Packing Your Travel Essentials List? Here Are 18 SUPER Useful Things To Pack For Your Next Trip

Time to pack your travel essentials list!

You know that feeling when you’re packing up your suitcase and backpack for a trip, and you think you have packed everything you think you’re going to need, plus a couple of other things.

However, there’s still a lingering ~feeling~ that makes you believe that you have forgotten something, and it’s ✨annoying✨ , to say the least. 

Yeah, me too, and I don’t like it. 

No matter how many times I have packed my suitcase, packed the same couple of things on almost every trip, I always seem to almost forget at least one until I rack my brain of each last thing. 

Well, my travel friends, I don’t want you to go through that same thing because packing your travel essentials should be FUN.

I want you to feel like the packing part is a part of the whole travel experience (because also why would you be packing if you weren’t traveling, right? Right).

But in all seriousness, it should be a fun process, or in the least, a process that is not as stressful as it for some people. 

You don’t have to be one of those who experience panicked, frantic packing.

So, to help you out a bit, I decided to compile a list of my MOST, TOP, MUST-HAVE things to pack for your next trip because these are items that I personally do not travel without, and they are things that I frankly think you should be at least aware of that you may want to pack for your next trip.

That way you don’t forget about those little (but super handy) things like a travel plug converter for your next trip. 

So without further ado, let’s get to it!

Here are the 18 things to pack for your next trip – let me know what kinds of things you pack for your trips that are your must-haves in the comments below! 

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Packing Your Travel Essentials List? Here Are 18 SUPER Useful Things To Pack For Your Next Trip

Jewelry travel organizer

If you wear jewelry, and you think you need to pack all those 5 necklaces just in case, make sure you pack them adequately with a jewelry travel organizer. These are super handy, provide easy access to all your rings, bracelets, and necklaces in one place, and of course, help prevent your necklaces from getting tangled!

Y’all! I don’t know about you, but before using these, It would hurt a little packing my necklaces all in their perfect, untangled state, knowing full well that they weren’t going to arrive in the same condition unless I packed them strategically.

This case is a must and something that could save your jewelry and sanity when packing.

Bonus necklace packing hack: if you’re packing really delicate necklaces, use a metal straw and loop them through the straw, and close the clasp. This will help them not get jumbled, place them in between clothes or a dust bag, and ta-da! They’re tangle-free.

Reusable silicone bottles 

 

Although I’m personally trying to transition more into exploring and using more plastic-free bar alternatives as I travel, I used these reusable silicone bottles to pack my shampoo/conditioner toiletries for a while now.

It’s a great alternative if there isn’t a bar for the specific product you’re looking for, and/or you need to bring some kind of liquid toiletry.  

What I really like about these reusable silicone bottles is that they truly are leak-proof, and I’ve never had any issues with them when passing through TSA.

Read More: The Best Plastic-Free Toiletry Alternatives For Hair, Skin, and Body

Infinity scarf 

An infinity scarf is kind of a staple item in the wardrobe of any traveling female, as it will serve as a makeshift pillow, blanket, shawl, a headscarf if you’re entering a holy space, and other creative uses, at some point in the trip.

These days they’re getting creative, and making scarves like this one that’s got zippers!

Not only does it do all those things I mentioned earlier, but it can also carry your passport or money.

So, as you can see, there is more than one use for the infinity scarf and it’s a good idea to get one if you don’t have one yet!

If anything, you’ll be able to use it as a blanket on your cold flight, instead of using the blankets that come on the flight that are most likely not the cleanest.

Speaking of, if you’re looking for what to bring in your in-flight essentials bag, download my free checklist of items that I personally recommend you to bring, to make your flight that more comfortable, smoother, and cleaner! Just leave me your email and I’ll send it right to your inbox, FO FREE!

Good pair of walking shoes

I know the chunky sneaker is in, but when you’re trying to minimize the weight and space in your suitcase, an alternative might be the best option!

Consider a shoe that is both stylish, will go with anything, lightweight, and most importantly, comfortable. Yes, this combination exists out there, and you can start with these.

I also really like using my Vans in white, which I know, can be messy especially as you’re walking all over, but I just make sure to wipe off any dirt at the end of the day, and that’s been working for me.

Add even more comfort to your sightseeing and consider buying shoe inserts like these that are designed for stress and strain and muscle soreness from constant walking. 

Portable steamer

Maybe one of those you didn’t think about at first, but hold on, it makes sense.

It’s one of those items that you wish you had when you start pulling your clothes out of your suitcase, and you don’t see iron in sight.

Yes, you can pop it in the bathroom as you shower with really hot water, but it’s never a really guarantee – hot water availability or that it will work.  And before you think of using a straightener – unless you like clamp marks all over your clothes, it probably won’t be a good look. 

A portable steamer like this one is what I personally use, and love how small and compact it is!

