10 Must-Have Travel Essentials
Packing for a trip can be stressful!
โDid I bring too many clothes?โ
โWhat if itโs cold?โ
โDo I have too many shoes??โ
โDo I have enough underwear?!โ
Experience taught me to take exactly what I need on every trip, but there are a few things that I will always pack in my suitcase/backpack regardless of where I'm going.
10. Pen
This is extremely basic, but there is always a moment where you will need to write something down. I know writing utensils have become obsolete since the invention of smartphones but if you're traveling internationally, you will most likely have to fill out a customs form on the plane.
9. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are excellent for organizing everything in your luggage and quickly transferring everything in a drawer (if you are one of THOSE people). Most of them have mesh tops for ventilation and to prevent dampness and they also come with a bag to keep your dirty laundry separate.
8. Distinctive Suitcase
Black is the most popular color for luggage so when you're at baggage claim trying to spot your black bag in a sea of BLACK BAGS, it can become confusing. A distinct color or unique print will save you from having to stand at the belt to scour through the tags.
7. Travel Containers
Depending on how long Iโm traveling for and where Iโm staying, Iโll stop by drug store when I land at my destination to pick up some essentials like soap, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and moisturizer if the trip is longer than 2 weeks and I need a little bit more than TSA restrictions will allow. Plus, you donโt have to worry about your toiletries taking up too much space in your luggage.
On much shorter trips however, you have more space in your suitcase and it would become too expensive and time consuming to stop and buy all the stuff you need for such a short trip. In that case, itโs better to employ travel bottles to take small amounts of whatever you need.
6. Flip Flops/Slippers
While I try not to bring more than one pair of shoes or boots (excluding a pair of appropriate shoes for hiking, climbing, etc.) I always bring sandals or slippers to hang out in my hotel or Airbnb. Plus, there will always be moments when you need to leave your room for something and itโs so easy to slip on some flip flops rather than go through the pomp and circumstance of putting on a pair of shoes.
7. Sweater
Just bring a sweater. Even if you only wear it on the plane, itโs worth it.
6. Pain Reliever
I get unbearable migraines at least once a week so I always make sure to carry a small bottle of Aleve. And even if youโre lucky enough to live without chronic migraines, you never know when a headache or some random body pain will creep upโฆ.or I may just be old.
5. Headphones
I know everyone has a pair of AirPods which are great for everyday use like going for a run or taking public transport but on a plane, you need something a little beefier. A good pair of noise-canceling headphones are pretty much a no-brainer because there's nothing worse than a crying baby or a master snorer on a flight!
4. Selfie Stick
If you don't take a selfie on a trip, were you even there?! A selfie stick is one of the more important things for travelers for a number of reasons. First, you don't need to ask strangers to please take your picture. There are selfie sticks that double as a tripod so you can frame up the perfect picture.
Another good way to use your selfie stick is when you're amongst a crowd at a popular place. Getting your camera/phone up and above a sea of people will help you get a better shot.
3. Water Bottle
Itโs easy to forget to hydrate when youโre on vacation, so I have an app on my phone that prompts me to drink water every two hours. You never know when you will have time to stop and refuel so before I leave for the day, Iโll fill up my 32 oz insulated water bottle and throw it in my backpack. Itโs also useful in an airport or train station where you can just fill up at a fountain instead of spending money on a bottle. And itโs excellent for the environment!
2. Hand Wipes
I try to sanitize my hands and things as much as I can lest I come home with a terrible cold. My mother insists on gifting me packs of hand wipes for when I travel. She instilled in me the necessity of wiping down the tray table and armrests as soon as I sit down.
Example:
Moral of the story: You can always count on people to be super gross!
1. Phone Charger
Last but certainly not least, don't forget your phone charger! Like I said earlier, your cell phone is your lifeline in this day and age so make sure you have a fully charged phone before you head out for the day.
