Essentials Needed for a Day Out

When you’re planning that big day out, either alone, with friends, or with your family, there are always a few essentials things you’ll need to take with you. It does depend on the person, their preferences, where you are going, and what you’re doing of course, but certain things you just can’t leave on the kitchen worktop, or in the drawer at home beside your bed. Here, we will take a look at a few of the most essential bits and pieces we need with us, to make that day out more comfortable and stress-free.

• Phone – How dare we not start with probably THE most essential thing needed for a day out! It can be a distraction of course – responding to messages, scrolling through social media, or watching videos. But if you can control that urge, it can also be your map, let you know how the weathers going to be, and allow you to find out more information about where you are headed. Just don’t let the kids get hold of it – you’ll never get it back!
• Water Bottle – You have to stay hydrated when out and about, and who knows when you’ll see a convenience store if you’re out in the wilderness. It could be a long day, so make sure you have your water bottle on you at all times. A great reusable bottle with a large capacity will set you up just right, and Frank Green has a great selection of awesome water bottles for you to check out.
• Clothing – This will largely depend on where you are going, and what you’re doing. No need for a coat and woolly hat if it’s 30c outside and you’re off to the beach now, is there? Also, don’t have your flip flops and shorts on if you’re out trekking and it’s a chilly day. Just make sure you cover all eventualities, and have a good idea of where you are going, and what you’re doing so as to choose the correct type of clothing and footwear.
• Wallet/Purse – You are going to need cash (although cards and other types of payments are seeing cash becoming less of a king these days), or something to make payments with. It’s always handy to have ID to hand if needed for any reason, so make sure you’ve got it with you whenever you’re off out, and during the trip also.
• Snacks – Who doesn’t enjoy a good snack on the road, or at any time for that matter? But having snacks available, especially if you’re travelling with kids, is a must. They can get cranky if they’re peckish, so pack non-perishable snacks that will keep for the day, and then you can take them out with you whatever you are doing, and save some money too as you won’t need to pick anything up from the extortionately priced store nearby.
• Travel Pillow – Not a bad idea for passengers if you are driving for a sustained period of time. Keeps you from getting a knot in your neck, and spoiling the day through sheer pain. Not heavy or won’t take up too much space, so a good idea if you’re a good sleeper when travelling.
• Weather Protection – If the weather is unpredictable where you are, then it’s definitely a good idea to come prepared for all types of weatherly delights. Be sure to pack an umbrella, raincoat, and wellies if you’re expecting that typical downpour, or if you are fortunate enough, and your day out consists of a visit to the beach for example, make sure you have plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to keep yourself and others safe from the sun. Sunburn is fun for no one. Trust me.

Of course, take into account what you are doing, where you are going, and who’s coming along. Some of these may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many times I’ve left home without something really important. Maybe make a list, stick it on the fridge or keep it on your phone, of different things needed for different occasions. Most importantly of all, have a great day out people!