Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links for Amazon.com. If you use the Amazon links, I may earn affiliate income at no extra cost to you.
Don’t leave home without these!
When I am traveling, I always start by packing my travel essentials or the things I never leave home without! I’ve put together my list based on things that help me travel more comfortably and organized. I hope you enjoy this article on travel essentials. Don’t leave home without them!
Power Bank
To charge my phone after it dies from taking so many photos. I bought mine from target with a phone case that I wanted. They came together and I only bought it for the phone case! Little did I know I was buying something that would become one of my travel essentials!! It is super cute and doubles as a mirror on the other side. It charges my phone battery twice. I have definitely been in the position where I needed two charges to get through the day of exploring a new city! I use the camera on my phone exclusively as I don’t own an actual camera (which I should probably invest in).
Converter Plug
To use while travelling internationally. I bought mine on Amazon the week before I left for Scotland. I used this one almost daily while living abroad as I didn’t have a way of plugging in my laptop otherwise. It was so easy to pack, and I could switch it from UK and EU plug types on weekend trips. It also had two USB charging ports on the side which meant I could charge my phone, my laptop, and my power bank or a friend’s phone! This purchase was a life saver and I’m definitely happy with the one I purchased. I’m still using the same one for my travels now! I added the link to the exact one I bought on Amazon.
Reusable Water Bottle
To fill once you get through airport security. Just having the water bottle with you will save you money from not having to buy a bunch of other drinks and will keep you hydrated. Hydrating while you travel is so important to keep you energized and ready for your next adventure. By bringing a water bottle you can also reduce waste while you are travelling!
I use a simple plastic water bottle with a wide screw off top. I like this model because on my way back from a trip, I can unscrew the top and put things inside it if I’m having trouble packing up souvenirs or things I purchased while traveling. It just helps me to be space savvy. If you’re on the hunt for a good water bottle, check out the selection Amazon has to offer by clicking the box below.
Passport Holder Wallet
I bought this on Amazon with my plug converter. I didn’t know how much I would use it, but I wanted to be able to organize my visa documents on my way over to the UK. Shockingly, ended up using it the whole year as my wallet. You can keep your passport right there in the pocket. It helps you to stay organized, instead of digging through your bag when the gate attendant asks for your passport. This link is to the same one I bought from Amazon.
There is also a little zipper pouch on the inside that I used for all my coins. Being from the US, I don’t use as many coins or keep them with me, because we don’t use 1-dollar or 2-dollar currency in the form of coins often. This little pouch was great to keep all my coins. I also kept a pen in my wallet which came in handy when I had to fill out landing cards or documents while travelling.
Plastic Seal-able Baggies
Always pack a couple of bags in your luggage for liquids or snacks! They are absolute lifesavers and definitely one of my travel essentials. I want to work towards finding a more sustainable option, but I do reuse these baggies until they rip! Depending on the trip, I also bring a bigger baggie for my wet swimsuit if I know I’m going to be swimming somewhere during my travels.
Headphones or Earbuds
To listen to music or cancel out noises from other travelers. These come in handy in busy airports or on long flights when you hope to get some sleep! I just have simple black earbuds that I have had for a couple of years. I think I just bought them because they were on sale, but they have held up well!
Gum
To chew during take off and landing. If you have pressure sensitive ears like I do, chewing gum apparently helps your ears to adjust to the pressure of changing altitudes. I don’t know if this is a guaranteed thing, but I do it every time. Maybe its just a superstition thing. Either way I don’t fly with out gum. I usually opt for a mint flavor. That way my breath is also minty and fresh so the person next to me doesn’t have to deal with coffee breath. Because let’s face it, I drink coffee throughout most of the day.
Pen and Notebook
If you enjoy writing or documenting your journeys, don’t forget to pack these! I usually carry one and tape some keepsakes like entrance tickets, transportation stubs, or snack wrappers inside so I can write about them and have a nice little scrapbook to remember the trip. I also like to journal while waiting for a flight or at the end of the day. That way I can look back and read about the adventures I had that day. If you don’t want to carry around the physical book you can always keep notes on your phone that you write about your travels. I have done both and I like to physically write because I find it calming. But I have found my phone notes to come in handy for just writing down a couple sentences to write about later.
Scarf
To wear while travelling. I like to travel with bigger scarves because they make flights comfier, but I can also use it as a small blanket if the plane is chilly. I am ALWAYS cold, so I never fly without a scarf. A scarf can also double up as a swimsuit cover up if you are going somewhere tropical. In a pinch, you could also roll it up in a ball and use it as a pillow against a window. Scarves are very versatile, and I always find a way to use them while travelling. But I do limit myself to bringing one or two at the most, so I don’t over pack.
Chapstick and Facial Moisturizer
To stay moisturized in the airport and on the plane. I find the air to be so dry in airports and flights. By taking these along, I can be comfortable when travelling. I have left these at home before, so they aren’t necessarily one of my travel essentials, but I always pack them when I remember.
Hand Sanitizer
To stay healthy during your travels. I love the little mini hand sanitizers from bath and body works! They are little and I can stash them in my carry on or in my purse while travelling. We always try to use hand sanitizer after we get off a train or a bus where the deep cleaning doesn’t necessarily take place between every trip. We also use them before eating any kind of street food where we don’t have access to a public bathroom to wash our hands before eating.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post! If you’re an avid traveler and you bring along something I didn’t list, please share it in the comments below!
Need these essentials fast? Get Amazon Prime for 2-day delivery! For a free 30 day trial click the box below!
If you are planning an upcoming trip, you may want to check out: Things to avoid for happy travels!
