I’ve been asked a few times about my must-have items while traveling- you know, those items (besides your passport) that you’d consider turning around for on the way to the airport. A lot of what I pack is dependent on the type of trip and destination that I’m heading to, but over the years, I’ve come up with a list that I seriously cannot travel without.
1. Packing Cubes
Once you start traveling with packing cubes, you will never go back to traveling without them. In fact, you may even wonder how you’ve managed to see so much of the world with such a mess in your bag/suitcase. I bought my set in 2013 before the first backpacking experience (16 days in Italy) and I have used them ever since. At the time, I was very new to the idea of living out of a backpack so having my clothing organized was a serious lifesaver.
The exact set that I purchase (with a cute bicycle print) is no longer available for sale but these would be a close second!
2. Noise Cancelling Headphones
Ahhh- that’s what you will say when you pop these on and turn on noise cancelling… Goodbye crying baby and loud jet engines! Noise cancelling headphones are typically not cheap but if you are considering buying them, don’t skimp out- it’s the quality product that you’re after. Over the ear, wireless or earbuds: that’s up to you but if you are a frequent traveler and/or value peace and sanity, just go ahead and splurge. I personally have the earbud version mainly because it’s the most compact and portable solution.
Tip: if you want to catch some zZzZs and have a hard time falling asleep to music, turn on the noise cancelling feature without playing anything on them (or even plugging them into your phone). You’ll be snoozin’ before you know it.
3. Travel Perfume Atomizer
Traveling with a carry-on only is great- your bag never gets lost, you don’t need to wait for hours at baggage claim but you’re limited when it comes to toiletries. If TSA decides to throw away my sunscreen, I’m not happy but I’ll live… a bottle of perfume is not worth risking in my opinion.
This refillable perfume stray bottle is super easy to use and now you can bring your favorite perfume along with you! Boys, no need to worry- this works with cologne just as well!
4. Travel Pack
When I first came across the idea of traveling with a pack instead of a suitcase, I was honestly skeptical. How am I going to fit everything in just a carry-on? Fast-forward 5 years and now I’m the biggest backpack advocate ever! One of the biggest advantages of traveling with a pack is mobility. I love being able to take the stairs without struggling to drag my suitcase or run to catch the train that you are late for. I’ve owned my Kelty Redwing 44 since 2013 and I have taken it from backpacking in Italy, road tripping in Iceland to hiking in the backcountry in Alaska… and I still use it! The Osprey Porter is another good choice- it comes with a daypack attached to the front so once you arrive at your destination, unzip the day pack and you’re ready to go explore!
5. Inflatable Pillow
I invested in a super portable inflatable pillow after too many flights and nights of camping when I resorted to folding my sweatshirt and using it as a pillow instead… let me tell you – this pillow is worth every penny. In fact, it’s so small that I need to either clip it on the outside of my pack or put it in a separate compartment else it’s impossible to find pre-flight. Also this is a MUST have for all of the frugal travelers out there choosing discount airlines (Spirit, Ryanair, Easy Jet etc) that don’t offer pillows on flights.
Additional Items:
- Power Bank – Absolutely necessity if you’re using your phone as a camera or GPS when traveling.
- Travel Adapter – Serious must have for international travel and this cube has you covered worldwide.
- Key Ring Corkscrew – If you enjoy wine, buy one of these corkscrews and clip in on your pack. You’ll thank me when you find yourself with a bottle of wine and no way to open it!
- Laundry Bag – This laundry bag has traveled the world with me and still services its purpose. I think the fact that it’s so cute and has a world map on it has prevented me from losing it on multiple occasions.
- Lock – This one is a no-brainer especially if you’re staying at hostels. Some hostels have lockers for luggage that already come with locks and some force you to rent one. This lock is so small and portable that I always have it on me when traveling to avoid those silly fees. Pro tip: utilize this at the gym during the time you’re not on the road!
So there you have it – 5+ items that I cannot travel without! Drop me a comment if you have any other travel items that I should include or if these items are also on your must-have list!
PS. To find all of the items, check out my Amazon List
Love these! Thanks for sharing PK! I am always looking for recos. So that pillow..and the perfume bottle. Pro tip!! Bravo.
Thanks for checking out my post Ari! Seriously that perfume bottle is a game changer.
I have heard so many good things about packing cubes, really need to get some!
Yes! I’m telling you, once you try them, you’ll be hooked forever!
I have my own set of things that i cannot go anywhere without,so i can completely relate to your post. Thanka for sharing.
