30 travel essentials

Travel Essentials List: 30 MUST-HAVE Items to Carry-On

Are you planning a trip and wondering what travel essentials to bring? Check out this travel essentials list of 30 items you should pack in your carry-on backpack! A printable travel essentials list is included below.

No matter your travel destination, there are certain travel necessities you should always pack in your carry-on backpack. A pen. Tissues.Lip Balm.

I can’t leave home without these must-have travel items. They help me survive long flights.

As I get older, not having certain travel essentials makes for an uncomfortable flight, especially if traveling abroad.

Compression socks are now at the top of our travel essentials list for our next international flight. The last time I left them, my feet were swollen throughout our two weeks in Italy. No fun.

This travel essentials list includes 30 items to make your travels more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. It should be part of your vacation packing list.

So what should you pack in your carry-on bag?

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our  full disclosure  for details.

This article provides a comprehensive travel essentials list of everything you need to pack in your carry-on backpack. This travel essentials list is perfect for first-time travelers and experienced globetrotters, as we always look for the best things to carry on.

To make packing your carry-on bag easier, we’ve included a printable travel packing checklist at the end of this article. Print out the travel checklist as a packing guide for your next trip.

Table of Contents

What carry-on backpack or bag should you take?

First, let’s chat about the carry-on bag… or backpack…

There are a few different carry-on options. You can travel with a:

• Rolling carry-on

The type of travel backpack or bag you take is completely up to you and your travel style.

We prefer carrying a backpack as a personal item and then a rolling carry-on suitcase when not checking luggage in.

It’s easier to walk around airports and cities with a backpack. Of course, the backpack must have a sleeve so we can slip it over the luggage handle.

Recently, we purchased the Brevitē camera bag – The Jumper . We chose this backpack because we can customize it to fit my DSLR. It also has a lovely feature where I can easily slip the camera in and out of the backpack. Our MacBook Pro also fits in a separate sleeve inside the backpack.

What we love most about this camera bag is that it transforms into a regular backpack when we are not bringing the DSLR. Since we will mostly use it to travel, the DSLR will come with us. It’s one of the main reasons we purchased it.

We needed a camera bag/backpack that made sense to us. In the future, perhaps we will find something else that will be better suited for our travel needs.

Travel Essentials List for Your Carry-on Backpack

What are the things you should pack in your backpack? You should always carry your passport, wallet, and other travel documents.

Below is our travel essentials list of 30 items you should always have in your carry-on backpack. They’ll make everything from easy travel days to long-haul flights more comfortable.

1. Pack Your Passport & Official Government ID

This travel essential is a no-brainer. You need your passport to travel internationally and some form of government-issued ID when traveling domestically. Keep these items in an easily accessible but safe place in your carry-on bag.

Consider your passport your golden ticket.

Also, make sure it’s not expired. If it’s a year from expiring, we suggest renewing it ASAP. Do not wait to renew it. We recently waited three months for passport renewal. It is taking quite a bit of time these days, so it is best not to wait.

Read More: Common Travel Mistakes To Avoid

2. Have All Tavel Documents Printed

In our digital age, it seems old-school and wasteful to have to print out all your documents, but it’s a must. Do not leave home without a copy of your travel arrangements.

You never know when you have to pull them out. And you can’t always rely on technology. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

• Hotel Reservations
• Cruise documents
• Car Rental Reservations
• Tour Confirmations
• Travel Insurance
• Copy of your vaccine card

Save now to come back to read later !

3. CDC Vaccination Card

Proof of vaccination is being required less and less. Some destinations still require you to submit or show your vaccination card upon entry. Do not leave home without your vaccination card. Put this at the top of your travel essentials list and keep it with your passport.

You can purchase a passport holder and vaccine holder , or you can keep your vaccination card should keep it safe in a clear slip .

This is one travel essential people forget about, but a pen is handy for travel documents and filling out forms.

You might not think you need it because most things are digital these days, but you never know when you’ll need to jot something down or fill out a form that doesn’t have the option to do it digitally.

Besides, with all the germs going around, best to carry your own.

Beach Packing List

Get beach-ready with this packing list! Whether you’re heading on a day trip to the beach or taking a beach vacation, this beach packing list comes in handy every time. Don’t miss packing any of these items. Printable included!

How many times have you heard the story of someone leaving their wallet at home?

Many times! The horror. You could miss your flight this way.

Your wallet probably holds your driver’s license, credit card, money, and other essential items you need when traveling.

It’s easy to forget to transfer it to a carry-on bag. So this is why we are here to remind you not to forget your wallet.

6. Money | Foreign Currency

Don’t leave your home without some cash. Depending on where you travel to, not everyone takes credit cards. Believe me, we love paying for everything with a credit card because we get to rack up those travel points. That cash is important for gratuities and anyone who doesn’t take a credit card.

And if you’re traveling abroad, try to order foreign currency with your bank before you leave the country. The exchange rates at international airports are a scam. Save yourself some time and money.

If you forget to get cash, you can always withdraw from an ATM at a reputable bank. Look for large banks with ATMs inside the bank. You will get the best exchange rate this way, too.

– Don’t Miss: How to Save Money to Travel –

Toiletries, Health & Medications

7. extra masks.

Bring extra masks with you for the plane and during your travels. Some destinations are more relaxed with masks than others, but it’s up to you and how comfortable you feel wearing one.

And t here are international flights that are still requiring them.

8. Bring Disinfectant Wipes & Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes are a must , especially during these times. You will want to wipe down your tray table or armrest on the plane or at the airport.

And let’s not forget about those nasty airplane bathrooms. Yuck. Hand sanitizer is also key when soap and water aren’t available.

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Looking for help planning your next trip? Check out our top travel resources! These tools help you find and organize airfare, cruises, hotels, and more. So start planning the best vacation.

9. Medication | Vitamins

If you take any medications or vitamins daily, pack them in your carry-on and keep them close to you. Having some travel essential meds on hand is also great, like Advil, Tylenol, Immodium, and Zyrtec.

We always recommend taking some extra vitamin C or some Airborne. It never hurts to keep your immune system high.

10. Lip balm

We can’t forget the lip balm! You’ll want to moisturize your lips because the air in the plane dries you out.

11. Hand lotion

We don’t know about you, but our hands get incredibly dry when we travel. The recycled air on the plane dries us out and makes our hands feel rough and stiff.

So always travel with a small tube of hand lotion to keep your hands feeling smooth and moisturized. But remember, it has to be 3oz or less.

12. Disposable Travel Toothbrush or Listerine Strips

The small disposable travel toothbrushes and Listerine strips are great for quick freshening up after long flights where we’ve been eating and sleeping. It’s nice to give your mouth a quick brush or pop in one of these strips to freshen up that breath and taste.

13. Eyeglass Cleaning Cloth

This is for anyone that wears glasses! You know that cleaning cloth for our glasses is essential everyday. We can easily forget to pack it, so it’s a must on this travel essentials list.

Nobody likes to look through smudged and dirty glasses. And we can never carry enough of these because we lose them. Make sure to carry a couple.

14. Tissues

Never know when you need a tissue. The carry-on packs in your local pharmacy’s travel section are perfect.

Sometimes, we’ll take a wad of tissues from our tissue box at home and put them inside a zip-lock bag.

Travel & Airplane Comforts

15. travel pillow.

Let’s chat about travel pillows. We’d say this is an essential travel item if your flight is any more than 3 hours or you’re flying on a redeye.

There are many options, and it will probably take a few different tries to figure out exactly which pillow is right for you.

• Neck Travel Pillows (the most used)
• Turtle Pillow
• Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow
• Small rectangle travel pillow

Because I can’t sleep on planes, I can’t exactly offer the best sound advice here. However, hubby uses his regular travel pillow and sleeps like a baby. I use a small rectangle pillow because I’m not too fond of the neck pillow, but it is a pain to pack.

Cruise Essentials to Pack

A cruise vacation is a perfect way to relax and escape from the everyday grind. But before you set sail, be sure to pack these essentials that will help make your cruise even more enjoyable. These items include everything from sun protection essentials to must-have medications. So don’t forget to add them to your cruise packing list.

16. Shawl, Scarf, or Travel Blanket

A shawl or a travel blanket is on our travel essentials list for a long flight. Unless you’re flight premium economy or first class, expect not to get a travel blanket or pillow. Some airlines will still provide them on international flights. It’s still best to be ready with your own.

You can bring a travel blanket, or you can also bring one of your favorite shawls that you reuse throughout your travels. You can easily roll it up and stuff it into your carry-on backpack.

A travel scarf and shawl, also known as a pashmina, has many purposes. You can roll it up and use it as a pillow. You can use it around your neck. You can cover your head with it. You can use it as a blanket.

17. Eye Mask

An eye mask is key for getting some sleep on long flights. These eye masks block out the light in the cabin and are comfortable so that it doesn’t put any pressure on your eyes.

You want an eye mask that is adjustable so you can get the perfect fit. We purchased the ones above in a two-pack, which have been used multiple times.

It has been a game-changer for us, especially since one of us recently took many red-eye flights to New York .

18. Airplane Foot Rest

Sitting in economy class? This airplane footrest is an easy hack to help elevate your feet and give you a better reclining position. It hangs over your tray table, and you insert your feet into the hammock.

Supposedly it helps with swelling and soreness and also helps you sleep. We have purchased it for our upcoming travels to Ita l y and will report back.

This also works best for people shorter in height.

19. Compression Socks

Compression socks are so important! You should consider wearing compression socks regardless of age or length of the flight.

Compression socks help keep the blood flowing in your legs and feet from swelling and help prevent blood clots.

20. Collapsible Watter Bottle

It’s essential to stay hydrated, especially when you’re traveling. Since they don’t allow you to bring water bottles through security, having a collapsible water bottle ready is great. Most international airports have water stations you can fill the water bottles.

The collapsible water bottle is also easy to store and great to have during your travels.

21. Easy Snacks

Always pack snacks. With the post-chaos after 2020, you have no idea what’s open at airports and if you’ll be fed on the plane.

Bring packaged and sealed items like protein bars, nuts, and freeze-dried fruits.

22. Bring a Book to read

Bring a book and/or make sure you have books downloaded to your Kindle or Kindle App.

If you use a Kindle, download your book selection before losing Wi-Fi . Also, charge the device before leaving your house.

Audiobooks are also a great alternative!

23. Mobile Phone

Speaking of the digital age we are living in, we can’t leave home without our mobile phones. Without one, we shouldn’t travel to another city, state, or country. Your mobile phone is one of the top travel essentials.

You’ll need your mobile phone throughout the entire vacation. Assuming you have a fancy smartphone, it probably is your go-to camera. You probably use the internet for travel research, google maps, and more. These days, a mobile phone is a mini-laptop.

24. Get a data plan!

While we are on the subject of phones… This is not exactly a carry-on, but it’s part of your phone, and in my humble opinion, it’s a travel essential. Make sure you have a data plan that covers you wherever you travel.

Don’t rely on unreliable free Wi-Fi or free map apps that work when it feels like it. I understand we want to save money by not paying for data plans – that used to be us- but there are options. You don’t want to regret it later.

Especially when the gate agent asks you to fill out a form online from your phone, in the present times that we are living in, the chances of this happening are high.

There are options now for data:

• Get a temporary international data plan with your cellphone provider. .. ask them what they have available. We are with T-Mobile, and our monthly international plan includes unlimited data in over 200 countries.
• You can purchase a local SIM card with unlimited data when you arrive in the country you’re visiting.
• Set up an e-Sim option before you fly and arrive at your destination. Note: Your phone must have the capability to use e-Sims.
• You can also invest in a Wifi hot spot .

Now, if you’re looking to disconnect while you travel, good for you completely!

While we are at it, we suggest signing up for a VPN to keep your data safe and ensure that certain sites aren’t blocked when visiting another country. We use Surfshark VPN: click here for more info.

25. Bring a Set of Headphones

You’ll want to bring your own to use on the plane, whether they are noise-canceling headphones or your favorite earbuds. For short flights, you may get away without needing them, but for long-haul flights, they are necessary. The ones they hand out on the plane are not great or comfortable.

Most planes have a regular audio jack and do not have Bluetooth capability. So if you’re headphones are wireless, they will not work with the flight’s entertainment system. We do have a solution for this.

You can either bring a pair of headphones with an old audio jack plugin or bring along a wireless transmitter . The wireless transmitter can be plugged into the audio jack, allowing you to use your Bluetooth headphones.

26. Necessary Chargers and Adapters

Do not forget to pack the necessary chargers and adapters for your electronics . Also, any international adapters you may need. This is one travel essential often forgotten, and we spend money buying new ones. That money does add up quickly.

You will probably need to pack the following:

• mobile phone USB charger and adapter
• laptop plug
• camera charger
• backup battery charger and USB plug
• international adapter / plug
• additional power outlet , just in case

We pack all of these chargers and cables in a travel case . It makes slipping into a backpack or carry-on luggage easier and more compact.

27. Backup charger

A backup charger is one of the best things on this travel essentials list. You should carry a backup charger during all your travels. You never know when you’ll need it.

It can be small enough to fit in your purse or a small backpack.

28. Laptop or Tablet

A tablet may be all you need to travel, which is awesome. It’s lighter and easier to carry. But sometimes, you may need to work on a laptop or have it to transfer your photos to an external hard drive.

Either way, you should always pack your electronics in a carry-on bag . Do not check in valuable items like this.

29. External Hardrive

As you take photos and videos with your camera, you may want to transfer them to an external drive. You should always keep the external hard drive safe in your carry-on. For us, this is a travel essential.

It’s also great to back up those photos to a cloud photo storage like SmugMug .

Some of us travel just with our smartphones, the camera we always have available. If you plan to bring any other cameras, you want to pack those in your carry-on. These are items you do not want to check in with your luggage.

We travel with our Sony A7iii full-frame mirrorless camera and a  GoPro .

We hope this list helps you pack your carry-on for traveling. As always, we welcome any additional travel tips or suggestions from our readers.

What are some of the travel essentials that you can’t live without? Let us know in the comments below!

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

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35 Travel Essentials to Gift Your Favorite Globetrotter

Smart packing can make (or break) a trip.

If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

Shopping for a family member or friend who's always on the go? Whether they're jetting off to an tropical beach or roadtripping to a national park, you can give them something thoughtful to help their travels go more smoothly.

No matter the trip, they’ll be glad to have these useful travel essentials on hand. We included items to help them when they’re last-minute packing , going through security, and exploring the great outdoors. From waterproof sandals to bug repellent to packing cubes for any suitcase , you can be sure you’ll be giving a gift they’ll actually use. With all this talk of travel, you might even want to snag a few of these essentials for your next vacation.

If you're looking for some discounted options, check out these travel essentials on sale on Amazon.

Cable Organizer

There’s nothing more frustrating than having to untangle your many cables after stuffing them in your carry-on. Avoid that hot mess by packing a cable organizer to keep everything in order while you’re not using (or charging) your gadgets.

More: 20 Spring Break Essentials for a Stress-Free Vacation

Travel Backpack

A travel backpack is one of the easiest ways to keep everything they need at hand (purse, wallet, phone, keys, technology, passport, you name it) safe in one place. This backpack is not only perfectly compartmentalized to hold their laptop and other belongings, but it also opens from the top, giving the feel of a tote without having to carry it on one shoulder.

The best part? It even has a built-in USB port so they can recharge their devices while traveling (charging cord not included).

One by Sonicare Battery Toothbrush

A toothbrush that comes with a case is non-negotiable and with a 3-month battery life, this Philips electric toothbrush is one they’ll want to use at home, too.

Travel Blanket and Pillow

Sure, they could bring a blanket from home, but it certainly isn’t as compact as a travel one — and does it zip up to double as a pillow? I didn’t think so.

Seriously, a travel blanket is truly game-changing, even on short trips with multiple people. They never know who will want the AC blasting while they're cold, so it’s always best to be prepared.

Laundry Bag

Remind them to bring along this travel essential so their dirty laundry doesn’t pile up on the floor, or worse, mingle with the clean clothes in their luggage. This compact laundry bag is especially important if your recipient is the type of traveler who lives out of their suitcase for the duration of the trip.

Travel Bottles

Since traveling with glass bottles is risky, and buying individual travel-size products can get expensive quickly, having reusable silicone travel containers is definitely the best option.

This travel essential is also much more environmentally friendly than buying TSA-approved products in plastic bottles every time they go on a trip. Saving money and the environment is definitely a win-win.

Travel Shoe Bags

Perhaps one of the few downsides to trekking around a new city, state, or even country is taking those dirty shoes off and packing them away with your clothes. Safe to say that nobody wants the dirt and germs from the bottom of their feet to rub all over their otherwise clean items!

These shoe bags are the perfect travel essential for keeping your recipient's filthy soles off their silky drawers when packing before or after a trip.

Packing Cubes (6 Pieces)

There’s nothing worse than laying out everything you want to pack for a trip and then realizing that you don’t have the room. Cubes are an easy way to keep your recipient's suitcase organized and help them free up space for the essentials.

Even better? This set comes with shoe sleeves, so they can avoid having their dirty shoes come into contact with their clean clothes.

PowerStation Portable Charger

This handy little device lets your recipient avoid having to fight over outlets on their vacation. Now everyone can juice up their gadget at the same time. It’s on them to remember all the cords, though.

Vacuum Storage Bags Variety Pack

If packing cubes just aren’t cutting it, compression bags are the solution for your recipient. These ones by Spacesaver work with any vacuum and come in a variety of different sizes for their packing needs.

Portable Perfume Spray Bottle

With this travel essential, they’ll be able to pack their favorite scents, while leaving the bulky bottle at home. This set includes two portable perfume spray bottles, each lightweight and easy to fill.

Magnetic Capsules

From serums to earrings to medication, these magnetic capsules stick together and make traveling with every step of their skincare routine less of a hassle. You can customize the color and label of each capsule for a personalized gift.

Pack This! Pad Packing List Notepad

The notepad will be just the thing they turn to when they know they’re forgetting something, but just can’t place it. From important prescriptions to insect repellent, it lists all the items they’ll need to remember to have on hand for a stress-free trip.

Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask

Whether your recipient is traveling on a long-haul flight or relaxing poolside with a cold drink in hand, this travel essential will boost their skin’s moisture in just 15 minutes for a skincare moment even on vacation.

Made with red algae extract, this single use sheet mask from Tatcha will hydrate their skin, leaving them with a luminous complexion.

Suction Tool

Between the itchiness and swollen, red appearance, bug bites are the last things anyone wants to deal with, especially while traveling. The Bug Bite Thing will remove the irritant from their skin to reduce itching and swelling. No creams or chemicals necessary.

Original Detangler Hair Brush

Detangling post-pool hair is the last thing they’ll want to be doing on vacation. The detangling brush works on dry or wet hair and has flexible bristles that will gently loosen knots and reduce breakage.

Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera

Most people have fallen into the habit of just using their phones to capture photos while traveling, but there’s nothing quite like having a print of all of your favorite memories.

This instant camera has automatic exposure and a one-touch selfie mode for capturing the perfect vacation selfie with ease. It comes in fun colors to match your recipient’s aesthetic.

AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

The latest AirPods Pro are still sweat- and water-resistant, but also have improved noise cancellation, an extended battery life, and different ear tips for a custom fit that’ll keep them in place. They're great for a long run on the beach and blocking out noisy passengers on their flight.

KN95 5-Ply Breathable Filter Disposable Masks

No matter the destination, these best-selling, disposable KN95 masks are a travel essential. They’re filtered yet breathable, and the black makes them a touch more elevated than standard surgical masks. Keep them germ-free on the go with a mask storage case .

Travel Hand Sanitizer (6-Pack)

Let’s be real — does anyone go anywhere without this anymore? I hope not. Traveling, of course, should be no different. If they skip out on some of the other items in this list, don’t let hand sanitizer be one of those missing things.

Elisabeth Narine is the Associate Editor, Reviews at Best Products , where she spends her time interviewing experts and scouring the internet for the best gift ideas for every occasion. Her work can also be found on BuzzFeed and Forbes Vetted . She uses her love of shopping, pop culture, and cooking to help guide her search for the perfect gift.

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37 Travel Essentials Travel Experts Never Go on Vacation Without

By Lindsey Lanquist

Whenever I pack, mistakes are made. Though I'm a meticulous list-maker, I always manage to forget something vital—pads and tampons , deodorant , you name it. For one thing, I've never remembered to bring an outlet adapter on an international trip with me. Never. I've forgotten toothpaste on more occasions than I'd like to admit. And in one particularly horrifying slip-up, I went on a weekend trip without packing any underwear at all. While adapters and toothpaste are share-able items, underwear isn't something you can borrow from a travel companion. Thankfully, the underwear I was already wearing was able to tide me over for the three days I was gone. But still. Ick.

I've come to realize that the most efficient way for me to pack is to keep a running list of travel essentials—things I know I'll need for literally any trip I'm taking. I have one list in my phone for domestic travel , and one for international travel; both keep me from experiencing the apparently inevitable oh-my-god-I-can't-believe-I-forgot-to-pack-that slip-up.

To make sure I wasn't missing anything (as I am clearly wont to do), I reached out to self-proclaimed travel experts to find out what their go-to travel essentials are—and they had a ton . While some of their recommendations were pretty straightforward ( books , noise-cancelling headphones, outlet adapters), others were expert-level life hacks I'd never considered before (an on-the-go WiFi hotspot, a mini steamer, a portable luggage scale).

Needless to say, both of my packing lists ended up longer—and better—after writing this story.

All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Packing Cubes

"Packing cubes help me stay organized . I always organize my cubes by what's in them: workout clothes in one, fancier clothes in another, and so on. It's made traveling between destinations on the same trip a lot easier." —Louisa G., 32, a luxury travel adviser who goes on at least one trip each month

Buy it: 4-Pack Packing Cubes, $25, amazon.com

On-the-Go Detergent

"I always bring a small container of laundry detergent so I can hand-wash clothes in the sink. If I can do laundry on-the-go, I don't have to pack as many outfits." —Nikki G., 34, a travel blogger who takes four or five international trips and one or two domestic trips each year

Buy it: SinkSuds Travel Laundry Detergent (Pack of 6 Packets), $19, amazon.com

A Microplane

"I bring a microplane with me wherever I go. It's easy to pack (though you have to put it in checked luggage), and it's great for grating spices , ginger, garlic, cheese, and more while cooking." —Josie S., 64, a blogger who spends between three and eight months traveling each year

Buy it: Microplane 38000 Professional Coarse Grater, $16, amazon.com

A Portable Hotspot

"All my work is on my computer. And since I don't always have Wi-Fi access while traveling, I carry a broadband hotspot with me so I can connect to the internet whenever I need to." —Susan S., 70, an author who has lived and worked out of a van, trailer, or RV for the past 30 years

Buy it: GlocalMe Mobile Hotspot, $165, amazon.com

By Julia Sullivan

By Nikki Campo

"My eyes are really sensitive, so it's nice to have relief drops on hand whenever I need them." —Lexi P., 25, a marketing manager who travels for work (and fun!)

