Get my Ultimate Packing List: 25 Essential Travel Items
I always make sure to pack these incredible items for every trip!
Hello, fellow discoverers! I’m excited to share with you some of my treasure trove of travel wisdom β a meticulously curated list of 25 essential items that have been my faithful companions on every journey. As someone who has loves to travel the globe, I’ve come to realize the immense value of having a set of trusted essentials. These aren’t just items; they’re the tools that have smoothed the path for countless adventures, ensuring that each trip is as hassle-free as it is memorable.
Travel, in its essence, is a beautiful paradox. It’s both a leap into the unknown and a return to the inner self. There’s something undeniably magical about stepping into new lands, breathing in the unfamiliar air, and embarking on journeys that promise to transform us in ways we can’t even begin to fathom. But as exhilarating as it is to dive into the uncharted, itβs the small comforts and familiarities we carry along that anchor us. My travel essentials, which I am about to share with you, have been my anchor in the swirling seas of exploration.
So, as you gear up for your next adventure, whether it’s a solo expedition or a journey with loved ones (or new friends), remember that amazing travel isn’t just about the destination. It’s about how smoothly and joyfully you get there. It’s also about making you comfortable when you are there.
Disclosure: I earn a commission if you make a purchase through my links at no additional cost to you! I would never recommend anything I donβt personally use, and the income goes to keeping this site updated and free for everyone!
Universal Travel Adapter with International Wall Charger
This all-in-one travel adapter includes 4 different plugs that can cover over 150 countries. Charge up to 6 devices simultaneously at high speed with 4 USB-A ports (2.4A), 1 USB-C port (3A), and 1 AC socket.
My Personal Experience – I got this only about a year ago, but I absolutely love it. It is compact and can charge a lot of devices. Just make sure that you get a converter for those devices that need it! (there is one showing later on this list)
Clear TSA Approved 3-1-1 Travel Toiletry Bag for Carry On
This clear pvc bag with a zipper allows you (and TSA) to easily identify the contents. Use the toiletry bag handle to pull in and out of a purse or carry on bag for inspection. Itβs the perfect airplane liquid travel bag!
My Personal Experience – I recently transitioned to this as a travel my travel carry on bag. It more than exceeded my expectations. Plus you can fit so much into it and its so easy to carry and handle.
Digital Luggage Weight Scale
High-accuracy sensor and rubber-textured handle surface. Capacity: 110lb/50kg
My Personal Experience – I had a travel scale for many years, but kept running into an issue of inaccuracy of the manual scale. I jumped on this one when it went on sale. It was great – sometimes touchy, but it was exactly what I was looking for. Even better – I had to buy one for my parents too because my father wanted to steal mine!
Fitness Tracker
Move more: Heart Rate on Equipment via Bluetooth, 40+ Exercise Modes, Built-in GPS, Active Zone Minutes, Daily Readiness Score, 24/7 Heart Rate, All-day Activity Tracking, Cardio Fitness Level, Automatic Exercise Tracking, Workout Intensity Map and Reminders to Move
My Personal Experience – Now I know we all have some sort of tracker on our phone – but it does not always get the most accurate data when you carry it in your bag, or pocket. This fitness tracker allows you to get a more accurate read on all those important metrics!
Universal Travel Adapter 220V to 110V Voltage Converter with 6A 4-Port USB Charging
Converter for 110V Devices: Converts voltage in different countries including Australia (100-240V, 50/60Hz) to US/Japan voltage (110V, 60Hz), ideal for charging all kinds of devices. Charges 7 Devices Simultaneously: 4 USB charging ports with a combined 6A output, 3 AC sockets support Max 250W power
My Personal Experience – I needed a converter that would work for multiple devices when planning for my 4 country African adventures. Remember not all devices need a converter but some do. Check the voltage requirements before you travel!!
USB C Charger, 4-Port Slim Fast Wall Charger, with Dual USB C Ports
Charge 4 Devices Simultaneously: With two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports offering a total 65W of power, you can now charge your phone, tablet, laptop, and moreβall at the same time. Ultra Slim design
My Personal Experience – This is the newer version of the charging station I originally got for travel. It is slimmer and more light weight. An easier multi port charger that can be used on the go and at home. It allows you to charge almost all your devices at once!
Universal Phone Holder Mount
A Hands-free phone mount that is all about convenience, The strong clamp can attach to tables, luggage handles, gym equipment, and more, up to 1.5 inches wide. Fits most phone sizes.
