Travel is one of our favorite things to do. I love any reason to travel, be it with just Andrew, all of us as a family, with friends, or even alone. Through the years I have had a lot of trial and error with travel items and that’s why this list of things you absolutely need for travel is my tried and true.
10 Things You Absolutely Need For Travel
Packing Cubes: I didn’t start using packing cubes until about 5 years ago and I don’t use them for every trip. If we are taking a longer trip or I am packing quite a bit more than normal I will use them. I find them really helpful as well for times I can’t fully unpack. We were in a hotel room last year where we didn’t have the room to unpack so it was great to be able to almost have “dressers” in my suitcase. I have underthings in one, pajamas in one, workout clothes, bottoms, and tops/dresses. So it was really easy to find what I needed.
Anker Plug/Chargers: I am a big fan of the Anker dual USB port charger for travel. I am able to charge my phone and Apple Watch at the same time! I also love the Anker portable chargers. These last so many full charges. Perfect for travel.
Collagen packets: I put Collagen in my coffee every day. So when I travel I don’t want to miss out on the benefits. I was so excited to discover the Collagen packets a few years ago. I take them on every trip and I even keep some in my car!
Best Travel Bags: When I travel I always take a large tote on planes and bring a smaller crossbody for daytime/walking around. My favorite larger tote for planes is this one. I also love my Beis belt bag.
Comfortable shoes: I feel like this is a no-brainer. I can’t pack uncomfortable shoes when I travel. These are my favorite sneakers for travel (cute and functional). I also love these Vince slip-on shoes.
Makeup remover cloth: I have raved about this so many times. This is such a staple for me at home and for travel. What I love about it for travel is it’s gentle so you don’t have to worry about scrubbing your face with a hotel towel. It gets ALL your makeup off with just water and then you can cleanse as usual.
Small travel-sized perfume: I use this at home too but this smell is seriously so good! They have a really small size for travel which is great.
Silk hair ties: Another item I use all the time but I love for travel because they don’t crease so it’s easy to throw your hair up while walking around and take it down for a picture without it looking terrible. They are also just super cute.
Barefoot dreams cardigan/socks: I always take a Barefoot Dreams cardigan on flights. It’s like wearing a blanket and they are so soft and cute. I also love their socks and pack them in case I get cold in hotel rooms.
Cheap Sunglasses: The last thing you want to do is lose or break expensive sunglasses on a trip. So I love taking a less expensive pair with me when I travel. If they go missing no big loss.
What is one of your biggest travel essentials?
This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated for 2024.
My list is very similar to yours! I always use packing cubes as well – they help SO much otherwise my suitcase would be a total mess. Thanks for sharing! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
These are such good travel items! We travel a lot and I swear by just leaving a toiletry baged packed with extras. It saves so much time!
I do that too!
Yes to comfy shoes, a small crossbody tote, and packing cubes! All these ideas are great. Awesome post!
Comfy shoes are a must! I travel with backpacks instead of totes just because it’s easier to have my hands free. One of my essentials is my kindle reader because I always have to have a good book with me!
Perfume rollerball is a great idea for travel. I hate feeling musty after being in the car all day.
Comfortable shoes and body spray are always my favorite travel items and travel essentials. Especially when I expect to have fun.
I haven’t tried collagen in my coffee but I hear it’s such a great habit. I always travel with my kindle, especially on long flights.
Ooo not thought of roller ball perfume before. also I could not agree more sensible flat shoes are a no brainer for sure xx
That’s true! Always make sure that you’re well-equipped with the essentials before travelling. It can save you from many regrets on the way.
I swear by packing cubes and have done for years! I recently discovered compression packing cubes and they are life changing! Great list of essentials! Charlie xo
Great list! I never thought about the cubes or the roller ball perfume. I always take more than 1 pair of sunglasses. I am the worst at loosing them… Thank God for for cute cheap Amazon & Target sunglasses! 😆
I have to confess that this is one of the things that I have a harder time deciding, no matter how long my trip will last, I usually carry with me at least three pairs of shoes. I know, it’s a big mistake, but today with the passage of time and bad experiences, I’ve learned to be more efficient! Excellent tips
Comfortable shoes and electronic chargers are top on my list! I never though about silk hair ties. I will have to buy a few.
This is such a great post. I’ve never used packaging cubes so will definitely look into them. As for the other things you talked about , I always bring them with me as well xx
This list comes just in time! We are preparing to go to hawaii and I havent even started packing!
My list is pretty similar to yours! I have a trip coming up in a few weeks. I will have to keep this in mind when packing
Thank you for writing this list. Certainly, large tote, comfortable shoes and hair ties keep you sane and these small things make a big difference on your comfort while travelling.
Comfy shoes are a must! I travel with backpacks instead of totes just because it’s easier to have my hands free. One of my essentials is my kindle reader because I always have to have a good book with me! use full information this blog
Hey, your ideas are superb, recently came across your blog and have learnt a lot. Thanks! Keep sharing your ideas with us.
Lovely blog, and helpful tips!
Awesome post, love this list! Thank you for sharing!
I hadn’t heard of packing cubes before…but they sound like a great idea!
Such a great list of travel essentials! I’m going to try using the packing cubes next time we travel!
Super helpful information! Traveling can be stressful when not knowing what to bring so this is helpful
Great tips! I haven’t tried the collagen packs yet, but have been hearing great things. Sounds like a must-try. Thanks for sharing!
I really appreciate your knowledge and writing style! Thanks for sharing useful information.
Hi is it possible to tell me where you got the white/cream bag in the photo i thought it would be under bags in your post but it is different ones you mention. Thanks