25 Travel Essentials to Pack for Every Trip

Obviously, you need to pack different clothes, shoes, and other basic items for each trip you take. But how many times do you show up at your destination and realize that there’s something else important that you forgot? For me, it happened way too often until I put tother this list of 25 items to pack for every trip! And don’t worry, everything on this list was selected while keeping space constraints in mind, so you’ll be prepared without adding tons of weight or bulk to your luggage. 

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1. Universal adaptor or multi-port charging block with extra-long cables 

Most of us can’t get through a whole day without our electronic devices, much less an entire trip! That means that one of the most important things to pack is your charging cables. If you are going international, make sure to bring the correct type of plug adapter for your destination. I like to use a universal adapter with multiple ports so that I can’t accidentally bring the wrong type and I can charge all my devices on one adapter. There’s no need for an adapter when staying in the US, but I still prefer having a different charging block than the one I use at home. A charging block with multiple ports and longer-than-normal charging cables are so nice to have when you’re not sure how many plugs you’ll have or where they’ll be located.

2. Packing cubes

Packing cubes not only help to keep your suitcase organized, but ensure that your clothes are as compressed as you can get them. Anything that saves space is an essential in my book, because my goal is always to pack the most clothes in the least amount of suitcase space possible!

3. Laundry bag 

As my trip goes on, I like to make sure to keep my clean and dirty clothes separate by putting anything dirty into a laundry bag. There’s no way for your yet-to-be-worn clothes to be tainted by your dirty clothes if they are sequestered into their own spaces. Plus, it takes up barely any room at all in your suitcase, and makes unpacking a breeze when you get home.

4. E-reader 

I love a paperback book as much as anyone, but sometimes there just isn’t the space for them when traveling. No need to sacrifice your traveling entertainment, though, because with an E-reader, thousands of books are still at your fingertips in an ultra-slim tablet format.  

5. Headphones or ear plugs 

If you prefer listening to music or watching videos on your phone to reading while traveling, don’t forget to pack a good pair of noise cancelling headphones. If you have enough space to spare in your bags, you can even bring a pair of over the earheadphones for extra comfort. Or maybe you just want to tune out everyone around you and get some rest! In that case, make sure to pack some earplugs.

6. Neck pillow

One of the best ways to pass time quickly on an airplane is to sleep. But you don’t want to fall asleep if you’re going to wake up with neck pain... That’s why bringing a neck pillow is essential. But I say “bring” instead of “pack” because the last thing I want is for my neck pillow to take up valuable suitcase room. Make sure it has a clip on it so it can be attached to the outside of your personal item or carryon without counting as a separate piece of luggage. And since it will be outside of your bag, make sure it also has a washable cover so that you can clean it between trips.

7. Rain gear

Unfortunately, it’s only a matter of time until it rains on you during your travels. If you have enough room in your bags to bring along a compact umbrella, that’s awesome! I usually prefer to pack a lightweight rain jacket if I’m headed somewhere that’s not too chilly. The best part of going with this option is that you can just wear it on the plane instead of packing it. If I’m going somewhere colder, I probably have big sweaters or larger jackets I’m planning on layering together, so I’ll pack a poncho that I can just throw over everything if the need arises (and if my largest jacket isn’t also waterproof).

8. Refillable liquid travel bottles

Ideally you wouldn’t need to travel with any liquids so you don’t have to deal with taking them out of your bag at security (if you don’t have TSA pre-check) or worry about them being too large. I think it might be impossible to travel completely liquid free, but you can make sure nothing exceeds size limits and gets confiscated by using TSA approved 3 oz bottles. Or if you’re not traveling for very long, save some space by using 2 oz liquid travel bottles instead for your shampoo, moisturizer, face wash, etc.

9. Sunscreen

One essential liquid for me is sunscreen, because I tend to spend a good chunk of time outside when I’m on vacation. I always try to pack my own to avoid paying resort/tourist prices for it at my destination. If you don’t need a specific kind, then a multipurpose moisturizer and sunscreen is always a good option.

10. Blister prevention tape and/or anti-chafing stick

Something else I do a ton of on vacation is walk. I choose outfits and shoes accordingly, but sometimes I misjudge something and end up chafing or getting a blister anyways. After a couple of misadventures, I always slip a few Band-Aids or strips of blister prevention tape and an anti-chafing balm into my bag; better safe than sorry!

11. Reusable water bottle

You can’t bring a full water through security, but you can bring an empty water bottle that you can fill up as soon as you get past it. With your own bottle, there’s no need to pay crazy airport prices for bottled water or wait for the flight attendants to reach your row to stay hydrated. And as long as it’s small enough to fit in a backpack side pocket or in your personal item, a reusable bottle is pretty easy to pack. Just make sure your bottle is insulated and has a secure lid to avoid having to deal with condensation or spills in/on your luggage. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also want to consider a water bottle with a filter.

Travel tip: Since ice is a solid, it makes it through TSA checkpoints without issues. Completely frozen water bottles and reusable water bottles filled with ice cubes are both fine!  