My Personal Experience – I only recently decided to try this. I will admit I bought into the social media hype. But unlike some other products this one actually works. Its relatively light weight for its design and allows you to rest your neck and wrists during those travel hours.
Portable USB Rechargeable Handheld Mini Fan
Combined Fan + Flashlight + Backup Power Bank function. Up to 21 hours cooling time in one full charge. Super long battery life allows you to enjoy it while traveling, commuting, working and any other outdoor activities. This mini handheld fan is USB rechargeable through regular usb socket, laptop, power bank or car charger.
My Personal Experience – I will be honest, I did not expect amazing things from this product. I kept seeing this popping up all over my social media. I decided to try it as I was heading to South America and needed a small fan. This turned out to be a life saver. I used it everywhere and for all of its functions. This is a MUST HAVE!!!
Hard sided Expandable Luggage Set
The 20W, (10000mAh), USB-C port has enough power to charge an iPhone 12 to 50% in just 30 minutes. Also equipped with a 12W USB port if you need to charge a second device. Ultra Slim device.
My Personal Experience – I don’t go anywhere without my hard sided luggage. It is my number one travel requirement. After an experience with my luggage being destroyed on the way out to study abroad in college, I found that hard sided worked best for me. Even broken, hard sided handled travel better than others.
Portable Charger, USB-C Power Bank
High speed charging everywhere. This power bank has near the same fast charge as the one above, but it has extra storage to power even more devices. The 20W, 20000mAh, Power Delivery USB-C port has enough power to charge an iPhone 12 to 50% in just 30 minutes. Also equipped with an 18W USB port if you need to charge a second device.
My Personal Experience – This is the second power bank I got from this brand. I honestly cannot tell you how much I love this. I carry it everywhere in my purse! Power outages – no problem, stuck in the airport with no outlets – no issue. It is a little heavier than others I have used, but for me its worth it. I would get this again!
AirPods Pro Case Cover
This series of cases is meant to stand up to the true beatings we give our electronics cases. A Rugged protective case cover.
My Personal Experience -I don’t know about you, but I am ridiculously harsh to my electronics. I am an absolute klutz and well, things happen. I needed a case that not only would protect, but would also allow me to clip and keep hold of my AirPods and not lose the case. This was perfect. I love this case and haven’t had an issues with it. I have literally dropped this case and AirPods down the stairs and there was no damage.
USB C Charger 40W 2-Port, Foldable Fast Charger
Fast Charging, Works flawlessly with a wide range of mobile devices including phones, tablets, and more. Designed to be taken anywhere with a compact design and foldable plug.
My Personal Experience – Similar to the above option is this charging solution. It smaller, only two ports, but high speed charging as well as slim design makes it an easy option for quick charging while traveling. Only for devices with USB-C connections.
Slim Protective Ipad Case
A slim, yet protective case with 5 ft drop protection that supports you through daily life with its secure 8 angle magnetic stand whether youβre working, cooking, playing with the kids, or on the go. Also the company are proud to donate 10% of all profits to charitable causes, one of which is Children International
My Personal Experience – I have had a version of this case for every iPad I have ever had. This latest version is great. It’s ridiculously sturdy and can withstand an accidental drop down the stairs (Don’t ask how I know this). I have bought this case for both my parents as well. I cannot recommend this brand enough.
Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bucket Bag
This bag comes with a locking main compartment plus an organization compartment with RFID blocking card and passport slots. It has a slash-resistant body and adjustable, slash-resistant shoulder strap attaches to chair or post.
My Personal Experience – I had a smaller of this bag for over 10 years. When I needed to get a larger version for a longer trip, I found this one. It has so much room. I have stuffed it so full, and it still easier to wear. I even clip my bottle to the strap or shopping bags to remain handsfree. It is super easy to clean and I love the secure feeling it gives me. THIS IS ANOTHER MUST HAVE!!!!
Luggage Strap Suitcase Security Belt
Beautiful luggage and Add-A-Bag straps with prints of beautiful art masterpieces. Unique and colorful design makes it easy to identify your luggage during your travel. Both the strap, buckles and stitching are built to last many demanding trips.
My Personal Experience – These are gorgeous and sturdy. They are an added security for traveling and they also make identifying your bag that much easier. I have bought these for every person in my family. They come on every trip!
Travel Shoe Bags Waterproof Nylon with Zipper
Good design for home and travel use. Great for traveling, carrying shoes to & from the gym, or for keeping your shoes dust free in the closet. (Can also be used as makeup bag, toiletries bags and for other uses.)
