45 Ultimate Travel Essentials You Need For Your Next Trip!
Every travel essentials list has the same basic stuff for generic trips, but you want to know for sure that you’re packing the right things.
I’ve done a lot of traveling, some generic trips and some extraordinary trips, and I’ve learned what the real travel essentials are along the way!
This travel essentials trip will outline some of the things you need on every trip, some things you need for specific countries or climates, and some of my absolute favorite travel supplies.
If this sounds like it might be helpful when you’re packing for your next trip then keep reading for the ultimate travel essentials list.
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Travel Essentials Checklist:
Ultimate Travel Essentials:
- Passport
- Wallet
- Phone + Charger
- Powerbank
Organization Essentials:
- Backpack
- Daypack
- Packing Cubes
- Toiletry Bag
- Electronics/Chargers Bag
- Ziplock Bags
- Designated Dirty Laundry Bag
Electronics Essentials:
- Digital Luggage Scale
- Universal Adapter
- Laptop + Charger
- Kindle + Charger
- Earphones/Headphones
- Airtags
Comfort Essentials:
- Neck Pillow
- Eye Mask
- Earplugs
Toiletry Essentials:
- Toothbrush + Toothpaste
- Dental Floss
- Deodorant
- Shampoo + Conditioner
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Medication
- Hair Brush
- Shaving Supplies
Clothing Essentials:
- Underwear
- Socks
- T-Shirts
- Sweaters/Hoodies
- Rain Jacket
- Jeans
- Tracksuit Pants/Joggers
- Shorts
- Shoes
- Runners/Hiking Boots
- Swimsuit
- Beach Towel
- Sunglasses
- Flipflops/Sliders
- Hat
- Scarf
Ultimate Travel Essentials:
These top four ultimate travel essentials are all you need if you’re taking a flight to another country.
They apply to any trip and you wouldn’t get far without them!
Photo Credit: @luvlocs
1. Passport
This is the obvious choice for the first thing to pack when travelling.
I like to carry my passport in a fanny pack when I’m in airports to make it easier, and faster when going through security.
Photo Credit: @a.la.fem
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2. Wallet
Your wallet with some cash, and more importantly, your bank cards is the next most important travel essential.
Even if your baggage and phone got lost you can still travel once you have your passport and money!
Photo Credit: @mophie
3. Phone + Charger
The third most important item on this list is your phone and charger. You can use your phone to pay for things, book flights, get directions and contact people.
Photo Credit: @gadgets_check_
4. Powerbank
Finally, the last item that I consider to be truly essential for any trip is a powerbank.
Without this, your phone becomes obsolete when it dies and you might struggle to get around, pay for things, book taxis, and so on.
It’s also a game-changer being able to use your phone during long journeys on public transport without worrying about your phone dying!
Organization Travel Essentials:
Keeping things organized takes the stress out of traveling.
If everything has its place and you know where to find things, your trip will run so smoothly!
Photo Credit: @dominiquetravelsss
5. Backpack
I like to use a backpack rather than a suitcase for many reasons.
It’s much easier to walk with a backpack and you’re less likely to overpack as you have to carry it on your back.
I like the Osprey Fairview 40 because it’s small enough to carry on flights but still has enough space for everything you need!
Photo Credit: @hikingcorner1
6. Daypack
A daypack is so handy when you want to leave most of your stuff at the accommodation but still want a bag to carry some essentials for the day out.
I like this daypack from Osprey because it’s foldable and can easily fit inside your main backpack!
Photo Credit: @aryaessentials
7. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes make travelling so much easier.
You can organize your clothes into different categories or outfits. This saves you from digging around the whole bag to find what you’re looking for.
I use these Amazon Basics Packing Cubes and they have served me well so far!
Photo Credit: @skinwithnae
8. Toiletry Bag
A toiletry bag is great for organizing everything from toothpaste and shampoo to medication and shaving supplies.
I use this toiletry bag that can be folded out and hung up for easy access.
Photo Credit: @mac_accessoriesgh
9. Electronics/Chargers Bag
A designated bag for chargers really makes things more organized especially if you carry multiple electronic devices.
I recently traveled with my phone, laptop, kindle, and GoPro and this electronic organizer travel case really helped keep things organized.
Photo Credit: @ivyly_homes
10. Ziplock Bags
These can be used for various things, you can use them for liquids when going through airport security.
You can also use Ziplock bags if you need to organise any smaller items in your bag, or to store shampoo bars or soap bars!
Photo Credit: @boyorgirlkwt
11. Designated Dirty Laundry Bag
I used an extra packing cube as my dirty laundry bag for a while but found it a lot easier when I switched to this Travel Laundry Bag.
It keeps dirty clothes separate and makes it easier to bring clothes to the laundromat!
Electronic Travel Essentials:
Electronics can be really helpful when traveling.
You can use a laptop to work while traveling, digital luggage scales can save you money on checking in baggage, and some electronics can simply make your trip more comfortable!
Photo Credit: @householdbylizzy
12. Digital Luggage Scale
A digital luggage scale can be so useful when traveling especially if you will be getting lots of flights with different airlines.
By using a digital luggage scale you can make sure to avoid any additional charges for baggage above the approved weight.
Photo Credit: @sistahoodshop
13. Universal Adapter
Universal Adapters can be used for any device so you can have it plugged in no matter what country you’re visiting.
I use this Universal Adapter because it also has usb ports so I can charge my phone and kindle simultaneously.
Photo Credit: @review1st
14. Laptop + Charger
I use a Microsoft Surface Go when I’m traveling because it’s small and powerful and you can connect a keypad to it!
It’s perfect for working while traveling.
