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 11+ must have travel essentials for those long flights and even longer trips. Cheers to more traveling!
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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:
- bandages
- blister bandages
- basic meds like tylenol, diarrhea medicine, motion sickness remedy
- vitamin c packets
- zinc supplement
- electrolyte chews
Hygiene 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. Pack these essentials in your hygiene kit.
Some 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.
Reusable water bottle
This goes without saying but you should always carry a reusable 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. Definitely recommend. The Bali Market has a great article on the many way she uses turkish towels.
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…
Power Bank
Having a power bank has saved my life more times than I can count. We are almost always using google maps when we travel and unfortunately using maps drains your battery. It has come in so clutch, when we were traveling via buses and trains where most don’t have a charging port.
Travel-Sized Laundry Detergent Sheets
A convenient and space-saving way to keep clothes clean.
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!
Air Tags
I absolutely recommend getting AirTags to put in each important piece of luggage especially for those over packers who check 3 bags for 4 days. 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. Or, especially if it’s stolen, or on the way, or made it to the plane you are in, or whatever. It’s a sanity-saver. Get one.
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
Convertible Lightweight Jacket
Pack a convertible jacket that works as both a rain shell and a warm layer
Comfortable multipurpose shoes
Your shoes need to serve multiple purposes. Unless you’re going to a wedding, don’t pack shoes you’re only going to wear once. Neutrals will dress up or down much better than bright colors!!
The New Balance 327 shoes are favorite travel shoes. They are a unisex shoe, very on trend, and NB is generous with width and super comfy to walk in. They go with just about any outfit too.
Noise Canceling Headphones
This requires no explanation. Life-Saver…I have had my Bose headsets for 5 years and they are going super strong.
Fanny Pack
I take my fanny pack everywhere. It has become super convenient when on the go and traveling. I tend to put my phone, documents and other miscellaneous items I need access to.
Buy Your Fanny pack Here!
