As we are all aware Coronavirus hit the hardest during and after the Lunar New Year of 2020. I had gone on a two week vacation expecting the virus to blow over and I would be back home and back to work in Mainland China… I was very wrong. So during my extra 2 plus months away from home and my 14 day quarantine I have had time to come up with a list of what I wish would would have packed with me, and will always bring with me when I travel in the future.
1) My computer!! We started working remotely, and where I was I had access to a computer. But as soon as I started traveling to try to get back to Mainland China…. I no longer had one. Now I was lucky, and my employer was reimbursing us if we bought a specific computer for us to work while we were abroad. But I didn’t need a new computer… So that was an extra 1,300$ that I spent while traveling during this time that if I would have just packed my computer I would have saved. I will get it back eventually but if I didn’t have to spend it I would have preferred that.
2) Extra Contacts and prescriptions!! I feel like this goes without saying. But I ran out of both and I was able to get more of my prescriptions while in Europe. I am still using the contacts the same pair I left China in January in, which yes I know is bad for your eyes. But I gotta do what I gotta do. I don’t wear them everyday since I did bring my glasses, so that helps. I use them on special occasions like running errands that will last all day, or certain workouts.
3) My reusable utensils. I have metal ones (Fork, Spoon, and Chopsticks) but I left them and my coffee tumbler in China. I will always bring them now. I now have collected plastic utensils which I have been washing and reusing, and I had bought a novelty mug in Finland that I have been using.
4) My Chinese debit card!!! Now that I am in Hong Kong I could use the money I had in my Chinese bank account… But Since I did not bring it the only way to access that money is through Wechat. I have considered getting another debit card made, but I haven’t gotten desperate enough to try that.
5) My travel accessories for my computer cord, it allows me to plug in my computer, or my iPad in without using an adaptor. I just change the plug and I am good to go. I had to buy a new set when I bought the new computer for work since the EU has the 2 circular prong, Hong Kong uses the UK outlet, and China’s is very similar to the US.
6) My work out band. I bring it with me usually, but decided not to as I would be pretty active while in Europe. I was not as active due to self-isolation and I could have used it there and in my quarantine in Hong Kong.
7) Travel insurance… Always have comprehensive travel insurance. I did not understand the importance of it until now. I’ve been lucky that most of the tickets and hotel’s I have booked have been/will be refunded.
8) Reusable bags. I have some Silicone sealable bags that would be perfect for storing food in… they are still at home. I had to buy single use ones before I left Europe. Now that I am in Hong Kong and out of quarantine I purchased one for my second quarantine when I finally make it to the mainland.
9) Highlighters. I use them all of the time for work or when I take notes. Luckily they are pretty cheap to get and they are everywhere.
10) HDMI cord and USB-C adaptor: I like so many of you love to watch movies, tv shows, and youtube video in my spare time. I have an HDMI and a USB-C adaptor at home. I usually bring the USB-C adaptor with we everywhere I go, but since I didn’t bring my computer I don’t have it. While I was in Quarantine I really wanted to watch my movies on the TV but since I didn’t have what I needed I watched it on my computer.