Must-Have Travel Essentials That Will Make Your Trip Run Smooth

CALPAK PACKING CUBES

Packing cubes are an absolute must-have if you’re a heavy packer (like me)! These will help compress your clothes to help you fit more clothes in your luggage and also help you organize outfits.

This set from Calpak comes with 5 different size pouches with durable fabric that’s water resistant.

TRAVEL JEWELRY CASE

Packing a jewelry case will help you keep all of your rings, necklaces, and earrings all in one space. You’ll have a designated area to take off your jewelry at night and there won’t be any left-behind earrings at the hotel. This can be used for short weekend trips and longer international trips.

This case from Mark and Graham is made with vegan leather and it can be personalized. I have this case in the color lavendar and it’s honestly the best travel item for packing. It holds a lot of jewelry because there’s a necklace section behind the mirror.

LUGGAGE TAG WITH AIRTAG HOLDER

The main thing you should invest in for your luggage is a quality luggage tag that includes an air tag holder. Why I recommend this Rifle Paper Co. one is because you can remove the air tag holder and stick it in your suitcase or backpack when you’re not actively traveling. The designs they have are also super pretty!

This luggage tag is made with vegan leather and comes with a 1-year warranty in case any of the hardware or stitching comes undone. You can find a cheaper if you click the Amazon link below.

COMPACT PORTABLE CHARGER

Not only is a portable charger helpful for a long car ride or plane trip, but it’s important to keep in your go-to bag when you’re away from any outlets.

You can find this one on Amazon in so many colors. It shows how much percentage is left before it needs to be charged again. It’s honestly a necessity if you travel a lot.

If you have a MagSafe phone, you can get a charger that sticks to the back of your phone and is super compact, like THIS ONE.

BOSE NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES

My BOSE Headphones literally have been life savers on loud flights or train rides. They’re literally featured in my current profile pic on Instagram lol.

These specific ones have a noise-cancelling feature that works so incredibly well and hugs your head tight but not in an uncomfortable way. They also have an “aware” feature that allows you to hear what’s going on in your vicinity so you’re not completely closed off, if you ever need that.

I’ve had these for about a year now and love them. The battery lasts forever and the carrying case is slim and easy to travel with!

TRTL TRAVEL NECK PILLOW

Over the years, I’ve tried numerous neck pillows but nothing compares to the TRTL neck pillow. Their design allows you to sleep comfortably sitting up!

There’s a removable plastic piece inside the pillow that props your head up so you can get the best sleep on a plane EVER.

This pillow is quite expensive, but honestly one of the best travel items and worth it and if you like sleeping on planes or take red eye flights. You’ll want to invest in a pillow, like this, that keeps you from waking up with a sore neck.

LOOP EARPLUGS WITH CASE

Something I recently learned about traveling, is that earplugs will be a lifesaver in situations you weren’t expecting to need them.

I travel to AirBnB’s a lot and because of this, I don’t know how loud the local area can get. God forbid I need to sleep but there are people partying next door, these earplugs will allow me to stay asleep and not be interrupted.

Loop earplugs come with a convenient travel case and a lot of color options.

BLUETOOTH ADAPTER FOR AIRPLANE TV

I saw this device on TikTok and knew I had to own it. This device allows you to connect your bluetooth headphones to the airplane TV so you don’t have to listen to it with earbuds or on silent.

This particular device allows you to connect two headphones so you can watch a movie with your loved one! Honestly such a cool and convenient device that will be traveling with me from now on.

You can also use this to connect to the treadmills at your gym, a boat stereo, and more.

UNIVERSAL CHARGING ADAPTER

If you travel often, it’s probable you already have a universal adapter or at least a EU adapter. This charger can be used in the EU, UK, USA, AUS and more.

It can charge 6 devices at once which will come in handy when you have to charge your portable charger, phone, laptop/tablet, bluetooth headphones, and anything else!

This one is a must have travel essential even if you don’t travel outside of the country. It’s currently on sale too so don’t miss out!

