Being well-packed is the foundation of a seamless trip. Over years of travel, I’ve curated a list of essentials that have earned a permanent spot with me on the plane. From comfort to health, these are the non-negotiable items I will never travel without. Click on the image to get the link, or find most of these items on the “My Travel Items” page!
Fanny Pack
For me, a good fanny pack is the perfect travel companion. It keeps my phone, money, IDs, chapstick, etc. secure and right at my fingertips. I can navigate through a busy city, market, or airport with confidence, knowing my most important items are safely attached to me, and not in a large, cumbersome bag. I cannot remember the last time I’ve traveled without it!
Pocket Pharmacy
A pocket pharmacy is a lifesaver, especially if you’re anything like me and frequently need over-the-counter relief. While you hope to not need it, having your own small supply of pain relievers, cold medicine, allergy medicine, and other essentials means you can handle minor ailments without the stress of finding a pharmacy in an unknown place. It’s all about being prepared, giving yourself a little peace of mind, and taking care of yourself on the go!
Good Walking Shoes
I always do way more walking when traveling than I expect, which is why a pair of comfortable, quality walking shoes is a non-negotiable for me. The right shoes are critical for keeping you comfortable and pain-free while you’re exploring new streets and sightseeing. A painful blister and sore feet can ruin a trip, so this is one item you should never compromise on!
Hanging Bathroom Bag
A hanging bathroom bag is the key to my organized travel. Whether I’m gone for two days or two weeks, you can bet my bathroom bag is coming with me. This isn’t just a simple pouch- it has multiple zippered, leak-proof compartments that keep everything from my makeup to my toothpaste neat and secure. Best of all, it hangs on a door hook or towel rod, keeping all my items easily accessible without cluttering up the counter. It’s an easy way to stay organized and makes packing up a breeze!
Reusable Water Bottle
A reusable water bottle is one of the easiest ways to save money and stay hydrated while traveling. When you’re caught up in the excitement of a new place, it’s easy to forget to drink water. I know without my water bottle, I would only drink a few sips of water at restaurants, which is not nearly enough! By keeping my bottle filled up and in my hotel room, I make sure I’m constantly staying hydrated. Just pack an empty one in your bag, fill it up once you’re past airport security, and use it throughout your trip to stay refreshed without buying expensive bottled water. It’s so important to stay hydrated, especially while traveling!
SPF Chapstick
Don’t underestimate the value of this simple item. Dry cabin air on planes and changing climates can do a number on your lips, but a quality chapstick with SPF is a tiny detail that provides big protection. Your lips are one of the most sun-prone areas of your skin, so a quick swipe will help you stay comfortable and protected in any destination. I always opt for the stick version over a squeeze tube or container because it’s self-applicating, and when you’re traveling, you never know how gross your hands are!
Noise Canceling Earbuds
For me, noise-canceling earbuds are a total game-changer. I prefer them over bulky headphones because they’re more compact, much more comfortable, and allow you to rest your head against the window or a pillow. The noise-canceling feature is a lifesaver on a plane, whether it’s for blocking out a crying kid or just the plane’s hum. Beyond the flight, I love using them to listen to music or a podcast in an airport, or even at night in a hotel room, so I don’t keep up whoever I’m traveling with. I also find the transparency mode helpful in an airport, as it allows me to hear if someone is trying to talk to me or if there are important announcements!
Passport Holder and Travel Wallet
When it comes to keeping all my essential travel documents and money safe and secure, a great travel wallet is key. I use a zippered wallet that has a spot for everything: your passport, ID, credit/debit cards, and cash. It even has a slot for a pen and, in my case, my pilot certificate and medical. The best part is that it comes with RFID blocking, which is a feature that protects you from digital theft. This gives me peace of mind knowing all my documents and cards are secure in a single, convenient place, so I’m never scrambling to find my essentials.
Wireless Portable Charger
In today’s connected world, a wireless portable charger is a non-negotiable. It ensures your phone doesn’t die in a foreign place, which is a major safety concern, and gives you the freedom to take all the pictures and videos you want without worrying about a dead battery. My favorite part is that it’s small and compact, and magnets wirelessly right to the back of my phone, allowing me to still use and carry the phone as normal while it’s charging. It also can double as a phone prop at the airport or on the plane, so I can watch shows or movies without having to hold it up. This item has saved me many times!
Wetwipes
Wet wipes are a simple but invaluable item for any traveler. Unlike hand sanitizer, they’re perfect for wiping down and disinfecting surfaces, which is why one of the first things I do on a plane is wipe down my tray table, screen, and armrests. You never know who was sitting there last! They’re also great for handling quick spills, sticky messes, and of course, for cleaning your hands on the go!
Backpack
A backpack is the perfect personal item for me because it’s attached to my back, so I never have to worry about leaving it somewhere in the airport. My favorite backpacks have a very wide main compartment instead of many small ones, allowing me to fit bigger items like a travel blanket or other items from the “My Travel Items” page. It’s also where I keep my snacks and any items I can’t afford to lose, like my contacts, in case my luggage gets lost. I love a backpack that clasps in the front so I can attach my water bottle handle to it, making it easily accessible without having to carry it!
Being well-packed is the foundation of a seamless trip, and having these items with me gives me the ultimate peace of mind. By focusing on smart, practical solutions like these, you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying! Did I miss any of your must-haves? I’d love to know what items make your travels a little easier. Let me know in the comments, or if you’re ready to start booking or planning your next trip, click the “get started” button below!