No matter who you are, where you are going in the world, or what length of the trip you are planning, there are a few items which I promise will come in handy.
Here is a comprehensive list of the things you should always consider packing whether you are going away for a long weekend, planning a six-month multi-continent adventure, or doing anything in between.
Tote Bag
It is all but guaranteed that you will wish you had brought a tote bag with you on any trip. Tote bags are incredibly versatile. They can be used as carry-on luggage for flights, beach bags, shopping bags, or even as daypacks for short excursions. No matter where you’re going or what you’re doing, a tote bag can come in handy. Even if you’ve packed efficiently, having an extra bag can be a lifesaver. It gives you the flexibility to carry souvenirs, snacks, water bottles, or anything else you might pick up during your travels without having to cram it into your main luggage.
Tote bags are lightweight and easy to fold, making them convenient to carry around. They take up minimal space in your luggage when not in use but provide ample storage when needed.
Packing Cubes
I never make the mistake of not using packing cubes and neither should you. Packing cubes compress your clothes, maximizing space in your bags. This allows you to fit more items while keeping everything neat and orderly. On shorter trips they can be the difference between paying for checked luggage and fitting everything into your carry-on.
Packing cubes can help prevent clothes from wrinkling during travel. The compression provided by the cubes keeps clothes in place, minimizing creases and folds. They can also provide an effective way to separate your clean and dirty items.
Travel Washbag
A travel washbag is an indispensable travel accessory that ensures you can maintain your hygiene, stay organized, and feel comfortable. Unexpected situations can arise during travel, such as flight delays or layovers. Having a travel washbag with essentials like toothpaste, deodorant, and a comb can help you feel refreshed and prepared to handle any challenges that come your way.
A washbag helps keep your toiletries organized and prevents spills or leaks from spreading to other items in your luggage. Many washbags come with compartments or pockets to separate different items, making it easy to find what you need quickly. Having all your toiletries in one place makes it easier to access them whenever you need them.
Ear Buds
Whether you’re in a crowded airport, a bustling train station, or a noisy hotel room, earbuds offer a private sanctuary. They block out external noise and create a cocoon of sound, allowing you to focus on your own audio content or simply enjoy some peace and quiet.
Airplanes are incredibly noisy and I find that ear buds are usually the difference between arriving at my destination stressed and tired or arriving perfectly relaxed and ready to start exploring.
Reusable Bottle
Reusable bottles are lightweight, durable, and easy to carry. They come in various sizes and styles to suit your preferences and do not have the negative environmental impact of single-use plastics. Buying bottled water can quickly add up, especially in tourist areas where prices are inflated. By bringing your own reusable bottle, you can refill it for free at water fountains, cafes, or your accommodations, saving money in the long run.
Most airports have drinking water fountains, so if, like me, you always want to take a drink of water onto a flight with you, having a reusable bottle can save you a lot of money.
Portable Charger
When we travel, we tend to use our phones and other electronics much more frequently than at other times and we also tend to be further away from our chargers. We often rely on our smartphones for navigation using maps or GPS and tend to take plenty of pictures.
The downsides of being without a phone can also be much greater when you are travelling in a place you do not know well. This is why bringing a portable charger is usually a lifesaver. Portable chargers are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry in your bag or pocket.