It helps keep my folded-up clothes looking way less wrinkled while on the road.

Good pair of noise-canceling headphones

I just started using noise-canceling headphones this year, and while I have been traveling locally, taking a few road trips with family, I have realized how amazing these can be when you’re trying to read a book, work on something, or just focus without distraction.

I personally LOVE these noise-canceling headphones, and I can’t recommend them enough.

I love the sound quality that is not sacrificed, as I have noticed with a few other noise-canceling headphones, as well as the different functionalities with sound quality, depending on if you’re in a busy setting, moving around, or staying in one place, as it will detect via the app and adjust so you don’t miss out on anything that you may need to hear outside, like the next train stop or the pilot speaking.

These are a must to pack into your bag!

Suitcase/ Backpack

A suitcase, whether it’s a small one that fits in the overhead bin on the plane or one you’ll need to check-in, make sure you look for the following when shopping for one: 

• The outside material: a hard shell will be durable, easier to clean off scuff marks, while a soft material will possibly absorb more impact (you know, for when they’re just throwing these suitcases onto/off the plane) so it won’t crack. It’s really up to preference, but consider what you’ll be packing inside and make a decision off of that. I personally use a hard shell, and I really like it! 
• The size of the suitcase: make sure that you check in with what the standard size for suitcases are on major flights, and if you’re looking for a carry-on, make sure you look for what is the size allowed, and their policy on sizing, and what is allowed on board. 
• How many wheels are on it: Do you prefer 4-wheels that glide through airports, or 2-wheels that you’ll need to tilt in order to wheel out your bag? 
• The inside components: Do you like how the inside is divided and compartmentalized? Does it have enough pockets, and do you like where they’re placed? 

As you can see, there are a couple of things to check out when looking for your ideal suitcase. 

Depending on what your activity will be abroad, how long you’ll be traveling for, and if you’ll be on the move often, you’ll want to look into a suitcase or a backpack even, which I also prefer if it’s a short distance trip, like this one.

I am a fan of Samsonite suitcases, from their minimalist style, sturdy build, and always complying with the sizes (some other brands aren’t exactly honest about their sizing..).

I personally have been using my Samsonite suitcase for the last 4 years, and I’ve been loving it.

This one is a similar model to the one I am currently using and loving.

Day travel bag 

A sturdy, good-sized travel day bag is almost as important as your suitcase, and the shoes you choose to walk all over with.

Why? Because you must make sure that it is the size you’re looking for (think of all the things you may put in there – water bottle, wallet, umbrella, camera, scarf, all your in-flight essentials, etc.) or maybe a fanny pack (waist bag for all my British readers) may be enough for you, but regardless, make sure to consider what you will need during the day while you roam the streets of a different city, and pack it in!

I personally love the Kånken backpack, and it’s my go-to these days as my day bag wherever I am traveling. From exploring the city to taking walks in the park, it’s so easy to carry all my things and in-flight essentials inside this backpack, and it goes with virtually everything. 

Speaking of, if you’re looking for what to bring in your in-flight essentials bag, download my free checklist of items that I personally recommend you to bring, to make your flight more comfortable!

Read More: The 8 Best Travel Day Bags For Every Occasion

Reusable laundry bag 

The more you go through your clothes, the more you’re going to need a bit of a system to reorganize and separate the clean from the dirty. A reusable laundry bag is absolutely a must, and best of all, it is super easy to travel with, makes it easy to carry your laundry when you wash it either at a laundromat or the sink of your Airbnb/hostel. I can’t recommend this little but useful item, so make sure to pack your own!

Nail kit

Again, it’s one of those things that you don’t think about, but are grateful to have when you need it.

You really just never know, and also, who likes the feeling of outgrown nails?

Take care of your nails while you travel and pack one of these nail kits in, friends!

Handheld mirror

I’ve stayed in some pretty awesome, central Airbnb’s with all the bells and whistles, except for one thing.

Good lighting!

Either the bathroom had terrible yellow lighting (y’all know which one I’m talking about!) or the bedroom windows don’t really have a mirror placed where the lighting hits well.

Enter the handy handheld mirror you brought!

Handheld mirrors are lightweight, easy to pack in your suitcase, and one of those things you’re glad to pop out when you need it!

You can plop yourself anywhere you want with good lighting. It doesn’t have to be anything big, but something that can at least help you get ready for your day of walking and exploring.

Universal travel adaptor 

Sometimes forgotten, but super helpful when you’re trying to charge your phone first thing upon arriving in a new city in a foreign country!

First off what’s the difference between a travel adaptor and a converter?

An adaptor is basically the piece that allows you to connect your device’s prong style into one side of the adaptor, while you connect the other side with the country’s style prong to the outlet, and ta-da!

Although it may look like that’s it, it’s not.

I used to think it was, and it messed up my phone’s battery life while I was living in Spain.

