My Top 13 Must Have Travel Essentials For Every Trip

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As I sit here getting ready to start packing for a trip to Peru next week, I thought that it would be a good time to put together my list of travel essentials for you! These are the items that go with me on every single trip I take. Plus, I’ll include some additional items that I often bring depending on the destination and weather.

Must Have Travel Essentials

It’s easy to overpack, and these days, there are gadgets for everything from personal airplane cupholders to travel foot hammocks. I am not going to tell you that you need any of that stuff. In fact, we travel light, so these are travel essentials that I also use throughout my trip.

I personally avoid those trending travel accessories that serve a limited purpose because I don’t want to carry them around for the entirety of my trip! Most are fun, but not items that I would consider essentials for traveling.

Packing For A Trip

Speaking of packing, I want to quickly share how I bring it to help you better understand what I bring on each trip. I have a very consistent packing routine, whether I am traveling to Europe for three weeks or going on a quick weekend getaway.

I always use a 21″ CalPak Carry-on Bag (we each have one) and my WayB Travel Backpack. And that’s it! Everything needs to fit in those two pieces, and I am very intentional about what I pack. This backpack is discontinued, but that link at least gives you an idea of what it looks like. You should be able to find a good computer-safe backpack like it. I think the Hynes Eagle Carry-On Approved Backpack is a great option!

Additionally, I carry a small crossbody bag (such as the Lululemon Belt Bag) as my purse throughout my trip. Before boarding, I tuck it into my backpack so that I don’t exceed the carry-on baggage limit, which is often one bag and one personal item.

Carry-On vs. Checked Bags

I am not going to deep dive into the carry-on vs checked bags debate, but I will tell you that up until about four years ago, we always had multiple checked bags. Since we began traveling to Europe more, taking trains and moving between cities, my family has grown accustomed to traveling with carry-on.

In fact, we love it!

13 Travel Essentials I Don’t Leave Home Without

It’s funny because this post started as only 8 travel essentials a few days ago, but since I am actually packing as I write this post, I keep remembering things I forgot to add. So, now it’s complete with 13 items that go with me on every single trip I take!

Of course, I always have my iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch, chargers, toiletries, clothes, etc. But those are basic day-to-day items. The following are things that I may not use on a daily basis at home but always do when traveling!

#1 Portable Chargers

I rarely leave home without these on a regular day. As an Airbnb host, I have to be accessible at all times and can’t risk my phone dying. I love using the Anker Portable Power Bank and these short cords because they are durable and hold around four full charges.

Another great option is this portable charger that has charging cords attached to it! Or, if you want a complete all-in-one charger, this one has the power charging plug built into it as well.

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#2 Slippers

This may seem strange, but I always bring my own slippers. I don’t like walking around on hotel floors or the thin, white slippers that many hotels offer. I even change into them on long-haul flights. The Dearfoam DLuxe Slipper that I use has rubber soles, so they are great for travel. Plus, they are super inexpensive!

#3 Apple AirTags

In 2024, everyone should use AirTags when they travel! I use several on every tip in my luggage, as well as inside my purse and travel wallet.

One of the coolest new ways to use AirTags is actually to track your children when traveling. They make great new accessories that look like watchbands where you can insert one. I wish these were around when my kids were little, especially at theme parks! The post below has a lot of great info about all of that if you want to learn more.

READ: Various Ways To Use Apple AirTags For Travel + Tips

#4 Packing Cubes

On many trips, we are moving around to new cities often, so packing cubes is a great way for us to stay organized. I usually pack different types of clothes together, such as pajamas in one, swimwear in another, etc.

Today, there are many different options, and we own several. However, I actually prefer the cheapest and thinnest ones as they add very little bulk and weight to my luggage.

I recommend the Veken Packing Cubes. Other great options include the AeroTrunk Compression Packing Cubes, but they are a little bit bulkier.

#5 My Tech & Essentials Bag

When traveling, I like to avoid having to dig around for my chargers or a piece of gum. So, I have a small bag—mine is 7.5″ x 11″—where I keep anything that I want to easily grab on travel days, such as my chargers, some bandaids, little toothbrushes (more on those later), medication, etc.