Buy it: TheraTears Eye Drops (30 Count), $10, amazon.com

Binder Clips

"I always carry binder clips—yes, as in the office supply. You can use them to hang up wet clothes, close bags, temporarily repair torn hems, hold broken luggage straps together, keep track of electronic cords, and, of course, keep any papers you need together." —Kelly H., 56, a writer and editor who's considered herself a "full-time" traveler since 2009

Buy it: 120-Pack Binder Clips, $14, amazon.com

A Small, Battery-Operated Fan

"I always put a small, battery-operated travel fan in my bag. It comes in handy when I travel to warm places with limited outlet space. Plus, the hum of the motor helps drown out some of that distracting noise that always seems to crop up at night."—Kari B., 44, a travel blogger who takes at least 18 trips a year

Buy it: OPOLAR Battery-Operated Fan, $14, amazon.com

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

"I don't go anywhere without my Bose noise-cancelling headphones. I'm a frequent flyer, and my quality of life increased exponentially when I bought them. Anyone who travels often knows how tiring, stressful, and all-around loud it can be. There are so many things you can't control while you travel, but blocking noise is something you actually can." —Lauren M., 29, a writer and public speaker whose job has offices in D.C., Austin, and Barcelona

Buy it: Bose Noise-Cancelling Headphones, $349, amazon.com

"When I'm flying, I always travel with Vaseline. The air on planes can get really dry, and Vaseline keeps my skin (and lips) from drying out, too." —Rebecca G., 42, a co-founder of a healthy lifestyle brand who hosts three international wellness retreats each year

Buy it: 4-Pack Vaseline, $8, amazon.com

A Travel Adapter

"If you're traveling internationally, an adapter is a must-have. I always used to forget to bring them with me, but now I keep one in my cosmetic bag." —Jean W., 64, an owner of a tourism company who travels five times a year

Buy it: Universal Travel Adapter, $12, amazon.com

A Mini Steamer

"When traveling, I can't leave home without my Joy Mangano steamer. It's literally the best steamer I've ever owned, and it helps me get any packing-induced wrinkles out of my clothing." —Sandy C., 57, a cruise agency founder who travels at least 20 times a year

Buy it: HiLife Mini Travel Steamer, $27, amazon.com

Travel Underwear

"Travel underwear is a must. It looks just like regular underwear, but the fabric dries quickly when you wash it by hand." —Trang P., 29, a travel blogger who takes full advantage of the vacation days she gets through her job

Buy it: ExOfficio Give-N-Go Bikini Briefs, from $10, amazon.com

"My iPad serves as my travel guide, itinerary, calendar, library, photo storage, and Netflix when traveling. It acts as a book on the beach and as a notebook whenever I need to keep track of great spots I've visited." —Jessica A., 25, a partnerships manager for a travel company who currently lives in Spain

Buy it: Apple iPad Mini, $400, amazon.com

A Small Spray Bottle

"I always put a travel-sized spray bottle in my suitcase. I don't really iron, so I do my best to travel with clothes that don't wrinkle much. But when wrinkles (inevitably) appear, I hang my clothes up and spray them with water. Usually, that's all I need to keep them looking fresh and presentable." —Jessica V., 41, an entrepreneur who spends about half the year traveling

Buy it: 50 Oz. Mist Spray Bottle, $7, Amazon

"I'm British, so I actually bring tea with me on trips. It comes in handy when the breakfast tea isn't up to snuff, or when there's nowhere to get tea near where I'm staying." —Caroline R., 42, a volunteer organization employee who travels for work

Buy it: 20-Pack Tea Bags, $10, amazon.com

A Solar Charger

"A solar battery is perfect for when the power goes out, and it's great for bringing on long hikes , too. I love that I can keep my devices charged even when I'm off the grid." —Kristin A., 32, a travel blogger who spends most of the year traveling

Buy it: Kiizon 25000mAh Solar Power Bank, $40, amazon.com

A Facial Spray

"I'm a big fan of facial sprays—like the Evian ones—for long flights. Flying doesn't have to mean wearing your Sunday best, but it can be an opportunity to relax in a way you don't usually get to. To be honest, I probably take better of myself when traveling than I do on the daily!" —Kate M., 30, a travel publicist who takes one domestic trip a month and several international trips each year

Buy it: Evian Natural Water Facial Spray, $19, amazon.com

"While traveling in Europe with my two kids, the zipper on one of our suitcases popped. Thankfully, it was toward the end of the trip, so we were able to toss everything we no longer needed into that bag and duct tape is shut. We might have looked silly, but it saved us from buying an astronomically expensive suitcase overseas." —Tiffany K., 37, a business owner who travels with her family two or three times each year

Buy it: TopSoon All-Purpose Duct Tape, $7, amazon.com

An Extension Cord

"My extension cord comes with me on any international trip I take. Depending on where I'm staying, it can be hard to find enough outlets—and sometimes, those I do find are hidden or out-of-reach. But when I bring an extension cord with me, it becomes a lot easier to keep my devices charged." —Jacquie W., 61, a travel company owner who takes between three and six multi-week trips a year

Buy it: 12-Foot 3-Outlet Extension Cord, $15, amazon.com

"I always keep bobby pins, gum, and a small vial of perfume with me so I'm able to quickly freshen up any time I step off a plane." —Jennifer L., 33, a travel company manager who travels to up to 20 countries each year

Buy it: 120-Pack Bobby Pins, $10, amazon.com

"I hate walking around barefoot in hotel rooms, on flights, and on train rides, so I always pack some slippers in my bag. My mom buys me a new pair every Christmas!" —Mallory L., 31, a travel blogger who travels eight times each year

Buy it: Women's Velvet Memory Foam Slippers, $18, amazon.com

Face Washcloths

"I tend to visit hot countries, so I always carry a water bottle and face cloth with me. Nothing cools you off like a little cold water splashed onto a washcloth." —Caroline R., 42, who travels for her job at a volunteer organization

Buy it: 6-Pack Luxury Bamboo Facial Washcloths, $16, amazon.com

"My camera is a great conversation starter. It's easy to make friends in unknown places when you're shooting the environment around you. It's also a fun segue into asking locals if there's anything in particular I should see during my trip." —Monica R., 38, a podcaster, writer, and photographer who travels six times per year

Buy i: Nikon D3300, $397, amazon.com

A Foldable Bag

"I always bring a foldable bag that packs flat in my suitcase, because I'm always bringing souvenirs home with me. My favorite is from Longchamp." —Erina P., 33, a luxury travel adviser

Buy it: Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Shoulder Tote, $125, neimanmarcus.com

Portable Mattress Pad

"I always bring a Thermarest mattress pad with me. It's made for campers and backpackers, but it works really well on flat-bed business class seats. I've even used it in hotels where the beds are too hard." —Hilary S., 45, the CEO of a luxury travel company who travels up to nine times each year

Buy it: Thermarest ProLite Self-Inflating Backpacking Pad, $75, amazon.com

A Power Strip

"I always, always, always carry a power strip. You never know when you'll stay somewhere that doesn't have enough outlets for all your gadgets. As a travel blogger, I typically tote around a laptop, heaps of camera gear, a drone, my phone, and more; if I can't keep everything charged, I can't do my job." —Megan S., 34, a travel blogger who spent eight months traveling last year

Buy it: AmazonBasics Power Strip, $10, amazon.com

A Cosmetic Bag Full of Medicine

"I have a ready-to-go cosmetic bag filled with any medicine I could possibly need. You never know when you'll hurt yourself or have a bad reaction to something you ate." —Lori L., 45, a travel blogger who takes six trips a year

Buy it: Parateck Waterproof Travel Bag, $6, amazon.com

A Travel Charger

"To make sure my lifeline—err, phone—is always at full-battery, I carry a lightweight travel charger with me wherever I go." —Megan S., 34, a blogger who travels for eight months or more each year

Buy it: BONAI 5800mAh Power Bank, $18, amazon.com

"The one item you'll always find in my bag is earplugs. I really value getting enough sleep , and earplugs can make even the loudest hotel or worst flight bearable." —Laura L., 37, a travel writer and photographer who spends 100 days traveling each year

Buy it: 50-Pack Soft Foam Earplugs, $18, amazon.com

A Carry-On Pouch Full of First-Aid Supplies

"I keep a carry-on pouch full of things like medicine, bandaids, and a thermometer. I have kids, so I like to be prepared. The last thing I want to do is hunt for a 24-hour pharmacy in the middle of nowhere." —Christina V., 42, a travel writer who takes 10 trips a year

Buy it: All-Purpose First Aid Kit, $15, amazon.com

"I don't get to read that often, so it's one of my favorite things to do on vacation—especially while I'm in transit. I have a lengthy to-read list for these occasions, and my Kindle is a lightweight way for me to work my way through them." —Jme T., 41, a charity founder who's been to seven countries in the last year

Buy it: All New Kindle, $90, amazon.com

A Laundry Bag

"I bring a laundry bag with me any time I go on a trip. It helps me separate my dirty clothes from my clean ones, so the moment I get home, I know what needs to be washed and what I can put back in my drawers." —Louisa G., 32, a luxury travel adviser who takes at least one trip each month

Buy it here: 4-Pack Mesh Laundry Bags, $8, amazon.com

A Lightweight Hair Dryer

"I always keep a lightweight hair dryer and curling iron in my suitcase, so I can keep my hair from getting frizzy on trips." —Kim K., 43, a PR agent who travels for five months each year

Buy it: Berta Hair Dryer, $40, amazon.com

A Portable Luggage Scale

"I always pack a handheld luggage scale. It's always better to have peace of mind and know your suitcase is within the weight limit when coming back from a long trip; the last thing you want is to haphazardly throw things in your carry-on at the airport in a last-ditch effort to make your luggage lighter." —Annie S., 30, an author who takes three or four trips each year

Buy it here: Portable Luggage Scale, $9, amazon.com

Plastic Birkenstocks

"Plastic. Birkenstocks. (Yes, plastic.) They're the ultimate shoe for versatility and durability while also being reasonably attractive. I live in a rural town in Costa Rica, and I spend a lot of time hiking on muddy trails and through marshy rivers. I know exactly which shoes last and which shoes don't; a pair of super expensive, water-resistant shoes lasted me two months, whereas my Birkenstocks have lasted two years (and counting). " —Elizabeth A., 29,

Buy it here: Birkenstock Unisex Sandals, $30, amazon.com

"I always carry antibacterial wipes in my carry-on. Getting sick on the road is the absolute worst, so I try to wipe down tray tables, arm rests, and any other surfaces that might need disinfecting before interacting with them." —Kashlee K., 32, an author who spends at least nine months traveling each year

Buy it here: 20-Pack Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes, $15, amazon.com

A Travel Organizer

"I love my RuMe travel organizer because it allows me to pack a decent amount of clothing—plus, it folds to fit inside a standard carry-on bag." —Peta-Gaye D., 37, a travel blogger who takes at least two trips per year

Buy it: RuMe Bags Travel Organizer, $33, amazon.com

• Travel Experts Share the 57 Pieces of Luggage They Love Most
• 10 Travel-Friendly Beauty Products Makeup Artists Swear By
• The Pants That Got Me Through 3 Days of an Active Vacation Without My Luggage

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

Every product is independently selected by our editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

35 Travel Essentials for Any Length of Trip

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There’s something about traveling that is equal parts excitement and stress, especially when it comes time for you to bust out your suitcase and prepare to pack. What comes along with you can vary tremendously depending on the length of your trip and the occasion. Thankfully, the Cut Shop team has traveled far and wide, and has picked up a few tips, tricks, and essentials for packing well. Regardless of whether it’s a quick weekend escapade or a whole month abroad, here are the 39 best travel essentials worth taking along, listed according to the length of time spent away from home .

For Overnight Trips

Whether you’re only traveling ten minutes away for a staycation or venturing to a nearby city for a day, overnight trips can be just as challenging to pack for as longer ones. Our best tip is try to be strategic about stowing all the necessities in a larger tote ba g.

Keep all your chargers and cords organized and untangled in one place. This little case makes sure you can actually find what you are looking for, especially in the depths of a big bucket-shaped bag.

The Nap Dress is comfortable enough for any road trip or train ride or even to sleep in. You really can’t go wrong — it’s like wearing your pajamas but still looking totally presentable. We particularly like the wrinkle-resistant navy dress for easy wear on the road.

This three-pack of pouches might be one of The Cut Shop ream’s favorite purchases. Perfect for everyday use, the pouches are great for housing everything from makeup to dirty clothes to receipts. We always have one in our bags, no matter if we’re leaving the house for a night, an hour, or a whole week.

Perfect for event-specific travel, this tote doubles as a garment bag, protecting those special-occasion outfits. It has just enough space to also pack a pair of shoes you do not want to commute in.

One of the best tinted moisturizers out there, this option from Saie offers hydration and some SPF and will give you light coverage with a dewy glow. When you can’t bring your entire medicine cabinet, this is a great option that combines a bunch of products in a multistep routine.

Because hydration is always important, especially when you’re traveling.

Just because you’re not doing your skin-care routine in your bathroom at home doesn’t mean your skin should suffer. This ice rollers will fit perfectly in your toiletry bag and come in handy first thing in the morning.

Sometimes on those quick trips, we push washing our hair an extra day (or three) so we can leave all our heat tools at home. With some dry shampoo and a cute hair claw , no one has to know.

Weekend Trips and Excursions

Whether you are heading out of town for a wedding, trying to get away for a little R&R, or traveling for work, when it comes to packing a weekender or a smaller suitcase, organization is key.

There are so many options out there for weekender bags, but this water-repellent tote from Béis ticks all our boxes including the trolley pass-through pocket to attach to your suitcase and save your shoulders. This one is just over $100.

Most of the time, travel is associated with flying, but whether by choice or not, sometimes the trip involves hours of car time. A phone mount changes the game on a long road trip and is definitely safer.

For those longer flights where you are in a confined space and not moving around as much (looking at you, window-seat fliers), compression socks can help reduce swelling and discomfort in the legs and feet.

Weekend trips can sometimes mean a jam-packed itinerary, so when you want to sleep, you want to snooze uninterrupted. Enter Loop, a reusable silicone earplug that allows you to get the ultimate fit (it comes in four sizes) so you can get in that power nap.

Forgetting your sunglasses on vacation, especially when headed somewhere sunny, is a rookie mistake, which is why this pair from Le Specs is perfect to just keep in your weekend bag so you are never without.. They’re stylish, sturdy, and under $70 , in case you end up losing or breaking them.

Normally, travel containers are not the most stylish or multifunctional. But these Cadence capsules are both of those things. Unlike traditional travel containers, these can be used for anything from storing pills and skincare products to necklaces and hand cream. Plus, you can design your own set to include different labels and colors

You can never go wrong with a classic button-up . It’s a must-have for any trip, especially a weekend one when space is limited. Wear it on its own, with a dress or pants, or as a bathing suit cover-up.

The Tower28 spray is our skin-care savior , and if you’re looking to pack minimally for weekend trips, this needs to be in the toiletry bag. Perfect for sensitive skin, it’s multifunctional, and a spritz delivers a refreshing dose of hydration and soothes stressed-out skin.

Not only do books take up valuable real estate in a carry-on, they add a bit of weight too. A Kindle is so low profile and light that we do not even think twice about tossing it in our bag. It also saves us time doing the math on how many books we should be bringing on a trip because our next read is just a Wi-Fi connection away.

Anywhere From Five Days to a Week and a Half

A full-fledged trip that still limits you to a carry-on may be the most difficult to pack for. Europe,Cabo, our parents’ house, it’s all about making the most of the room you have, even if you can’t help but pack all your sunglasses , expensive skin care, and cute outfits.

This cashmere cardigan is amazing on its own or as a layering piece in case you get chilly en route or in your hotel room. When you’re packing a carry-on, the more pieces you have that you can wear multiple different ways, the better.

Sometimes you just can’t decide which sunglasses to bring, especially if you are going somewhere extra-sunny. This protective case from Dagne Dover allows you to bring three pairs in a very compact and convenient case that is easy to hang up when you get to your final destination.

There is a reason you can’t travel without seeing one of these suitcases. It fits in the overhead bin of most major U.S. airlines and allows travelers enough room to store all their belongings while remaining light, sturdy, and sleek. Plus, it comes in seven attractive colors and has a USB external battery for those extra-long travel days. It is an essential for the majority of trips you will probably take.

We love using packing cubes when we need to keep a duffel bag from becoming total chaos or for just staying organized when we’re traveling somewhere where we will be doing a wide range of activities that require very different wardrobe options. These packing cubes from Calpak are cute and will help bring some order to a carry-on.

Whether you are in the window seat and do not want to disturb your neighbors to wash your hands or need to do a quick clean after pumping gas on a road trip, having some sort of hand sanitizer while traveling is a good idea. This one from Aesop obviously smells amazing.

Senior writer Sangeeta Singh-Kurtz swears by bringing this foldable sun hat no matter the amount of time you plan to spend in the sun. It packs up so small, it’s easily justifiable to toss in your bag. If nothing else, it’s cute for a photo op or two.

Two Weeks or Longer

Wearing trousers on a plane not only saves room in your suitcase but also makes you feel more put-together on the go. These comfy but tailored pants from Uniqlo can be worn casually or dressed up, making them the perfect pair to travel in for long periods.

A two-in-one product that is perfect for face and lips is a godsend on the road, and this Merit lightly tinted balm is highly rated. It is the perfect product to throw in your bag for when you want to do a real quick touch-up, no matter where you are. Not to mention it’s one of our senior shopping editor’s favorite cream blushes .

The pinnacle of traveling well comes down to one word: Rimowa. The cases are classic, luxurious, and durable, though definitely a splurge. If you’re traveling for long stretches of time, and often, they can be worth the price point.

Pets under 20 pounds are allowed to fly in a carrier under the seat in front of you, and this stylish option from Wild One opens into a bed so your pet can relax at the gate before you both board.

Most fragrances do not come in a three-ounce bottle, and it can be quite a risk to send a glass bottle in your checked bag, so it might be safer to opt for something like this. Even when you are not traveling, these little cases are convenient to throw in a bag so that you always can carry around your favorite scent.

A Month or More

We’re way past suggesting hand cream and new luggage because, at this point, you’re practically moving to your destination. These are the things that upgrade you from a casual traveler to a pro and will make your longer flights and longer stays more comfortable

Carrying an extra six pounds might seem a bit excessive, but if you’re on a long flight and you’re staying over a month in your new destination, you might as well be as cozy and comfortable as possible. This travel0size weighted blanket from Bearaby comes in its own duffel bag, so it can easily be your personal item or be checked in with no problem.

Want to be able to still do full glam while you’re away? This rechargeable and slim travel vanity mirror will help your makeup look flawless no matter your lighting situation.

You may have seen this on your TikTok FYP. It allows you to connect your Bluetooth headphones (hello, AirPod Maxes ) to airplane screens, so you can watch your favorite comfort movie or episode of Sex and the City without worrying about bringing a corded pair or needing to purchase those cheap plane headphones in the air.

Like a weighted blanket for your eyes, this eye mask is sleep enhancing (perfect for long flights and jumping through timezones) and made from super soft silk.

Chances you’ll come back from vacation with more clothes than you went there with are high, so consider packing this foldable nylon tote to hold all your overstock.

Travel with ease knowing that your necklaces won’t get tangled and all your earrings are safe and sound in one place.

This pill case also came from our TikTok FYP and is small enough to fit in any purse, but has enough storage to hold all your medicine, vitamins, and supplements.

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The Five Foot Traveler

Reaching new heights, 137 travel essentials: a comprehensive packing list.

by Sarah Gallo | Aug 15, 2019 | Resources | 2 comments

You’ve decided that you wanted to travel somewhere new, so you booked a flight, secured your hotels, and told all of your friends. You eagerly search Instagram for the must-see spots and, before you know it, you leave in a few weeks! Now, I never recommend saving packing for the last minute, but it’s silly to start gathering your travel essentials few months out too. 

This article is meant to serve as a guideline for the most efficient ways to go about packing your travel essentials. Coming from someone who has visited over 100 countries, it’s safe to say that I’ve done enough trial and error for all of you! In this article you will find the most useful carry on essentials, packing and clothing essentials, outdoor essentials, fitness “on the go” essentials, reading essentials, and business management essentials.

Chimp trekking in Uganda with travel essentials on hand

Now, here’s the thing: this list of travel essentials covers just about everything, so try not to get overwhelmed. No matter your age, no matter your type of travel, this comprehensive list should be used as a guideline to decide what you need to pack depending on your trip. For instance, you certainly won’t pack the same things for a luxury cruise through the Caribbean , an RV trip through New Zealand , or a road trip through South Africa . Of course, it should go without saying, but if you’re going to places like Antarctica or the Arctic, you will certainly need to include gear for extremities, and a packing list is almost always provided. 

Please note: This page contains affiliate links, meaning that The Five Foot Traveler may receive a small commission when you purchase any travel essentials using the links in this article at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your continued support!

I personally use and own everything that I recommend below. 

Before you begin packing, please make sure you go through this checklist of absolute, no questions asked travel essentials:

• Is your Passport valid for six months after you depart your destination and for the duration of your trip?
• Have you checked to see if you have all of the necessary visas for where you’re visiting?
• Have you purchased a comprehensive travel insurance plan ?

Hopefully you’ve answered YES to the above questions, so let’s dive in. First thing’s first, I always recommend having a staging area for your travel essentials well before you pack. For me, it’s the loveseat in my bedroom, but anywhere will do (although I do suggest keeping it out of reach from messy children or pets). Here, you can organize the travel goodies you’ve purchased and start organizing your piles of clothes and toiletries. I find this useful because I usually want to use the things I need to pack, so I’m not a big fan of throwing everything into a suitcase two weeks prior to departure.

And speaking of suitcases, decide early on the way you’d like to travel. Are you going on a luxury European vacation? Trekking through the Himalayas? Relaxing on a beach somewhere? Your luggage should reflect your style of travel. Since I started this travel journey as a backpacker, I initially checked a 55L backpack and used a hiking backpack as my carry on.

When I first started backpacking these were my travel essentials

Then I started traveling carry on only, where I used a spinner carry on and a hiking backpack as my personal item. Then, finally, when I transitioned into luxury travel and *gasp* needed to pack heels and a variety of dresses, I started checking a 24” spinner and bringing with me a carry on spinner on the plane and a cross body bag as my personal item for under the seat in front of me.

I've cleaned up a bit over the years though, don't worry!

I’ve loved every backpack, bag, and suitcase that I’ve owned and highly recommend picking and choosing between the following:

Airplane Personal Item

• Cross-Body Bag:  If you want to look a little more put together, but want easy access to all of your carry on travel essentials, a cross-body bag is a must. If you like to travel with your laptop, make sure you purchase one that has a laptop sleeve too. Of course, it should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you but roomy enough that you won’t have to dig around in it to find what you want. My Recommendation – Vera Bradley Lighten Up Weekender Travel Bag . This is honestly an absolute must for me, and I bring it everywhere I go.
• Backpack: Your backpack should be both supportive and spacious. I love that this also can substitute as a hiking day pack. Everything that I pack in my cross-body bag will also fit in my 24L backpack, so it just comes down to personal preference. My Recommendation –  Osprey Sirrus 24 Women’s Hiking Backpack and Osprey Stratos 24 Men’s Hiking Backpack. These both have incredible structure and hip support.

Airplane Carry On Item

• A Spinner Carry On Suitcase: If you’re questioning whether you should get a suitcase with two wheels or four wheels, always choose the four-wheel spinner. It will make your life easier as you both navigate crowds within the airport and on the busy streets of your destination. Trust me on this, as I converted from a two-wheeler to a four-wheeler and it made a huge difference in the way that I travel. My Recommendation – TravelPro Maxlite 4 21” Hardside Spinner. Hardside here is key. It helps you not to overpack, and it is also more durable for your travels. This is one of the most lightweight hardside carry on suitcases that you’ll find on the market, and it has a built-in TSA-approved lock as well as a limited lifetime warranty.
• If you’re not carrying on a suitcase, you may be able to carry on both recommended personal items – depending on the airline, size, and weight.

Airplane Checked Item

• Spinner Checked Suitcase: Again, I highly recommend a spinner four-wheel suitcase over a two-wheel suitcase for the purpose of ease. Personally, I like when my carry on spinner and checked spinner match, which led me back to TravelPro. I like the way that the inside is organized, and it’s helpful that each of their hardside spinners come with a built-in TSA-approved lock. My Recommendation – TravelPro Maxlite 4 25” Spinner and TravelPro Maxlite 5 29” Spinner. Depending on the type of trip you’re taking (and how many shoes haha), you’ll need to decide which size checked luggage works for you. I find it useful to have a 25” and 29” on hand, but 99% of the time I will choose just to bring the 25” Spinner, as I’ve found that’s more than enough for me. If you’d like to purchase the 21”, 25”, and 29” as a set – which is the best bang for your buck – you can do so here.
• Trekkers Pack: Now, if you’re moving around a lot, camping, trekking, and staying in refugios, then a trekkers pack will certainly be the better option for you. When I first started traveling I used a trekkers pack, and it definitely has its benefits for the active among us! When researching which pack to get, make sure that it’s easily opened from multiple points on the bag, that it has plenty of pockets for your smaller items, and provides you with plenty of support. My Recommendation – Osprey Ariel AG 65 Women’s Backpacking Backpack and Osprey Atmos 65 AG Men’s Backpacking Backpack . I tried on what felt like hundreds of trekkers packs before realizing that these were, hands down, the ideal pack that I was looking for. I have carried quite a bit of weight in mine, and it was always comfortable on the hips and shoulders. Plus, Osprey has an “all mighty guarantee” where they will repair any damage free of charge and, if they can’t fix it, they will replace it at no cost to you. Incredibly, this applies to all of their products, no matter the purchase date. You can read more about it here , if interested. 
• Rolling Duffle: At the end of the day, some people just love duffle bags (my grandpa is one of them!). They’re a great combination of a duffle bag and rolling suitcase, and you have the ability to carry the bag or roll it, depending on your circumstances. My Recommendation – TravelPro Rolling Duffle Bag with Drop Bottom. This comes in all different colors and sizes, but I recommend the 30”, as it’s plenty roomy without being overwhelming. This rolling duffle is lightweight, yet incredibly durable; it survived a few weeks of safaris in Africa with no problems. It also has many different pockets and separators to keep your bag well-organized. 

To keep your luggage organized as a whole, I couldn’t recommend packing cubes highly enough. I originally didn’t think they had much use, but they’ve changed my life when it comes to packing – whether it’s just for a weekend trip or a year-long journey. They come in all different sizes, and I use a variety of small, medium, and large packing cubes. My Recommendation: I have tested many packing cubes over the years, and I can say – without a doubt – that the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cubes are the absolute best on the market. They are incredibly durable and as lightweight as possible. And look at how nicely they fit into a suitcase!

How I pack my carry on to include all travel essentials

And always remember: lock all of your luggage with TSA-approved locks if you don’t have a suitcase with built in locks. Both checked luggage, and carry on (yes, this means backpacks too). I’ve tried many different locks over the years, but these are my favorite. I presume you’re like me and don’t want people sifting through your checked bag nor people sneaking into your carry on while you sleep (have you heard the stories of valuables being stolen from airplanes?).

But now that you’ve chosen your luggage, you’re probably wondering what travel essentials are actually necessary to pack….

I’m going to break down my packing list into easy-to-organize categories for you. Just remember to pick and choose what you most need for the trip you’re taking. So, let’s do this!

Carry On Essentials

Documents & Confirmations: These are things that you simply must have on you at all times. DO NOT leave your house without packing these into your personal items, as they are absolute travel essentials. 

Comfort: Unless you travel first class, flights are rarely considered comfortable – and it doesn’t matter if it’s an easy 5-hour flight or a 19-hour flight! Make your life easier by packing these few travel essentials for a bit of extra comfort. There’s no way that I could do an overnight flight even semi-comfortably without these!