DR. SCHOLL’S SNEAKERS (COMFY SHOES)

I bought my first pair of Dr. Scholl’s sneakers for my trip to NYC and I now swear by them. The soles are made for comfortable walking and my feet never hurt once, walking miles and miles in the city.

One thing I love about Dr. Scholl’s is the affordability (always having sales) aspect. I also love that they use recycled plastic to make the outer lining of most of their shoes. Plus, I can’t forget to mention their anti-odor technology!

If you’re traveling anywhere that has walkable cities, you’ll want to invest in some stylish but comfy shoes. Dr. Scholl’s are cute and come in all types of styles. Check the different styles and colors below.

REUSABLE RAIN PONCHO

If you’re planning a trip that involves a lot of wandering through the town by foot, or a trip to Disney World, I highly recommend packing a couple of rain ponchos just in case the inevitable happens. These are easier to use than umbrellas and can be thrown into their dry pouch once you’re done using them, while umbrellas stay wet on the outside.

These come in so many fun colors and patterns and even include a large front pocket to put your phone or wallet in. This material is durable polyester that’s 100% waterproof and even comes with a drawstring on the neck part to keep you extra dry.

You never know when you’ll need to stay clear of rain, and keeping one of these tucked in your bag will ensure your trip stays running smoothly.

WATER-REPELLENT BELT BAG

I LOVE taking belt bags with me on trips because they’re so convenient and much harder to lose than a purse or wallet. Having your important belongings right on your chest will keep them from getting lost or stolen.

This particular bag is water-repellent and is made for people on the move. It’s easy to spot clean because the exterior is Nylon. The gold hardware elevates the whole outfit though and takes it from casual to classy-casual.

You can find Nylon belt bags for cheaper, but Lululemon has quality fabric and zippers that don’t break as easily and make for a great travel bag.

HARD SHELL SUNGLASSES CASE

Along with a good pair of sunglasses, you should invest in a sunglasses case like this leather one from Leatherology. You can get your initials engraved on the front and they offer many color options to choose from.

If you like to pack more than one pair of sunglasses, you can grab THIS 3-compartment sunglasses holder from Amazon for $29.

Protecting your sunglasses from unwanted scratches and cracks will be important on longer trips and especially if they’re a name-brand pair.

TRAVEL STRAW WITH CASE AND CLEANER

If I had to pick a must have travel essential that came with me everywhere, even in my work tote and purses, it would be a reusable straw.

I keep mine with me at all times and they’re super easy to clean and pack. This particular one has a pipe cleaner and a carabiner to make traveling super convenient.

Many European countries and even some states in the USA are now banning straws or just highly suggesting people don’t use them. If you can get a reusable metal straw, this can last you a long time!

PILL/VITAMIN ORGANIZER (3-PACK)

I’m a stickler for bringing a pill and vitamin organizer with you everywhere. Yes, it’s good to have for traveling but it’s also good t have for when you’re away from your hotel or AirBnB and need ibuprofen or dramamine.

This is something we typically don’t think about packing with us when we leave to go adventure a new city, but more often than not, you’ll want some ibuprofen for a sore ankle or anti-nausea medicine for an uneasy stomach. Packing some of your favorite medicine in one of these organizers to pop in your go-to bag will come in handy very fast.

Trust me on this one.

TOUCHLAND HAND SANITIZER SPRAY

I’m a stickler for keeping my hands clean, but in other countries or states, having access to a public bathroom can be quite difficult.

Because of this, it’s nice to always have some sort of hand sanitizer with you in your personal pouch at all times.

It doesn’t have to be this one from Touchland, but these come in fun scents and also a spray so it’s easier to use and quicker to apply.

TIDE TO-GO STAIN REMOVER STICKS

I don’t see many people mentioning this as a must have travel essential, but for me, this is an absolute must. This pack of 3 Tide sticks are under $8 on Amazon and can be used for so many unwanted stains.

As we’re traveling, we oftentimes don’t have access to a laundry machine or even detergent, so this is a quick solve until you get back home. It can remove coffee stains, food stains, and any other stain on fabric.

Having this in your personal pouch will keep your mind at ease and help your trip run smooth.