Before you leave for your next vacation, check out my must-have list of 17 essential items every traveler needs. Every time I pack my bags for a vacation, I always include these 17 essential travel items because they make my travels easier and more comfortable. I developed this list of must-have travel items after realizing that my trip would have gone smoother if only these essential items were in my suitcase.
Camera
Many of you are thinking I don’t need a camera because my smartphone has a camera. And yes, smartphone technology is getting better. However, the quality of your pictures on a real camera versus those on most smartphones is far superior. I prefer a point and shoot camera because it takes excellent pictures, it easily fits in your purse or pocket, and it offers special features to enhance your photos.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones are a must-have, and I don’t board a plane without them. One airplane ride with noise-canceling headphones will change your travels forever. By blocking out both the noise from the plane and other passengers, these noise-canceling headphones allow you to relax in peace. It’s also a great way to pretend you don’t hear the annoying passenger next to you who wants to talk the whole flight. Here are a couple of options noise cancelling headphone/earbud options.
External Battery Pack
When you are traveling and using your smartphone to navigate a city or stream a video, you (or maybe it’s just me) can forget to charge your phone. To avoid being stuck without access to your phone or other iPad or computer devices while traveling, throw an external battery pack in your carry-on. I have used a battery pack countless times on vacation, and I am always glad I have one with me.
Kindle Paperwhite
For years I resisted the urge to buy a kindle because I loved holding a book in my hands and physically turning the pages. However, after setting off for a two and half week trip, I knew I didn’t have the space in my bag for multiple books. I gave in, bought the Kindle Paperwhite, and never looked back. The Kindle is light, easy to use, and can store far more books than I could ever dream of reading on vacation.
Another great feature of the Kindle Paperwhite is the ability to see the screen even while the sun is bright, but not so bright it will wake the person sleeping next to you. I am a convert and highly recommend packing a Kindle on your next trip. If you are anything like me and prone to dropping or spilling things, I recommend buying a cover for your Kindle. I purchased a hardcover that has worked fantastic despite multiple drops and spills.
Kindle E-Books and Audio-books
If you are an avid reader or love audio-books, consider signing up for Kindle Unlimited or Kindle Audible. You will have thousands of e-books or audio-books at your fingertips with just a few clicks of a button.
Travel Steamer
On a recent vacation where I was packing and unpacking, some of my clothes became so wrinkled that they were not wearable without being professionally pressed. I tried to steam the wrinkles out of a dress while I showered, but this was a bad idea. My dress got wet, and the lines remained. Without not enough time before dinner, I had to find something less wrinkled to wear. I vowed not to be a victim of wrinkles and the outrageous fees hotels charge for pressing a dress. So I took action. I hunted for a travel steamer that was lightweight, small, and easy to use. I found one I love and even use at home. I fill the water level below the max level allowing it to start steaming quickly. In no time, I am wrinkle free and presentable.
Travel Scale
How many times have you finished packing your bags only to get to the airport and find out that your bag weighs over 50 pounds, and now you have to pay an extra “heavy” bag fee? To avoid these unnecessary costs and a stress-free airport experience (at least while weighing your bag), use a travel scale. As an added benefit, you’ll know how many souvenirs you can buy without incurring an extra “heavy” bag fee.
Antibacterial Wipes
Many travelers ignore the fact that certain parts of an airplane or hotel rooms carry germs. I get it. It’s gross to think about what you cannot see. To give myself peace of mind, when flying, the first thing I do is use an antibacterial wipe to wipe down the area around me on an airplane, and when I arrive at my hotel room, I do the same with the remote control. I don’t think of myself as a germophobe, but I also don’t want to get sick while traveling. I usually pack a handful of antibacterial wipes in my carry-on and throw a few in my purse just in case. They come in handy more often than you might think.
Travel Adapter
You will likely need a travel adapter if you have any electronics or hair tools you plan to plugin while traveling abroad because not all two plugs are alike. Depending on the country you are traveling from/to, the electrical current may vary. After ruining my hair straightener, I now travel with a reliable adapter.
Flexible and Light Tripod
I use the flexible tripod with my point and shoot camera to obtain unique shots. It is an excellent alternative to a selfie stick and does not annoy the people around you. The tripod also comes in handy when traveling alone.
First Aid Kit
A versatile first aid kit is useful no matter where you are traveling and comes in handy when you least expect it. This kit comes with 299 essential first aid supplies for treating minor aches and injuries and is ideal for treating pain and swelling, as well as cuts, scrapes, and burns.
Waterproof Phone Pouch
Whenever I am going somewhere tropical, I make sure to pack a smartphone waterproof pouch. I have used these pouches in the rain, paddle-boarding in the Maldives, whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon, and kayaking in the Exumas. My smartphone was bone dry after these trips, and I was able to take great pictures. It’s easy to use your smartphone in a waterproof pouch and save your camera from getting ruined.
Travel Pillow
Any time my flight is more than 5 hours or is an overnight flight, I pack a travel pillow. Having the added comfort of my own pillow on a plane increases the chances I can take a nap. Plus, I know where the pillow has been and helps me avoid direct contact with the window (when I have a window seat).
Multi Plug Outlet Extender
How many times have you been at a hotel where there is one plug next to the nightstand, but you have several electronic devices you want to plugin? Or have you been at an airport and tried to plug in your phone, but other travelers are using all the plugs? A multi-plug outlet extender gives you the option to plug in multi-plug devices at the same time. This multi-plug extender also includes two USB charging ports.
Lightweight Rain Jacket
Unexpected wet weather can ruin a great vacation. To deal with unpredictable weather, I throw a lightweight (shell) rain jacket in my suitcase. These types of rain jackets don’t take up much space and keep you dry. I’ve used my rain jacket while touring in a city, hiking in the mountains, and boating.
Meals on the Go
I often get hungry at the most inopportune times. To prevent a hangry attack, I pack a few Cliff bars in my carry-on and sometimes throw one in my purse. A Clif Bar here or there has saved me from a bad mood or worse, missing an experience because I was hunting for a snack.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must-have item when traveling. After all, it’s hard to enjoy the beauty of your travel destination if you cannot see.
I hope you found this list of 17 essential items every traveler needs useful for your next trip! Read more about my tips for planning a vacation and how to plan the perfect road trip.
Having a power adapter is soo useful, especially if you know you are going to a foreign country! It definitely saves to have your own rather than buy one at the airport.
Great point!
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Great list. As an avid traveler myself, I am definitely thinking about getting some of these items for my family when we go overseas. We’re full-time travelers, currently traveling around the US and Canada in our RV. Thanks!
It’s amazing that you are able to travel full-time! I would love to be able to call myself a full-time traveler one day! Something to dream about!
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