Noise Cancelling Headphones, Eye Mask, Pillow – Travel Essentials

• Blow Up Pillow:  I’ll start by saying that I think I’ve tried every airplane pillow out there, or just about! Since I take so many overnight flights, and we all know how airplane pillows feel, it makes sense to bring your own. I began not to worry about the shape or size — if it helped me sleep, it was a keeper. My Recommendation – Haobaimei Airplane Pillow. I know, I know it looks a bit silly, but I promise you that it’s the best airplane pillow out there. It has allowed me to sleep comfortably in a variety of positions. I’d like to be able to describe it in detail, but you’re better off clicking this link , and scrolling to the “product description” to see all of the reasons why this pillow is a must!
• Foot Rest: You’re probably thinking, “what?” But yes, airplane footrests are a thing, and quite comfortable. Rather than trying to squeeze your legs under the chair (and slam your shins along the way), you can instead set up your footrest. My Recommendation – Sleepy Ride. I’ve had this footrest for years; it’s incredibly lightweight and folds up tiny. It’s very easy to set up, and you can adjust the height to your preference. 
• Eye Mask – Eye Masks are a tricky thing. Assuming that it will be over your eyes for hours on end, you need to ensure that it doesn’t press against your eyes, doesn’t let light in, and doesn’t slip off your head. My Recommendation – Manta Sleep Mask. I was drawn in not only by their 100% darkness guaranteed, but also by the fact that you can still open your eyes behind the mask too! The fact that there is zero pressure on your eyes, and that it’s fully customizable to your unique face makes it a must have!
• Compression Socks:  Compression socks are important to wear while flying, especially if it’s a long-haul flight! They not only increase circulation, but they help prevent blood clots and swelling too. My Recommendation – Alvada Compression Socks for Men & Women. Get them and remember to bring them on your next flight! 
• Cambridge Mask: I have always traveled with a mask on hand, should I get sick or should there be something going around. Cambridge Masks are amongst the best out there, as their masks meet the N99 standard and protect against almost 100% of pollutants, viruses, and bacteria *if the mask is worn correctly.* Whenever using a mask, make sure that it's snug on your face, avoid touching the front of the mask, and be sure to wash your hands before putting the mask on/taking it off.  My Recommendation –  Cambridge Mask Co.
• Earplanes: Have you ever struggled with painful ear popping on airplanes? Well I get horrible ear pain whenever I fly… to the point where I cannot fly without them. My Recommendation – EarPlanes Pack of 3. These work fantastically to relieve the pressure in your ears during take off and landing, while muffling some of the noise too. 
• Reusable Water Bottle:  I always recommend traveling with a water bottle on hand for two reasons. (1) It’s good to have a bottle that the flight attendants can fill up for you so that you’re not stuck to 3 sips of water until the next flight attendant comes back. (2) Having a reusable water bottle can help minimize your plastic waste. My Recommendation – Hydro Flask. The Hydro Flask is a BPA-free stainless steel, slip free water bottle. It comes in a variety of sizes and will keep hot drinks hot for up to six hours and cold drinks cold up to 24 hours. Definitely handy to have while traveling!
• Sweatshirt or Jacket: Planes (or any type of transportation honestly) can sometimes be unbearably cold! I definitely recommend always having a sweatshirt or jacket on hand, or both, as I doubt anyone wants to be freezing and uncomfortable for hours on end. 
• Change of Clothes: No one likes a smelly person 😉 But in all honesty, it’s important to have a change of clothes on hand for just in case your luggage gets lost. If you’re going on a beach trip, pack a bathing suit. A hiking trip, pack your spandex. You get the point. 
• Carabiners – While this may seem a bit random, carabiners are incredibly useful for travel. I use a carabiner to clip my water bottle to my carry on, as well as to clip my pillow and footrest to the seat in front of me too. You don’t need anything fancy, so something like these will do. 

Technology & Valuables: Anything of value should never be checked. Make sure that all technology and valuables (like jewelry & sunglasses) are packed in your carry on and in a locked compartment. Some of these things may be obvious, but I’m still including them if you reference this as your packing list. 

As a content creator, I obviously pack a lot more tech than the average person, but please use the list below as a guideline for what to pack tech-wise according to your needs. Perhaps you’ll even find something new to bring with you on your next trip! 

A typical day with my laptop on the road

• Smartphone: This is a given these days, but make sure you pack your phone! It’s also incredibly helpful to have some apps downloaded that might help make your travel easier. My favorite is App in the Air 🙂 My Recommendation – iPhone Xs Max. If you’re looking for a new smartphone, I have an iPhone Xs Max 256 GB and absolutely love it. 
• Noise Cancelling Headphones (and iPod):  Airplanes are noisy. People are noisy. Babies are noisy. Get rid of the noise! My Recommendation – Bose QuietComfort 35 II. These wireless, bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones are honestly a dream. They are the very first thing I pack in my personal item, as I couldn’t do a flight without them! Of course, make sure you have music downloaded on your phone or iPod to listen to as well (and yes, I still use an iPod). 
• Earbuds: While I’m obsessed with noise cancelling headphones, it’s always a good idea to have a regular pair of earbuds too. They do make noise-cancelling earbuds as well, but those have never felt right to me. My Recommendation – Apple Airpods with Charging Case. These Airpods automatically connect to your device and charge within 15 minutes once you put them back in their case. They’re small, lightweight, and easy to travel with. 
• Kindle:  I don’t go anywhere without my Kindle. I love that it allows me to travel with as many books as I’d like, without the burden of actually having to lug them around. My Recommendation – Kindle Paperwhite. The flush design is as close to “paper” as it gets and there are no glares (this I can promise, as I always read at the beach in the sun!). It is also waterproof, which is convenient, and pairs with bluetooth headphones as well if you’re an audiobook listener. 
• Laptop:  Depending on what you do or for how long you’re traveling, you may not need to bring your laptop. My Recommendation – MacBook Air or MacBook Pro 15”. These both have very different uses. For travel, the MacBook Air is significantly easier to travel with. While it’s infinitely lighter though, it doesn’t have the same processing power as the MacBook Pro 15”. If you plan on editing a lot of photos or videos, unfortunately the heavier MacBook Pro 15” should be your go-to. I personally used (and loved) the MacBook Air for years before switching to the MacBook Pro 15”, which is what I use now (for a stronger and faster laptop). 
• Laptop Case:  Even if your backpack or messenger bag has a laptop sleeve, be sure to have your laptop in its own protective case! My Recommendation – CCPK Laptop Sleeve. This is as basic a laptop sleeve as it gets, but it is snug and will protect your laptop, without adding extra bulk. 
• External Hard Drive:  If you’re on the road a lot or take excess photos, you’ll certainly want an external hard drive on hand to back everything up! My Recommendation –  LaCie Rugged Mini External Hard Drive. I’ve had multiple LaCie Rugged Hard Drives, and I’ve loved each and every one of them. They’re perfect for any kind of trip, as they’re compact, durable, and water-resistant. And if you’re interested in learning how to better edit your photos, it even comes with a complimentary one-month membership to Adobe! 
• USB Drive: I can’t even begin to tell you how many times people ask if I can give them a USB drive with photos. It’s an extremely small, very useful thing to have on you if you’re in the content creation space. My Recommendation – SanDisk Cruzer Glide CZ60 USB Drive . I personally recommend the 256 GB, as you’ll never worry about running out of space, but any will do based on your needs. 
• DSLR Camera: Now this one is tricky one because every person has different travel needs and preferences. I’ve personally traveled with a Canon, Sony, and Panasonic… but it wasn’t until I traveled with an Olympus Camera that I was fully content. My Recommendation – Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II. Not only is it the lightest DSLR that I have ever carried around with me, but it’s waterproof and weather-sealed, which makes it ideal for every situation. This is my go-to travel camera these days, and you can read the full review of my Olympus products here.  

Always travel equipped with a good camera!

• Lenses:  Again, lenses will depend on the type of photo that you’re aiming to get. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II can be purchased with two different lenses, or you can purchase the lenses separately. My Recommendation – M. Zuiko 14-150mm f4-5.6 for your everyday lens and M.Zuiko 7-14mm f2.8 PRO for a wide angle lens. I originally thought I wouldn’t need a wide angle lens, but sure was wrong!
• GoPro: By now I’m sure you’ve heard that the GoPro is the best action-cam on the market and, guess what, it’s true. Whether you’re running down the beach, zip-lining through the air, or diving with sharks, the GoPro can help perfectly capture the moment. My Recommendation – GoPro Hero 8. The GoPro Hero 8 prides itself on filming in 4K, taking 12 MP still shots, and having the best stabilization on an action camera. This is a must for any adventure traveler! 
• Memory Cards:  Make sure you purchase high quality memory cards. I always recommend smaller memory card sizes, and a lot of them. If a memory card were to become corrupt, I would hate to lose everyone on a 256 GB memory card! My Recommendation – SanDisk 32 GB Extreme Pro for your camera and the SanDisk 64 GB Micro SD for your GoPro. The Extreme Pro writes quite quickly at 95 mbps and the Micro SD is a Class 10, meaning that it will work great for full HD video playback. Both SD Cards are waterproof, shock proof, and temperature-proof. 
• Gimbal:  No one likes shaky videos. If you’re shooting with a smartphone or GoPro, a gimbal helps stabilize your videos and keeps them smooth. They’re relatively lightweight and portable, and a necessity if you want to get into video. My Recommendation – DJI Osmo Mobile 2. DJI is an incredible reputable brand and their gimbal is one of the most lightweight on the market. Run, jump, do everything in between, and this gimbal will keep your videos stable. 
• FitBit: It’s no secret that I’ve always loved my FitBit. I’ve worn one for years, and I love that it provides me with in-depth sleep analytics while also counting my steps, calories, and distance walked for the day. My Recommendation – FitBit Versa. I’ve had a few different FitBit’s over the years, and the Versa is definitely my favorite! It’s the biggest competitor to the Apple Watch, and I prefer its exercise analytics and sleek design. You can also download your favorite apps and music on your FitBit Versa too! 
• Portable Speaker:  I actually bought the UE Roll out of necessity when our other speaker died on a road trip through New Zealand , but I’m SO happy we did! It’s incredibly portable and easily hung up or carried with you. My Recommendation – UE Roll Wireless. This bluetooth speaker is not only wireless, but waterproof and shockproof too. It has great sound quality, and  it makes for the perfect addition to any camp out, beach day, or general use around the house. 
• Portable Battery Charger: You never know when your phone or camera might die. I always always always carry a portable battery charger with me. Not only does it ensure that I will always be charged up, but it’s also nice to be able to provide your friends with a bit of juice when their phones die too (because, no, they typically never have an external battery charger). My Recommendation – myCharge AdventureMax Portable Charger . The myCharge is an important buy for travelers because, aside from having dual USB ports for charging (which is awesome), it is also splash-proof, drop-resistant, and dirt-proof, making it the perfect travel buddy. It’s also incredibly small and compact and has an attached carabiner, so it’s easy to throw in your purse or attach off a backpack.  
• International Adaptor: No matter where you’re traveling, this is an absolute must. I always carry at least two international adaptors so that, if one breaks, I always have a back up. You would be surprised how many people forget to pack an international adaptor. My Recommendation – Upgraded Universal Travel Adaptor. The reason I love this travel adaptor is that not only does it have a standard plug, but four USB ports as well. Sometimes I don’t have a long time to charge my equipment, but with this adaptor I have the ability to charge everything at the same time. This Universal Adaptor works in over 150 countries, so it’s certainly handy to have!
• Chargers: If you have a lot of gear, it’s likely that you have a lot of cords and cables. While there’s no need to elaborate, these are the main chargers that I always have on hand. 

Medications: When people think of travel essentials, they don’t typically think of meds, but important Medications should never be checked! Should your luggage be lost, you don’t want to be without your daily meds. If you have prescribed medication, ensure that it is packed in your carry on. Aside from our individual health needs, I recommend packing – at minimum – Advil, Allergy Medications, Pepto-Bismol (or something similar), Motion Sickness Tablets, Tylenol AM/PM, and Malaria Tablets (depending on your destination), as well as Neosporin Cream and Hydrocortisone Cream. And, of course, if you carry an EpiPen, don’t forget that either! 

Miscellaneous: These are some small things I wasn’t sure how to categorize, but I make sure to have all of these in my carry on as well!

Packing Essentials

Clothing: Clothing is a tricky one, as this really varies per person. I’ve done 8 month trips where I’ve had 5 tops and 5 bottoms, and weeklong cruise trips where I have 20 outfits for 7 days. I highly recommend Anatomie as your go-to travel clothing brand though, and they’ve actually been endorsed by both Forbes Travel Guide and Condé Nast Traveler. Please take the time to view these three articles:

• The Best Travel Pants For Women
• The Best Travel Shirts For Women
• Travel Clothes For Women 

With the founders of Anatomie, my go-to travel clothing!

In general though, you can use the table below as a rough guideline for the types of clothing you should pack. I don’t go anywhere without these things – no matter what season it is. Remember when packing, your clothes will typically get a bit wrinkly, so I recommend bringing a travel-sized wrinkle releaser as well as a dual-voltage travel steamer. 

Toiletries: Do yourself a favor and purchase the Eagle Creek Pack It Quick Trip Toiletry Bag . It’s the perfect sized toiletry bag and very lightweight. It should easily fit all of your toiletries, aside from your Microfiber Towel ( this is a must! ). There’s no need to explain what each toiletry is needed for though, so I’m providing you with another table with what to bring – 

Shoes: Shoes are always a personal preference. I used to travel with just one pair of flip flops and one pair of hiking boots, but times have changed a bit. I know other people who practically need a whole suitcase just for their heels. With that said, these days I typically pack sandals, a pair of flip-flops, black heels, nude heels, cross-training shoes, sneakers, and hiking boots when I’m going on a longer trip. And, of course, plenty of socks! I recommend Puma’s ankle socks and Darn Tough hiking socks. 

Gotta have a good pair of heels while you're cruising!

Outdoor Essentials

Camping: So you’ve decided that you want to become one with nature, or you’re simply on a trip that’s better suited for camping – awesome! Years ago I spent two months camping through Central America and another two months camping through Africa, and both were incredible experiences. It helped that I was well-prepared though! It’s important to note that even if you decide to camp in the summer (or in a desert), it is not always warm at night. I’ve learned this the hard way, so make sure you pack many layers and are prepared for every type of climate, every time. My go-to camping equipment is as follows –

Couldn't have camped in New Zealand without my lightweight tent!

• Big Agnes Tent: Big Agnes is the best of the best when it comes to finding the most lightweight, durable tents. I used a bulkier tent for my first camping trip and regretted it instantly. My Recommendation – Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 3. I’ve loved every night that I’ve spent in this tent — it’s unbelievably light for a three-person tent, very comfortable, and weatherproof too! I always opt for a three-person tent over a two-person tent so that we can keep our gear inside with us and have a little extra space. 
• Sleeping Pad: A good sleeping pad is a necessity. When I first started camping I tried to go cheap to save money, but it was a terrible decision. It definitely isn’t fun spending the night slipping and sliding off your mat, or feeling the ground under your back. My Recommendation –  Big Agnes Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad. This sleeping pad comes with the option of it being insulated or uninsulated, and I’d definitely recommend the insulation as it’s rated for 3-season camping and still only weighs in at 21oz! This folds up incredibly small (about the size of a water bottle) yet doesn’t compromise on its comfort. 
• Sleeping Bag: A roomy yet packable sleeping bag is also, obviously, very important for camping. I recommend getting a 2-3 season sleeping bag and doing your research to ensure that it’s super lightweight. My Recommendation – Sea to Summit Spark Down Sleeping Bag. The beauty of this sleeping bag is that it weighs just over a pound and packs down to just 4.9L! It also comes with a compression bag so that it compresses down to the size of a water bottle. This sleeping bag is water resistant, has a great hooded component, and will keep you warm all night. 
• Sleep Liner: This is something that a lot of people forget about, but it’s incredibly handy. I suggest traveling with a sleep liner for a few reasons. First, it can be an extra layer if it’s colder outside, but it can also be your only layer if it’s too warm for your sleeping bag. Also, it doesn’t need to be used just for camping. When I used to stay in hostels, I’d use my sleep liner in bed rather than use the blanket. My Recommendation – Sea to Summit Adaptor Coolmax Liner Traveller with Insect Shield. I’ve used this all over the world. You can purchase it without the insect shield, but I personally prefer having the extra insect repellant treatment, especially when in outdoorsy locations. 
• Ultra Light Pillow: You want a comfortable, small blowup pillow to have with you. I’ve seen way too many people fold up their clothes into an uncomfortable pillow when they could have just brought a lightweight pillow. My Recommendation – Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Ultra Light. I’ve had this pillow for about five years now, and it’s never let me down. I won’t go anywhere without it. Not only does it pack down to smaller than the palm of my hand, but it’s genuinely comfortable! There have been many times where I’ve been in luxury hotels with pillows that were too high for me, so I just blew up this little pillow.  
• Hammock or Sleeping Hammock: If you’re camping, sometimes you just want to hang out outside of the tent… literally. A hammock definitely comes in handy during those times! Travel hammocks are easy to set up and are great for lounging, napping or reading a book. My Recommendation – ENO DoubleNest Hammock. This is a two person hammock, but comfortable for just one as well. It folds down small and is quite lightweight. Sometimes we bring it on our hikes as well, rather than just keeping them at the campsite! If you don’t feel like sleeping in the tent, or have a third-wheeler tagging along, the ENO Ember 2 Under Quilt could be of use too. 

Who doesn't love a good hammock?!

• Cookware: If you’re camping, you’ll definitely want the ability to cook easily. We all know though that no one wants to lug metal pots and pans to their campsite. My Recommendation – Sea to Summit X-Series. It doesn’t get much better than lightweight, durable, and collapsible cookware! The 5-piece set comes with one pot, two bowls, and two mugs, so you may need to order more than one set depending on how many people you’re camping with. They fold up smaller than you could imagine! 
• Spork: A spork is just one of the most convenient things you could have. Whether you need a spoon, knife, or fork, the spork has your back! I always carry a spork with me in my daypacks as well, as you never know when you will need one. My Recommendation – Tapirus 5 Spork of Steel Utensils Set. I highly recommend these rust-proof stainless steel sporks over their plastic equivalents. I had numerous plastic sporks break on me before transitioning to stainless steel and haven’t had any problems since. 
• Inflatable Lounger: Have you seen these things?! They’re infinitely better than any camp chair and fold up even smaller! These are truly one of the most interesting and useful camping additions that I’ve seen. My Recommendation – AlphaBeing Inflatable Lounger. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, click that link and check it out — it’s one of those things that is better visualized than described.  
• LED Camping Lantern: You certainly need something to light up your campsite or tent once it gets dark. As I like to keep things small and portable, I always suggest going for a lantern that collapses into itself. My Recommendation – MISPO 6 Pack Portable Camping Lantern with LED Flashlights. These are the perfect mini lanterns to put in and around your campsite. Then, when you’re not using them, they barely take up any space and pack away easily.  

Hiking: It’s important to practice safe hiking anywhere you go. As always, I recommend looking up your hiking trails in advance, letting someone know where you’re going, and having a trail map handy. Bring many layers, in addition to the following –

Couldn't have tackled the Matterhorn Base Camp without my hiking poles!

• Hiking Backpack: If you’re planning on taking day trips from your campsite or accommodation, a good hiking backpack is a necessity. I always look for things like good waist support and structure, as well as ample pockets. My Recommendation –  Osprey Sirrus 24 Women’s Hiking Backpack and Osprey Stratos 24 Men’s Hiking Backpack. If you don’t remember why I chose these packs specifically, please scroll back up to the “luggage” section. 
• Trekkers Pack: If you’re going on a multi-day hike or staying in refugios along the trail, then you’ll need a bigger and better trekkers pack. Like the hiking backpack, this needs to be both structured and very comfortable. My Recommendation – Osprey Ariel AG 65 Women’s Backpacking Backpack and Osprey Atmos 65 AG Men’s Backpacking Backpack . Jump back up to the “luggage” section if you’d like a refresher on these options.  
• Hydration Pack: Whether you’re going out on a two hour hike on a hot summer day or a long trek, a water bladder makes a massive difference! You won’t have to deal with taking off your backpack to take a sip, or worrying about your water bottle falling out of the side pocket. Plus, you can carry far more water with a hydration pack as well. My Recommendation – CamelBak Crux 2L or 3L Reservoir. I originally thought I’d save money by going with a non-name brand, but when I did that my water always tasted like plastic and, quite frankly, it was disgusting. CamelBak deserves the praise that it gets, and it’s definitely worth the price tag. I have both a 2L and a 3L, depending on what type of hike I’m doing. I find the 3L more useful on a day-to-day basis, as it doesn’t always need to be filled to the top.
• Hiking Poles: Hiking Poles are a necessity for any hiker, in my opinion. Hiking poles not only make you a bit faster, but they take some pressure off your knees too. I always look for carbon poles are they are a lot lighter than aluminum poles. My Recommendation –   Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles. Not only are these lightweight, 100% carbon fiber, and of the highest quality, but they also fold into three sections which makes them incredibly convenient to pack or attach to a backpack when not in use. 
• Headlamp: Whether you’re completing a sunrise or sunset mission, wandering around your campsite in the evening, or misjudged the length of your hike, it is imperative to carry a headlamp on you whenever you’re hiking! My Recommendation – Black Diamond Storm Headlamp. This headlamp is both waterproof and dustproof, which is always helpful! It also had three different color LED options, as well as adjustable intensity. I also love that it has a lock mode, which keeps my headlamp from turning on in my pack!

Hiking in the dark can be dangerous without a headlamp

• Water Filter: A water filter is very important when you’re out hiking. If something happens and you run out of water, you can stick it into any water (from a dirty puddle to a river) and it should come out clean. My Recommendation – LifeStraw Personal Water Filter. The LifeStraw removes waterborne bacteria, waterborne parasites, and micro-plastics found in the environment from your water. It is the most reliable water filter system for a hiker on the market. One of the admirable things about LifeStraw is that for every product purchased, a child receives safe drinking water for an entire school year – pretty remarkable! 
• Pocket Tissues: You never know when you’ll have a runny nose, have to clean up a spill… or need to pee. Just have them on you. 
• First Aid Kit: This should be a given, but I know plenty of people who don’t hike with one. Should anything happen, it helps to know that you’re properly prepared. My Recommendation – M2 Basic 150 Piece First Aid Kit. This is a travel-sized first aid kit that is about the size of your hand, so there’s no excuse not to put it in your backpack!
• Bug Spray Wipes: Applying bug spray is typically a pain and tends to leave you sticky and oily, but not with the wipes! My Recommendation: Repel 94100 Sportsmen 30-Percent Deet Mosquito Repellent Wipes. I started traveling with these in 2013 and haven’t looked back. They’re incredibly easy-to-use, portable, and protective. 
• Clif Bars or Clif Protein Bars: You definitely need to ensure that you have some sustenance to keep you going while hiking. Although I’m not a big fan of the sugar content in Clif Bars, there’s no debating the fact that they were designed to help give your body fuel while active. My Recommendation – Clif Bar Variety Pack or, if you’re looking for a higher level of protein, the Clif Builders Protein Bar Variety Pack. While Clif Bars are – hands down – the tastiest protein bars on the market, my favorite flavors are the White Chocolate Macadamia and the Chocolate Mint. 
• Hiking Boots: Wearing good hiking boots is, of course, imperative. Over the years, I’ve spent ages researching the best and most comfortable brands. Another aspect that’s always important to me is that they’re waterproof, as you never know what conditions you might be hiking in or if the weather might take a turn. My Recommendation – Lowa Women’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot and Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot. Once I discovered Lowa, I never turned back. I’ve owned four different pairs of their hiking boots, as I’m incredibly happy with the model. They are properly waterproof and supportive, and perfect for any type of hike be it short distance or long distance. 
• Hiking Socks: If you hike a lot, you know how important a comfortable, breathable sock is. If you’re anything like me, your socks probably also take a bit of a beating, so you need to find something reliable. My Recommendation – Darn Tough Hiker ¼ Cushion Sock – Womens and Darn Tough Hiker ¼ Cushion Sock – Mens. Not only are Darn Tough socks incredibly comfortable and antimicrobial, but they are guaranteed for life! If you’re a frequent hiker, there’s no brand more reliable than Darn Tough, and they’re certainly worth the price tag.  
• Base Layers: Base layers have saved me time and time again while out for long hikes, and I cannot stress their importance! If I’m not wearing my base layers, they’re in my bags. While there are so many brands and base layers out there, it’s important to do your research as I simply can’t list them all. My Recommendation – Women’s Ultra-Soft Long Johns & Warm Top Set and Men’s Thermal Underwear Set. Always, always make sure that your base layers are moisture-wicking!
• Down Jacket: I carry a down jacket with me on every trail, every camping trip, and even every airplane. It doesn’t matter whether it’s sweltering hot or freezing cold, I always have one with me to ensure that I’m prepared. My Recommendation – Mountain Hardwear Women’s Ghost Whisperer Down Hooded Jacket and Men’s Ghost Whisperer Down Hooded Jacket. These jackets are, in my opinion, the best lightweight down jackets on the market. The hood is important, as it provides that extra warm, and they’re both machine-washable. Another aspect that I love – and find to be incredibly useful – is that it folds up into itself so that it packs down extremely small. The jacket is worth every cent to me, and I wouldn’t travel without it!

Staying warm in Iceland thanks to my down jacket

• Rain Jacket: You’re pretty much crazy if you decide to go hiking without a rain jacket. Not only could the weather change from a beautiful day to an ugly storm in the blink of an eye, but it also serves as a windproof layer as well. My Recommendation – Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire Jacket and Outdoor Research Men’s Horizon Jacket. After testing out multiple lightweight rain jackets, and finding myself soaked after a good rain, I decided to invest in a GORE-TEX rain jacket. While they’re slightly bigger, these rain jackets will still packs down small enough to throw in your backpack… and it will actually keep you try! They are waterproof, windproof, and extremely breathable due to the multiple venting systems. 
• Hat: An easily packable sun hat always comes in handy. While there are plenty of “cute” ones out there, I like to make sure that I purchase hats that can both be thrown in the wash and are moisture-wicking. My Recommendation –  Outdoor Research Women’s Solar Roller Hat. I discovered this hat a few years back, and found it so convenient that it’s the only hat that I ever hike or travel with. While this is obviously a women’s hat, the male or uni-sex equivalent would be the Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat.  
• Buff: Buffs have many uses – whether you’re wanting to keep your neck, face, or head warm. They’re lightweight and incredibly useful. My Recommendation – Buff Polar Multifunctional Headwear. I’ve owned many buffs in my life and, when I’m outdoors, the Polar Buff is most definitely my favorite. It has a SPF 50 and has fleece at the bottom and microfiber at the top, making it the perfect accessory to keep both your neck and face warm in chilly temperatures. It’s also moisture-wicking and quick-drying, and can be worn in over ten different ways! 
• Gloves: There are honestly so many warm, cozy gloves on the market that it’s hard to choose just one. My Recommendation – Outdoor Research Women’s PL Base Sense Gloves and the Outdoor Research Men’s PL Sensor Gloves . You need a glove that can withstand cold weather, is wind resistant, and offers touchscreen compatibility. 

