to an all-inclusive, beach-front property in the Caribbean or hitting all the cool places near to home for a staycation, here are 5 essential items that you cannot leave home without if you want to have an unforgettable vacation and ensure your trip.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is probably not at the top of your list as you cross off flip-flops and snorkeling gear. And we completely understand. Travel insurance is often a last-minute purchase as you think of the many things that can go wrong while you’re away. However, it’s on our list first because travel insurance is designed to give you peace of mind as you watch the greatest wildlife spectacle in Kenya or go biking in Mallorca.

Travel or trip insurance protects you and your family from unforeseen financial risks and losses that may occur during domestic or international travel. These risks and losses may include loss of luggage, delays, injury, medical and emergency evacuation, and even death.

Knowing that you have adequate coverage to protect you and your family will allow you to enjoy your vacation more.

What Type of Travel Insurance Should You Consider?

Medical Evacuation Travel Insurance

A medical evacuation or medevac plan covers you if you have a medical emergency while you’re away on vacation and need to be taken back to your home hospital and doctors. Some policies will only allow transportation to the nearest suitable facility, even if this facility is far away from your family and doesn’t have your medical history on hand. Make sure you ask about this limitation when purchasing medical evacuation coverage.

Travel Medical Insurance

This plan offers the benefits of a medical evacuation plan, including ‘Hospital of choice’ as well as coverage for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses while you’re away.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

No one wants to plan a vacation only to cancel at the last minute, but there are unforeseen events, like illness, that may force you to stay home.

One of the most important benefits of having travel insurance is trip cancellation coverage which reimburses you for any prepaid, non-refundable reservations. These reservations include your flight ticket, accommodations, and excursions. Without trip cancellation insurance, you stand to lose a major portion of the money that you invested in your summer vacation if you cancel.

Packing cubes

Stay organized on your summer vacation with handy packing cubes. They help even the most disorganized packer stay neat by providing separate cubes for different belongings. Some sets also come with cases for shoes and dirty laundry. They keep you organized and make travel through TSA checkpoints so much better.

Universal Power Adapter

Taking electronics on your summer vacation? If that’s a yes, a universal power adaptor is a must-have if you’re headed to an international destination. Find an adapter that can be used in several countries so you can use it wherever you travel next. This is an item that never gets old and easy to keep in your travel toolkit. Travel is starting to regain momentum so be prepared with the items that make your life simpler.

Prescription Medication

You should take enough of your prescription medication to last the entire vacation, and a few days extra in care there is a delay. Plan ahead and obtain an extra supply by refilling early or getting a medication order that you can take with you on your trip.

If you are planning on international travel, research the destination country’s laws and make sure that your medication is allowed. Some countries may only allow you to bring a 30-day supply and a copy of your prescription.

Disinfectant Wipes and Disposable Face Masks

To minimize the risk of spreading germs, pack disinfectant wipes along with hand sanitizer to clean your phone, face, and hands when necessary. Keep a pack close to clean any surface you need to touch as you move through public spaces. It is essential that you wear a mask whenever you’re in public spaces. Masks help limit the spread of COVID-19, and, it is likely that you won’t be allowed in public spaces without your mask if you vacation abroad.