13 Essential Travel Items You Should Pack for Every Trip

On average, employees in the U.S. with a one-year tenure get 10 days of paid vacation. 15 for those who’ve been with the same company for five years, and 20 for those with a 20-year tenure.

It may not be a lot, compared to other countries, but a vacation leave is a vacation leave! You’d want to take advantage of that, like the 62% of Americans who did in 2017.

After all, stress-free vacations are great for both your mind and body. Science even says so.

To keep your vacation stress-free though, there are certain travel items you should bring along with you.

But don’t worry! We’re here to be your travel guide so you can pack smarter and avoid headaches during your vacay.

Check out this ultimate list of must-have travel items every wanderer needs!

1. Durable, Water-Resistant Suitcase or Backpack

Let’s start with where you’re going to pack all your stuff first. The last thing you want is stuff all these must-have things to bring on a trip in a shabby bag.

So, invest in a hardy suitcase or camping backpack. That’s whether or not you plan to take a lot of trips. Go for something that’s water-resistant, or better yet, a waterproof one.

2. Must-Have Techy Travel Items

When packing for a trip, your smartphone may not be the only gizmo you’d want to bring. If you’re doing a lot of sight-seeing near or in the water (snorkeling, diving, etc.), then bring your waterproof camera too. If you don’t have one, get your smartphone a waterproof case.

A power bank that can juice up your phone’s battery is especially useful for long trips. It’s also a good idea to bring an outlet adaptor to ensure you can plug up your devices without problems.

Life Pro Tip: Data roaming rates when traveling abroad can give you a huge shock. If you’re staying in another country for more than a few days, get an international sim card. In countries like Indonesia (also one of the cheapest countries to visit), you’ll find sim cards with 24 GB of data for only $13!

If you only need your phone for directions (hello, Google Maps), then consider downloading an offline map. With this, you can use the app even without Internet. Make sure you have enough phone storage though.

3. Drybag

You never know when the weather can turn for the worse. A drybag protects your electronics and other important stuff (like a few change of clothes) during sudden downpours. Plus, it’s a convenient and handy storage for items you want with you during water activities.

4. Travel Document Organizer

Passport, check. Booking receipts and travel itineraries, check. Cash and cards, check.

Now, where to put all these so that you don’t have to rummage through your purse or backpack?

In a travel document organizer, that’s where.

These wallet-like accessories allow you to keep all your important documents in one place.

You’ll even find some featuring water-resistant materials, which make them another travel essential.

Bonus Tip: Fly like a pro for less by taking advantage of frequent flyer programs! It’s a great way to trim down your holiday expenses, since you’ll have less to pay for. In fact, if you rack up enough points, you may even get a free flight.

5. Scarf

Did you know that planes aim to keep cabin temperatures at around 72 degrees Fahrenheit?

For the crew members with layers of uniform, that’s comfy enough. But for the flyers (especially those going to and dressed for the tropics), it can be quite chilly.

So, arm yourself with a scarf. It’ll keep you warm throughout the flight, and stylish at that. If you have a large one, you can even transform it into a blanket!

6. Travel Blanket

If you don’t have a big or thick enough scarf that can serve as a blankie, then pack a separate travel blanket. Even if you do have a scarf, a blanket is still a great travel companion since you can use it as a pillow! You can even place it on your seat for extra cushioning effect.

7. Good Pairs of Footwear

Whether it’s to see the wonders of Italy or go on an adventure in Oz, never forget to pack well-fitting footwear. That includes flip flops and multi-purpose shoes (like sneakers or the ones you use for jogging).

Water-resistant flip flops aren’t only for beachgoers out there. They’re thin and flat, so you don’t have to worry about luggage space. Most of them are also slip-resistant, making them great footwear in the shower too.

Multi-purpose shoes also offer a comfortable yet stylish way to protect your feet. They’re great for casual or leisurely walks, but can also be dressy enough to get into a bar or restaurant. Plus, they dry fast, so you don’t have to worry about carrying excess water weight.