Fitness “On The Go” Essentials

I get asked all the time how I stay in shape while on the road. Whether I’m in a luxury hotel and eating my heart out, or camping and carb loading, I can’t say that it’s easy. But I will say that it takes conscious effort every single day. I’ve learned to say no to two $0.25 ice cream cones in the same day, as tempting as it is! I also implement a strict workout routine, which has gotten infinitely easier since I started using LiveKick Fitness. They specialize in one-on-one personal training and private yoga done via live video — think FaceTime but for fitness! You can choose your (highly qualified) instructor for a time that works for you, no matter where you live in the world! I’ve done everything from high intensity exercise in my ocean view hotel in Australia to yoga in my office at home in the States. And the best part is, you don’t need access to a gym or any equipment if you don’t want! You could try out LiveKick Fitness here, and be sure to use the code “FIVEFOOTTRAVELER15” for 15% off your LiveKick plan! Other than being armed with my LiveKick Fitness App, I travel with –

Screen cap of my LiveKick personal training (left) & yoga (right)

• Resistance Loop Exercise Bands – I started using looped resistance bands when I injured my knee two years ago, but it’s a fantastic addition to any workout when you’re a new exerciser or an exercise junkie. I use these largely for strength training and physical therapy.
• Flat Exercise Bands – Flat exercise bands give you a few more options, which allows you to truly get a full body workout whenever you want.
• Rumble Roller – My 12-inch RumbleRoller is one of my favorite things that I pack, when I have the space! Nothing feels better than this spiky foam roller after a good hike or exercise. 
• Cross-Training Shoe – I’ve made the mistake many times of doing aerobics and weight-lifting in a running sneaker, which just isn’t good for you! The Nike Air Bella’s are light-weight and comfortable trainers.
• Running Shoe – If you’re also a runner though, I’d recommend packing your running shoes too. Maybe you’ll be luckier than I and could find a one-shoe-fits-all for you though! I’ve worn Brooks Ghost sneakers for many years now and I’ve been quite happy with them. 
• Travel Yoga Mat – I always wanted the ability to be able to stretch anytime, anywhere, which led me to research travel-sized yoga mats. The Plyopic Travel Yoga Mat is both lightweight, eco-friendly, and foldable so that you can bring it wherever you need. 

Reading Essentials

Beach reads are always necessary. Sometimes it’s nice to get lost in a good story and enjoy a book with a view. While I could individually summarize these books, I think it’s best if you check them out yourself to see which one is best for you 🙂 Here are some of my favorite travel books –

It may not be the beach, but I thought it was a great spot to read!

• Love with a Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRoche
• What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding by Kristin Newman
• Vagabonding by Rolf Potts
• Wild by Cheryl Strayed
• On the Road by Jack Kerouac
• In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
• Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
• Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
• Drink, Play, F@#k by Bob Sullivan
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

If you feel like being slightly more intellectual on your vacation, I highly recommend these excellent entrepreneur books:

• Expert Secrets by Russel Brunson (#1 recommended biz book!)
• DotCom Secrets by Russel Brunson
• 177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class by Steve Siebold
• How to Make Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson
• Ca$hvertising by Drew Eric Whitman

Business Management Essentials

More and more frequently you will find people on the road who have the freedom to work remotely. If you are a business owner, or wannabe business owner, these are my absolutely necessary softwares and systems needed to keep my business running online, even when I’m not in front of my computer. Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean that you need to stop making money 🙂

Working remotely on the beach in Australia

• ClickFunnels – Whether you run an online business or you’re looking to become a digital nomad, ClickFunnels is an absolute must! This software helps you great the highest converting sales funnels amongst many, many other incredible features. They offer a free Affiliate Bootcamp that I highly recommend going through if you’re new to the online space. If you aren’t new to working online, and haven’t checked out ClickFunnels though, you can grab your free trial here. Email me if you do, and I will share with you my top converting sales funnel.  
• GetResponse – Email marketing is key to success. No matter what business you’re in, you need the ability to directly reach out to your followers or consumers without every having to think about social media algorithms. Through email marketing you can get your audience to know, like, and trust you… and ultimately buy from you. And the beauty of this is that if you’re on a trip, you can set up an email autoresponder series to continually bring in sales without you having to even open up your computer! GetResponse is free for under 1,000 email contacts, and have incredibly reasonable rates after that given the service they provide. You can sign up for your free account here.  
• BlueHost – Do you have a blog or website? It needs to be hosted somewhere to be kept safe! Your web host ensures that your site continues to run smoothly and backs up your site daily should anything go wrong; it’s your website’s safety shield. BlueHost offers incredibly low rates, and I’m able to give them to you for even lower. You can purchase your BlueHost web hosting for just $3.95/month here! 
• ClickMagick – I personally never click on an “ugly” link – a link that has a ton of numbers and letters and seemingly goes on forever. ClickMagick allows you to turn those long ugly links into short, clean URLs using your domain name. You can grab your ClickMagick account here.
• Later – If you’re wondering how people post to Instagram on the go or have beautifully crafted Instagram feeds, it’s likely because they use a tool to help them get organized. I first discovered Later last year and have used them ever since to help schedule, analyze, and organize my accounts. Because they’re an official partner of Instagram, you can craft your posts and then schedule them to be automatically posted to Instagram! And the best part is, it’s free! Set up your free account here. 
• TailWind – If you understand the value of Pinterest for your business, TailWind is an absolute must. It allows you to easily schedule out your Pins and re-Pin from others in your niche. You can adjust your settings so that you auto-Pin throughout the day, without having to sit in front of your phone or computer the whole time! Pinterest is a huge driver of traffic to websites, so it’s important that you take advantage of its benefits. TailWind is also free, and you can claim your account here.  
• LiveLeap – Are you someone who likes to go live on social media a lot, either to showcase what your business has to offer or to show off your latest vacation? LiveLeap allows you to live stream on Facebook across multiple pages, which can increase your views ten times more than without it! So if you stream on your business page, you can also connect it to your personal page and Facebook group so that your live video goes live on all of those pages at once. It’s a great way to expand your reach! You can set up your account here. 

I hope that this list of travel essentials didn’t overwhelm you! I obviously travel full-time and am always over-prepared, so you just need to pick and choose which of these items is most important for the type of trip that you are preparing for. I wish you the best of luck with packing… as I sure as heck know how much we BOTH need it! As you pack and prepare for your next trip, please let me know in the comments below if I missed any important travel essentials. 

I'll leave you with some penguins – and a great travel hat!

In the meantime, please ensure that you purchase travel insurance before you leave! Of all of these travel essentials, t ravel insurance is arguably the most important thing to have on hand (after your passports and visas). I’ve had to use my travel insurance multiple times on the road, even though I’m healthy. You never know when something might happen; take comfort in knowing that whether your flight gets cancelled or you wind up sick and in the hospital, you will be covered. I recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance for all of you. You can get a free quote here.  

Pin “137 Travel Essentials” For Later!

The only thing I would add is: a few zip lock bags. I’ve done a lot of travelling…roadtrips, backpacking in Europe, rail and air travel, and won’t go anywhere without them. You never know when something will start leaking, or you have leftover snacks, or need a waterproof place to stash your phone or pocket camera. They take no space at all, and never say “I told you so!” when you do need one.

YES! Great tip! I always have them on me too 🙂

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Hi, I’m Sarah!

Hello World! I’m Sarah Gallo, The Five Foot Traveler, and I choose to dream out loud. After conquering a crippling fear of flying, I’ve developed an unquenchable passion for traveling. Since my newfound freedom, I have set foot on all seven continents, explored 114 countries, and continue to strive to live life to the fullest. Continue Reading…

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The Ultimate List of Travel Essentials

By CNT Editors

The secret to packing smart will not be found in a YouTube tutorial. (Rolling socks? How innovative!) The real trick, as our perpetually on-the-road editors will tell you, is to find those brilliantly designed lifesavers, like a natural hand sanitizer that won’t offend the entire cabin, headphones that will make coach as silent as a Zen garden, and these other balms, bags, and gear we can’t stop talking about.

This story was originally published in May 2017 and has been updated with new information.

In-Flight Beauty

Fake a Good Night Sleep: “For those of us too vain to get on an overnight flight sans makeup, these wipes clean, exfoliate, hydrate, and prep skin for that pre-landing swipe of bronzer.” — Rebecca Misner, West Coast Editor

Buy Now: Ursa Major, Essential Face Wipes, $24 for pack of 20, huckberry.com

Three Products In One: “I use this balm as a makeup remover, face cleanser, and moisturizer. Also it smells like vacation: a not-too-sweet blend of coconut, vanilla, and mango.” — Lauren DeCarlo, Deputy Editor

Buy Now: One Love Organics, Skin Savior Multi-Tasking Wonder Balm, $49, thedetoxmarket.com

Like Q-Tips, But Better: “Twist the swab and the tip becomes moistened with a cleanser that gently removes eye makeup.” — R.M.

Buy Now: Too Cool for School, Dinoplatz Magic Wand, $12.90, amazon.com

Stay Superhydrated: “Unlike most face serums that reek of essential oils, this one has a nice nutty smell and dispenses neatly through a tiny pump.” — Alex Postman, Features Director

Buy Now: Malaya Organics, Rejuvenating Face Serum, $75, amazon.com

Harrison Pierce

Alex Erdekian

Charlie Hobbs

Keep It Healthy

If You're Headed to the Zika Zone: “I love that this organic, essential oil-based bug spray—which actually works—smells like cedar, geranium, and rosemary instead of a high school chem lab.” — R.M.

Buy Now: Zoe Organics, Insect Repellent, $19.95, dermstore.com

For the Germophobe: “I semi-obsessively use this sanitizer on my seat and tray table every time I fly. Nobody minds, though: the light scent of mandarin rind and rosemary leaf are quite welcome in economy." — Mara Balagtas, Style Editor

Buy Now: Aesop, Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash, $10, shop.nordstrom.com

The Accessories

Yep, We Are Pro–Fanny Pack: “Say what you will, but a flush-against-your-hip bag like this is the easiest place to stash your boarding pass and phone.” — Pilar Guzmán, Editor in Chief

Buy Now: Clare V., Fannypack, $259, clarev.com

The Packable Brim: “Finally a Panama hat sturdy enough to survive getting crammed in an overhead bin.” — M.B.

Buy Now: Janessa Leoné, Adriana, $207, janessaleone.com

The Classic Shades: “The original folding pair of lenses that pack super small; in tortoiseshell they go with everything.” — P.G.

Buy Now: Persol, PO714, $370, sunglasshut.com

Featherweight Kicks: “Head-spinningly light, they pack down to almost nothing so I don’t have to give up my morning run .” — Erin Florio, Senior Editor

Buy Now: APL 'Techloom Pro' Running Shoe, $139.95, shop.nordstrom.com

High and Low Tech

Make Movie Magic: “So long to shaky hands and bad vacation videos: This gimbal keeps your smartphone shots Kubrick smooth.” — Phil Falino, Video Producer

Buy Now: DJI, Osmo Mobile 2, $139, store.dji.com

Dance Party in Room 204: “It’s got tremendous sound and nearly endless battery life, but the real kicker is that this waterproof Bluetooth speaker floats.” — Paul Brady, Articles Editor

Buy Now: Ultimate Ears, Wonderboom, $67.99, amazon.com

The Best Way to Stay Charged, Period: "You never know where that hotel room outlet is going to turn up, so I carry extra-long twin-head cables that can charge my phone and a speaker." — Paulie Dibner, Managing Editor

Buy Now: Native Union, Belt Cable Twin Head, $39.99, nativeunion.com

What to Wear

The Blazer: “This classic shape, with a little stretch, pulls together a look, particularly if you’re rushing off the plane to a meeting.” — M.B.

Buy Now: J. Crew, Regent Blazer, $198, jcrew.com

No Breaking In Necessary: “These ultra lightweight boots feel like your most comfortable sneakers right out of the box, so there's no need to spend the week before your trip breaking them in.“ — Andrea Whittle, Contributor

Buy Now: Danner Women's Mountain 600, $200, danner.com

Maybe the Best Airplane Pants Ever: "These pants were made for travel. They're flexible enough incase you find yourself sprinting to your gate and comfortable enough to withstand an 8-hour flight. I love to throw them on in the morning while I'm running out to the nearest cafe to grab a coffee. — A.W.

Buy Now: Lululemon, On the Fly Pant, $98, shop.lululemon.com

Packing Upgrades

Dead-Simple Organization : "Not only do they make you a far better packer, but packing cubes are ideal for multi-city vacations. Plus, you can snap them up in fun, eye-popping colors." — Lale Arikoglu, Digital Lifestyle Editor

Buy Now: Paravel, Packing Cube Trio, $55, tourparavel.com

A Solution for Swim Trunks: “When you’re roadtripping with kids who can’t resist a hotel pool, these waterproof totes are everything.” — A.P.

Buy Now: Flight 001, Go Clean Wet Suit Bag, $18, amazon.com

Tame Carry-On Clutter: “I keep receipts, business cards, and other stuff tidy in this textured vinyl pouch—in sunflower yellow—that looks like Comme des Garçons.” — E.F.

Buy Now: Delfonics, Quitterie Pouch, $22.10, amazon.com

All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Packing List

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18 Simple Travel Essentials for 2024 & Beyond

Whether you’re headed out for a quick business trip, a monthslong world tour, or a laid-back weekend at the beach, our list of 2024’s best travel essentials has you covered.

Sure, some necessities are obvious — toiletries, medications, snacks, phones — we know you’ll pack those. We’re here to cover the game-changing items you may not have thought of that’ll help elevate your packing list and make life easier on the road.

Whether it’s a minimalist wallet, a compact Bluetooth speaker, a lightweight laptop case, or something else, we bet you’ll find a piece of gear here that will add value to your travel bag. We know this because we’ve traveled extensively with every item on this list and stand behind each recommendation.

Packing is a juggling act, so let’s dive into the must-have gear we’d never travel without.

Travel Essentials for Men & Women

• Personal Item Bag: Our Top Picks
• Travel Organizers: Our Top Picks
• Minimalist Wallet/Purse: Slimfold & Travelambo
• Bluetooth Headphones: Apple AirPods Pro
• Titanium Water Bottle: Our Top Picks
• Laptop Case/Sleeve: tomtoc 360º
• Phone Case: OtterBox
• Lightweight Power Bank: Nitecore NB10000 Gen II
• Compact Bluetooth Speaker: JBL Go 3
• Travel Adapter: Anker
• Cellphone Kickstand/Tripod: The Pocket Tripod
• Ultralight Camera Clip: Peak Design
• High-Quality Travel Journal: Moleskine
• The Write Everywhere Pen: Space Pen
• Noise-Blocking Earplugs: Howard Leight by Honeywell
• Merino Wool T-Shirt: Wool&Prince & Wool&
• Versatile Travel Pants: Slim Dungarees & Vuori Ripstop
• Do-It-All Travel Shoes: Our Top Picks
• Tips for a Perfect Packing List
• Final Thoughts: Travel Essentials for Men & Women

Essential Travel Gear & Accessories

Personal item bag our top picks of 2024.

Here’s our top essential: A personal item bag that’ll hold and protect the stuff you need close at hand, every day and everywhere. We’re talking about travel documents, snacks, personal care items, electronics, changes of clothes, and assorted accessories.

Browse through our favorite personal item bags for a wide variety of lightweight, weather-resistant, and feature-rich options. I often take a duffel bag for longer trips, but backpacks and messenger bags are more convenient for hands-free sprints down the concourse near departure time.

What to Look for in a Personal Item Bag: Search for a comfortable, airline-complaint bag suitable for one-bag travel and will help you avoid extra boarding fees by stashing underneath the seat in front of you.

Travel Organizers Our Top Picks of 2024

I like keeping my belongings nice and tidy inside my bag, so travel organizers are lifesavers. I rely on them to help me find essential toiletries, packing cubes, ditty bags, cables, adapters, and all the other miscellany of life on the road. ‘Tidy’ is satisfying.

Trust me, travel organizers make packing and unpacking much less of a hassle. I especially love the transparent and zippered bags that keep everything visible, secure, and easily accessible. Travel is stressful enough; we don’t need the extra burden of chaotic clutter.

What to Look for in a Travel Organizer: Search for durable, water-resistant packing solutions that fit your belongings comfortably and have the proper dimensions to stash inside your main travel bag without restriction.

Minimalist Wallet/Purse Slimfold Soft Shell Wallet Travelambo Purse

A purse or wallet designed for travel is another sanity saver. Monitoring your spending is easier with a lightweight, compact, minimalist front-pocket wallet — we highly recommend the Slimfold Soft Shell wallet pictured above.

Women may want a stylish but minimalist purse with organized storage for the basics. The Travelambo we recommend will efficiently stash your ID, cash, credit cards, and not much else. Minimalism is a good thing when traveling.

Why We Travel With the Slimfold Soft Shell Wallet: It’s soft and stretchy yet durable and sports RFID protection to thwart hackers and thieves. Its lightweight and minimalist design helps reduce bulk in our pockets.

Bluetooth Headphones Apple AirPods Pro

Wireless headphones are a top travel necessity for anyone listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks that muffle their noisy surroundings. I use my Apple AirPods Pro daily when I travel. High-quality Bluetooth headphones like these are a no-brainer.

AirPods are my favorites as they have excellent sound and solid battery life. Plus, you can use their built-in microphone to talk on the phone when a call comes in. And, of course, they’re cordless, so the aggravation of tangled cords will be a non-issue.

Why We Travel With the Apple AirPods Pro: They pump out quality sound and use active noise cancellation to block out background noise. If you’re an iPhone user, they connect to your phone automatically once you put them in your ears.

Lightweight Titanium Water Bottle Our Top Picks of 2024

You need to stay hydrated, whether you’re summiting a mountain or wandering crowded city streets. I recommend sipping your beverage from a titanium water bottle; they’re rugged, ultra-lightweight, and won’t leach off any flavors to your drink.

Titanium water bottles come in all shapes and sizes and should fit easily and compactly in your bag. And by saying ‘no’ to single-use plastic containers, you’re doing your part to combat pollution, including microplastics in the water supply.

What to Look for in a Titanium Water Bottle: Opt for a single-wall bottle if your focus is keeping it lightweight. Go for double-wall if you want to keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. We love the Snow Peak Aurora, pictured above, over all others.

Laptop Case/Sleeve tomtoc 360°

Laptops have become essential for traveling, whether watching Netflix, working remotely, or keeping in touch with loved ones. Packing your laptop without proper protection is a big no-no, so grab a laptop case or sleeve for extra protection.

I like the Tomtoc 360° because its plush padded shell includes corner reinforcement and a decent amount of storage for accessories. I’ve dinged-up laptops in the past, so I’m a big advocate of protective cases and sleeves.

Why We Travel With the tomtoc 360°: It’s the lightest and most straightforward laptop case/sleeve for our needs. It fits our MacBook Pros like a glove, and its zippers are buttery smooth. There are ten colors to choose from!

Durable Phone Case OtterBox

Many people choose an OtterBox as their go-to phone case, and so do I. They’re the market’s most trusted brand, and their cases are definitely ‘engineered to endure.’ There’s a wide variety of stylish designs and colors, so grab one to protect your precious phone.

Imagine trying to travel the globe with a smashed phone. Not a pleasant picture, is it? Too many phones are BSB designs — “Beautiful, Slippery, and Brittle” — so protect your phone and your investment with a rugged case from a trusted brand.

Why We Travel With an OtterBox: OtterBox is the OG in smartphone protection and has a reputation for putting out sturdy, reliable, and ergonomic products. They come in various colors and styles and offer MagSafe options for iPhones.

Ultra-Compact & Lightweight Power Bank Nitecore NB10000 Gen II

Letting your gadgets run out of juice in the middle of a busy day is a rookie move. Use a power bank like the Nitecore to top up your device batteries. Despite its compact size, this will keep your electronics alive until you can return to your home base to charge up and wind down.

This Nitecore is a medium-duty 10,000mAh power bank sized for phones, tablets, and cameras. However, if you also need to charge laptops and other power-hungry devices, consider splurging for a bigger, more powerful unit.

Why We Travel With the Nitecore NB Gen II: It’s the lightest and most compact 10,000mAh power bank on the market. Its carbon fiber enclosure is sleek, durable, and IPX5-rated water resistant.

Compact Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker JBL Go 3

Do you like to listen to music as you get ready in your hotel room or soak in a sunset on the beach? Then, grab a portable Bluetooth speaker. This may not seem like ‘essential’ travel gear, but many of us (myself included) consider it a necessary comfort of home when out on the road.

The JBL Go 3’s sound quality makes it an easy recommendation, as does its portability, waterproofing, and value. I use it to listen to podcasts, create white noise for sleeping in noisy environments, and to motivate myself during bodyweight travel workouts .

Why We Travel With the JBL Go 3: For its size, it cranks out respectable sound and punchy bass. It’s lightweight, portable, waterproof, and dust-proof. At $50, it’s a good value that should last for several years of travel.

Compact International Travel Adapter Anker 735

If you’re a globetrotter like me, you already know that reliable and powerful travel adapters are must-haves. This is the lightest and most compact charger I’ve used that can charge my MacBook Pro, and it keeps all of my other electronics powered and ready to go. Ironically, I use it to keep my Nitecore power bank topped up… a charger for a charger.

Frequent travelers stay in touch and find their way using their digital devices, so it’s wise to recharge with a compact and reliable product. We rely on our adapters, and it’s good to know that Anker has a reputation for reliable and innovative products.

Why We Travel With the Anker 735: It’s about 40% the size of a standard MacBook charger and has two extra USB charging ports; it’s as compact and lightweight as you could ask for. Anker products are as rock-solid as they come.

Compact Phone Kickstand/Tripod The Pocket Tripod

Your phone’s camera will take better low-light photos if you stabilize it with a tripod. And this tripod is the size of a credit card, making it a perfect travel companion. It’s also a kickstand to hold your phone steady while it plays videos as you nod off during the flight to your next destination.

Versatility is why I chose The Pocket Tripod as a travel essential. It’s a convenient and innovative piece of gear that I always have on hand, ready for the next great photo opp. A steady camera means less image blur, better self-portraits, and more hands-free video chats.

Why We Travel With the Pocket Tripod: It reliably props up phones when filming adventures, chatting with loved ones, or watching movies on an airplane. It weighs half an ounce and can be stashed away virtually unnoticed in a wallet or purse.

Ultralight Camera Clip Peak Design Capture

When I travel with a camera, I keep it close at hand with the Peak Design Capture clip. I no longer have an excuse to leave my camera behind because I don’t want to bother with straps or cases. Always having my camera within reach means no more missed opportunities for the perfect photo.

I prefer the Peak Design Camera Clip to tangle-prone camera straps. It’s lightweight and easy to attach to a backpack, bag, or belt. Use it if you travel with an expensive camera to keep it hands-free until the moment you need it.

Why We Travel With the Peak Design Capture: We travel with expensive cameras that must be protected at all costs. Not only does the Capture protect them, but it also allows us to forego annoying and cumbersome camera straps.

High-Quality Travel Journal Moleskine

Travelers keep journals to document and make sense of their lives. Paper journals have been around for centuries, and they’re a tradition that’s far more intimate than typing notes into a cell phone. Moleskine journals are legendary — Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, and David Bowie all captured their thoughts on those distinctive creamy ivory pages.

For me, journaling is calming and therapeutic, especially in nature. My thoughts and memories seem to expand when I write by hand. It’s a ritual I cherish, and traveling inspires me. Set your smartphone aside and give it a try. It’s delightful.

Why We Travel With the Moleskine Soft Cover Journal: Information comes at us from a million different directions while traveling, and we need a journal to make sense of it all. The Moleskine is durable and has 240 no-bleed pages.

The Write Everywhere Pen Fisher Space Pen

High-quality journal pages deserve high-quality pens, and that’s where Fisher Space pens come in. They were designed for astronauts floating in zero-gravity environments! I’ll bet their journal entries are slightly different from yours and mine.

Fisher Space Pens have a no-nonsense heft, plus a special ink with a velvety glide. Their compact Bullet Pens slip easily into purses and pockets, and writing with one puts me in the mood to jot down my day’s adventures. Life’s too short to use Bic pens.

Why We Travel With the Fisher Space Pen: This bad boy will write underwater and in zero gravity, in case your travels take you somewhere out of this world. It’s compact, rugged, streamlined for smooth writing, and will last forever.

Noise-Blocking Earplugs Howard Leight by Honeywell

Moving from Point A to Point B often exposes you to plenty of noise — jet engines, city traffic, crowds, and much more. Battery-operated noise- canceling headphones have their place, but simpler, old-school noise- blocking methods like earplugs are also worth considering.

Traditional earplugs like these colorful inserts from Honeywell can block many of the noises you’ll encounter when traveling. I use mine regularly on airplanes when I’m tired of my headphones but still need relief from the cabin soundscape or Jerry from Omaha snoring loudly in the seat next to me.

