Travel is back baby! But more than ever being and efficient packer will improve your travel experience. I am sharing 20 things every traveler should pack to make their lives easier the next time they travel. This is my travel essentials for your carry-on.
Travel Essentials; 20 items you shouldn’t forget to pack
- Personal item with trolley sleeve – start with a good bag. I don’t use a personal item that doesn’t have something to attach it to the carry on handle. Same goes for your luggage whether you go the carry on route or not. Check to see that the handle works and the wheels work. Make sure the zippers aren’t broken. I have had to travel with a semi functioning bag and it is less than ideal. My favourite personal item right now is a toss up of this bag (an affordable dupe of this) or this bag.
- Pouches – I try to keep my bags organized with various pouches. My passport has a pouch. Travel documents get a pouch. Chargers get a pouch. My e reader gets a pouch.
- Clear pouches or cases – These are especially important when you are using carry-on luggage only. You need TSA clear pouch to hold all your approved liquids. This is my toiletry case review for my clear case.
- Portable charger – Modern planes tend to have charging ports but it is possible to find yourself on an older plane with out charging capabilities. Don’t get caught without a way to keep your phone charged! I have been saved so many times while out sightseeing all day and having my portable charger on hand.
- Headphones – There used to be a time when headphones were always handed out for free. Now airlines charge for everything. Just pack your own headphones. That way you can have a nice pair and block out the rest of the plane.
- Packing cubes – some people swear by packing cubes. Here is a tip. I use them to keep my laundry more organized. Throw your laundry in a packing cube and keep it from taking over your bag.
- e reader – no more packing multiple books taking up too much space and weighing down your bag. Even if you only use your e-reader on vacation it is worth it!
- Sweater – planes are cold. Well once they turn the AC on they are, high above the clouds. I always pack a thin knit to bundle up once I get on the plane. Plus I can use it layering while out and about or evening dinners.
- Scarf – see point 8. Planes are cold. Use the scarf to bundle up or use it as a pillow. Or use it as a blanket.
- Sneakers – comfortable footwear for travel is a must. This isn’t really a pack it item, it is a wear it item.
- Packable rain jacket – I am team rain jacket as it can be layered up and worn while travelling. Umbrellas are bulky, take up hand space and are only useful in a light rain. Unless you are traveling in the dead of winter a rain jacket is going to be more useful.
- Cross body bag – I usually pack a smaller, more wear able bag in my personal item. I use it, along with the other pouches to keep things organied. But the cross body bag is going to keep me from lugging a big tote with me everywhere.
- Day pack – a backpack will come in handy for all day sightseeing. I know what you are thinking do you really need a backpack and a cross body. Well I would pack both as I don’t always want to carry a full backpack, especially to dinner. If you are travelling with a partner you can always discuss with them what makes most sense. Maybe one of you will carry the backpack and the other will carry something smaller .
- Mini sized toiletries – This is when the Sephora freebees come in handy. Stock up on things you already use in mini size through out the year and then you have them for travel. I get my face wash and face moisturizer this way. No need to buy minis! Also you would be surprised how many full sized items qualify for travel as well. Value size not so much.
- Silicone refillable bottles – I tend to use these more for shampoo and conditioner as they are easily transferable.
- Reusable water bottle – pack an empty bottle in your personal item. Fill it up once you get through security.
- Snacks – airport food is crazy expensive. Pack some snacks from home to save some money. We like to make a pizza the night before travel so we can pack cold slices for the flight if food is not included.
- Pens – forms, forms and more forms am I right?! Make sure to have a few pens packed so that you can fill out anything you need to on the plane.
- Moisturizer and lip balm – I may not be the type to do a whole in flight routine but I don’t like to dry out. Keep moisturizer and lip balm handy to feel soft and hydrated again.
- Painkillers and other medications – It is easy to get a headache with a long day of travel and little sleep. Always have Advil or your favourite painkillers handy. I also like to pack Melatonin and Magnesium to help combat jetlag. Don’t forget band aids and polysporin.
clear pouch // sneakers // scarf // ereader // tote // sweater // headphones // pouch // bottles // rain jacket
Travel essentials to pack if you aren’t going the carry-on route; a change of clothes. Whether that is just underwear, socks and a tee, maybe an extra bathing suit. The current luggage issues the world has been having I would rather be safe than sorry. Also you can trade some of your packing with your partner to ensure that at least some of your clothing makes it through.
What are your travel essentials?