With the holiday season in full swing, you’re probably just adding the finishing touches to your vacation plans—or perhaps you’re already finalizing your 2018 summer rendezvous!

Visiting relatives outside Manila? Maximizing your leave credits and going international? Whether you’re bound locally or abroad, there’s a selection of things you should always have in tow to keep your trip running smooth and worry-free.

If you’re ready to make the most of your trip and already have vacation plans on lockdown, be sure to never leave without these trip essentials:

1. A plastic case for your docs

A smart hack for traveling is to always keep your necessary documents–passport, IDs, tickets–in a small, plastic case. Make sure it’s compact, so it would be easy to bring along, but would still keep your things in good condition. (You can also squeeze a card holder in to hold your bills, so you wouldn’t have to bring a wallet. Less bulk. More room for cute souvenir knickknacks.)

2. Phone and gadget necessities

Bring earplugs, a music player or your tablet loaded with games, movies or your favorite TV series especially for those long haul flights. A waterproof case will come in handy for beachbound trips. You can also throw in a reliable powerbank. And, well, the obvious essentials–phone and gadget chargers. (It helps that charging ports are available everywhere.)

3. A book

With all the action you’ve planned on your trip, you might think there would be no time for you to sit down and read a few pages of your book. But you can never predict long waits–be it because of delayed flights, traffic, etc. Plus, a good book is a wonderful companion for any down time you might get alone–in a cafe, on a train, or waiting for the Christmas ham to finish cooking.

4. An umbrella and/or hat

No matter the destination—or the season, it’s always a good idea to have an umbrella or hat to combat unpredictable weather. (Complete your look with a dependable jacket.)

5. Emergency cash

Stash some extra money in a secure compartment of your wallet or luggage. Make sure to keep it on an “emergency only” basis, like for when you’ve run out of bills in a certain currency or for emergency taxi rides. You can also bring a separate coin purse for any time you might need extra change–and you always need extra change.

6. A debit card

A debit card is a great way to pay while on your trip. With cashless transactions being honored in a vast array of establishments worldwide, it is easy, less bulky, and hassle-free. (With this option, you can even do away with #5!)

With a BDO Debit Card, you can dine, shop (for gifts or pasalubong!) and even pay your bills online through your Internet Banking account while on vacation. Really, there’s no need to bring cash, just debit with BDO!

Tip: To make the most of your BDO Debit Card and for added security particularly with your transactions, make sure your debit card is EMV, which comes with chip technology that has enhanced security features and is the global standard for payment card transactions. To avoid any inconvenience, pick-up your BDO EMV Debit Card on or before January 31, 2018 at your BDO branch of account. Learn more by clicking here.

Don’t have a BDO Debit Card yet? Visit any of the over 1,100 BDO branches nationwide or click here.

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