Why We Travel With the Howard Leight by Honeywell Earplugs:  Whenever you inevitably cross a screaming child in an airplane, you’ll thank us for this recommendation. These are comfy, contoured, and soil-resistant to prevent dirt build-up.

Essential Travel Clothing

Merino wool t-shirt wool&prince (men’s) wool& (women’s).

Clothes designed for travel enthusiasts should be lightweight, comfortable, and well-fitting. That’s why I suggest Merino Wool T-Shirts from Wool&Prince (for men) and Wool& (for women). W&P is a top supplier of Merino wool clothing and my favorite brand on the market today.

W&P shirts are super soft, anti-microbial, odor-resistant, and perfect for travel. Banish smelly clothes that cause discomfort over the course of a day. The best part for travelers is that these shirts can remain odor-free for several days — quite a benefit for those on the go.

Why We Wear Wool&Prince While Traveling:  We can get away with wearing wool clothing for days, if not weeks , at a time between washes while traveling. Seriously. Wool&Prince shirts are true to size, fit incredibly well, and don’t shrink.

Lightweight & Versatile Travel Pants Outlier Slim Dungarees (Men’s) Vuori Ripstop (Women’s)

I’m a travel pants nerd. When searching for the perfect pair, do your homework and choose one that balances comfort, functionality, and style. You’ll spend long hours wearing these travel pants, so you’ll want to be comfortable and good-looking.

Slim Dungarees and Ripstop pants are two of our absolute favorites. I’ve sampled several pairs of pants and travel jeans , and Vuori is one of my favorite brands. They’re versatile, and I wear them for everything from hiking to bouncing around town.

Why We Wear Ourlier & Vuori While Traveling: Both brands make incredibly stylish, comfortable, and durable pants that fit well. They’re durable enough for year-round use and breathable enough to wear in hot and humid climates.

One Pair Do-It-All Travel Shoes Our Top Picks of 2024

For the no-checked-luggage traveler, I recommend bringing only ONE pair of do-it-all shoes. That can be tricky, especially if your trip involves a mix of city streets and hiking trails. Versatility and comfort should always be your top priorities, but never discount the value of a stylish pair of shoes or boots.

We’ve simplified your choice by listing our favorite footwear for both men and women. From sneakers to loafers and slip-ons to athletic shoes, you’ll likely find several varieties that might pique your interest for your upcoming trip. I only travel with one pair of shoes, so they must be versatile and comfortable.

What to Look for in a Pair of Travel Shoes: Search for a comfortable and lightweight pair of shoes that’ll let your feet breathe as you pile up the steps during your adventures. Bonus points for kicks that can be dressed up and dressed down.

Six Tips for a Perfect Packing List

Efficient travel requires a savvy mix of preparation, planning, and organization if you’re going to thrive out there. No matter the length of your trip, you must learn to prepare and pack wisely. To help you, here are a few tips for putting together the perfect packing list:

If It Doesn’t Add Value, It’s Not Essential

Avoid packing items that don’t serve a purpose or add value to your travels. Leave it at home if it doesn’t make the trip more enjoyable, productive, or efficient.

Define your essentials based on your activities — backpacking, camping, hiking, or visiting a new city. Pack only the essentials: clothing, footwear, technical gear, and personal care essentials that add value to your travel.

Focus on Multi-Purpose Essentials

Have you ever regretted your packing choices while out on the road? To avoid that feeling, pack items that serve multiple purposes. This will save time, and you’ll have fewer items to track.

For instance, select shoes or pants ideal for multiple activities, such as hiking and sightseeing. Another great multi-purpose item is an all-in-one bag like a fanny pack or backpack that can also be worn crossbody.

Aim for Compact and Lightweight Gear

Selecting the right items can be daunting, so if you’re a ‘just-in-case’ packer, you’ll quickly end up with an overstuffed bag. Stay focused on proven methods — lightweight and compact packing is the way to go.

Look for items that’ll pack up tightly and fit snugly in your bag or suitcase. Choose clothing and other items that will last the entire trip and can fold up neatly. Opt for shoes or sandals with lightweight soles that offer grip and traction but won’t overload your bag.

Do Your Homework Before You Buy

Avoid making terrible travel decisions, and always read reviews thoroughly before purchasing. This is especially true when making a rushed, last-minute purchase. Learn from customer experiences and insights into the product’s performance in different conditions and climates.

For example, if you’re shopping for technical apparel or a multi-purpose tool, tap into the wealth of knowledge out there. Solid research could lead you to buy something that performs well and lasts for years.

Embrace Minimalism

If you’re a minimalist traveler, you know the truth of the saying “less is more.” Minimalism is all about embracing the principle and avoiding the temptation of packing too much stuff. Clutter will drag you down and hold you back.

Start by looking for versatile items of clothing and footwear that can be used interchangeably in different settings or scenarios. And when you return home, keep track of the items you used most and decide what can be left behind next time.

Invest in Quality — Buy Once, Cry Once

Last but not least, invest in quality travel gear. The up-front costs of high-quality items are often offset by their greater utility and longer lifespan.

If you have to replace cheaper items every few trips, are they really saving you money? Probably not, especially if the higher-quality items have a solid warranty and offer reputable customer service.

Final Thoughts: Travel Essentials for 2024

Are you ready to draft your own perfect packing list for 2024? Our list of travel essentials for men and women may not match yours, but we hope you found a few items that will add value to your next journey. The goal is to find gear and clothing that will add consistent value to your life on the road.

Please share any tips or gear recommendations you have in the Comments section below. We’re especially interested in hearing what’s worked for you (or not) regarding trip planning, organization, packing lists, and any advice you may have on travel-friendly clothing or general-use gear.

We’d also love to hear your thoughts on the minimalist lifestyle, specifically regarding travel. What kind of travel do you do, and how much do you pack? Have your definitions of ‘must-haves’ and ‘luxuries’ changed over the years? After all, being a nimble traveler is both a physical and a philosophical journey. Let’s share and compare our paths.

Last Updated on March 19, 2024

Lauren De Almeida

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• 1 Wallet and passport holder
• 2 Phone charger and adapter
• 3 Reusable water bottle
• 4 Hand sanitizer
• 5 Skincare products
• 7 Travel journal and pen
• 8 Walking shoes
• 10 Sunglasses
• 11 Headphones
• 12 Weather-dependent items
• 13 Travel pillow
• 14 Toiletry bag
• 15 First aid kit
• 16 Travel wrap or scarf
• 17 Book or e-reader
• 18 Lip balm

18 Essentials You Should NEVER Forget to Pack

Once your outfits have been planned and packed, it's time to focus on the things —particularly those items you absolutely can't forget. Consider this your go-to checklist for any trip.

Style + Travel Editor | Instagram @jackiehoman | jackiehoman.com

See recent posts by Jackie Homan

Wallet and passport holder

You won’t get very far without your wallet, and same goes for your passport on international trips. If you’re prone to losing things, purchase a wallet-passport holder combo to keep them close. We like this affordable and travel-friendly pick from Amazon, which has slots for your cards, cash, passport, tickets, boarding pass, and more, plus a convenient wristlet strap.

Phone charger and adapter

A phone charger is a must for any trip, and if you’re leaving the U.S., so is an adapter. This one from Flight 001 (available on Amazon ) is color-coded and works in over 150 countries.

Reusable water bottle

Avoid spending money on plastic water bottles at every stop by bringing along a reusable one. With the fold-up capabilities of the Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle , you won’t even know it’s there.

RELATED:   What to Pack for a Beach Vacation

Hand sanitizer

Say goodbye to the all-too-common post-trip cold by keeping hand sanitizer on you at all times. GoodSense is a classic and easy go-to that we suggest for any adventure.

Skincare products

Vacation is no excuse to forgo your skin care routine—in fact, you’ll want to keep it up even better to avoid breakouts and flare-ups caused by flights and new climates. If you’re committed to the products you already own, pack them in these leakproof silicone travel bottles from Amazon. Or, if you’re game to try something new, how about picking out a travel-sized set like Drunk Elephant’s The Littles ?

Create long-lasting vacation memories by snapping better captures along the way (if you’re like us, your iPhone camera roll gets way too clogged up with screenshots and food pics). The  Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II Compact Digital Camera ‘s slim design and light weight make it just right for travel.

RELATED:   JS Editors’ Picks: 18 Items We’re Crushing on Now

Travel journal and pen

Keep your travel itineraries, checklists, and journal entries in one place with  I Was Here: A Travel Journal for the Curious Minded ,  which has plenty of space for all of your musings, plus colorful illustrations that pull together the pages. And don’t forget a pen !

Walking shoes

Even if you’ve already perfectly planned all the shoes to go with your outfits, throw in one extra pair of easy walking sneakers or flats, like Everlane’s The Day Glove . We promise you won’t regret it when your feet start to blister from your sandals or heels.

When you’re excited about what you’ll be wearing on days and nights out, it’s easy to forget something to wear in between. Bring along a lightweight pair of PJs, like these from Lunya, to keep cozy in the hotel.

RELATED:   21 Gift Ideas for the Stylish Traveler

Spending lots of time outdoors? Be prepared with sunnies. We love this go-with-anything classic style from Ray-Bans.

You’ll want a heavy-duty pair of headphones for your flight, and we recommend these from Bose, which offer up to 15 hours of play time with a rechargeable battery and a wireless Bluetooth capability.

Weather-dependent items

Check the forecast before you go, and pack accordingly. The SY COMPACT Travel Umbrella is perfect for rainy travel, while this sunscreen is essential for the sunny days. Snow on the radar? Pack these winter accessories .

RELATED: 18 Shoes We’re LOVING for Summer 2019

Travel pillow

If we’re talking airplane essentials, a travel pillow is at the top of our list (also great for train, bus, and car rides). With memory foam filling, a velour cover, and an ergonomic design, this one from Everlasting Comfort gets our pick. Plus, it comes with a sleeping mask and earplugs.

Toiletry bag

Keep your toiletries organized with this hanging kit , which has plenty of room for all the necessities and more.

First aid kit

Safety first, Jetsetters! This mini first aid kit will equip you with everything you’ll need in case of emergency.

RELATED:   The Carry-On Luggage You Need Now

Travel wrap or scarf

Stay cozy on a cool flight with an oversized cashmere scarf, like this one from Halogen .

Book or e-reader

We love books as much as the next guy, but when it comes to travel, an e-reader is really the best option. Lightweight and waterproof, the new Kindle Paperwhite keeps you ready to read wherever you are.

It’s pretty much a given that a flight will dry out your skin, hair, and worst of all, lips. Prevent the chapped feeling with this ultra-hydrating lip balm from cult-favorite brand Mario Badescu.

Traveling? Consider These Luggage Options

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Ambeur 22-Inch Rolling Spinner Carry-On

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Vacation packing list: 27 essentials for any trip.

This vacation packing list covers the major essentials you don't want to forget.

Vacation Packing List

Getty Images

Make sure you have everything you need for your next getaway.

While every vacation packing list ultimately looks different based on a variety of factors – the destination, traveler(s), budget and more – consider this guide a jumping-off point for the must-haves. You can also scroll down to More Vacation Packing Lists to see recommendations for specific trips.

Vacation packing list

For the journey, for the vacation.

Courtesy of Coolife

Before your adventure begins, you'll want to decide what type of bag(s) to pack. To determine the type of luggage you'll need, consider:

• How many days will you be traveling? If you're traveling for a week or longer, you may want to bring a large suitcase that can be checked in at the airport, or perhaps a complete luggage set . For a shorter trip, a carry-on and personal item (such as a backpack or small weekender bag ) should be sufficient.  
• Who are you traveling with? Determine if you can combine your belongings to avoid unnecessary checked luggage fees. If traveling with children who can help carry bags, consider some kids luggage they'll be excited to carry or roll along. 
• What type of climate(s) will you be in? For cold weather vacations, you might consider stuffing all of your outdoor gear into a rolling duffel bag . 
• What are the baggage restrictions for your mode of travel? Check carry-on size requirements for your specific airline to ensure your luggage will fit in the overhead bin. Cruise lines also have weight and quantity restrictions for luggage, so consult your cruise line's website for additional details.
• What kind of clothing will you need? Is this a casual trip or will you need formalwear for dinners and other gatherings? If you'll need the latter, you might want to purchase a garment bag to prevent wrinkled clothing. 

Packing cubes

Courtesy of Eagle Creek

To maximize suitcase space and stay organized, invest in at least one set of packing cubes. Travel experts recommend any of the packing cubes by Eagle Creek , as well as this cheap, quality set on Amazon . For more options, check out The Best Packing Cubes, Chosen by Travel Experts .

Credit cards

When traveling, it's good to have at least two credit card options with you. That way, if there are any issues with one card (or maybe a merchant doesn't accept American Express or Discover, a common occurrence when traveling abroad), you've got a backup payment option. It's also helpful in the event your credit card gets compromised and subsequently locked.

Read: The Best Travel Credit Cards

Travel documents

Having your boarding pass and personal identification is essential no matter where you're traveling. For international travel, you'll want a passport wallet for your passport along with any visa or customs forms you may need. Be sure to keep these documents either on your body or in your personal item that you place in under the seat in front of you on the plane (not in the overhead bin, where you may not always have access).

Travel pillow

Courtesy of Cabeau

Whether it's a long flight, train ride or car trip, dozing off without support can be a literal pain in the neck. Depending on what's comfortable for you, the Cabeau Evolution S3 and the Trtl Travel Pillow are two of the top U.S. News travel pillows . If you're short on space, you may want to consider the multitasking Tube Travel Neck Pillow , which doubles as a packing cube.

Water bottle

Staying hydrated while on the go is essential, and traveling with a reusable water bottle is an environmentally friendly way to do it. The LifeStraw Go is dishwasher-safe (when you remove the filter) and made of BPA-free plastic; the flip-straw has a two-step filter to trap bacteria and more. To keep your water cold for hours, the YETI Rambler has a durable stainless steel construction in a variety of colors and is the perfect canvas for travel stickers you collect along the way. To save space, try the Nomader Collapsible water bottle.

Hand sanitizer and holder

Keeping your hands clean while traveling helps fend off germs and unwanted illnesses. Hand sanitizer is essential for any trip, and clipping a travel-size bottle of it to your carry-on or handbag makes it easily accessible when you need it. You can find hand sanitizer holders on Amazon or at your local dollar store. You may also want to consider some antibacterial wipes for your in-flight tray table and sticky situations.

Toiletry bag and toiletries

Organizing your makeup, hair products, personal hygiene items and shaving supplies in a quality toiletry bag – such as the well-rated Lug Trolley on Amazon – makes it easy to find your essentials while traveling. Depending on what you plan to pack, a hanging style like the L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag , with a removable shower caddy and built-in hook, helps to save counter space and is especially useful in tight cruise ship cabins. To easily see everything at once, choose any of the clear cosmetics cases from CALPAK , which are available in multiple sizes and color trims.

For air travel, you'll need to keep in mind the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: that all liquids, gels and creams must be 3 ounces or less and placed into a one-quart clear bag. You can find refillable and travel-size toiletries and reusable quart-sized TSA-approved bags on Amazon .

Read: The Best Toiletry Bags

Medications and first-aid kit

You'll want to be sure to pack any prescription medications in your carry-on bag, along with other medications you may need while traveling, such as Dramamine . It's also helpful to have a travel-size first-aid kit with Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment and more.

Compression socks

For everything from long flights to walking miles exploring a new destination, compression socks can help provide additional support and reduce swelling. With varying levels of compression available, one medium-level option to consider is the Bombas Everyday Compression Socks – a U.S. News top pick .

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Walking shoes

Courtesy of Birkenstock

Every journey includes a fair amount of walking, and nothing can put a stop to the fun like foot pain. Before you depart, be sure to invest in a comfortable pair of walking shoes . For a sneaker style, the ASICS Gel-Contend is a U.S. News top pick. If you'd like a slip-on style, the Cole Haan 4.ZERØGRAND Loafer for both men and women provides comfort and stability, while being able to be dressed up or worn casually. For a sandal, consider a supportive option like the Birkenstock Mayari .

Travel purse/bag

One way to keep identification, credit cards and other personal information organized and protected while traveling is with a well-designed purse or belt bag , such as the Anti-Theft Classic Messenger or the Anti-Theft Active Waist Pack by Travelon . The Lug Convertible Carousel also includes RFID protection and can be worn as a belt bag or as a crossbody.

If you're looking for a fashionable bag that can easily go from day to night, check out the TUMI Voyageur Crossbody , which has a choice of leather or nylon construction with leather accents, multiple compartments and gold hardware. The sustainable and machine-washable Vera Bradley Utility Tote Bag is another great option, with a removable shoulder strap and exterior pockets for your phone and other essentials.

Read: The Top Travel Purses

Long-sleeved shirt

When you're traveling, there's a good chance you might be changing climates or find yourself a bit chilled from air conditioning. Pack a long-sleeve tee, such as the L.L.Bean Beyond Soft Tee for women or the Carefree Unshrinkable Tee for men . This basic wardrobe staple works as a shirt on its own, a base layer in colder weather or a pull-on style over a tee. For young travelers, consider the Kids' Graphic Tee from L.L. Bean for a bit of playful fun.

Button-up shirt

For a shirt that can truly multitask, pack a button-up shirt. A classic style – like a Calvin Klein shirt for men or a timeless white button-down for women on Amazon – can be dressed up for dinner or a museum visit, paired with shorts and rolled sleeves for exploring, or put it on with a bathing suit as a cover-up.

This wardrobe staple is a travel essential. Versatile black, white or navy tees can be worn alone, under a blazer or layered for added warmth as needed. Pack a few basic options like the cotton tees at Lands' End for women , men , girls and boys , then add a fun graphic tee or two.

Packable jacket

Courtesy of Patagonia

A jacket that can fold up small to be tucked into your luggage is essential for any vacation packing list. From rain jackets to lightweight puffer jackets, choose the perfect packable jacket to keep you warm and dry in any locale.

Evening outfit

Even if you're going to the beach or planning a casual retreat, chances are you'll go out for a nicer dinner at least one night. Women may want to consider a black travel dress on Amazon , which can be dressed up with evening sandals and a necklace (or worn during the day for sightseeing). Men can invest in a packable travel blazer and wrinkle-free dress pants.

Reusable/foldable bag

Whether you're heading to the local market or going on a day trip, a packable tote like the CALPAK Compakt Tote Bag is ideal for stowing your daytime essentials and finds you buy along the way. If you're the type that likes to buy a lot of souvenirs from your travels, the Lug Packable Boxer is ideal to use for a day tote while traveling and as a personal item on your return flight. One of these reusable bags can also double as a beach bag. Or, if you want to bring a beach bag to double as your everyday travel bag, check out the best beach bags from U.S. News for additional recommendations.

Read: The Top Travel Accessories, Chosen by Our Editors

Focus on the moment (and enjoy the visual later) with a digital camera like the Panasonic Lumix G100 4K . A mirrorless model with both the ability to capture video and still images offers versatility whether you want to record the waves at sunset or snap a selfie in front of a museum. To get creative angles or have a tripod on the go, the Joby GorillaPod is a flexible and bendable option for travel.

If you're an active traveler, a GoPro HERO9 is a must-pack item. It has built-in stabilization features, and you can livestream your endeavors, film video or shoot images with this waterproof design. For a vintage-infused photo gallery, the Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO Instant Camera is a hybrid camera that allows you to store images on a memory card or print them directly from the device. It's the perfect way to document your travels along the way.

Reef-safe sunscreen

Protect your skin and the oceans with reef-safe sunscreen . Depending on your destination, some places – including Hawaii; Key West, Florida; Aruba; parts of Mexico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, to name a few – have laws against the sale of sunscreens with reef-harming ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. Many of the traditional brands of sunscreen have these ingredients, so look for an effective mineral-based sunscreen like Blue Lizard or Sun Bum .

In addition to sunscreen, a hat protects your face from the sun's harmful rays. What's more, it can be a fashionable addition to your beach attire. A packable style like the San Diego Hat Company women's large brim hat can be rolled and packed into a suitcase or carry-on, and provide a generous amount of shade at the beach, by the lake and beyond. For more recommendations, see U.S. News' list of the best beach hats .

While there's an endless array of bathing suit options, classic styles like a black tank suit for women can be paired with a long skirt to be transformed into an outfit. Or, a classic men's swim trunk can be worn with a polo top to maximize your vacation wardrobe. For the kids, Lands' End offers cute and functional designs for girls and boys .

Beach towels

Whether you want to add something soft to your favorite beach chair or you want to lay it right on the sand, a beach towel that repels sand and dries quickly is a vacation must-have. Consider a quick-drying oversized Turkish towel from Amazon or an attention-grabbing Lilly Pulitzer beach towel . You may also want to invest in a beach blanket .

Ideal as added sun protection or for walking through the air-conditioned corridors of a resort or cruise ship, a cute swimsuit cover-up is another packing essential. Some options include a chic J.Crew beach shirt , a stylish romper or a sheer La Blanca kimono .

Read: What to Wear on a Cruise

Nothing says laid-back vacation like a pair of flip-flops. Havaianas has styles for the whole family , in an array of colors and prints to coordinate with your beach attire.

Water shoes

Cuts on feet from coral, shells or even glass can be extremely painful. To protect the soles of you and yours, consider the Native Jefferson shoes , available in both children's and adult sizes. Designed for street wear, these versatile shoes are also water-friendly, making them ideal for everything from strolling the boardwalk to tubing down the river. For a more traditional water shoe, check out the Keen Newport sandals .

Sunscreen and cover-ups may protect your skin, but the sun can really hurt your eyes (especially when it reflects off the water). Top off your vacation style with Ray-Ban aviators or a classic Wayfarer . If you're seeking a chic retro vibe, you can't go wrong with a Kate Spade cat-eye frame.

More Vacation Packing Lists

Check out these other packing guides compiled by U.S. News:

• Beach Packing List
• Cruise Packing List
• Alaska Cruise Packing List
• Road Trip Packing List
• Camping Packing List
• What to Pack in a Carry-on

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Rachael Hood loves the entire packing process. From finding the right suitcase to curating the ideal wardrobe and accessories for every trip, Hood has been perfecting her vacation packing list for years. Her must-pack items include a TUMI handbag, a Lug cosmetic case and a CALPAK packable tote. She used her personal experience along with retail merchandising background and research skills to create this list.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Vacation Rental Travel Insurance Plans
• How to Renew Your Passport
• TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry: Which One Is Right for You?
• Can I Use My Own Airplane Seat Belt Extender?
• What Is Allowed in a Carry-on Bag?

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

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43 Travel Essentials Everyone Needs In 2024 (And Beyond), According To Travel Experts

Adventure safely and comfortably with these recs.

The state of travel has changed pretty drastically over the past five years. And if you're just getting back to jet-setting, whether you're visiting family and friends or finally taking that postponed international vacay, you might not know what to bring on your next trip.

Purell Hand Sanitizing Wipes Travel Pack

Amazon Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet

LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask

Bite Toothpaste Bits with Nano Hydroxyapatite

Perilogics Universal in Flight Airplane Phone Holder Mount

Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Variety Pack

Travelon RFID-Blocking Double Zip Wallet

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Travel Pack

EVIAN Facial Spray 1.7 Ounce Travel Duo

Huzi Infinity Travel Pillow

Masks are now optional for air travel (still, never a bad idea!), a changing climate and elevation are not. Both can dry out your skin, which is why "a lot of hydrating products for your face are key," says Bernstein. So, even though the bottom half of your face may or may not be covered, pre-plane skincare prep is non-negotiable. Ditto for airport security measures—unless you have TSA Pre-Check, you still gotta shake off your shoes in line. But don't worry, Bernstein's got some genius recs to sail through that body scan in comfort and style.

Whether you're taking trains, planes, or automobiles, here are the 45 best travel essentials every adventurer needs in 2023, all approved by experts:

If the last few years has taught you anything, it's that hand sanitizer is a necessity in public places. Allison Kobasky, co-owner of Over The Moon vacations , recommends these handy-dandy wipes (sorry, had to!) for all your travel needs. Yes, they're perfect for your palms, but Kobasky uses them to "wipe down the seats and any high-touch items like armrests and tray tables," too.

If airplane entertainment isn't your thing (I get it), the Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet is a travel must. With an 8" HD display and 2 gigabytes of RAM, this lightweight tablet offers 13 hours of access to social media, games, books, and all your favorite streaming services.

Not sure if it's worth the purchase? Just take it from this rave review: "The kindle fire HD8 is the absolute best for my e-books. The clarity is excellent, the battery life is far superior to my fire7, and my games are faster. I think it is excellent value for the money spent."

"That is fantastic to travel with for keeping your lips hydrated," says Mary Jo Palmer , a travel advisor at Travel Edge. Need she say more?

Bite's toothpaste bits are perfect for extended travel plans. Instead of lugging around a whole big tube, all you need is your toothbrush, water, and just one of these tablets. The bites come in mint, berry twist, and mint charcoal flavors. Plus, it's not only a convenient, on-the-go options, but a more sustainable one, too.

"Love that I can pop these in my purse and have clean teeth whenever and wherever," says one user. "Love the glass bottle and the focus on quality. Tastes great and great gift idea too!"

A travel pillow can only do so much when your neck is craned toward your lap for hours on end. This hands-free smartphone holder attaches to the back of your airplane tray table so your device is right in your line of vision.

Need another reason to *add to cart*? Just read this rave review: "With this gadget I can place my phone in it and hook it onto the top edge of the tray table in its upright position, all while everyone is still boarding. When I flip the tray table down for beverage service, I change the gadget into a stand without needing to remove the phone. It takes up little room in my bag, and it is sturdy as proven on my last flight with extremely rough air."

