Long Flight Travel Essentials Every Traveler Needs

Facebook Tweet Pin Email

I’ve scoured through countless forums, TikTok videos, and YouTube channels, and even consulted with friends and family, to compile a list of the most essential travel items for any traveler. While I personally fly as light as possible ( I have traveled for 3 weeks with just a carryon), I still think it is vital to have the essentials. But it isn’t nearly the end of the world if you forget a thing or two. One time we forgot our phone chargers and the hotel we were staying at hooked us up with one. No pun intended 🙂 Here’s a list of 19 must have travel essentials for those long flights and even longer trips. Cheers to more traveling!

*Disclosure: As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no extra cost for you.

The Ultimate List of Travel Essentials

Small First Aid Bag with Essentials

When you’re sick, you need medicine NOW. Not “wake up and find a pharmacy tomorrow”, but immediately. Having a medical kit is super helpful.

Here are some essentials to carry in you first aid kit:

electrolyte chews
bandages
blister bandages
basic meds like tylenol, diarrhea medicine, motion sickness remedy
vitamin c packets
zinc supplement

Travel Essentials Kit

Hygiene kits come in super handy especially after being on a plane all day. I just hate the feeling of sitting in a plane for hours and not feeling fresh. Mad Hippie has some really fresh and simple skincare in their kit.

Some other essentials to carry in your hygiene kit:

Travel Power Strip

I have a power strip with many usb/plug spots that is a life saver, since so many hotels/hostels/airbnbs don’t have enough plugs! This way, I can charge my watch, phone, extra batteries, etc all at once instead of switching out or unplugging lamps and stuff.

Protip. If you do forget your charger, ask the hotel front desk if they have a box of left behind chargers. Some hotels will give you used chargers that were left behind by other guests.

Portable Power Bank

This Anker one is the best I’ve found, compact and fairly light. You can charge two devices at once, and they charge extremely quickly and don’t drain the power bank fast.

I have an iphone and the battery drains fast, especially when you are using google maps and always taking photos.

Reusable Water Bottle

This goes without saying but you should always carry a reusabl e water bottle. It is so important to stay hydrated while traveling. On long flights it is very dry and essential to be hydrated at all times.

Pro Tip: If you are prone to losing things, personalize your water bottle by putting stickers on it

Buy Your Reusable Water Bottle Here!

Big Thin Scarf or Sarong

Something that is often overlooked is something as simple as a big thin scarf- becomes a blanket, heat shield, towel, cover for religious sites, face wrap if it’s dusty or polluted, and can even be tied into a bag.

I carry a 100% cotton Turkish towel. Packs super small, dries fast, and is a great towel/blanket/scarf/sarong/comfort item . Plus they get softer as you use and wash them.

But you can also get a sarong, they have many uses too! Privacy curtain, coverup when visiting places of worship or wherever you’re required to dress modestly, extra bag (I’ve used mine to pack dirty clothes), bedsheet e.g. in some hostels, fancy up an outfit, tent…

Travel-Sized Laundry Detergent Sheets

A convenient and space-saving way to keep clothes clean.

Get yours Here!

Down Jacket

A lightweight down jacket, should be on everyones travel list and closet.
Buy Down Jacket Here

Air Tags

I absolutely recommend getting AirTags to put in each important piece of luggage. It’s true peace of mind knowing where those bags if you are in Malaysia and your air tag is saying your bag is in London.

AirTags absolutely pay for themselves eventually.

Pro Tip: take a picture of your checked bag before you check it. Being able to show the baggage ground crew what it looks like instead of just saying “it’s a black soft-sided suitcase about yea big,” is very helpful

Document Organizer

There is nothing worse than not being able to find your passport on your connecting flight..

I personally like mine because it’s soft, lays flat even when quite full. Fits boarding passes, currency of any size, tons of cards, 2+ passports, int’l driver’s license, tri-folded insurance papers and itineraries etc.

Get yourself a document organizer today!

Universal Adaptor

If you’re traveling away from your home country or region of the world then chances of you needing an adapter are pretty high.

Get your Universal Adaptor Here!

Ultralight Waterproof Jacket

This rain jacket from Columbia is a great addition to any and all closets from women to men. My husband and I each have one and it packs super well during travel. Super lightweight and keeps us super dry.

Cute Pair of Neutral Sneakers

A comfortable pair of neutral colored sneakers goes a long way. You can mix and match with nearly everything. I love my Allbird sneakers . Ive walked 30000 steps a day in paris with my allbird sneakers with no pain.

Get Your Sneakers Here!