10 Must Have Travel Essentials for Any Trip

I love packing. I know you might think I’m crazy, but I truly enjoy it. For me, packing signifies that I am about to go on a trip, so I am always in a giddy mood when I’m putting together my luggage. I especially love the comfort of knowing that I have everything I need for my trip. Through traveling to 20+ countries, I have aggregated my travel essentials. It doesn’t matter where I’m traveling to or for how long, I make sure that I have these items packed. Check out my 10 must have travel essentials for any trip!

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1. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are truly a must have essential for any trip. I swear by these things. You will be able to pack so much more in a neat, organized way with a set! I have the set pictured below which I bought from eBags several years ago. These are highly recommended as the material and zipper are super durable. I have a combination of small, medium, and large packing cubes! I typically put my socks and undergarments in the small, tops and shirts in the medium, and bottoms, pants, and dresses in the large. These packing cubes have saved me so much space. Plus, I’ve been able to easily find where I packed something without rummaging through my entire suitcase.

Packing Cubes are a must have travel essential

2. Travel Adapter

Please make sure to check that you have the correct travel adapter to the country you’re visiting! There are about 15 different types of electrical outlet plugs in use today. Even if you have a “universal” travel adapter make sure that the adapter fits all the needs of your trip. The last thing you want is showing up to a foreign country and realizing that you cannot charge your phone.

Travel Adapter is a must have travel essential

3. Lightweight Packable Backpack

I never knew I needed a packable backpack until I purchased one. It is super easy to just throw an extra packable backpack (which is the size of a sock) in your luggage just in case you need a daypack during your travels or if you decide to buy souvenirs or bring home extra items. I have used mine on every trip I’ve taken since I bought it 2 years ago. I highly recommend the Outlander Backpack (which is less than $20). It is extremely compact, lightweight, roomy, and durable. Trust me – I have put some weight in my backpack and there has been no rips and the zippers have been great. Probably one of my favorite must have travel essentials!

Packable Backpack is a must have travel essential

4. Ear Plugs

You never know when ear plugs will come in handy – even if you are a heavy sleeper. You will be grateful to have a pair when there’s a crying baby on the plane, you’re sharing a room with someone who snores, or the streets are a bit too lively at night. In these scenarios, you will be wishing you had packed a pair.

Ear plus are a must have travel essential

5. Eye Mask

If I’m to mention ear plugs, then I have to put in a plug (pun intended) for an eye mask too. Ear plugs and eye masks are definitely must have travel essentials! I pack an eye mask for every trip, because I like to block out all the light when I sleep on the plane. If you’re planning to stay at a hostel or if you’re planning to share the room with someone, I would also recommend packing an eye mask. It takes up so little room, and it could give you some extra sleep.

Eye masks are a must have travel essential

6. Luggage Locks

I used to be terrified of being pickpocketed. I feared having my phone or wallet stolen, but I have found the perfect solution with luggage locks. These luggage locks are not for your actual suitcases, but rather purses or backpacks. Simply place these locks on the zippers of the bag that you are carrying around. I found myself more relaxed knowing that my personal items are safe on me.

Note: These will only work if you have zippers on your bag that the lock can fit through.

Luggage locks are a must have travel essential

7. Passport Holder and RFID Wallet

Having a RFID wallet that also fits a passport has easily helped me kept track of where my money and passport are. I’ve been using the wallet pictured below for years and I love how many slots it has.

Passport holder is a must have travel essential

8. First Aid Kit & Medicine

I always make sure to pack a first aid kit with antibiotic wipes, different sized bandages, and gauze just in case. I also bring travel sized medicine such as Advil and Dramamine. Depending on where you go, certain medications might not be available or super overpriced.

First aid kit is a must have travel essential

9. Collapsible Water Bottle

How many times have you been forced to throw out a plastic water bottle because of security? Not only is a collapsible water bottle eco-friendly, it also takes up minimal room. It is handy to carry around when traveling, and you’ll be glad to have it whenever you see a public water fountain.

Collapsible water bottle is a must have travel essential

10. Portable Battery Pack

Having a portable battery pack on hand will save you from many stressful situations. You will be wishing you had one on hand when your phone is low on battery and there’s no way to charge it. However, be sure to keep battery packs in your carry-on and not in any checked bags.