If you're a die-hard fan of classic hand sani gel, opt for a travel-sized container you can pop into the same clear plastic bag holding the rest of your carry-on liquids. These one-ounce bottles even come with jelly wraps to attach to your purse, backpack, key chain, etc. (Pro tip: When buying any hand sanitizer, check the label to make sure it contains at least 60-percent alcohol content for proper germ protection, says Bernstein.)

An RFID-blocking purse or wallet is another item on Palmer's must-pack list. ICYDK, this wearable tech stops would-be identity thieves from stealing your credit card information via an electronic card reader. "They don't even have to snatch your purse; they can just walk by you and steal your credit card information," she says. "But if you have the RFID-blocking [wallet], they can't do it." Palmer especially recommends using one in Europe, where, she says, the card-reading practice is more common.

Channel your inner Lisa Rinna , and go on a clean freak spree from plane to rental car to hotel room and beyond! "We recommend disinfecting wipes because you can use them to quickly get rid of any surface germs," says Bernstein. "I like the Clorox travel pack, but anything that says it kills 99.9 percent of germs is definitely good."

Just to hammer this home: There's no such thing as "too much" hydration when your skin is jetsetting. Bernstein recommends this water-based facial spray from Evian to "always look and feel fresh on the go." (Brb, buying these in bulk.)

Perfect for the traveler who can never get comfortable, "this one is more unique and versatile than your standard travel pillow," says Bernstein. "I just like the idea that it wraps around your neck so no matter how you fall asleep, your neck's not gonna hurt when you wake up." Jet lag, who ?

Batiste Mini Dry Shampoo 1.6 Ounce Travel 4-Pack

As your skin dries out, your hair greases up— sigh . Whether you're on a long road trip or flight, stashing a mini-sized dry shampoo in your bag ensures "you can keep adventuring without having to constantly wash and style your hair," says Kobasky. A quick spritz will give you that instant refresh everyone needs while traveling.

Kiehl's Since 1851 Super Multi-Corrective Cream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

ICYDK, air travel dries out your skin, thanks to the low humidity environment created by a plane's filtration system ."I've personally been packing a super moisturizing facial and hand cream—my favorite being Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream with SPF," says Kobasky. Add 'maskne' (a.k.a. mask acne) on to run-of-the-mill dryness and travel-minded skincare is key. "Same goes for your hands," she notes. "As washing constantly and using hand sanitizer tends to dry them out."

ISELECTOR Universal Travel Adapter

The last thing you want while traveling is to get to your destination and realize you don't have an adapter. Luckily, this device will allow you to charge multiple items at once without overheating.

"Used this for a trip to Morocco where it performed well all week. [It was] plugged in constantly, running all four USB ports, and at least three of the sockets at the same time. It makes a very low-level hum and did not generate any heat," wrote one user.

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches

"These are amazing to reduce the puffiness and just overall darkness underneath your eyes, but they're also hydrating, which you need when you're on a plane," says Bernstein. Bonus: They're totally face mask-friendly and an indulgent way to practice self-care in the skies.

Amazon USB to Micro-USB Cable

If you don't have an Apple phone or simply want to connect to another device, make sure to choose a USB cord that's compatible with that charging/connection outlet. Many use a micro USB, so it's best to have both cable options at the ready.

SLIP Silk Sleep Mask

The most underrated travel essential? SLEEP. After all, you can't tackle your adventure agenda if you're dozing off. To ensure your best shot at shuteye on a plane or in a hotel room, opt for an opaque eye mask, says Bernstein.

"Even with the blind shut on the plane, you can still kind of see the light [coming through], so you'll want to make sure your mask is obviously light-blocking," she explains. An eye mask is always a safe bet, and this one made of pure silk will help keep your skin smooth and retain its moisture.

BeautyBio Bright Eyes Collagen-Infused Brightening Colloidal Silver Eye Masks

If you have sensitive skin like Palmer, she recommends these collagen-infused eye patches to hydrate and brighten while traveling.

Yves Saint Laurent Top Secrets Universal Makeup Removing Balm-in-Oil

Because Palmer's skin gets irritated by regular makeup remover wipes (a travel essential for many!), she started using this balm from Yves Saint Laurent instead. Now, she swears by it as a more sustainable option since you're not going through a ton of wipes and just chucking them in the trash every night.

MAILESI Lightning Charger to USB Cable

Another crucial item for travel? A standard USB cord. You've probably already put charging cords on your packing list, but pack an extra or two for the rental car. "This allows us to play our own music on long trips and also connect to Google Maps or Waze if the car has Apple Carplay," says Kobasky.

Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed

If you hate the idea of untying your sneakers at airport security more than paying for airplane snacks (mini 👏 pretzels 👏 should 👏 always 👏 be 👏 free 👏!), then shoelace-free footwear is a must. Bernstein recommends a pair of sock-friendly sandals, like Birkenstocks, for easy on-off as you go through TSA. It's a lewk, mkay?

Lindsay Geller is the Lifestyle Director at Women’s Health , where she oversees the Life, Sex & Love, and Relationships sections on WomensHealthMag.com and the Mind section of Women's Health magazine. When she's not writing or editing articles about the latest dating trends and pop culture phenomenons, she's usually watching reality TV or playing with her dog, Lucille (Go Fetch That) Ball.

Sabrina is an editorial assistant for Women’s Health. When she’s not writing, you can find her running, training in mixed martial arts, or reading.

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The ULTIMATE Long Term Travel Essentials + Blogger’s Packing List

Posted on Last updated: December 21, 2023

Here are the BEST tried-and-tested long term travel essentials in 2024 and beyond – from travel clothes to photo gear that I have been using for years (9 years on the road, to be exact) to my travel packing list I use every trip! I’ve tried SOOO much different travel gear over the years, so if an item has made it to this list, it has my full stamp of approval.

I have been planning this article for YEARS and it is finally here! I am happy to finally announce my comprehensive list of WHAT’S IN MY BAG. These are my long-term travel gear must-haves, recommendations, and travel products I can’t live without. 

I’m not the most materialistic person so I used to try and just use whatever works. But since becoming a blogger I have begun to try out different products that I could actually use myself and recommend. And now I bring this list to you! 

If you are going on a trip soon, you might want to dip into this little list and see if you can supplement your suitcase with some helpful supplies. The below items are great for long-term travel, but also good for any kind of travel and simply make your life easier on the road!

Best Random Long-Term Travel Essentials

Here are the things that don’t fit into a category but are travel essentials nonetheless. Underneath each is why I love them and use them myself!

iPhone Case with a Cord/Crossbody Sling Strap

If you met me from 2021 onwards, you would have noticed my phone hanging on a cord around my neck like a purse. Some people think it’s silly, some think it’s smart, and others are confused by it, but let me tell you having your phone on a cord is a GAME CHANGER.

When I moved to Barcelona for the summer of 2021, I knew it was famous for pickpockets and I didn’t have the best track record with putting my phone down in random places and accidentally leaving it there (and having a massive freakout 5 minutes later).

If you can relate… you NEED one of these. You never need to worry about which pocket your phone is in or where it is in your bag. It’s just ON you at all times in a way that is convenient yet not annoying at all. It can sit under a purse for the ladies or even in a jacket pocket. You are then forgetfulness-proof AND pickpocket-proof. Win!

Budget : I used to have a basic cord case like the first photo on the left. This is super cheap yet durable and adjustable!

Splurge (Only about $10 More): I have ordered this crossbody phone case several times, and it’s my FAVORITE. It has a little wallet on the back that pops out and can even prop up the phone to take a photo with. It’s durable and adjustable and has space for multiple cards, change, and cash.

Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Eco-Sheets

I was indifferent when my mum made me put these in my bag when I left for another long-term trip, but let me tell you these are INCREDIBLE. You can carry 60 LOADS of laundry detergent in a tiny, convenient, nice-smelling flat packet.

Never again do you have to pay for the detergent in the laundromat or try and buy a cheap bag at the store only to end up hauling it around your next destinations with you. I think I’ll use these amazing little detergent sheets for the rest of time.

Travel Water Bottle

It’s very important to have your own reusable travel water bottle when on the road for ANY amount of time, long or short term. Sustainability has never been more important, and if you can avoid using any plastic bottles, the Earth will thank you!

Many destinations, airports, and hotels have water refill stations, and chances are you can get away with using less plastic on most trips now, even when you can’t drink tap water. Stock up on a water bottle you can call your own, and even decorate it with stickers from your travels.

Standard Bottle: Hydro Flask/ThermoFlask – Many people use the HydroFlask brand of water bottle, but I find that the ThermoFlask is pretty much the same but cheaper! I have one of these right now and it’s trustworthy, durable, and keeps water nice and cold. I have tons of peeling stickers on it so it might need a clean, but they last forever! IT even comes with 2 lids.

Space Saving Travel Water Bottle: Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle – These bottles are amazing and made for travel! They’re a great size for travel but when you’re done they FOLD UP super neatly and conveniently with a little strap that hooks it in shape. This way you don’t need to waste space when your bottle is empty!

Splurge for Outdoors : LARQ Water Bottle PureVis – If you’re going somewhere where you can’t drink tap water or where you will be doing a lot of outdoor adventures, hiking, or camping, you might want to invest in a self-cleaning/UV purifying water bottle that can make any water drinking quality. I recommend Larq – they’re cute, too.

Fluentalk T1 Mini Handheld Translator Device

This is a newer of my long term travel essentials that I absolutely LOVE. This tiny, credit-card-sized device can instantly translate between THIRTY SIX languages!!! The future is truly here.

It includes one year of data (which means you can have instant conversations through the translator in two languages anywhere, anytime). For travel through countries where the language is completely foreign, this thing can be a godsend. It can do Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Korean, and of course about 30 more.

When learning a few words is not enough, this thing makes up ALL the ground. I actually wrote a review about my experience using this device here, so check that out or the website below.

Combination Locks

I ALWAYS have a combo lock on me while traveling long term, as it could come in handy for many different reasons. If you are like me, you may end up spending a night or 2 in a hostel (or spend your whole trip in them) to save some money. Hostels have lockers, but usually require you to use your own lock to keep your stuff safe.

Sometimes I use these locks to lock the zippers of my bag together for extra precaution, too. You never know when you’ll need it, so it’s good to have. These ones are even TSA-approved, have long locks you can use them on luggage, and are affordable.

Face Mask and Earplugs

Some long-term travel essentials I ALWAYS have with me are a face mask and earplugs. Sometimes your hotel is on a noisy street, sometimes you stay in hostels with other people around, and other times your curtains do NOT block the morning light properly. Sleep while traveling is SO important!

A face mask and some pairs of earplugs are some of the easiest travel essentials to have on you at all times. They’re cheap, too! I love my unicorn face mask and recommend you get a cute/silly one too for maximum fun.

I recommended some reusable earplugs below and also some soft/moldable silicone ones as I find the gooey ones are MUCH easier on my ears when I’m sleeping.

Quick-Drying/Small Microfiber Towel

Ok, I would be lying if I said I ALWAYS had a small or quick-dry towel with me on the road – sometimes I just use my sarong as I mentioned above, and hope that hotels will provide a towel. But I’m not always so lucky.

Having one of these tiny-pack quick-dry towels is extremely useful on the road, especially long term. There’s nothing worse than a wet smelly towel in your bag or paying for one at your accommodation.

Best CLOTHING Essentials for Long Term Travel

Black leggings.

Black leggings are probably my NUMBER ONE GO-TO long-term travel essential. I always have at least one, if not two pairs with me on the road because they are good for literally everything. You can wear them to a yoga class, and then under a cute top for a night out. You can sleep in them. You can wear them on the place. They’re versatile and go with everything.

Currently, I have a pair of cheaper polyester leggings and also a warmer spandex pair that’s more suited for hiking and cold. See the two options below:

Budget: These polyester leggings come in a 2-pack online for less than $10 a pair. My philosophy: take as many pairs as you can 😛

Splurge: Eddie Bauer Tight trail leggings – these are AMAZING and so durable, with zipper pockets and a little pocket at the top too! They won’t get holes like the ones above did for me!

Waterproof Shell Rain Jacket

This is another MUST essential packing item for travel. I don’t care if you are spending a week in Mexico or 6 months in Europe – you NEED a waterproof jacket, and preferably a shell jacket that folds up small. I speak from experience when I say, you do NOT want to be caught in a surprise rainstorm without one.

Budget : I have had this jacket for a while and have absolutely no complaints. It’s a bit thicker than some shells I’ve had but it still folds up small and works a charm.

Splurge: If you’re all about the quality and the brand, then check out this Marmot waterproof lightweight jacket. It also comes in 3 colors!

Balance of Clothes

Just as a quick packing tip, try and have a good balance of shorts, pants, tank tops, tees, and long sleeve shirts that can layer and go with each other. The best way to do this is have a good balance of solid colors, black/grey/beige/white/other colors that go with everything, and some patterns that also match with a few other items.

You may want to have ONE big puffy jacket that you can usually carry on your arm if it won’t fit in any bags. See my video below for more as well as using packing cubes (link below)

@kimmconn Part 2: choosing clothes to #pack ! #backpacking #longtermtravel #travel #packingtips #tiktoktravel #fypage ♬ original sound – Kimmie Conner

Cover-Ups/Kimonos

A GREAT way to add fun to any outfit is with a kimono, cover up, or similar. You can wear the same black leggings, boots, and crop top every day with a different kimono and maybe necklace. I legitimately do this. See the photos above!

I also always have a sarong on me while traveling, no matter where I am. I use sarongs so much that I usually go through one a year or more as they get so worn and torn. What can you use a sarong for? Let’s see:

• a cover-up when swimming
• a cute wrap skirt or dress
• a scarf or headwrap in the cold
• a cushion for your camera in a backpack
• a blanket on the plane
• and more! Sarongs are long term travel ESSENTIALS for females! I usually haggle for them in local markets but I usually have a cute patterned cloth sarong like the one below:

Obviously you NEED a swimsuit if you are going to travel long or short term. You never know when there will be a nice pool, jacuzzi, hot spring, or beach, and you MUST be prepared.

I know that swimsuits are different for everyone so I am not going to link a product or brand but rather make a recommendation: always have a black swimsuit top and a black swimsuit bottom that you can mix and match with tops and bottoms of different colors and maybe a one piece!

I have a black top that ties like 20 different ways that I recommend – it’s a regular triangle top in black and I wear it ALL the time.

Pashmina/Scarf

This is another long term travel ESSENTIAL because you can use it in SOOO many different ways. A scarf/pashmina is similar to a sarong but tends to keep you warm more than keeping cool. But, it can still do both. Above are photos of me using my pashmina in 3 different ways.

Hats for Travel

These are the hats I usually have. I often pack them flat in a smaller compartment of my suitcase lke a bit of an afterthought.

• One sun hat with a wide brim , foldable if possible. These are great for photos but can be annoying to pack. I have a foldable one which is MUCH more convenient than some stiff brimmed hats. These are also great for photos.
• One bucket hat: I LOVE my bucket hat because it’s fun, great to block the sun, great for parties or festivals, and great for bad hair days. I wear this the most out of all my hats. It’s like this one.
• One snapback/baseball cap : Works for excursions, hikes, runs, or certain fashion days.
• One Beanie: If you are going somewhere cold. Beanies are tiny and cal usually squeeze in your bag somewhere.

Obviously, you need sunglasses no matter where you are traveling. I’m not going to tell you which ones look best on your face, but I will share with you a link to the ones I have purchased literally 5 times on Amazon (I never buy fancy sunnies as I always ruin them). Here they are.

Best Shoes for Travel

I have traveled with all kinds of shoes over the years – some great and some I would never travel with again. Here are the best.

Waterproof Versatile Sneakers

Loom Footwear are the ever-versatile sneaker-running shoe combo. They come in black or white, and are great as running shoes but cute enough to wear out on the town and to events. They’re perfectly low-key enough to go with anything. And they’re waterproof, too – perfect for hiking or rainy days!

I’ve already gone through a couple of pairs of Loom footwear while on the road, simply because I wear them to EVERYTHING. Going on a run? Loom footwear. Going to a festival? Loom footwear. Walking around a new city all day? Loom footwear. 

Tevas – Comfy Hiking Sandals

Hiking sandals are something I never thought I would get into, but once I tried Tevas I was sold. These babies are EPIC – they’re super versatile and perfect for traveling in hot destinations where you don’t feel like putting your feet into a hot sweaty sock/shoe but still want comfort and the ability to go for miles.

I’ve had the same pair for so long that I can’t find the same color online, but the design is exactly like the pair below. They ar great for walking around a new city all day, hiking a mountain, or just everyday wear, too.

Birkenstocks

Yep, it’s true. These are one of the pairs of travel shoes I cannot live without. For some reason some people make fun of birks, but my theory is that those people have never slipped on a pair of properly broken-in birks that are perfectly molded to their feet. They’re durable, they LAST, and they are so comfy. Team Birks forever.

Other Travel Shoes

Besides a pair of trainers/running shoes (that should usually be wearable for other occasions), hiking sandals, and birkenstocks, I sometimes pack:

ONE pair of cute travel shoes (like flats or cute strappy sandals): When Teva’s don’t cut it for a cute night out (and let’s face it, they wouldn’t work for something fancy), I like to have a cute pair of flats just in case. I usually pack a VERY small flat pair so they hardly take up any space and pack easily next to another pair of shoes.

Black ankle boots or similar: Even in warm destinations, I find that a pair of black ankle or combat boots (like Doc Martins) are AMAZING to have (and usually to wear on the plane). A good pair of these works for so many occasions, such as being cute with a dress, comfy to walk around cities all day, cute AND comfy with black leggings, or even to go hiking in if they are comfy enough. I currently have a great pair of knockoff Doc Martins like this.

Converse: You can’t go wrong with a pair of connies. I don’t bring these on EVERY trip, but a pair of solid tennis shoes is always a good idea if you have room. You won’t always need a pair as the running shoes/boots can fill the same function, but they’re good to keep in mind. I usually have a classic pair of chucks.

Best Packing Necessities for Travel

Here are the game-changing long term travel essentials that help with packing, organizing, and keeping things where they need to be.

AmazonBasics Packing Cubes

I SWEAR by these. I have had them for years. The Amazon Basics packing cubes below come with 2 large and 2 medium packing cubes, but I have only ever used three – one large one for tops, the other large one for bottoms, and one small one for undergarments and swimsuits.

The 3 packing cubes fit wonderfully whether you are backpacking with a large backpack OR using the cutcase I recommend below. The size is perfect, and organizing your clothes like this makes it feel like you have mobile drawers to keep things neat. See the video below for how I pack them.

@kimmconn Pt3: Get those clothes packed up! #longtermtravel #packingtips #travel #backpacking #tiktoktravel #travelblogger ♬ original sound – Kimmie Conner

Smaller Daypack Backpack

I always pack at least one smaller backpack in my bag because I am not going to want to wear my huge backpack everywhere. Sometimes you have a small day trip, a hike, or a festival where you just need a mini backpack to carry a couple of things around.

I have one cute leather one for nicer events and another miniature backpacking backpack with straps and compartments similar to the ones below. You may also want to consider a foldable day pack that folds back up into itself for maximum space saving.

Hanging Toiletry Bag

A hanging toiletry bag is another absolute travel packing essential that I ALWAYS have, no matter if my trip is 3 days or 9 months. I have had 3-4 different hanging toiletry bags over the last 10 years and I find it best to have at least 2 larger compartments with some smaller ones. The ones below are great – one cuter and one cheaper.

I haven’t listed out ALL the toiletries that I bring, but check this video below for an idea of how I pack toiletries for long-term travel:

@kimmconn Did I bring too much? #packingtips #packinghacks #tiktoktravel #traveltips #travelblogger #fypage ♬ original sound – Kimmie Conner

Best Suitcases and Backpacks for Travel (The Bags I Use)

Samsonite rolling duffel with compartments.

I ended up with this bag completely randomly, and now I am on my second one. If you are the type who LOVES different compartments and being able to separate your stuff conveniently and easily, you NEED this suitcase… er, I mean, wheeled duffel. Wheeled duffers are the vibe.

This type of bag mixes the best of all suitcase worlds. It has two main compartments – one on the bottom and one on the top. You can access the top compartment from the bottom OR the top, there are other compartments along all the sides of the top compartment, there’s another zip pocket on the top, AND there are two larger compartments on either side. Oh, AND there are backpack straps if you wanted to wear it on your back!

I put different things in each one – shoes and one packing cube in the bottom, other packing cubes/bags and toiletries in the top, and extra stuff in the sides. MY exact bag isn’t available online right now, but I linked two similar ones below. I think the make is called Andante.

Solgaard Check-in Closet Suitcase with Built-In Hanging Closet

After many years with the rolling duffels above, I have finally swapped to an EPIC suitcase as of this year. I have a Solgaard Check-in Closet , which is a large-sized aluminum suitcase that snaps closed. It has a TSA lock, 4 wheels, and a completely innovative built-in closet that you can hang in the closet when you get to your destination.

I have traveled with every different kind of suitcase under the sun and I can CONFIDENTLY say that this one is my favorite. The convenience of opening your suitcase and having an immediate, hangable closet is unmatched. And yes, I did some content for them as you can see above, but I’m never swapping suitcases again!!

Manfrotto Pro Light Multiloader Camera Backpack

To be honest, I was never on team ‘expensive backpack’ until I got this bad boy. I made my way around the world with cheap backpacks (always ones that had many compartments, of course) for SO long until Manfrotto reached out to me and sent me this incredible piece of wearable technology I reviewed here . I will never go back.

Yes, this is a camera backpack, but listen… I think this thing would be great for anybody. It comes with more velcro dividers than you could possibly need, which you can organize inside the main compartment in any way you’d like and access it from a few points using the zipper design.

You can use the different compartments for cameras (it’s fantastic to be able to organize the bag depending on your equipment using the different sizes of dividers), OR you can use the compartments for literally anything that you like. The main compartment can be divided up to keep equipment safe, or to keep your clothes seperate from your food.

The top compartment (also with tiny dividers) can separate all the things you’d usually have in the ‘random sh*t’ compartment of your backpack (we all have one). There’s a separate laptop sleeve, secret-looking side compartment, water bottle holders, front zip, TONS of extra straps, tripod attachment loops, and even an attached TSA lock. Best backpack EVER.

Travel Camera Equipment Packing List for Different Budgets

It’s no secret that I have a lot of different camera equipment for travel. I now pack most of my stuff in the backpack above, but it hasn’t always been this way. I will share some great camera bags for travel and also the cameras that I use now and have used in the past on more of a budget.

My Cameras / Best Cameras for Travel

I think it’s very important to have a camera to record all your travel memories with. I know most people use their phones these days, but nothing can replace the quality of a good camera. I have always had a big DSLR (now a mirrorless) but I have recommended a smaller camera for those who don’t place as much emphasis on photography!

Budget DSLR: Nikon d3500 – I had this camera for YEARS and years (well I had the d3300 but now it’s the 3500). It’s a wonderful entry-level DSLR with good quality and capabilities for a crop frame camera. It’s a perfect camera to get used to shooting with a big camera and learn lots of skills.

Splurge DSLR: Nikon D780 – This is the newer version of the camera I have now (the D750), and I love it! Nikon has a d850 out too but in all honesty it’s not much better than the d750/d780 (in fact I prefer the d750) and WAY more expensive. This is a fantastic full-frame DSLR you can use with tons of lenses and get incredible content with.

Budget Mirrorless: Sony a6000 – The Sony a6 series are a fabulous mirrorless camera series that are more compact and affordable than many other cameras on the market today. I will suggest the entry level camera for the sake of budget and ease of use, but check out the further cameras in the series to upgrade.

Splurge Mirrorless : Sony a7riii – This was my DREAM CAMERA for SOOOOO many years, until Eliot and I finally purchased it in 2021 for a series of even photography jobs we had in Mexico. I love it SO much. I have always been a Nikon gal but the Sony has taken over the top spot for the camera I prefer to shoot with. It’s the smartest camera I have ever had.

We have a Tamron 28-75 lens first and foremost for this camera that takes care of most shots we ever need.

Go Pro: I have always traveled with a Go Pro which gets all the shots that my other cameras can’t… underwater, adventures, outdoors, and more. Go Pros have an amazing fish eye wide angle lens leading them to be able to capture a lot more than other cameras, especially during adventurous activities or filming yourself. I currently need a new one but the most recent one on the market is below.

Best Drone for Travel: DJI Mavic Series

I LOVE my drone (which is the version before the Mavic 3, the Mavic 2 Pro). I am sure that a smaller drone such as a mavic air/mini might be more convenient for travel, but my Mavic 2 Pro (his name is Alejandrone) folds up NICE and small, flies very long distances, and gets some of the best shots I’ve ever gotten in my life!

If you are just starting out with drones and want to give them a try for a cheaper price and a smaller product, check out the mini. It’s cute and VERY small. Check DJI for deals … they usually offer incredible Black Friday deals.

Best Camera Bag for Travel

Splurge : I already mentioned my FAVORITE Splurge camera bag above, the Manfrotto Pro Light Multiloader Camera Backpack. See abve for the description or here for the link.

Budget: NEEWER Flexible partition padded camera bag – this was our tried-and-trusted camera bag until I got the one above. This camera bag also has flexible dividers that you can move around to fit your gear. Somehow we were able to fit two DSLR’s AND a Drone in here with extra lenses and carry it around the world for two years. Love this bag, would 100% buy again.

My Tripods / Best Tripod for Travel:

Budget : The AmazonBasics tripod is more than adequate. I actually used this tripod for longer than I would like to admit before upgrading to the one below. If you are on a budget or unsure about tripods, try this one out.

Splurge: Manfrotto Befree 3-Way Live Advanced – This tripod is INCREDIBLE and truly professional. If you want something top-notch, try this one.

