Phone/Keys/walleT: travel essentials not to leave home without
While some travel essentials are pretty straight forward and useful for any trip, there are some that either may not be so obvious or may have uses you haven’t thought of.
We polled out advisors, travelers, and yours truly (resident full time traveler) to put together these top 10 Travel Essentials to never leave home without.
Tech
Some travel “tech” seems pretty obvious, but did you know that many common tech items have multiple uses you may not have thought of? Or that many of these common items come in many different styles, price points, and models?
Air Tags
Yes, airtags (or similar tracking tags) are great for tracking luggage and giving peace of mind in the event it is lost, but they serve so many more purposes when traveling.
Ever parked your rental car, then gone out for a day of exploring just to head back toward the car and realize you aren’t 100% where you parked? Leave and airtag in the car and you’ll find it with ease every time!
Worried about leaving a day bag or purse behind or, worse case, it being stolen? Put an airtag in the bottom or small pocket of your bag to track it quickly and easily.
Power Bank
Having a charged phone is not only key for snapping photos and navigating unknown territory, but is also necessary for Apple/Google Pay, accessing itineraries and digital tickets and so much more.
Having a portable power bank assures you are never without access to vital travel information and navigation.
⭐Pro Tip: Get a power bank with both USB and USC ports to assure your power bank keeps up with changing technology.
We love this one with it’s built in micro & USB C Cables!
Adaptor (multi plug)
Travel adaptors may seem pretty common sense, but with so many different types of technology using different cords and plugs (USB, USC, etc), having a multi-socket converter saves you from having to carry multiple converters and cubes.
This is one of our favorites!
Headphones
Headphones seems like a given, but the right headphones can make all of the difference.
Over-the-ear noise canceling headphones? Earbuds? High-end? Mid-range? Low-budget? White noise? Amplifying?
The options seem endless, but there is a perfect option for any traveler.
If you are looking for the best sleep on a plane, over-the-ear noise canceling headphones tend to be the best for canceling out all the noise around you.
If you are packing light and don’t want the bulk of over-the-ear headphones, earbuds are the better option.
⭐Gina’s Favorites! Bought to replace Boise that died, at a fraction of the price, Gina loves these dupes!
Sleep
Sleep can make or break a vacation. Whether it is trying to sleep on a red eye flights, adjusting from jetlag, crashing after a long day of touring, or getting a good night sleep before a sightseeing day, sleep is vital to any vacation.
Interrupted sleep can not only be frustrating, but also derail well thought out plans and activities.
Make sure to have these on hand to get assure the best rest:
Eye mask
Yes, an eye mask is great for getting some sleep on a flight, but it can also be a life saver if you don’t want to wake up with the sun if your accommodations don’t have full coverage windows.
If you are a sensitive sleeper, an eye mask can also be a big help if your accommodation has any lights you aren’t used to.
Ear Plugs
Much like an eye mask, earplugs can be a saving grace when trying to sleep in new places. Whether it is noisy neighbors, barking dogs, traffic, or just unfamiliar noises, interrupted sleep can make for miserable travel days.
We LOVE Loop earplugs!
⭐Pro Tip: If ear plugs aren’t comfortable or ideal, pre-download a white noise or other sleep sound track to assist with drowning out disruptive noise.
Neck Pillow
A travel neck pillow can be the difference between landing refreshed and renewed after a red eye flight or landing exhausted and cranky.
Whether you are traveling by plane, train, tour bus, or any other form of transit, the added comfort of a good neck pillow can make all the difference.
While there are endless options on the market, and it is important to find the right one for you, we swear by this cozy memory foam options.
Organization
Re-Usable zip bags
One of the most versatile and useful things for any type of travel, re-usable zipper bags are perfect for organizing all those random bits and bobs we carry as well as jewelry. They are ideal for carrying wet bathing suits or dirty laundry, as well as keeping things safe and dry on the beach, boat tours, or in the rain.
Hanging Toiletry bag
Minimal counter space? No worries! A Hanging toiletry bag frees up counter space while allowing easy access to all your necessities.
⭐Pro tip: Use these bags for organizing cords, currencies, identification, and any other important things you need accessible and organized.
Packable Tote
With many places getting more environmentally conscious, and more travelers committing to sustainability, plastic bags are becoming a thing of the past.
Whether you are picking up souvenirs, grabbing some groceries or snacks, or shedding layers while exploring, having a tote on hand can be a life saver.
We love the Nano bag!
Comfort
While we can’t bring all of the comforts of home while traveling, you can bring some essentials to make your travels more comfortable.
These are some of our favorite comfort items to bring abroad:
Portable Fan/Cooling Clothe
These are especially important in hot and humid climates, even if you life in one. Overheating can lead to exhaustion and illness and out a real damper on your vacation.
⭐Pro tip: Portable fans are also great for airflow in stuffy hotel rooms or bathrooms when trying to get ready for a day or night out.
Packable Towel
Not just for the beach or pool, a packable towel has so many uses.
Hotel or Airbnb towels aren’t as soft, plush or big as you like? Need an impromptu blanket on a plane, bus, or train? curtains aren’t blocking out the light enough? Pull out your packable towel!
Traveling for a weekend? Embarking on a month-long journey? Relaxing at an all-inclusive?
No matter what type of vacation you are heading on, these essentials will assure a more comfortable and convenient trip.