8. Key Organizer

House and car keys are amongst the most common items Americans misplace. In fact, a quarter of U.S. adults say they misplace theirs a couple of times a week.

Losing your house or car keys before your flight can result in your being late to the airport.

Worse, you may even end up missing your flight! Either way, it’s a disaster you want to avert.

That’s why you need a key holder in your life. Not only will it organize your keys in one place; it’ll even let you clip or attach it to yourself for safety (and less likelihood of forgetting where you placed them!). You’ll even find key organizers that come with techy features, such as USBs, and utility tools.

That’s one holder you’d want to hold on for a long time (sorry).

9. Earphones/Headphones

Let’s face it. We’ll always encounter boisterous people wherever we go, whichever transportation we board. From airports to planes, buses to trains, even where we’re staying.

All the noise can make you annoyed, even frustrated. Not a good way to start your vacay. So, come prepared, and bring a good pair of earphones or headphones.

If you don’t have any yet, now’s a good time to invest in one. A good feature to look for is noise cancellation. This’ll ensure you can listen to your favorite tunes without outside interruption.

If you want to listen to nothing at all, then you may want to opt for ear plugs instead. In any case, both will let you nap or sleep in peace, wherever you may be.

10. Reading Materials

Most airlines recommend their passengers to be at the airport between two and three hours before their flight. For international flights, you need to be there even earlier!

Even if you’re taking a bus or a train, you still want to be at the station early. That way, you won’t have to worry about missing it. Plus, it’s a great way to secure a good seat (by the window, especially if there’s a lot of scenery to marvel at).

Unless you plan on sleeping at the airport, talking to a lot of people, or staring at your phone during the wait, then bring a good read. It can be anything, from a book you haven’t read to a travel guide to your destination. It’s also a great way to pass the time during long distance travels.

11. Sleep Mask

Don’t forget to add a sleep mask in your list of solo road trip essentials. In fact, even if you’re holidaying with the fam or friends, you’d benefit from one. Science backs this up.

Since a sleep mask blocks all light from your eyes, it makes the brain act the way it does at night – produce melatonin. This sleep hormone tells your body that it’s time to sleep (or wake up).

As such, when you wear one even during the day, you’ll find it easier to fall asleep. Pair it up with noise-cancelling earphones, headphones, or plugs, and you may even find yourself waking up only when it’s time to disembark.

12. First Aid Kit with Basic Toiletries

Not all lodging and accommodations offer free toiletries, nor do all of them have first aid kits.

You don’t have to bring your entire medicine cabinet, but you do want some of the following when you go on a trip:

• Plasters
• Gauze dressings
• Bandages
• Cleaning solutions for cuts
• Cleansing wipes
• Hydrocortisone or other skin rash cream
• Painkillers for adults, paracetamol for kids, and antihistamines

Pack bath essentials too, such as small bars of soap and packets of shampoo and/or conditioner. If you’re traveling by plane, keep the liquid ones to a minimum of 100ml (or less).

Anything more than this, and you won’t be able to bring it inside the plane.

13. Light Snacks

Airports in the U.S. can charge as much as 10% more for foods and drinks. Aside from being pricier, you don’t even get a lot of choices.

So, instead of relying on airport restaurants or fast food, why not buy a few from the local supermarket or grocery? They’ll cost you a lot less, plus you get to choose whichever you fancy.

This is especially helpful if you’re going on a long-distance travel.

Even if you’re not flying, light snacks are still travel essentials. Whether on a bus, a train, or a car, snacks like cookies, bread, or granola will keep you from starving.

Travel Without the Hassle with these Trip Essentials

These travel items are great for all kinds of travelers out there. Whether you’re someone with a strong wanderlust, a wayfarer, a road tripper, or a frequent flyer, having these things during your travels will keep hassles at bay.

Want more travel pro tips to get the most out of your holidays? Then make sure you head over to our blogsite!