Essential Electronics from Long Term Travel

And there is still more! Could this be the most extensive packing list ever? It’s not easy to pack for long trips, but I hope this guide is helping.

A Laptop is one of the main essentials for long term travel especially if you plan on working (which most people will need to do if traveling long term). I have always and will always have a Mac. I’ll be the first to admit that Apple has an absolute hold on me and that I don’t think I am capable of moving away from them now… as annoying as they can be sometimes.

I have a MacBook Pro 16 inch – I upgraded from the 13 inch a few years ago when I learned that the basic version of the 16 inch has the same features as the upgraded version of the 13 inch. Better processing for photography etc.

Laptop Case

It is PARAMOUNT that you keep your super expensive laptop safe. Take it from me, the person who has probably had the most computer issues while traveling out of everyone in the world. I have the laptop case below and I think it’s the best I have had (with compartments – you know I love compartments). It even protected my laptop from spilled water on the plane once. And it’s cute.

A power bank is another true travel essential. You never know when you won’t have time to charge your phone or camera batteries and need to charge on the fly. Power banks are amazing for long days, flights, festivals, and just to have a backup power supply at all times.

We have the 2 Pack Miady 20000 power bank, and these things last FOREVER. They takes ages to charge but you can charge a phone and cameras multiple times on one charge. We ordered the exact pair below recenty.

Everyone needs some music in their ears while traveling… whether it’s to have those existential moments staring out the window on the train or to drown out the baby on the plane. I have had everything from super fancy expensive headphones to a pair I got in a random electronics shop in Jordan. Here are some to look at:

Budget: Tozo t6 True Wireless Earbuds – I had these for a while until they mysteriously disappeared while on the road. They’re under $30, fine quality, and they have over 200k reviews on amazon.

Splurge: Jaybird Headphones – I got a pair of these for Eliot for his birthday one year and they lasted him YEARS. Thse are true top-of-the-line quality headphones and worth investing in f you spend a ton of time listening to music – traveling, at work, and more. The current model is below.

Universal Adaptor

To be completely honest, I usually travel with about 10 different singel adaptors and I have picked up over the years. But I do NOT recommmend that. I recommend getting ONE, GOOD universal adaptor that has a ton of USB slots and a USBC slot as well as plug slots so you can plug everything in at once, everywhere. The one below is a game changer.

I will no doubt be adding more long term travel essentials to this packing list over time – let me know what products you have questions about or would like to see! Thanks for reading!

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Carry-on Travel Essentials for Short and Long Flights (His & Hers)

Erin Miller

Content Contributor

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Carry-on Travel Essentials for Him

Final Thoughts

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

At Upgraded Points, we believe a well-packed carry-on bag is key to flying in (relative) comfort. Whether you’re on a quick 45-minute hop or a daunting 9-hour long haul, your essentials are what keep you covered.

That’s why we’ve compiled a “His & Hers” list of some great products we simply can’t do without. From personal comfort items to snacks and hydration, read on to find out what tops our lists!

P.S. If you want a complete travel packing checklist for your trip, or you’re interested in tips and tricks for packing your suitcase, we’ve published a post on that too!

1. Alex can’t go anywhere without his Sleep Master Sleep Mask . Silky smooth, cool, and DARK with velcro closure … just sit back, relax, and you’ll be snoozing before you know it.

2. Engine noise? Crying babies? Obnoxious neighbor? These Bose QuietComfort 45 Noise Canceling Headphones won’t let you down. The rest of the world literally just fades away so you can enjoy your movie or music in peace.

3. The Sfee Insulated Water Bottle  is double-walled, stainless steel, leak-proof, and sleek as heck. We all know it’s important to stay hydrated while flying, and this bottle will keep your drink cold for hours.

4. Why pay for onboard snacks when you can bring your own? Oberto Turkey Jerky has your back! The flavor is great, there are no artificial ingredients, and it packs a punch at 11g of protein per serving.

5. Of course, no carry-on list would be complete without a Kindle . Don’t forget to pre-load it with your favorite books before you fly!

6.  Shout Wipes are a must. No one wants to travel with a great big stain down the front of their shirt! (We won’t mention which UP staff member wins the award for most spills …)

7. The Evolution Neck Pillow  might just be the best out there. It’s made of plush memory foam, has a snap in front with drawstrings to provide just the right support, holds your phone, and rolls up into a small handheld pouch to save space. Of all the travel pillows Alex has tried, he’s had the best sleep with this one. We both really love this thing!

8. Tired of looking tired when you hop off a flight? This GinZing Eye Cream from Origins combines coffee beans, ginseng, and magnolia extract to reduce dark circles, banish bags, and curb puffiness. It’s seriously refreshing – we’re amazed every time.

9. It’s easy to get dehydrated on a flight. Keep your lips from getting chapped with this soothing Lip Balm from Jack Black . It’s the more subtle stick form of Jack Black’s minty gloss, so you don’t have to worry about it adding a shine.

10. Speaking of minty, these Colgate Wisp mini brushes will freshen your mouth right up after those onboard peanuts.

11. A mess of cords at the bottom of your bag is so unhelpful. This cord/travel organizer by BUMB  will help you keep everything tidy and in good working order.

12. An extra pair of socks is never a bad idea, especially when they’re these Merino Wool Bombas . With a honeycomb support system, stay-up technology, warm/cool temp variation, and an invisible toe seam, these are the best! Plus, you can feel good about buying them: Bombas donates one pair of socks for every pair sold.

13. There’s nothing we hate more than waiting behind someone who can’t get their mobile ticket to scan at security/the gate, so we travel old-school: we always print our boarding passes. That’s where this Royce Leather Ticket & Passport Holder comes in. Plus, it’s made of top-grain genuine leather … so, there’s that.

14. The second snack we can’t do without is a  Power Crunch protein bar . Most protein bars are like a brick: thick and tough to chew. But this light, crunchy treat is pretty much the healthy, protein-filled equivalent of a Little Debbie Nutty Bar. They’re just so good!

Carry-on Travel Essentials for Her

1. How sassy is this Sleepy Cottage Eye Mask ? You certainly don’t have to sacrifice style to grab some much-needed shut-eye on your next flight. If you’d rather snooze a bit more low-key, try the Sleep Master Sleep Mask . It’s silky smooth, cool, and keeps things dark.

2. The Evolution Neck Pillow  is a definite must-have. Its plush outer covering surrounds a memory-foam core, and the snap closure at the front (with drawstrings) allows for adjustable support. Plus, there’s also a side pocket to hold your phone. What you can’t see here is that the pillow rolls up and fits in a small travel pouch to save space (a total win!). Like Alex, this has been my favorite pillow for getting some sleep during long flights.

3. We all know staying hydrated is a must on flights. Good thing S’well makes a line of  swoon-worthy water bottles with all sorts of great qualities. Think triple-walled, eco-friendly, and stainless steel. Not only do they come in an array of great colors and patterns, but they’re built to keep your drink cold for 24 hours (or hot for 12).

4. When you’re pressed for space, e-books come in so very handy. That’s why the Amazon Kindle makes it onto almost every travel blogger’s packing list. Just don’t forget to load your books before you fly!

5. Flying can leave your face feeling so “blah.” We love these Simple Face Wipes because there are no harsh chemicals, no artificial perfumes or dyes, and they’re enriched with lots of good vitamins to keep your skin hydrated. Plus, they even make a 7-count pack just for traveling.

6. Speaking of hydration, lip balm is a MUST for our carry-on bags. We’re loving this EOS balm in Sweet Mint with shea butter and jojoba oil. It’s 100% natural, 95% organic, and packed with tons of vitamins to keep your lips quenched for the long haul.

7. Need to freshen up after a long overnight flight? Use these Colgate Wisp mini brushes when gum or mints just won’t do. The freshening bead dissolves in your mouth, so there’s technically no water or rinsing needed.

8. We love having a separate wallet for travel since we’re often carrying different cards or other items during our trips. MochiThings’ Pop Clutch is a great little travel wallet to keep your ID, passport, tickets, and funds all in one place. Snaps allow for a pop-open functionality and it comes in a number of nice colors.

9. Let’s face it, lots of noisy things can make a flight especially awful … or maybe you just can’t hear your movie over the engine. No matter the reason you need some peace, these Bose QuietComfort Acoustic Earbuds will do the trick with their noise-canceling capability. Plus, they’re low profile vs. larger headphones, which helps save space in your bag.

10. When flying, it’s always smart to bring an extra layer in case things get chilly. This gorgeous wool and cashmere pashmina from Norstrom is a fantastic choice for a number of reasons. It can be worn as a scarf or shawl, or (at 75 x 29 inches) can even masquerade as a small blanket. Alternatively, its tissue-weight design makes it easy to fold right up and place in your carry-on like it’s nothing.

11. Every traveler needs a good journal on hand to document their worldly adventures!  We suggest the gorgeous line from Rifle Paper Co . With their soft linen covers and Smyth-sewn binding for durability, the quality is just right (and the size fits nicely too!).

12. No carry-on list is complete without a cozy pair of socks.   Your new favorite? Bombas. Made from extra-long staple cotton with a honeycomb support system, stay-up technology, and an invisible toe seam, these socks are super soft and perfect for your next flight. Plus, Bombas donates one pair of socks for every pair sold – we think that’s pretty great.

13. Flights don’t just leave you feeling tired, they can leave you looking tired too. Well, not anymore! Origins GinZing Eye Cream  is made with coffee beans, ginseng, magnolia extract, and natural brighteners to perk up those peepers. Whether it’s dark circles, puffiness, or bags – this eye cream is up for the battle and you’re coming out on top.

14. Why pay for overpriced food on your flight when you can bring your own? Power Crunch protein bars are our #1 must-have snack. Forget heavy, chewy bars and opt for this light, flakey, triple chocolate goodness instead. At 13g protein, 10g carbs, and 4g of sugar, you really can’t beat it!

Why suffer through your flight chilly, hungry, thirsty, bored, etc. when your carry-on could pack solutions? Picking a few favorite products that you consistently travel with can definitely upgrade your flight experience – they’ve certainly made ours more tolerable!

Do you have a favorite travel essential we missed out on? Let us know in the comments below.

Have you checked out our piece on the best gifts for travelers ? If not, head on over and let us know what you think!

Lastly, if you’re looking to add more “best of the best” travel products to your inventory, we’ve got some great recommendations for you: All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must have carry-on essentials.

We recommend a great neck pillow and eye shade, a pair of noise-canceling headphones, a great water bottle, compression socks, and a kindle!

What should you not forget in a carry-on?

If you’re flying overnight, you’ll definitely want to remember your eye shade and noise-cancelling headphones or ear plugs to get a good night’s sleep. If you’re traveling through the day, you’ll want to prioritize snacks and entertainment.

How do I carry essentials on a plane?

Most airlines allow you to bring at least 1 personal item into the cabin, with some allowing a separate carry-on. You can pack essentials such as electronics, ear plugs, an eye shade, neck pillow, and toiletries in your personal item or carry-on. Just make sure any liquids are less than 3.4 ounces and fit into single, 1-quart clear plastic bag.

What are 5 carry-on essentials for travelers who love to pack light?

Our 5 carry-on essentials would be noise-canceling headphones, a snack, a tooth brush, an eye mask, and a Kindle.

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The best travel accessories to pack on every trip

By Madison Flager

Packing lists will vary based on where you're going and how long you're travelling for, but the best travel accessories can improve every trip. From tech gadgets to keep your electronics powered up and luggage accessories that ensure you're not hit with an overweight baggage charge, having the right gear means a smoother journey, every time. Below, we've rounded up 27 essential items to pack inside your carry-on bag , weekender , or checked luggage . Consider these the travel gear staples to bring on your next trip – and all your future holidays after that.

• A trusted tote
• A travel wash bag
• Packing cubes
• Jewellery case
• Reusable travel bottles
• Hydrating skincare products
• A portable charger
• A power adapter
• A luggage scale
• A way to find your luggage
• An e-reader
• A portable fan
• A portable steamer
• An eye mask
• A neck pillow
• A shawl or blanket
• Hand sanitiser and wipes
• A reusable water bottle
• Snack containers
• A passport holder
• A back-up travel bag
• An umbrella

1. A trusted tote

A tote bag is the ideal personal item. It's roomy enough to store all your odds and ends, and everything you'd want with you during a flight, and is usually pretty pliable, meaning you can squeeze it under the seat without taking up all of your foot room. Look for one with comfortable shoulder straps, should you overload it with snacks. A trolley sleeve is a nice feature, too, so you can slide it over your suitcase while cruising through the airport.

2. A travel wash bag

A travel wash bag is key to staying organised — and avoiding spills in your luggage. We like these options from Away and Bagsmart for their water-resistant materials and ample space for your toothbrush and toothpaste, razor, soaps, and more. A hanging bag, like those below, also allows you to keep items tidy and off the bathroom counter.

3. Packing cubes

Don't underestimate the power of a good packing cube . Articles director Lale Arikoglu has waxed poetic about her love of Paravel's packing cubes (other editors are fans of Away's set ), which come in a range of sizes to store everything from bathing suits and socks to T-shirts.

4. Jewellery case

A rule to live by: never check your valuables, especially jewellery. Keep necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings safe and neatly organised inside a jewellery case. We like Monica Vinader's for smaller accessories; if you're packing sunglasses and watches, you'll want something slightly bigger, like this Smythson option.

5. Reusable travel bottles

Rather than buy plastic travel-sized toiletries , get yourself a set of leakproof travel bottles that allow you to bring your at-home favourites on the go. They're great for storing toiletries and beauty products, and tubs can also be used to keep small items like jewellery or vitamins.

6. Hydrating skincare products

Even if you're not the type of person with a multi-step in-flight skincare routine , a few basics can go a long way in keeping your skin happy and healthy after a long day of travel. Since hand sanitiser remains a travel essential, a hand balm to apply once or twice a day is equally important to keep them moisturised. Aesop's smells incredible, and will last for several trips to come — a little bit of the thick, creamy balm goes a long way. Don't forget a hydrating lip balm, either.

7. A portable charger

There's nothing like a dead battery to slow down a trip. Keep all your accessories charged up with a power bank — Anker is our favourite, but iWalk's mini charger is a great option if you're short on space.

8. A power adapter

For international travel, a power adapter is a must to make sure you can get devices charged up in the airport and your hotel room. Apple's World Travel Adapter Kit comes with seven AC plugs with prongs that fit into different electrical outlets around the world, and each one is labelled with the regions they are compatible with. (As for compatibility, it works with Apple USB-C power adapters; MagSafe and MagSafe 2 power adapters; 10W, 12W, 30 and 35W USB ports; and portable power adapters.) We also recommend this Bluetooth converter , which lets you use your regular cordless earbuds to watch a movie in flight.

9. Headphones

Whether the plan is to listen to music, watch a movie, or just drown out noisy neighbours, most of us won't board a plane without headphones. Make sure you have your go-to on hand, plus a pair of corded earbuds (if you don't have one of these Bluetooth adapters ).

10. A luggage scale

Give yourself some added peace of mind with a digital luggage scale; it’ll let you know how much damage your souvenirs did before arriving at the check-in counter on the way home.

11. A way to find your luggage

Speaking of luggage, the Tile Pro and Apple AirTags can help locate lost bags (or wallets, or keys, depending on what you attach it to). In fact, a luggage tracker is one of the items contributor Harrison Pierce wishes he had when he began travelling full-time .

12. An e-reader

Even travellers with a library full of books at home have to admit it: E-readers are an essential travel accessory for bookworms . They are so much lighter than even one paperback book, and let you bring as many options as you want along for the ride.

13. A portable fan

If you're headed somewhere warm, or just tend to run hot, do yourself a favour and pack a portable fan. Whether you choose a handheld option or one you can wrap around your neck, it'll give you the breeze you need whether you're in the back of a crowded bus or van, standing in line at Disneyland, or kicking back in a beach chair .

14. A portable steamer

If you're travelling to a wedding or heading out on a business trip, you may want to bring a portable steamer along to make sure your formalwear looks its best after you take it out of your suitcase. Traveller contributor Erinne Magee put nine travel steamers to the test to find out which ones are the best options for travellers — below are two of her favourites.

15. A tech kit

All of those tech items mean you're going to have plenty of charging cubes and cables to keep track of. Save space in your backpack — and save yourself the headache of digging through your bag — by keeping everything wrapped up in a tech kit like the ones below.

16. An eye mask

For a comfortable journey at 30,000 feet — especially one where you hope to get some shut-eye —an eye mask is crucial. For more help sleeping, try the Bluetooth sleep headband recommended by US contributor Iona Brannon, which lets you listen to music or white noise without anything in or around your ears; in a pinch it can even double as an eye mask, she says.

17. A neck pillow

Another comfort essential: a travel pillow . It can take some time to find the style you like best, and your pick might vary depending on whether you're in-flight or in a car. Two we like: The classic memory foam wraparound neck pillow, which can be tightened or loosened per your preference, and the innovative fleecy neck wrap recommended by commerce writer Charley Ward .

18. Cosy socks

We love a good pair of compression socks to fight that pins-and-needles feeling that comes from sitting still for too long, be it on a long-haul flight  or a road trip . For those who prefer a cosier option, we recommend socks from Barefoot Dreams .

19. Earplugs

When you need some peace and quiet, swap your noise-cancelling headphones in for earplugs. This set comes with multiple sizes, so you can find the right fit, and share with any family members you're travelling with.

20. A shawl or blanket

For those who run cold, an oversized scarf will get plenty of use in transit, and can even double as a blanket. Opt for a quality material you can pack for years to come, like cashmere.

21. Hand sanitiser and wipes

As for general wellness, hand sanitiser is a must — buy a set and drop one in all your most-used totes and sling bags so you're never without. Some biodegradable wipes are nice to have on hand too, especially if you're travelling with little ones .

22. A reusable water bottle

Rounding out our collection of the best travel accessories are some odds and ends, like a good reusable water bottle, so you can stop buying overpriced bottles at the airport (and be kinder to the environment).

23. Snack containers

If overpriced airport snacks aren't your jam, come prepared by filling reusable Stasher bags with popcorn, crackers, fruit, or whatever else you'd like in-flight before you leave your house. A reusable utensil set is another nice-to-have travel accessory that'll allow you to turn down the plastic cutlery you might be handed in the airport or elsewhere on the road. The spoon and chopsticks are particularly TSA-friendly (while utensils are technically allowed through security , it's at the discretion of the agent if they'll let plastic knives or forks).

24. A passport holder

Also handy: a high-quality passport holder (bonus points if it has space to hold your credit cards) to keep your most important document protected. Aspinal's can be personalised with your initials for an added £20.

25. A back-up travel bag

For trips where you plan to shop, something lightweight, like Paravel's Fold-Up Bag or Baggu's Cloud Bag , is a smart addition to your packing list. Stuff it with souvenirs on your way home, or use it for overnight or weekend trips within a longer holiday.

26. A travel umbrella

Depending on your destination, a travel-size umbrella might be worth the space in your luggage. And if you're driving, tossing one in the backseat is a no-brainer. Contributor Claire Volkman tested out around a dozen options on our US sister site to determine which are the sturdiest and most compact. Shop two of her favourites, both available in the UK, below.

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• BEST OF THE WORLD

The travel essentials we’re most excited for in 2024

Whether your next trip involves a first-class ticket or a full tank of gas, here’s the gear—from featherlight binocs to sustainable bags—you should pack.

What do all successful travelers have in common? Often, it’s an arsenal of great gear. After all, what you pack can make a big difference when exploring the best of the world . For our annual Gear of the Year list, National Geographic travel editors searched far and wide for the coolest products to pack. We also asked experts—from pro cyclists to adventure photographers—what they look for in everything from bike racks to binoculars. Here’s what we’re most excited to take with us in 2024.

Our picks for the best travel essentials

Top travel essentials for your next trip, durable roller bag for tight spaces: cotopaxi allpa.

Award-winning travel journalist Tim Neville has journeyed on yaks, buses, and “countless heaving boats” and says that when it comes to packs, “a water-resistant exterior, beefy zippers, and soft, tough sides are non-negotiable.”  

The newest Cotopaxi Allpa has two sturdy wheels made to handle cobblestone streets, stairs, and other rough surfaces. Like earlier versions of the bag, it’s constructed of 100 percent recycled pre-consumer waste (extra materials from the manufacturing process) and features a split-case design and mesh compartments for intuitive organization.

Buy it now:   REI, from $350,   38L   (carry-on compatible) and   65L | Amazon, $349.99

100 percent recycled backpacks: Patagonia Black Hole Collection

Patagonia’s popular duffel bag collection is now completely made from post-consumer recycled (used materials diverted from landfills) polyester ripstop that resists tearing. The Fair Trade Certified pieces still come with a weather-resistant TPU-film laminate coating, rendering them virtually indestructible. We like the addition of a new interior pocket for stashing smaller valuables, such as cords and keys. For even more convenience, look for a duffel with wheels rolling out in August. Available in multiple styles and sizes.

Shop the collection now:   Patagonia, $35-$419

GPS tracker/virtual fence dog collar: Halo Collar 3

Halo’s newest GPS tracking collar not only keeps tabs on dogs with a propensity to escape or wander, it also lets you set a virtual fence to keep them confined to a geographic area, such as a campsite. It takes time for pups to acclimate to the collar’s alerts, which vary from beeps to vibrations—but the Halo app comes loaded with training tips. Available in small and medium/large for dogs 20 pounds and up.

Buy it now:   Amazon, $699, plus a subscription starting at $5.99/month

Fast-drying wool base layer: Ibex Woolies Pro Tech

Ibex’s new collection (tops, bottoms, boxer briefs) is constructed from Nuyarn, purportedly the world’s first performance wool. It’s made from non-twisted fibers, enabling the wool to retain more of its natural properties, such as body temperature regulation. The company claims that this lets the fabric dry five times faster than conventional 100 percent, ring-spun merino wool. It also weighs 35 percent less and offers 35 percent more stretch.

Buy it now:   Ibex (Men’s), $115   |   Ibex (Women’s), $115

Recyclable rain jacket: Patagonia Boulder Fork

Patagonia has plenty of outerwear made from recycled material. This rain jacket, however, is the first from the 50-year-old company that you can recycle. We like the adjustable cuffs, hem, and hood (great for keeping extra dry) and the three zippered chest pockets, which give you plenty of places to stash your things. The sleek, not-too-boxy silhouette is an added bonus.

Buy it now:   Patagonia (Men's) $229   |   Patagonia (Women's), $229

Waterproof, sustainable hiking boots: Oboz Cottonwood

This new boot, ideal for day hikes on uneven, wet terrain, is the Montana-based company ’s most sustainable yet. Both the low- and mid-profile designs incorporate at least 20 percent recycled, responsibly sourced materials by weight. Even better, Oboz’s “B-DRY” lining is designed to maximize waterproofing and breathability—top qualities to look for in hiking boots, especially for trekking through tropical regions or cruising around on Zodiacs.

Buy it now:   Zappos   (Men’s), $155   |   Zappos   (Women’s), $155

Featherlight binoculars: Swarovski Optik CL Curio

Slightly larger than a deck of cards and weighing just 8.9 ounces, Swarovski’s Optik CL Curio binoculars are the lightest, most compact binoculars we’ve found—exactly what you want in the field. With a sleek, seamless bridge by industrial designer Marc Newson , they’re also pretty stylish. With 7x magnification, a 21mm effective objective lens diameter, 7.7° field of view, and 90 percent light transmission, you’ll be able to discern a border collie from a coyote at 100 yards away and count the cracks in the craters of the moon at night.

Buy it now:   Amazon, $899

Budget-friendly, feature-loaded binoculars: Nocs Field Issue

Birdwatchers on a budget will appreciate Nocs’ new Field Issue, which marries the high-quality optics of the Pro Issue with the size and durability of the Standard Issue . It’s ideal for an off-road adventure when you want a super-wide, crisp view in a variety of lighting conditions. Like all the company’s binoculars, this mid-size (it weighs 16.7 ounces) pair is waterproof and fog-proof. But unlike other models, it features the brand’s finest central focusing. While it comes with a cleaning cloth and strap, consider upgrading to a harness to prevent it from awkwardly swinging around your neck.

Buy it now:   Nocs Provisions, $175

Carry-on that converts into a table: PROPS  

This hard-side carry-on has fold-out legs that turn the suitcase into a footrest or a table for your laptop during layovers or travel delays. It’s great for small hotel rooms without luggage racks. The built-in compression packing system and space-saving clamshell opening holds a surprising amount for a 22-inch bag. Look for a 26-inch model in October 2024.

Buy it now:   Magellan’s, $329

Super grippy water sandals: Teva Hydratrek

Inspired by tree frogs, Teva’s latest sandal is built so that a maximum amount of surface area on the outsole stays in contact with the ground. Extra texturing on the top sole helps wet feet stay put, while the quick-dry, traceable recycled webbing helps with durability. An added bonus for light packers: These are water sandals you can also hike in.

Buy it now:   Zappos   (Men’s), $85   |   Zappos   (Women’s), $85

Robust, fast charger: Anker Prime Power Bank 250W

At 27,650 mAh, Anker’s newest model is packed with power. “At least 20,000 mAh is the sweet spot because it allows me to charge my phone four to five times and my laptop once or twice,” says Barry Hoffner, founder of the education nonprofit Caravan to Class , who relied on a power bank while taking public buses across more than 170 countries.  

This new model takes 28 minutes to charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro to 50 percent—a big improvement from last year’s 140W model, which took 40. Yet, at 99.54 watt hours, it still falls under TSA’s 100-watt-hour limit for carry-on packing. Pairing and Bluetooth connectivity via the Anker app enables you to track it if you lose it.