Photo Credit: @family_and_fairytales
15. Kindle + Charger
I think my Kindle has become my most important travel essential. I love reading books but they take up too much space when travelling.
With my Kindle, I get to continue reading just as much as I do when I’m at home.
Photo Credit: @beatsbydre
16. Earphones/Headphones
Earphones or headphones can make any travel day so much more enjoyable.
With headphones, you can listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, watch TV shows or movies, or simply block out noise!
Photo Credit: @thepointsguy
17. Airtags
Airtags are great for traveling because they give you peace of mind. If you’ve ever gotten on a plane and wondered if your checked-in bag made it on too, Aitrtags are for you!
Airtags let you know where your baggage is, and even if it does go missing you will be able to track its location.
Comfort Travel Essentials:
These travel comfort essentials make any journey so much more comfortable.
When I put on my neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs I am out for the count!
Photo Credit: @essentialsbytems
18. Neck Pillow
I use this BCOZZY Neck Pillow because it provides a lot more support than other neck pillows.
Photo Credit: @satinbonnet
19. Eye Mask
This MZOO Sleep Eye Mask is so comfortable I sometimes use it even when I’m not traveling!
Photo Credit: @lisas.aesthethic
20. Earplugs
These Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs are great because they fit well, they can be reused and they block out so much noise!
Toiletry Travel Essentials:
Toiletry essentials don’t really need an explanation.
However, it’s worth noting that your at-home 10-step skincare routine can be simplified when traveling to limit how much you have to pack!
Photo Credit: @philipssonicare
21. Toothbrush + Toothpaste
This electric toothbrush comes with a case that’s perfect for traveling!
Photo Credit: @haticenur_ukk
22. Dental Floss
Flossing is so important for dental hygiene, I make sure to pack it for every trip!
23. Deodorant
When I travel around hot countries I use this Mitchum stick deodorant because the stick lasts a long time and it keeps me smelling fresh all day!
Photo Credit: @katekyabeauty
24. Shampoo + Conditioner
These travel-sized shampoo and conditioner bottles are perfect for any trip.
Photo Credit: @yovelaskincare
25. Moisturizer
I use this daily moisturizer to keep my skin hydrated, and it comes in this handy travel-sized bottle.
Photo Credit: @cosmetics.health.outlet
26. Sunscreen
Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is so important. This Neutrogena Sunscreen is great quality and comes in a travel-sized bottle.
Photo Credit: @cosmetica.official.pk
Photo Credit: @kenshoquest
27. Medication
I always pack a small Essential Travel Medicine Kit for every trip because you never know when you might need it!
You should also pack any specific medication that you might need.
28. Hair Brush
This hairbrush is great when traveling because it’s designed with a smaller handle to save space when packing!
Photo Credit: @beauteous_bh
29. Shaving Supplies
These razors also come with an extra small handle which is designed for easier packing!
Photo Credit: @gillettevenusuk
Clothing Travel Essentials:
The main thing I tell people when they’re packing clothes for a trip is that they can wash their clothes while traveling too!
All you need is a couple of outfits that you can rotate between and wash when necessary!
The clothing you decide to pack is up to you but here is a list of what I would recommend to pack for most trips.
30. Underwear
31. Socks
32. T-Shirts
33. Sweaters/Hoodies
Photo Credit: @onceagain.uio
34. Rain Jacket
35. Jeans
36. Tracksuit Pants/Joggers
37. Shorts
38. Shoes
Photo Credit: @thisbarefootjourney
39. Runners/Hiking Boots
40. Swimsuit
41. Beach Towel
Photo Credit: @gerakios_optics
42. Sunglasses
43. Flipflops/Sliders
44. Hat
45. Scarf
What Not To Pack For Your Next Trip:
- Too many outfits (bring clothes you know you will wear, wash them, and re-wear them!)
- Too many pairs of shoes (Bring one comfortable pair for walking/hiking and one nice pair for when you’re dressing up!)
- Too many bulky items (Items like winter jackets and hoodies will take up a lot of space in your bag!)
- Expensive Accessories (Don’t bring your most expensive jewelry traveling because it could get lost or stolen!)
- Laptop (This is only necessary if you work while traveling!)
FAQs On Travel Essentials:
What Is The 5 4 3 2 1 Rule For Packing?
If you’re wondering what is the 5 4 3 2 1 rule for packing, it’s simply five tops, four bottoms, three shoes, two dresses, and one accessory set—consisting of a jewelry set, sunglasses, and a hat. This really simplifies packing for women as it forces you to decide on outfits before you go!
How Not To Overpack For A Trip?
The best way to not overpack for a trip is to avoid packing a suitcase. You should try to pack a carry-on bag instead. Pack efficiently by rolling clothes or using packing cubes. The smaller bag also forces you to choose clothes you will definitely wear and prevents you from packing things you won’t use.
What Is One Thing You Always Take With You While You Travel?
One thing you should always take with you while you travel is a water bottle. This is especially important if you’re on public transport and you don’t get to decide when to stop for food or drinks. It’s important to stay hydrated while traveling. Reusable water bottles are a great option for any trip.
Can I Take Deodorant On A Plane?
If you’re wondering if you can take deodorant on a plane, the answer is yes. Stick deodorant is fine in any size but spray, gel, liquid, and roll-on deodorants must be travel-sized and placed in a clear bag. You can also get perfume travel atomizers to bring a small amount of your favorite perfume too!
There you have it, the ultimate travel essentials list!
This list of travel essentials has been expanded and improved by me after years of traveling around the world from hot countries around South East Asia to rainy countries like Ireland and everything in between.
With this list you now know everything you need from electronics to clothing to toiletries, you are more than ready to head away on your next adventure!
If you want any more information about what to pack, where to go or anything travel-related you can check out the related posts below!
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