I always keep it at the top of my backpack so that it’s easily accessible. On planes, I even get it out as I board and keep it in the seat pocket or at my feet. The one I use is from Target, and when looking for the link, I realized it’s actually a pencil pouch. But it doesn’t feel like it because it’s leather on the outside and super durable.

SHOP: Blue Sky The Everygirl Zipper Pencil Pouch Tan

#6 Zippered Travel Wallet

My travel wallet is very important! It’s here that I store our passports, foreign currency, insurance cards, etc., even when at home. That way, I never have to go digging for anything before a trip. I keep it in my office, and before a trip, I just go through it and temporarily remove any currency I don’t need.

SHOP: Zoppen Travel Wallet Passport Holder With RFID Protection

I do not carry this around with me day in and day out when I travel. On travel days, I keep it in a secured zipped part of my travel backpack. I always leave it in there while at hotels and Airbnbs, pulling out passports and money as needed and keeping them in my crossbody bag while out and about.

#7 A Lightweight Catch All Bag

When traveling, I always appreciate having a catchall bag on hand. I pack my Hoxis Mesh Shoulder Tote and use it almost daily. It’s a great place to keep water bottles, purchases, sweatshirts, etc, while out and about.

#8 Travel Garment Steamer

When traveling in the United States or anywhere that does not require an electrical adaptor or converter, I pack my Pionix Travel Garment Steamer. It is incredibly effective and folds up small. You can read all about it and even see before and after photos in the travel blog post below!

READ: My Favorite Portable Travel Garment Steamer

#9 Travel Laundry Bags

As I mentioned above, we often take longer trips and travel between cities. I like to keep my clean clothes and dirty clothes separate by using these durable travel laundry bags. Recently, I made an Instagram reel about them if you want to get a closer look. I love how they fold back up into a small pouch!

#10 Mario Badescu Face Spray

Of course, I bring my toiletries and makeup, but over the past two years have started always traveling with my Mario Badescu Face Spray. It hydrates your skin, and I just love how refreshing it is. I use it at home on a daily basis, too. My favorite scent is the Herb and Rose Water and they make a great travel set with four different 2oz bottles.

SHOP: Mario Badescu Travel Facial Spray Collection

#11 Silicone Curling Iron Mat/Pouch

If you can’t tell, most of my essential travel items are small and serve multiple purposes, such as my favorite silicone mat/pouch for my Chi hair straightener. It’s such a great product for only $4.99!

SHOP: Silicone Heat Resistant Mat Pouch

This product serves two purposes. First, it allows me to put my hot hair styling tools into it as I pack up instead of waiting for them to cool down. Second, it acts as a mat, helping me not to damage surfaces when I travel. As an Airbnb host, I have had people burn the tops of my dressers twice. So, I started putting these in there so that people didn’t damage our rental properties!

#12 Leak Locks For My Toiletries

Speaking of toiletries, do yourself a favor and grab a set of Leak Lock Toiletry Skins. These small flexible covers help you avoid spills in your makeup and toiletry bag and are very easy to clean. These have quickly become my most appreciated suitcase essentials!

#13 Tiny Travel Toothbrushes

The last item on this list is the smallest, but I always have a small snack-size ziplock with some small single-use travel toothbrushes and toothpick combos.

SHOP: Colgate Wisps or Brushee Individually Wrapped

No water is required, and these are a great way to freshen my breath while traveling. I keep them in my essentials and tech bag mentioned above and often use them in the airport before boarding, as a refresher when I get to my destination, and sometimes even on the plane!

READ: How To Get Into Airport Lounges

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Other Travel Essentials That I Often Bring

Do you make sure to pack any of my favorite travel items listed above?

Of course, I also bring other travel essentials when appropriate based on the destination and the weather there. Here is a short list of my other travel must haves, and you can find many of these items in my Travel Essentials Shopping List on Amazon.

Additional travel items that I pack as needed:

More Family Travel Tips

Now you are all set for your next trip with these must haves for travel! If you enjoyed hearing about my top travel essentials, make sure to check out my other travel blog posts. I have detailed posts about destinations around the world, helpful travel tips and ways to level up your travel experience, beautiful photos, travel deals, and so much more. I am happy you are here!

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