I’ve been so lucky to get back into the habit of traveling often this year. During the pandemic, our travel plans were almost nonexistent. So, it feels extra wonderful to be traveling regularly again. Although it is certainly exhausting at times (especially if it’s a work trip), most of the time traveling is pure fun! Between my recent trips to Dallas, Big Sky, Nevis, Boca Grande, and Costa Rica, I feel like I’ve got packing down to a science. Today I’m going to share 17 travel essentials that I bring on every trip. These include everything from my favorite suitcase to the best toiletry bottles. I’m also going to throw in a few travel tips, so be sure to read until the end!
What Travel Essentials Do I Need?
If you’re planning for a summer vacation, you’re probably asking yourself two things. “Where should I go?” along with “What should I pack?” For the first question, I have a lot of great travel recommendations! My previous posts on the 10 best resorts in Florida, the best resorts in the Southeast, and the Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón are all worth checking out.
For the latter, there is so much to consider when packing – the weather, the location, who you’re packing for, etc. In this post, I’m going to share 17 travel essentials that I always pack for a trip, no matter the circumstances. These are items such as packing cubes, pill organizers, and portable chargers. I highly recommend that these travel essentials are on everyone’s packing list! And if you’re looking for more specific packing recommendations, such as clothing and accessories, be sure to check out what I packed for Boca Grande and my spring break packing list.
17 Travel Essentials
Without further adieu, here are my top 17 travel essentials. Each of these products truly makes my life easier when traveling. These travel must-haves also make wonderful gifts for anyone with an upcoming vacation!
Jet Setter Travel Pillow
Not all travel pillows are created equal – and this one is a step above the rest! If you have a long flight or even a lengthy car ride, a good pillow is absolutely a travel essential. What I love about this one is that the pillowcase is made with Slipsilk, which is incredibly soft and comfortable. This product includes a travel pillow, a silk pillowcase, and a convenient carry bag that fits over a wheelie suitcase.
Mark & Graham Checked Luggage
Speaking of wheelie suitcases, this one from Mark & Graham has been a tried and true favorite of mine – I first wrote about it way back in 2017 when sharing gift ideas for jetsetters! Six years later and I’m still a fan. Obviously, the design is stylish and classic, but even more important, the quality is excellent. This travel essential is lightweight, has wheels that spin 360 degrees, and features a TSA-approved personal lock.
Personalized Acrylic Luggage Tag
Be sure to top off your suitcase with a luggage tag! How cute is this personalized acrylic one? I love the fun shadow monogrammed print and it is super affordable (under $5!) This travel essential would also make a wonderful gift – it’s perfect for bachelorette parties or even as a teacher appreciation gift!
World Travel Adapter Kit
This world travel adapter kit is a must, especially if you’re traveling to other countries. It features two USA outlets and two USB quick charge ports. Honestly, these are great even for travel here in the States because we all know what it’s like if you don’t have enough outlets near a nightstand or in a bathroom. Additionally, it includes six types of international adaptors. This travel essential will definitely be in my suitcase for our month spent in Spain this summer.
Portable Handheld Steamer
If a portable steamer isn’t already on your travel essentials list, it’s time to invest in one! The good news is that not only does this handheld steamer have a sleek design and cute color, but it’s also affordable (currently on sale for under $60). It is lightweight and long-lasting and you can steam clothes from any angle without leaving drops of water behind!
Rejuvenating Hand Sanitizer
Packing hand sanitizer while traveling is a no-brainer. However, this isn’t your typical hand sanitizer. Touchland Glow Mist Rejuvenating Hand Sanitizer not only smells wonderful (with a scent of rosewater and blackcurrant buds), but it is also moisturizing and helps restore the skin’s youthful glow.
Leakproof Travel Bottles
We’ve all been there, the dreaded moment when shampoo spills all over your suitcase and your trip begins with a mini meltdown over stained clothing. It’s the worst! I’ve learned that finding travel essentials that are actually leakproof is a must. First up, these silicone toiletry bottles. They are TSA-approved, don’t drip, come in a ton of color options, and are affordable (a 4-pack is under $15).