Buy it now:   Amazon, $179.99

Portable solar panel: BigBlue SolarPowa 30 ETFE Camping Solar Panel Charger

BigBlue’s latest travel-friendly solar panel is now made with an ETFE layer, a fluorine-based plastic that can withstand high temperatures. It also resists water, dust, corrosion, and stains. This model reportedly lasts twice as long as a traditional panel and folds to the size of a 14-inch laptop—which not only saves space, but also exposes less surface area to damaging elements.

Buy it now:   Amazon, $79.99

Endlessly customizable backpack: Osprey Archeon

Osprey’s new Archeon set lets you customize your pack via quick-release straps—ideal for when you’re trekking and don’t want to take your full 60L kit on shorter day hikes. Start with the foundational day pack and add accordingly. The chest rig, which straps over your shoulders like a BabyBjorn, maximizes versatility. You can wear it backward, forward, and around your waist like a fanny pack—just attach the day pack’s removable hip belt. Each piece sold separately.

Shop   the collection now:   Osprey, $50-$300

Padded storage cube: Away, The Protective Packing Cube (6L)

Part of Away’s outdoor-centric For All Routes (F.A.R.) collection, the sturdy 6L packing cube has extra padding and six customizable dividers for storing fragile items, like larger electronics or a small pair of binoculars. A removable shoulder strap lets you wear the cube as a crossbody bag when you need to transport just a few things from your suitcase. Plus, it’s made of recycled materials and ships in compostable packaging.

Buy it now:   Away, $72

Heavy-duty universal bike rack: Thule Epos

A good bike rack should have turn and brake signals, according to retired professional cyclist George Hincapie .  

Thule’s newest model includes both signals, plus telescopic arms with pivoting cradles that let you attach any type of bike, even an e-bike weighing up to 60 pounds. It works on any car; in some cases with an easy-to-install hitch. We especially appreciate that it folds up and wheels away for storage. (It weighs just 38 pounds.)

Buy it now:   REI, $999.95   |   Amazon, $999.95

Dog harness/rescue sling: Fido Pro Panza

Hiking in remote areas with your dog can be risky, especially since search and rescue often isn’t equipped for pups. Vets recommend it’s best to be prepared and to think in advance how you can get your dog out of a difficult situation. It’s also a great idea to pack a rescue harness. We like this newly patented harness because it converts into a sling that you can wrap around your dog without too much maneuvering. Included custom pads can save your shoulders over longer distances too. Fits most breeds 35-120 pounds.

Buy it now:   Backcountry, $139

Dog first aid travel kits: Wolf Republic First Aid Kit & Adventure Dog Medical Kit

Having a dog-specific first aid kit can be especially handy while traveling, especially if you're doing adventurous or sporty activities. We love Wolf Republic’s loaded kit for longer trips and Adventure Ready’s compact one for short day hikes. Both come stocked with vet-approved must-haves including triple antibiotic spray, self-adhesive bandages, saline wash, and tweezers.  

Buy it now:   Wolf Republic First Aid Kit, $56

Buy it now:   Adventure Dog Medical Kit,   Amazon, $22.98 for a pack of 2

Related Topics

• ADVENTURE TRAVEL
• BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING

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• Packing Lists

The Ultimate International Trip Packing List

Here’s everything you didn’t know you needed to make your international trip as seamless as possible.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Packing Checklist
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / David Hattan

We don’t tend to complain a whole lot when it comes to planning and preparing for travel. Sure, there are bad parts, boring parts, and stressful parts… but all the negative aspects of the travel process give way to some of the best and most memorable life experiences. The packing process may fall into the less-fun side of preparing for travel but, with the right mindset and strategy, it can make the whole trip.

Packing for an international trip specifically requires careful planning; sure, you can probably find forgotten items while abroad in many destinations but having everything already secured in your suitcase will make your trip a whole lot easier. Nobody wants to spend a half day of travel searching for something they forgot at home.

Packing Checklist for an International Trip

This guide will help ensure you’ve packed everything you could possibly need for an international trip, whether it’s your first time leaving the country or you’re a seasoned traveler. Having these items on hand — along with the appropriate clothing and shoes for your destination — will help make your trip as smooth and seamless as possible.

• Best Adapter: Epicka Universal Travel Adapter
• Best Wi-Fi Hotspot: Simo Solis Lite 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot
• Best Camera:   Nikon ZF
• Best Tripod: Phopik Aluminum Extendable Tripod Stand
• Best Portable Power Bank: Nimble Champ
• Best Noise-canceling Headphones: Apple AirPods Max
• Best Luggage Tracker: Eufy SmartTrack Link

Accessories

• Best Passport Cover: Paravel Cabana Passport Case
• Best Travel Wallet: Leatherology Travel Wallet
• Best Luggage Belt: Cincha Travel Belt for Luggage
• Best Reusable Water Bottle: Memobottle A5
• Best Packing Cubes: Gonex Compression Packing Cubes
• Best Neck Pillow: Cabeau TNE S3
• Best Money Belt: Raytix Money Belt
• Best Compression Socks: Comrad Compression Socks

Luggage and Bags

• Best Lightweight Backpack: Longchamp Backpack Le Pliage
• Best International-sized Carry-on: Away The Carry-on
• Best Checked Bag: July Checked Plus
• Best Belt Bag: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
• Best Travel Laundry Bag: Miamica Travel Laundry Bag
• Best Tote: MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote Deluxe
• Best Toiletry Bag: Away The Toiletry Bag
• Best Rolling Duffel: Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Wheeled Duffel

We know, we know. You’re not setting out on an international trip to be consumed by your tech, but there are certain essentials that can make a good trip even better, whether aiding an itinerary, ensuring your safety, or simply entertaining you while in transit. Packing things like a reliable wi-fi hotspot and a portable power bank means you’ll always have access to your smartphone for emergencies (or just to use Google Maps to navigate your self-guided walking tour without having to pop into a cafe every few blocks).

Best Adapter

Epicka universal travel adapter.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Effectiveness 4 /5

Traveling abroad with a good adapter like the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter is non-negotiable. It comes equipped with plugs for more than 150 countries but the convenient sliding design means you won’t have to fuss with (or be responsible for) multiple attachments. During the testing process, we particularly appreciated that this option comes with so many USB ports (four USB-A and one USB-C) as it cut down the need for multiple adapters and made it incredibly easy to charge all our tech at the same time.

Best Wi-fi Hotspot

Skyroam solis lite.

Do you remember the days of traveling before Google Maps? It’s hard to imagine a time when we’d actually have to ask locals for directions or hope we’re reading a paper map properly. The Solis Lite 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot makes modern travel even easier by ensuring you’re always connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network, wherever you are. It doesn’t require a SIM card or a contract and functions seamlessly in more than 135 countries around the world. It can also support up to 10 devices at a given time — which means your travel buddies will thank you, too.

Best Camera

Nikon zf mirrorless camera.

The Nikon ZF immediately catches the eye with its beautiful, retro-inspired body. Don’t let the decidedly cool aesthetic fool you though — this camera also makes it super easy to channel your inner photographer. The 24-megapixel, full-frame mirrorless camera is very simple and user-friendly but offers enough bells and whistles to quell more advanced photographers. It’s also incredibly small and lightweight which makes it great for throwing into your day bag (no oversized camera bag required!).

Best Tripod

Phopik aluminum extendable tripod stand.

Another way to ensure great vacation photos? Investing in a decent tripod stand. Selfies have their time and place but being able to set up a tripod to get group shots in idyllic settings will ensure frame-worthy visual souvenirs. The Phopik Aluminum Extendable Tripod Stand is a great option for those who travel with both a digital camera and a smartphone as the convertible device can actually be used as a selfie stick and tripod for smartphones while also extending into a more stable tripod suitable for a heavier camera. It also packs down ultra-small when not in use so you won’t have to run around all day with a full-sized tripod under your arm.

Best Portable Power Bank

Nimble champ portable charger.

The Nimble Champ is a game changer for long travel days when you might not have the chance to wait by an outlet for your smartphone to refuel; the 10,000 mAh battery is more than enough to charge the average smartphone between three to five times in full. If you’re concerned about having your phone for safety purposes (like to grab an Uber, use Google Maps, call for help, etc.), a compact lightweight charger will also offer serious peace of mind. We like that this option is made using 99 percent certified recycled plastic so you can feel good about the sustainable choice. And, if you need even more juice, there’s a more powerful Nimble Champ Pro with a 20,000 mAh battery instead.

Best Noise-canceling Headphones

Apple airpods max.

• Comfort 4.5 /5
• Sound Quality 5 /5
• Battery Life 5 /5

The AirPods Max are admittedly a bit expensive but they’re worth the price point for the quality and overall ease of use, especially if you’re a lover of Apple devices. During the testing process, we found the user experience to be the best out of all the headphones we tried. We really like how easy they are to connect to an iPhone or MacBook without having to go searching into the Bluetooth settings (there’s a simple pop-up that’ll ask you if you want to switch and that’s that). We found the headphones very intuitive to use and the sound quality is excellent as well with a strong enough noise-canceling feature to provide serenity everywhere from the airplane to the subway.

Best Luggage Tracker

Eufy smarttrack link.

• Ease of Setup 5 /5
• Accuracy 5 /5
• Functionality 5 /5
• Design 4.5 /5

Popping a luggage tracker, like the Eufy SmartTrack Link, into your checked luggage will allow you to track a suitcase in real time which offers peace of mind and can help expedite the return of lost-in-transit baggage. This tiny tracker was our top pick during testing due to its ease of use and convenient size and shape. The durable square comes equipped with a hole in the top corner that makes it easy to add a carabiner or key ring onto the tracker to attach to internal zippers or other items, too.

It can be tricky to strike a healthy balance between actual travel essentials and products that seem useful in theory but actually just end up taking up precious space in your suitcase or carry-on. The following items are designed to make travel as easy and comfortable as possible and are all compact, easy to pack, and won’t end up weighing you down. They’re also highly practical for staying organized and put together while making your way through passport control or while taking public transport from the airport to your hotel.

Best Passport Cover

Paravel passport case.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5

You might not think you need a passport cover, but this Paravel Cabana Passport Case is a particularly great option since it not only keeps your passport safe and secure but holds up to eight cards, too. During the testing process, we found the luxe material to also be durable, and it was very easy to get our cards and passport in and out of the slots without having to stretch things out. We also like that this one comes in several colorways and can be customized with a hand-painted initial as well.

Best Travel Wallet

Leatherology zip around travel wallet.

If you’re hoping to score something with a little extra space, the Leatherology Travel Wallet is a particularly great choice as it’ll keep all your stuff organized without becoming too bulky or heavy. The compact design has a slot for pretty much everything you could need including your passport, cards, printed boarding pass, coins, cash, and even a pen. During the testing process, we found that this option stood out for its buttery soft leather that feels much more expensive than it is, and for the expansive interior that could easily hold more than a couple of passports. 

Best Luggage Belt

Cincha travel belt.

The Cincha Travel Belt is one of those travel accessories that you don’t realize just how much you need until you have it on-hand while on the go. The travel belt is designed to attach your personal items — like a coat, shopping bags, and even your handbag — to the handle of your rolling luggage without worrying about it sliding around or falling off the top of your luggage. This is a particularly handy option to have on hand while changing terminals or taking trains to the city center when you don’t want to have to worry about lugging multiple loose pieces.

Best Reusable Water Bottle

Memobottle a5 the flat water bottle that fits in your bag.

There are certain things that all responsible travelers should consider when setting off on a trip — and being a more sustainable citizen of the world is one of them. The easiest way to cut down on your carbon footprint while traveling? Investing in a reusable water bottle. The Memobottle A5 makes it easy to ditch single-use plastic while traveling without feeling like, you know, you’re carrying a massive water bottle around with you. It’s designed to be ultra thin and can fit in a briefcase or handbag. However, don’t let the thin size fool you. This water bottle fits a standard 750 milliliters which is the exact same as the single-use bottle of Smartwater in the airport shop.

Best Packing Cubes

Gonex compression packing cubes.

• Design 5 /5

Packing the right amount of clothing for an international trip can be a bit of a daunting task which is why we’re such major advocates for the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes . The set of four cubes comes in a variety of sizes to help keep garments in order while planning for your trip. The compression cubes are also designed to squish down into the smallest size possible so you can fit even more into that carry-on roller without worrying about taking up too much space in the overhead bin or running out of room for souvenirs.

Best Neck Pillow

Cabeau tne s3 travel pillow.

• Quality 4.8 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

Think of the Cabeau TNE S3 as the neck pillow for travelers who hate carrying a neck pillow. The compact neck support folds down into a tiny bag that can easily be stored away in your carry-on or handbag while on the go. We loved this neck pillow during the testing process for its memory foam material and 360-degree support. It’s designed to attach to your seat and will keep you from that annoying head bobbing that can often happen when trying to sleep upright.

Best Money Belt

Raytix rfid money belt.

• Comfort 5 /5
• Performance 5 /5

Money belts might not be the most exciting of travel gear — but having this under-clothes accessory can offer major peace of mind if you’re nervous about carrying your valuables out in the open while on the go. The Raytix Money Belt was our top pick during our tests because of its smooth material that feels comfortable on the skin and a discreet size that doesn’t bulge when placed properly under your clothing. We also really liked that it was wide enough to comfortably fit a passport without having to wiggle the zipper in order to close the pouch.

Best Compression Socks

Comrad compression socks.

The Comrad Compression Socks do the impossible: make compression socks look cool and stylish. The double-dip ombre design is fun and aesthetically pleasing — especially compared to your average drugstore alternative — and the socks themselves are extremely soft to the touch. During the testing process, we found they offered gentle compression without being uncomfortable. They were breathable and we could easily wear them on a long-haul flight without any itchiness whatsoever either.

Selecting the right luggage for your international trip is half the battle. For example, if you’re hoping to avoid checking a bag at all costs, you’ll want something that is no bigger than 21.5 inches, and as lightweight as possible. If you’re looking for a suitcase that’ll handle the arduous checked baggage process, you’ll want to look for a hard-sided spinner with enough give that it won’t crack or puncture while in transit.

Choosing the right personal item and day bag is an equally important decision. Handbags and backpacks should be lightweight and multi-purpose, meaning that you’ll be able to use them at multiple times, like day trips to the country, jaunts around the city center, and evenings out.

Best Lightweight Backpack

Longchamp le pliage backpack.

Given the brand's reputation for high-quality bags , it's no surprise the Longchamp Backpack Le Pliage is forever our go-to travel bag when we’re aiming to pack light but stylish. Longchamp Le Pliage in general is kind of the perfect bag concept for travel as it packs down ultra small when not in use but can expand to a full-sized bag as needed. The backpack is no exception; it’s small and lightweight but stylish and large enough to fit a day — or night — of essentials without screaming tourist or looking too bulky. We also like that this option is made from a durable nylon and can withstand the bright sun and heavy rain without getting damaged.

Best International-sized Carry-on

Away the carry-on.

Packing for international air travel can sometimes be a little dicey, especially if you’re going to be flying on budget airlines with little wiggle room on suitcase sizing. The Away The Carry-on sits just below most international carrier limits so you won’t run into any surprises at the gate, but we also found that it’s incredibly roomy. During the testing process, we were able to fit everything we needed for a four-day trip with room to spare. The hard plastic shell is also incredibly durable — even when clobbered with a baseball bat — so it will hold up with heavy duty use, too.

Best Checked Bag

July large luggage.

• Organization 4.5 /5
• Maneuverability 5 /5

The July Checked Plus is our top choice when it comes to the best checked luggage for international travel , especially if you tend to be an overpacker as it fits 110 liters worth of items. Even if you don’t fill it to the brim, we particularly like the number of pockets and organizational features inside to keep things sorted. During our testing process, we found it was incredibly easy to pack a fair amount while giving everything a designated spot. We also found the wheels and handle to be the smoothest we’ve found in a suitcase which made it easy to trolley the suitcase around through the airport and into the city.

Best Belt Bag

Lululemon everywhere belt bag.

The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is, well, kind of everywhere, but it’s easy to see why. It’s incredibly lightweight and durable while offering a discreet but stylish solution to storing your daily essentials in a safe and secure manner. It’s also made of water-repellent polyester so you can get caught in the rain with less issue than a leather or cotton alternative. This option also comes in a huge variety of colorways to best suit your style, but we’re major fans of the classic black. During the testing process, we particularly appreciated how easily the zipper glides; it doesn’t pull or stick which makes it easy to quickly grab items like a wallet or passport out without having to use two hands. Plus, if you have even more to carry, there’s a 2-liter version , too.

Best Travel Laundry Bag

Miamica travel laundry bag.

The Miamica Travel Laundry Bag is another one of those items that is easy to forget or brush off as being unimportant but can actually make such a big difference while on the go. This lightweight laundry bag will take up no room in your luggage but makes staying organized while traveling so much easier. Whether you’re doing your own laundry in your hotel room or planning on sending the essentials off for dry cleaning, having a separate bag to store your dirty clothes in means you won’t have to rifle through your suitcase trying to decipher what is clean versus what needs to be washed.

MZ Wallace Deluxe Tote

• Portability 3 /5
• Ease of Use 3 /5

Don’t underestimate the power of a great tote while traveling as options like this lightweight MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote Deluxe won’t take up much space in your luggage but can be a lifesaver if you somehow find yourself with more stuff to pack on your way home. We found this bag to be super roomy without overpowering us with a ton of built-in pockets and even a removable pouch to keep gear organized on the go. It’s also worth noting that this tote comes in a few different sizes from mini to large if you’re looking for something a bit bigger or smaller instead.

Best Toiletry Bag

Away large toiletry bag.

There are a lot of utilitarian toiletry bags out there but options like this one from Away both get the job done, and look good in the process. We found it very easy to pack and organize, thanks to an abundance of pockets and pouches to store everything from makeup brushes to delicate bottles. The material feels high-end and sleek but we found it to be secure and waterproof so nothing spilled out while in transit either.

Best Rolling Duffel

Eagle creek cargo hauler.

• Design 4 /5
• Maneuverability 3 /5
• Durability 4 /5

The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Wheeled Duffel is our top pick for the best rolling duffel for international travel since it’s huge yet still incredibly easy to roll through the airport or tote by hand on public transit. We particularly loved that this bag came with its own packing cubes and could easily convert from duffel to backpack to rolling suitcase. Despite its multi-functional design, it really excelled at everything. We found the bag very smooth to roll and just as easy to grab and go when needed. The material also feels very durable; like it could withstand heavy use without having to be too precious with it.

Unfortunately, yes, there are quite a few items that you can’t bring on your international trip depending on the country you’re heading to. Take this into consideration when shopping for travel products. Some destinations don’t allow certain tech — like drones — while others are very strict about the medication you’re allowed to bring into the country. If you have any doubts or concerns about what you can and cannot bring to a certain locale, be sure to check the official TSA security screening rules and the screening rules of the specific country you’re planning to visit.

Every airline has its own set of rules when it comes to carry-on and checked baggage size and weight restrictions. The standard carry-on size outside of the United States tends to be a lot smaller, so you’ll want to ensure your hand baggage doesn’t exceed the restrictions of the airlines you’re flying. It tends to be about 26 pounds and 21.5 inches in height for most European carriers, for example, but always check with the exact airlines you plan to use.

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For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as a full-time travel writer to curate the best options to suit most needs and international destinations.

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20+ Amazing Travel Essentials for Women

I f you’re a woman who likes to be organized and put together when traveling, I got you. Here are my 2024 travel essentials for women. 

20+ Travel Essentials for Women

Organizational travel essentials for women, packing cubes .

Packing cubes are an oldie but a goodie when it comes to travel essentials. Depending on the trip, I organize them in different ways. If I already have specific outfits in mind, I will put 2-3 days of outfits together in one cube, otherwise I’ll organize them by tops, bottoms, etc. 

I got these affordable packing cubes from Amazon , but if you’re looking for something more luxe check out Beis, Monos, and Truffle.

Silicone Brush Holder

If you travel with multiple makeup brushes, you need this silicone brush holder . Keep your smaller brushes and other makeup bits together in this sleek, compact case. 

It doesn’t fit larger face brushes too well, but it’s perfect for eye makeup brushes, liners and other things that are easily lost in your makeup bag,  

Silicone Sponge Holder

A silicone sponge holder gives you somewhere to store your wet beauty blender and keep it from getting your makeup bag all dirty. Plus,  there’s small slits in it that give it air to breath, so it’s able to dry in between uses.

Cord and Cable Organizers

If you’re like me and travel with 101 electronics, a cord organizer is definitely a must-have. I have a larger one ( similar ) that I put all my cables and chargers in, and a smaller one for extra batteries for my cameras that fits in my purse. They come in all sorts of different sizes and configurations, so Amazon is sure to have one for you. 

Clear Jewelry Organizer 

I highly recommend this clear jewelry organizer . I’ve had other travel jewelry organizers and this one is my favorite. The clear pouches make it easy to see everything, and with the hanger you can keep it hanging within eyesight. I’m one of those people who if I don’t see it, I forget it, so this helps me remember to put on the jewelry I pack. 

Sunglass Organizer 

Make packing multiple sunglasses a breeze with a sunglasses organizer . It keeps your sunglasses safe and secure, and you won’t have to worry about them getting smashed or broken. 

Clear Pouches

Some good clear pouches are definitely a travel essential every woman needs. They help keep all your different bits and bobs together so they’re easier to find and keep up with. Whether you use them for toiletries, accessories, or medicine, clear pouches are very useful. 

Practical Travel Essentials for Women

Compression socks.

Another Amazon travel must-have are compression socks. If you’re taking a long-haul flight, they help stimulate your circulation which can help prevent blood clots. They come in a variety of styles, colors, and compression strengths. Comrad compression socks are my favorites because they come in a bunch of cute patterns. 

Belt bag, fanny pack, whatever you want to call it, these bags are super convenient to have when traveling. Clip one around you to keep your wallet, phone, passport, and other small essentials all together.

Having access to these items without having to dig through a larger bag or take off your backpack is what makes them great. Plus, if you’re traveling with other people, you can leave your larger bags with them, and have everything you need across your chest or waist.

I love my Lululemon belt bag , but these are also cute: Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3

Luggage Scale

If you’re typically an over packer, you need an electronic luggage scale . You just simply hook it around the handle of your suitcase and lift to get the weight. No more awkwardly unpacking your suitcase at the check in counter!

Compact Electric Toothbrush

Ever since starting to use an electric toothbrush, I never feel like I get the same kinda clean with a standard toothbrush. That being said, my Philips toothbrush isn’t the most travel friendly, so I got this travel electric toothbrush from Amazon . I like it, but it’s not the most convenient because you have to disassemble it to put it back in the case. 

Instead, I recommend getting this PHILIPS One by Sonicare toothbrush , which I will be upgrading to soon myself. 

Passport Holder

There are all kinds of passport holders. Some have space for your boarding pass and credit cards while others are simply a decorative cover. My friend gifted me this passport holder which has a spot for your covid vaccine card and a couple of cards.

Clear Luggage Covers

If you have lighter colored suitcases, luggage covers are a must to keep them from getting horribly dirty and scuffed. Just make sure to check the dimensions and which side the side luggage handle opening is. I use these covers for my Monos suitcases .

Carry-on Backpack

A good travel backpack can be used for a short, weekend trip or as a personal item when flying. This backpack from Amazon went viral awhile back, and boasts plenty of storage in a compact body. It also comes in a variety of cute colors. 

Light up Travel Mirror

My friend Brooke laughs when I pull out my travel mirror , but it’s super useful when you have a room full of girls and limited mirrors and getting ready space. I’ve also used it to get ready on a train while traveling from Barcelona to Madrid. 

Travel Door Lock

Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group of gals, a travel door lock is one of the top travel essentials for women. Give yourself some peace of mind knowing that you’ve made your room or accommodation extra secure. 

Touchland Hand Sanitizer

When I tell you the Touchland hand sanitizers are the best, they are the BEST. Whenever I pull one out people always ask me, “What is that?” They smell so good, and their slim profile and minimalistic design makes them pleasantly aesthetic. 

If you have trouble sleeping with lights on, a good eye mask is definitely something you need to pack. Amazon has plenty of options like this silk eye mask or this eye mask that is great for those who have lash extensions or wear falsies.

Electronic Travel Essentials for Women

Bluetooth dongle.

If you use any kind of wireless headphones, this bluetooth dongle is a must when it comes to flying. Plug it into the jack for the inflight entertainment, and pair it with your headphones. No more sad airline headphones with poor audio quality. 

Travel Adapter

If you’re traveling out of the country, you’re more than likely going to need a travel adapter . I like ones that have multiple ports like this one so I can charge all my different devices without needing a bunch of different converters. 

3-in-1 Wireless Charger 

Planes typically give you one usb port to charge your devices while traveling, which can be a pain when you have multiple items that need to be charged. 

With this 3-in-1 wireless charger , you can charge your headphones, smart watch, and phone all together. It folds up nicely, into a compact, small square which makes it easy to toss in your carry on bag or backpack.

There’s nothing worse than your phone going dead in the middle of an outing; especially, while traveling. You use it to navigate, to take pictures and videos, request an Uber, etc. With a power bank you can ensure your phone stays ready to capture memories and more. 

Travel Tripod with Bluetooth Remote 

Whether you’re a solo traveler or want to be able to get some group pics without bothering others, this travel tripod from Amazon is the perfect travel accessory. 

It easily fits in most backpacks and larger purses, and comes with a bluetooth remote so you don’t have to run back and forth while trying to get some pictures or videos. 

Noise-canceling Headphones

Want to avoid having to listen to that baby in 24D screaming its head off? Or simply want to block out unnecessary noise? Get yourself a good pair of noise-canceling headphones. 

I have the AirPods Pro which are pretty good at keeping out outside noise for earbuds. However, if you prefer an over-the-ear option check out the AirPod Maxs , Sony WH1000XM4 Wireless Headphones , or Bose QuietComfort Headphones .

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