12. Tote or day bag, fanny pack, crossbody bag, or drawstring backpack

I almost always need a small bag during my trip, to carry around travel documents, tickets, cash, souvenirs, keys, and more. The specific type of bag I need will depend on the type of destination I’m heading to. In a big city, I’ll bring a small crossbody bag or fanny pack that I can keep essentials in (close to my body and safe from pickpockets). If I have a beach day or two planned, I’ll flatten a tote and pack it. If I’m going hiking, I’ll either bring a backpack as my personal item, and plan on emptying it and repurposing it as a hiking bag, or I’ll bring along a small drawstring backpack.

13. Compression socks

Wearing compression socks while you’re traveling can improve blood circulation. This will not only prevent any swelling caused by fluid buildup during long periods of inactivity, but can also reduce leg pain, heaviness, and fatigue, so you’re ready to go when you arrive at your destination! For shorter road trips or plane rides, these might not be required, but for anything over 6 hours they should make a big difference in how you feel when you arrive.

14. Waterproof phone lanyard

Just because your vacation plans include water, doesn’t mean you can’t keep your phone safely nearby. Pack a waterproof phone pouch, so you can keep your phone, and maybe some other small valuables, with you in the ocean, lake, hot springs, etc.

15. Wallet phone case

When you’re away from home, the less items you need to carry around and keep track of, the better. The most essential items are usually your phone, ID, and a credit card. Instead of carrying around a phone and a wallet separately, combine those by using a wallet phone case.

16. Travel laundry detergent/soap sheets

The easiest way to pack small is to only pack half of the clothes you need along with some laundry detergent sheets. You can wash everything in the sink or tub when necessary, and then mix and match pieces for a different look on the second half of your trip. If you’ve ever wondered how someone manages to go on a super long trip with just a carry on, this is how.

17. Stain remover wipes or pen

When I’m traveling, I find myself much more likely to be eating on the go. That can be dangerous in terms of dropping food on yourself, and you don’t want your vacation pictures ruined by stains! If you pack a few stain treater towelettes or a stain remover pen, you’re protected for when the inevitable happens.

18. Travel pill organizer

If you have any medications you take regularly, the normal packaging can waste a lot of space. Especially on short trips where you just need a few days’ worth, it can be easier and more space efficient to bring along a travel pill organizer with the exact number of doses that you’ll need.

19. Lip balm

A good lip balm is a necessity for me no matter where in the world I am. When I travel, I keep one in my pocket for easy access on the plane and then I move it into my purse or fanny pack once I arrive at my destination. Another option to make sure you have it handy at all times is to get a lip balm and mirror attachment that is sized to go on a pop socket or directly onto the back of your phone.

20. Moisturizing face mask

The recycled air on a plane can wreak havoc on your skin, and the liquid travel rules may prevent you from bringing along all of your usual skincare products. The best solution is to bring along a moisturizing face mask that you can use after your flight.

21. Snacks

Pricing at the airport can be insane, but if you don’t have your own snack options you may find yourself stuck paying them. I always try to toss a few protein bars, dried fruit, and/or trail mix into my bag for the plane. It’s not a snack per say, but taking along a few packets of electrolyte powder to mix into your water and make sure you stay hydrated on your trip is a good idea too. Plus, if you do any hiking on your vacation, all of these are good to have for that as well.

22. Basic medicines

There are a few basic medications that I take with me whenever I travel so that I don’t have to try to navigate a pharmacy in an unfamiliar place or miss out on something because I’m not feeling my best. I’ll pack a sleep aid (to use either on a long flight or if I’m having trouble sleeping in an unfamiliar place), painkillers, some anti-nausea meds in case I start to get carsick or seasick, and allergy or cold medicine in case I’m affected by weather differences or other seasonal factors at my destination. No need to bring along a ton of anything; just a few of each is usually sufficient to combat any issues that pop up.

23. Insect repellant

Nothing can take the joy of exploring a new place away faster than being attacked by bugs and then dealing with bites for the rest of your trip! Be prepared by packing a small bug repellent spray or bug repellant wipes that you can use as needed. This is an item you might not need for every trip, but when you do need it, you really need it.

24. Portable cell phone charger

If you’re navigating a new city, taking tons of pictures, and otherwise just using your phone, the battery may not last the entire day. Having a portable cell phone charger handy will ensure that you don’t have to fret about battery life or wait until you’re stationed next to an outlet for a while to charge up.  

25. Hanging toiletry bag

How you pack can be beneficial even after you arrive at your destination. Using a hanging toiletry bag not only keeps your toiletries organized in your suitcase, but saves counter space in the bathroom during your trip as well. If you’re traveling with others, it is nice not to have to compete with one another for space that is often limited to begin with.

A lot of these items I have exclusively for travel, so I’m able to keep them “kitted” and stored in my suitcase between trips. Obviously, you could just run down the list when you’re packing, but my final tip is to create your own little travel kit to help streamline the packing process and make your life a little easier!