Cadence Capsule Systems
My next leakproof travel essential is a Cadence Capsule System. These storage capsules are magnetic, leakproof, and fully customizable. I love that they can all “stick” together, so I don’t have to dig through my purse to find them. And of course, I love the colors and the ability to label each tile individually. Not only do I use these while traveling, but also I carry them daily in my purse. They can hold pills, lotion, face creams, snacks…the possibilities are endless!
Mini Portable iPhone Charger
This portable iPhone charger checks all the boxes. It’s compact, has a built-in lightning connector (no other cords necessary), and has a great storage capacity. Plus, it’s affordable at only $26.
Hanging Expandable Packing Cube
This hanging expandable packing cube is another genius travel essential from Mark & Graham. You begin by using it as a packing cube in your luggage, filling each slot and zipping it closed. Then, when you arrive at your destination, simply unzip and expand it into a hanging closet. I only recently tried this product, but I was instantly hooked! It keeps my clothes organized and saves so much time not having to unpack upon arrival.
Phone Card Case
I’ve found that this travel essential makes going through airport security and shopping while on vacation much less stressful. It’s the little things, right?! Having your ID and credit cards easily accessible without having to dig through your purse is so convenient. Plus, I’m loving this cute Neely and Chloe x Addison Bay print!
Handheld Mini Fan
Traveling somewhere warm? This handheld mini fan is a lifesaver and it’s currently on sale for under $15. Not only is it a sleek fan, but it is also a flashlight and a backup phone charger! This Amazon find comes in five color options and is especially wonderful if you’re traveling to Disney.
Moistureproof Pill Organizer
I’ve tried many different pill organizers and this is my current favorite. First, I love that it’s moistureproof, keeping your pills protected. Second, I love that there are separate daily pill organizers inside. If you’re traveling for just one or two days, you can simply pack the smaller organizers. But, if you’re traveling for an entire week and need to carry a lot of different medications, the organization is wonderful!
Clear Travel Cosmetic Case
I like to have separate makeup bags for traveling and for use at home. The main reason for this is I typically don’t need to take my entire makeup collection with me while traveling. Therefore, I will just grab the products I do need and pack them in a different makeup bag. I love the clear wipeable material of this travel cosmetic case and the fun monogram option!
Clear Travel Pouch
Another clear bag favorite, these pouches are always one of my top travel essentials. They are cute and durable, and make going through airport security a breeze! They come in a pair of two with six different color options.
Hanging Toiletry Bag
I’ve used this hanging toiletry bag for years and it continues to be at the top of my travel essentials list. Packing my toiletry items into the pouch and easily unfolding it upon arrival makes for such convenient unpacking. It is durable and waterproof and I love how it easily displays all of my items so I don’t have to go searching. Plus, the customization and design options are endless (and super cute!)
Packing Cube Set
Last, but certainly not least, a high-quality packing cube set is a must. I don’t want to be dramatic, but the first time I used packing cubes was life-changing! They make packing and unpacking significantly easier, keep items organized, and protect things like dirty shoes from rubbing off on clean clothes. I must warn you, all packing cubes are not created equal. I purchased a set on Amazon and the quality was so awful that it barely lasted one trip. However, this blue-striped set from Mark & Graham has been wonderful!
Additional Travel Tips
I know there is so much that goes into planning and executing a vacation – packing your travel essentials is just one piece of the pie! Over the years I’ve shared a lot of information about traveling – everything from my favorite places to stay to tips for traveling with children. If you have an upcoming vacation, here are some additional blog posts you might find helpful:
What to Pack in a Kids’ Airplane Bag
My Top Travel Essentials
I hope you’ve found this list of travel essentials to be useful and that it helps make packing for your next vacation just a bit easier. I know that traveling can sometimes be stressful, especially if children are coming along. However, I always try to focus on the positive and take in the amazing adventure of experiencing this beautiful world. I’ve found that having a great vacation packing list and being prepared allows me to do this more smoothly. Are there travel essentials that I’ve forgotten? What else should I add to the list? Feel free to comment below with your favorites – they might be helpful to other travelers as well!
