Allie Hubers My Royal Caribbean Asia cruise aboard Anthem of the Seas took me on an unforgettable 12-night journey from Singapore to Tokyo. We had multiple stops across the continent, including Vietnam, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Not everything went perfectly, but I am so thankful I packed these things to make my vacation even better.
When it comes to cruising, especially on long international itineraries, what you pack can make or break your trip. Even though I’ve traveled around the world, I always make sure to pack strategically and thoroughly to prepare for even the worst-case scenario.
Some of these things made travel days smoother, while others gave me peace of mind. They all earned a permanent spot on my future packing list.
From charging all your devices at once to staying healthy and protected, smart packing really does pay off. And this especially pays off when you’re halfway around the world.
Whether you’re planning a Royal Caribbean Asia cruise or another long-haul itinerary, these five things can help you feel more prepared, comfortable, and confident while traveling.
1. A 3-in-1 charging stand
Traveling internationally means juggling adapters, chargers, and limited outlet space, especially in cruise cabins where outlets are scarce. I always feel frustrated wasting so much suitcase space on charging cords and plugs for all my devices.
For this trip, I decided to try this compact 3-in-1 charging stand for the first time, and it made my life so much easier. The charging stand easily charged my phone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all in one place with a single cord. Considering cruise cabins are already tight on space, this was a lifesaver for me and my sister.
Not only did it keep our vanity organized, but it also meant I didn’t have to dig around for separate chargers every night. For a trip that involved several flights, hotels, and a cruise, it was a small gadget with a big payoff. I’ll definitely be packing this charging stand for my future travels!
2. Phone wristband
I’ve seen my fair share of pickpocket warnings while traveling. I’ve watched shocking videos online where thieves snatch phones right out of people’s hands!
That’s why I brought along a phone wristband, which is essentially a stylish strap that attaches to my phone case and lets me loop it around my wrist. This small phone accessory gave me peace of mind when taking pictures with my phone or navigating to the nearest Starbucks for my next collectible mug.
Also, I appreciated the additional safety net when taking pictures on my balcony or the top deck. I would feel awful if my phone slipped and fell straight into the ocean. Luckily, I never worried about accidentally dropping my phone or someone snatching it while I stayed alert. It’s lightweight, cute, and functional—a win all around.
3. Mini pharmacy
You never want to need medication while on vacation, but when you do, it becomes an essential item. Getting sick can quickly ruin your cruise, and lacking the right medication only makes it worse.
I always travel with a small zip pouch filled with over-the-counter essentials. This includes pain relievers, allergy meds, motion sickness tablets, and cold remedies. This mini pharmacy offers nearly every OTC medication I could need.
I was so thankful to have my pharmacy on this cruise since my dad caught a nasty cough halfway through the vacation. Instead of searching for a pharmacy in port or relying on the ship’s limited (and expensive) options, I had everything we needed on hand.
4. Extra luggage
Before a big international trip, I always check two suitcases, even if one is practically empty. Some might think that’s overkill, but I know myself: I love to shop, especially when exploring markets in Ho Chi Minh City or the bazaars in Hong Kong.
I’d rather come prepared than scramble to buy a cheap suitcase that I really don’t want. It would also be frustrating to pay outrageous fees for bags over the airline’s weight limit. Sure enough, I filled both bags to the 50-pound limit by the time we flew home.
I was thrilled to have so much extra space to bring home treasures, souvenirs, and gifts. Having that extra space was a game-changer, and I’ll continue to pack extra luggage to bring home all my shopping.
As a world traveler, Away Luggage is my go-to choice. The lifetime warranty has come in handy multiple times, and the company’s customer service is fantastic. The durable luggage was able to withstand multiple flights, buses, and taxi rides.
I’ve hauled my Large Flex suitcase around the world over the last 2.5 years, and she’s taken each trip like a champ!
For this trip, I traveled with my Bigger Carry-On Flex, Medium Checked Bag, and Large Flex suitcases. The wheels roll like a dream, and they’re so easy to navigate around the airport and cruise terminal! Even my parents, who typically use janky suitcases from decades ago, were convinced to order their own set after this trip.
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5. Travel insurance
Each year, I buy an annual travel insurance policy to cover any unexpected situations that might come up during my trips. Sure enough, my return trip from Tokyo was disrupted during Japan’s Golden Week, a busy national holiday period that brings in many tourists from around the world.
I ended up stranded overnight in Tokyo when Delta cancelled my flight with limited hotel availability and sky-high prices. Thankfully, my travel insurance kicked in to cover the cost of the hotel and some of the associated expenses that I hadn’t budgeted for. This included food, transport, and accommodations.
Having an annual travel insurance policy saved me hundreds and helped turn a stressful situation into something manageable. My sister and I made the most of the situation by ordering room service, enjoying the luxurious hotel amenities, and visiting the Tokyo Tower with our free morning.
