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I love to travel, and I have had the privilege to go on many vacations as well as work trips. I have traveled alone, as a couple, and with children of various ages. More often than I’d like to admit, I found myself packing way more than I should. I’d like to help you avoid this mistake by sharing what I have found to be true “must-haves” travel items. Below are my top 14 items. Read until the end and get a bonus of 4 items.
14 must-have travel items
1. Document carrier
When traveling, whether it’s alone or with your family, you will have many documents you need to pull out at different times. I always get nervous that I will forget or lose my passport or ID at the security checkpoint. The best way that I have found to remain organized during my travel is to have a document carrier/organizer. I have had the one below for several years. I put our boarding passes, passports, IDs, a pen, luggage receipts, and everything else I need to keep safe in it. I love that it completely zips up and has many different pouches and pockets to keep my paperwork well organized. I cannot find the exact same one I have, but here is a similar one with good reviews.
2- Reusable water bottle
I believe this is a must-have so that you can do your part at protecting our planet while you travel. Of course, you cannot take liquid through security however, I always bring an empty stainless steel reusable water bottle with me. I fill it out once I get through. Many airports have water bottle stations. You’ll also have it with you for the rest of your trip and avoid having to buy plastic bottles throughout your trip. I prefer stainless steel but if you are concerned with space in your bag, they also make collapsible bottles now. I have not tried them yet.
3- Good sturdy luggage
Of course, you need luggage. But I would add good sturdy luggage. Have you ever seen how airline people handle your luggage? If you want it to last for more than one trip, you better invest in some good ones. We currently own 4 hardshell Samsonite suitcases. To be fair, 2 of those are brand new for an upcoming trip. However, we have had the other 2 for at least 4 years and they have gone on probably 7-8 trips via air travel. They are in great shape. The wheels work well and so do the zippers. I highly recommend Samsonite. The newer ones we just purchased (on the right below) have a backpack hook on the top which is a great new feature.
4- Sanitizing wipes
You might think this doesn’t belong on a “must-have” travel items list but I beg to differ. Not only can you use the wipes to clean the area around your seat but it can serve many other purposes. You will be happy to have them for example when you spill something on the plane, or when your child sneezes all over themself/or yourself, or in your rental car to clean the wheel/handles/etc. Wipes don’t take much space, just take my word for it and pack them in your carry-on.
5- Reusable toiletries plastic bottles
Sure, you can purchase travel-size shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion but it is not very sustainable. A better option is to get reusable plastic bottles that you can use each time you travel. This will also save you money and space in your suitcase. You can find lots of options to buy in-store or online, including TSA-approved sizes if you’d like to only travel with a carry-on.
6- Noise-canceling headphones or ear plugs
Airplanes are loud and so are some hotels. I love having noise-canceling headphones when traveling. Not only can I hear my movie/music much more clearly, but it is also amazing when I am trying to sleep on long or overnight flights. If these are not in your budget right now, I’d recommend at least getting some ear plugs to help cancel some noise to allow you to rest. I own these older Bose headphones. I really like them. My husband has a newer pair which is wireless, but the wire never really bothered me.
7- Tide to-go stick & laundry detergent
Yes, you read this right. I promise you that you or someone on your trip will end up with stained clothes at one point or another. If you had planned to wear that piece of clothing again during your trip, this can be frustrating. Packing this tiny item can save the day.
On top of that, I like to pack a little bit of laundry detergent into a plastic toiletries bottle. This is beneficial, especially for longer trips. This allows you to pack lighter because you can wash some quick-drying items in the sink or tub.
8- First aid kit
Always pack basic first aid and medication with you when traveling. It is not always convenient to find these items when you are away. As a matter of fact, in some countries, you might even struggle to find exactly what you need. Here is what I always bring:
- Bandaids
- Neosporin
- Pepto Bismol/Tums
- Tylenol or Advil
- Tweezers
- Benadryl
9- Quick-drying clothing
Vacation is not the time to bring lots of heavy and long-to-dry clothing. As mentioned before, on longer trips, I usually still only pack for one week but will wash clothing along the way. Depending on where you travel, you may or may not have access to a clothes dryer. Bringing quick-drying fabric will make your life easier.
10- Good walking shoes
A vacation is not a time to try a brand new pair of shoes. I have done this (more than once, unfortunately) and it doesn’t usually go well. My new favorite city walking shoes are the “ON” shoes. They are quite pricey, I will admit, but are extremely comfortable for walking on the pavement for long hours.
11- Day backpack
You will likely go on excursions or day trips where you will need to carry several items with you. Therefore, don’t forget to pack a day backpack or bag. You could use your carry-on backpack if the size is appropriate, bring a small draw-string bag or another smaller bag that meets your needs. I found this small Athleta backpack a few years ago and I am obsessed! I can remove the small front pouch and carry just this as a clutch if needed which is great. It also has a shoe compartment below. On top of that, I find it quite pretty which is a plus. Mine is no longer available but I found this cute option.
12- Power strip
If you are traveling with more than one person, I highly recommend bringing a travel power strip with you. A lot of older hotels do not have near enough outlets to charge the number of electronic devices most families have these days. We bought the one in the picture below a few years ago, and it has been a life saver. I cannot find the exact one online, but here is a similar one by the same brand.
13- Battery pack
Travel days are long, and you will likely use your phone so MUCH! You will use it for directions, taking photos, calling places, checking reviews, and more. Before you know it, your phone will be dead, and you will need to call a taxi. I have been there, and you don’t want to be in this situation. Bring a small battery pack with you, and you will avoid frustrating and stressful situations.
14- Fanny pack/neck pouch or money belt
If you are planning a trip where you will travel through large and busy cities, this is an absolute must. It is the only way to ensure your money, passport, IDs, and other important documents are safe. I have used the small fanny pack in the picture below in Italy, England, California, France, and many more places. What I love about the one I have is how small it is. Sure, it means I cannot carry large things in it. However, it is perfect for important papers, credit cards, and money.
BONUS – travel items you might want to consider
For longer trips or travel to different countries, there are some items you will or might need.
- Travel adapter: make sure that you know whether or not you need a travel adapter where you are going. If you leave in North America traveling to Europe (or vice-versa) you will need a (a few) travel adapters.
- Dual voltage hair curler or flat iron. Again, if you are going to a different country that uses a different voltage than your own, you will not be able to use some of your electronics such as a flat iron or hair curler EVEN with an adapter. You must have a dual voltage appliance.
- Travel pillow: I don’t use one on short flights. However, on long and especially overnight flights, I like to have some comfort items to help me sleep or at a minimum rest.
- eReader: There is a lot of wasted time when traveling. I like to bring a variety of things to entertain me. Although I normally bring a tablet, I like to have a lightweight eReader. It allows for unlimited reading options, adds almost no weight to your bag, and has anti-reflection properties so that you can read even when the sun is shining without damaging your eyes. I personally own and Kindle and I love it.
In conclusion..
There is no need to get overwhelmed when it comes time to pack for your next trip. Focus on the essentials and do not overstuff your bags with a bunch of things you will not need. I hope this essential travel items article was helpful for you and is lifting a little of the stress off of your shoulders.
Bon voyage!
Cat xx