My Personal Experience – I don’t know about you but I hate just putting my shoes in bags. Shoes are dirty and I hated the idea of them rubbing up against my clean clothes. These bags fit all sizes of my shoes and are great for keeping everything clean and happy in your suitcase.
Compression Packing Cubes
Smooth & Soft Nylon Fabric Protects Your Clothes from Wrinkles and Stains. Super Light Nylon Fabric and Considerate Designed Construction Ensures Storing Your Clothes Neatly in Luggage without Adding Extra Weight.
My Personal Experience – So honest opinion here – I use the bags on my travels, and they are great organizational bags, but they are only a 3/5 for compression. That of course has everything to do to what you pack inside as well as how much you stuff. I found a better ‘compression’ brand, but I still love these for their organization and their ability to semi compress things. Every trip for 2 years have seen me with these in my luggage.
Water Filter Bottle with 2-Stage Integrated Filter Straw
With advanced water filtration, this bottle protects against, microplastics, chlorine, organic chemical matter and sand, dirt, cloudiness and more; improves taste. This bottle has been made to last.
My Personal Experience – I got this for travelling through South America. It is a slightly heavier, but the peace of mind it gave me to have drinkable water available at any time made me extremely happy. I also love this brand for their values and their charitable donations as well.
Fire TV Stick
Stream more than 1.5 million movies and TV episodes from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock, and more, plus listen to millions of songs. Subscription fees may apply.
My Personal Experience – Ok this might be too much to bring for some people, but I love bring this with me. I have access to ALL my streaming (or at least the ones accessible with wifi in the countries I visit) along with my own purchased movies. Almost every hotel room has the ability to connect these and it allows me to just plug in and play my own entertainment. I bring this on every trip now.
Moisture Proof Pill Organizer
Fully sealed gasket makes this pill box moisture proof, temperature resistant to hold and prevent vitamins damage and to store your pills in dry condition.
My Personal Experience – Okay another honesty point… I got this for a trip and then never used it. I didn’t think it had enough storage, and I was also worried about foreign travel without the actual medication boxes. However I have since used this to travel to three countries in South America and fell in love with it. It was a great addition to my carry on bag, and stored more than enough for my 3 week trip. I now take it on every trip!
Small (but Mighty) Bluetooth Speaker
A mini speak that packs a punch. This small bluetooth speaker is engineered to deliver an audio experience that transcends its compact size. With a focus on premium sound quality, it boasts high-fidelity audio reproduction that brings out the subtleties in your music. It provides an impressive 10 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge.
My Personal Experience – I love this little speaker. I have had others, some smaller some larger. This one beats the others in my opinion. It has great sound quality for the size and is great for improving your listening experiences on all your bluetooth compatible devices. I take this everywhere when traveling, and all around my house too!
Reusable Wine Bags
Wine bottle bags with thick durable outside plastic and inner bubble bag attached and bonus removable bubble bag.
My Personal Experience – Ok, so this is not a pack for every trip, but it is essential for any trip where I visit wineries, which I LOVE to do! These keep the bottles safe and secure until you can drink the wine at home. They are also a great way to transport delicate items home as well.
Electronics Travel Organizer Bag
Convenient carry handle, allows you to easily take this out of luggage and put it next to you when you are working or traveling. Plenty of room to hold small electronics and the dividers come in handy when you are trying to split certain items apart from others.
My Personal Experience – I have been through many options for electronic storage, and yes this bag is a bigger and bulkier option. However it stores everything I need and keeps it absolutely safe. It keeps everything together, and along with velcro cord organizers keeps everything in the place I put it. I use this bag on every extended trip I take.
Audible Membership
You can stream and download thousands of shows, books and titles from the Plus Catalog. Want to give this as a gift – Here’s a link!
My Personal Experience – Now this isn’t a product as the other listings, but this is something that is a must have for the literary enthusiast to have while traveling. At least in my opinion. There are times you can’t have your devices out to read on, or you are unable to pull out a book or magazine. When this happens but you still want entertainment of a literary adventure or that must listen to podcast… this app, and its membership, come in handy. It’s an investment… but honestly sometimes listening to a book is just what I need when driving or sitting in that foreign hospital room (Yes this happened to me!)
Amazon Prime (Video) Membership
An Amazon Prime membership includes various perks, including free delivery options and streaming, shopping and reading benefits
My Personal Experience – Another not an product/item, but honestly one of the best investments I have made. Prime member ship has provided not only free shipping on selected items, but access to music, video and many other things.