You’ll need the converter, which will convert the voltage difference between outlet and device, so make sure to bring both!

Lucky for us, nowadays we can get an all-in-one type of converter/adaptor like this one, and be done with it!

I still have mine that is two separate pieces, but I am considering “upgrading” to one like this power adapter to save space, and add ease!

Reusable bottle of water

One thing I recommend when you’re planning your travel essentials list is to research the city’s tap water, and if it’s safe to drink for visitors.

There are many cities in the world with safe tap water to drink straight from (and some that are unsafe, too), but you’ll never know until you do a bit of your research before. 

If you have verified that it is safe, then pack it in your water bottle!

Reduce plastic use, and go for something sustainable or something collapsable like this water bottle!

Also, it’s a good way to save on buying $7 water at the airport, just bring in your empty water bottle, refill it at a water fountain after security, and keep it for the flight.

I personally love using the Sip by Swell water bottle because it’s small enough to put in your backpack without weighing it down, while still offering a decent capacity of 15oz (450 ml). 

It’s stainless steel, so it keeps cold water cold pretty much all day, it doesn’t sweat on the outside so it won’t get your bag wet, so much more. 

Speaking of, if you’re looking for what to bring in your in-flight essentials bag, download my free checklist of items that I personally recommend you to bring, to make your flight that more comfortable!

Camera 

Ok, yes, we have iPhones, but do we have enough memory for all the photos and videos we want to take?

Maybe, maybe not.

But regardless, even having a simple point-and-shoot camera, which is personally what I use for my own memories and photos I use on my blog and on IG.

They’re small, easy to put in your day bag, and offer great quality when taking photos and videos, so I definitely never leave without mine!

It’s one of the first things I charge and pack in my suitcase and a staple on my travel essentials list.

The Canon PowerShot (pictured above) is the camera I currently use, and it’s actually the first camera I got when I studied abroad in Greece. It’s not a DSLR, but the quality of the photos that I take and share on the blog are really good in my humble opinion, and for the size of this camera, I would say I am very happy with it and will continue to use it for my future travels.

Portable phone battery 

You just never know when your phone or devices, but most likely your phone, is going to run out of battery. 

It’s always a good idea to have a backup, especially when you’re probably using google maps on it, texting your friends where you are or confirming where you’re going, or posting on IG.

Whatever you’re using your phone for, an external battery is a good purchase and a good thing to pack into your electronics bag!

Local currency 

I’ve mentioned it before in previous posts, but I cannot stress enough the importance of carrying at least a little bit of local currency (bills and coins) in your bag. 

You may fly into an airport, with buses that only accept cash, or it may be possible that the ATM machine is broken, and you’re virtually stuck without money until you find a working one or a place that accepts cards.

Regardless of the different scenarios, you may find yourself in, I always think it’s a good idea to pack in some cash, whether or not you decide you’re going to be paying in cash during the whole trip, or just upon arrival.

Exchange a bit at home, and don’t forget to pack it in!

Read More: 28 Tips To Keep In Mind When Planning An International Trip

Travel passport/document organizer

It keeps everything in one place: your passport, a handy pen (also useful to pack!), money/credit cards to use while you’re traveling so you’re not taking out a bunch of wallets, boarding pass, any paper documents such as reservations or codes, your phone, etc.

When you travel, there’s always those core items you need to keep on hand (literally), and the best way to do so, and be ready to present any of those items, is a handy little travel wallet/passport folder. 

I personally use this one, and I like this one because it has a zipper, and being that sometimes paranoid traveler I can be, it gives me peace of mind that all my things will not just slip out and into the abyss of a crazy airport, and also if it has some kind of handle to hold on to easier, or loop through your wrist, the better!

Umbrella

Why stand under someone else’s umbrella when you have yours, amirite?

Before you dismiss this item, again let me just say, it’s one of those things that you’ll be happy you have when it starts raining (don’t we all have at least ONE day of rain on our travels?).

Lucky for us, umbrellas come in all sorts of sizes these days, so rest assured that you can find a small one like this one that fits into your day bag. 

Concluding thoughts on packing your travel essentials list

I know that when I first planned out my first trip and prepared my first suitcase/bag, I really didn’t know what to bring, what I’d need, what I could/should buy abroad, and what would be better off to take from home.

Now, that I have packed my suitcase a few times, I wanted to share my experience, recommended resources and general items/things I like to pack in my suitcase/bag/backpack, and share with you, in case you may need some ideas – whether it’s your first trip, or you’re just looking for handy items you didn’t think of before!

Don’t forget to check out the FREE In-Flight Essentials Check List for smooth travels, and peace of mind that you got all that you need! Just leave me your email down below, and I’ll send it to you in a bit!

Let me know what YOUR go-to item to pack in your suitcase is in the comments below!

To more fun, out of this world travels, with the right gear,

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