What’s on your list? Im curious to see if I missed anything.
Great list, I have never gotten into packing cubes but SO many people say they are absolutely necessary – maybe i need to try them!!
Absolutely! I was skeptical at first but they’ve saved me on so many trips so far
love some of these ideas, not ready to be fully converted yet but some of these will definitely make it to my list, looking at noise cancelling headphones as we speak. thank you!
I didn’t think I would love my noise cancelling headphones so much but now I seriously cannot imagine taking a flight without them.
I’ve wondered for a while about the packing cubes. Looks like I may have to try them out. And I second the suggestion of the corkscrew!
Packing cubes are a total must. You’ll be shocked how useful they are!
I have never used packing cubes but now I am intrigued. They will come in handy for a Europe trip this summer!
It’s a total game changer especially if you’re traveling from place to place and need to constantly pack/unpack
Getting a keyring corkskrew is a brilliant ideal! I found myself needing one too many times without having one, haha 😅 I agree with everything else too. Great list!
Definitely a must-have for wine lovers!
Nice to see some familiar favourites on your list. I’m a big fan of noise cancelling headphone for the flight or just working in a coffee shop. I’ve also had a Porter 46 since 2012 – its a great carry on pack.
Glad to find someone else who loves traveling with a pack!
This is pretty close to mine as well, I love the little perfume carriers! I have never seen a keychain corkscrew, but I do always carry a big one so now I know! Ha ha. Great work, keep it up!
Definitely try the keychain version. It’s not the easiest to use at times but it is quite the space saver
All essentials! The only thing I’d add would be my ereader, it goes with me everywhere. A much lighter way to carry all my books!
Absolutely! I bring my iPad mini for books and netflix on long flights
Totally agree with headphones and a power bank. I get really annoyed by distractions and noisy people on planes and trains so having my music on helps. The keyring corkscrew is a genius idea!… I’m always searching for screw-top wine when I travel, great tip thanks!
Exactly – at least this solution will give you some variety of wines to choose from.
I have been obsessed with packing cubes since I got into travelling. I have never seen the perfume thing, so that might be on my list!
It’s super easy to use and is very portable. I actually use mine daily as I get ready for work at the gym after my morning workout.
Very helpful tips, Paulina! But besides, I will pack a notebook also on my bag so I can write immediately how I feel at that moment on it and later share it to my friends.
Oh yes! To be honest, I need to get better at journaling while traveling
I do not carry any of these at present when I’m travelling. However, I do see the advantages in carrying them. One simple item I resolve to carry from now on is an inflatable pillow.
Definitely and it’s especially useful when you fly discount airlines without the frills / pillows
I love these. One thing I too need is travel perfume atomizer. Totally getting one. Thanks for sharing😊
Once you get one, you won’t be able to travel without it!
Oh it’s a good list! I would add kindle, power bank, notebook and my camera of course:)
Thanks for sharing:)
Ah yes- I feel like I should do another post just for camera/electronics for traveling
This is a great list to enhance your packing and travel experience. I use packing cubes for all my travels and power bank is something you’ll always find in my bag. I never discovered the need of travel adapter until I visited Dubai where my charger refused to fit in the sockets. Now I carry it for my international trips. Travel Perfume Atomizer is something new to me and I’ll definitely try it on my next trip. 🙂
Glad to hear that your list of travel must haves is similar to mine! 🙂
This is a great list! Pretty much the same as my packing list 🙂 thanks for sharing!
That’s great to hear!
Our backpack is our best friend while traveling, but is so hard to fit everything in with the limited weight restrictions of some flying airlines, maybe we have to give it a try to the packing cubes 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thoughts, really helpful!
Sending good vibes only,
xx
Patricia & Miguel
http://www.freeoversea.com
Packing cubes will change your life! I mainly like them because it’s so much easier to find things when traveling from place to place rather than searching your entire bag.
Good list! I can’t live without my packing cubes. And when I travel there are 3 of us so we all have out own colours so its easier to identify who they belong to. I am about to buy a 4th colour for all dirty clothes only as I get confused sometimes what is clean and what is not. Do the earbud noise cancelling ear phones really work? Heard only the over the head ones do.
That’s so smart with the color coordination! And yes- they actually work. I thought it was only the over the ear ones that did noise cancelling but these earbuds are amazing.
I have the same headphones! Honestly the best combo of noise cancelling but also small enough to sleep with!
Right? Once you try these on the plane, there is no way to fly without them!