Wet wipes - Japanese being so Japanese

“Wet wipes are essential! There is no such thing like Oshibori (Japanese hot towel) overseas, and wet wipes in a compact size is also hard to be found there.” (40s / female / travels abroad at least once a year)

“Wet wipes, definitely. And they must be the sterilization type – with alcohol!” (30s / female / travelled around world)

Wet wipes were the most frequent answer that came first. Wet tissues and towels are not easy to be found overseas. Many Japanese care a lot about hygiene. They won’t sit down until the toilet seat is wiped clean and dry.

Room shoes - Rooted in Japanese Culture

“In the West, slippers are not provided in all the hotels, but they are essential to me.” (30s / female / travel lover, living in Germany)

"You can walk outside as it is and relax yourself, so beach sandals are a must-have item, they’re convenient when it rains - although they’re only for summer time. lol” (30s / female / traveled to over 40 countries)

As in Japanese culture, outdoor shoes are not allowed indoors, Japanese people always want to take off their shoes when entering a room. Slippers are provided at hotels in Japan, but they are not always available overseas.

Also, if you bring beach sandals, you can even wear them outside the hotel room. Another opinion suggests bringing a pair of Gyosan instead of beach sandals. Gyosan is the abbreviation for "fishery sandals" in Japanese – you might imagine something like Crocs overseas. The strong toe thong makes them less slippery than other sandals and they are quick-drying. Try them on if you find them!

Smartphone, Digital Camera, and Power bank – No matter where you go, you’ll be bringing tech along!

“The first thing that came to my mind is smartphone. That is all we need, right? And then it is camera! A spare battery is also necessary. I just can’t stop taking photos on the trip and I need to prepare a lot of batteries in advance so that I don’t have to go back to the hotel to charge things.” (20s / male / traveled around the world within 200 days)

“I take many videos on the trip and I recommend Go-Pro!” (20s / female / Korean)

“I download dramas and movies to my tablet and bring it on the trip. It helps to kill time on the flight, this preparation is absolutely necessary.” (20s / male / Australian)

Regardless of the country, gadgets are always the latest must-items. Batteries are also essential. However, the following opinion shows that sometimes being too prepared also causes problems.

“I prepared 5 spare batteries for all my digital equipment and they were all confiscated in Chinese immigration inspection. lol” (20s / male)

Lucas’ Papaw Ointment - Recommendation from a former flight attendant!

“Almost every flight attendant, regardless of gender, always takes an Australian ointment called ‘Papaw cream.’ Burns, insect bites, scratches, dry skin and lips – it’s a versatile ointment that works on everything.”

Papaw cream is said to be a home essential in Australia. As flight attendants are knowledgeable about different countries, their recommendation must be credible.

So, don’t forget to bring one Papaw cream on your trip, it works on all kinds of skin troubles!

Contact Lens Cases - A compact and convenient trick!

“Contact lens cases are very easy to carry around. You can bring things in the amount that you need in the aircraft, such as lotion, hand cream, wax etc. It does not leak liquid, it can be divided into two and are convenient. I carry one almost every day, lol.”

Clothespins, Clothesline, and S-hook - 3 things to make packing easier

“You must pack them in your backpack. Bring less stuff and wash it once in a while is basic knowledge among travelers.”
“S-hooks and clothespins are really useful! Sometimes it is difficult to find place to dry your clothes in the hotel room, then you can use clothespin instead!”

Laundry supplies were mentioned a lot by people who have travelled to many countries and went on long trips. S-hooks are useful when drying clothes and hanging baggage.

Insulated drink bottles - Chinese people enjoy drinking hot water

“In China, hot drinks are considered to have a magic healing power that can calm people down. That’s why we always take insulated water bottles with us while traveling. And bottles made in Japan are popular in China.” (30s / male / Chinese)

In Japan, although some people also think cold drinks are unhealthy, this idea is not as common as it in China. Japanese electrical goods are famous for their good quality and reasonable price; no wonder these are popular among Chinese.

Miso for Japanese, Lao Gan Ma Chili Sauce for Chinese, and Gochujang for Korean - Asians love seasonings!

“I will absolutely bring instant miso soup along. As long as there is hot water, I can have it for breakfast.” (Answered by the majority of Japanese)

“Lao Gan Ma chili sauce is so popular in China. You can add it into instant noodles when you miss Chinese food. It is just like miso soup to Japanese people.” (30s / male / Chinese)

“Gochujang is essential to Korean people. I will bring instant noodle, Gim (Korean seaweed) and Gochujang… Nothing is more important than food.” (20s / female / Korean)

Some people get home-sick on the trip and a taste of home will make them feel better. Each country has its signature seasonings. Take some with you and it will be a relief to your stomach.

Deodorant Supplies - For those who always want to look good!

“Deodorant is in my daily routine, so I definitely bring it on trips.” (20s / male / Italian)

Odor control is important as part of fashion to Italian people. Some Italian girls even take shower before they go out at night. No wonder people says that Italy is built on fashion!

Underwear & Socks - German: Simple is the best?!

“If you have underwear and socks, then you are ready to go. Anything else? Basically, as long as I have cash, card and passport, I can manage it somehow.” (40s / male / German)

Surely as you said, but it is so simple! For people from Germany, which is also said to be one of the greenest countries, it may be preferable to travel with less waste and minimize what you need!

Daily Necessities of a Familiar Brand - Choice for the laid-back American

“To be honest, I don’t think there is such a thing for us. It really depends on each person... But there are things like lotion, body soap that I always use, and I want to bring brands I am familiar with. Recently, I also make sure to bring toothpaste I use at home.” (20s / female / American)

"I travelled around the world. I took the Japanese national flag with me and it was awesome, it was great to have it in the pictures that I took with local people."

“Plastic bags and eco-bags, as are many overseas supermarkets do not provide free bags."

“Disposable body warmers! It is easy for me to get a stomachache when traveling overseas; a body warmer helps relieve the pain. Once I gave one to a local guide in Russia, and he liked it a lot!”

What do you think about these kinds of items mentioned?
As a Japanese writer, what I noticed in this survey is that Japanese people are particular about the things they take on trips. While the Japanese give a long list of must-bring items, people from other countries seem to say there isn’t as much to consider. The result seems to suggest the delicacy in Japanese temperament.

So, what are your travel essentials? Hope this survey will help you get ready for next trip!

Written by Miyuki Yajima