Travel has the incredible power to change your life. Whether you’re visiting somewhere new or somewhere familiar, travel allows you to see the world through new eyes. You meet new people and learn more about yourself along the way.
Yet as much as a destination can dictate how you’ll feel on your travels, your experience often comes down to how prepared you were before you left home base. Before you wander off into the sunset, make sure to pack the proper travel essentials.
We’re talking about those tried-and-true items that help you feel comfortable, healthy, organized, and sane while you’re out in the world. Travel essentials aren’t about overpacking your suitcase or trying to keep up with the newest trends. Instead, these should be the items you know you’ll rely on most while traveling, regardless of where you’re going or how long you’ll be there.
Continue reading to uncover the ultimate travel essentials packing list that’ll work for every type of trip.
Why You Should Care About Travel Essentials
Travel is full of variables. Flights are delayed, weather shifts, and plans can change in an instant. Being away from home also means you’re out of your routine. That’s why travel essentials are so crucial.
Here’s how the right travel essentials can make your trip:
More comfortable
Know how to dress for every occasion
Feel better mentally and physically
Stay organized
Reduce stress and decision fatigue
Have an easier time adjusting to change
You’ll never fully eliminate travel-related stress. But with the right travel essentials at your side, you’ll know that you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.
Clothing Travel Essentials
Clothes are probably going to make up the majority of your luggage. But you can always pack more clothes. Try packing smarter by focusing on versatile clothing essentials.
Here are some of the staples you should pack for any trip.
Core Clothing Essentials
Start with a few key items that you know will last you the whole trip. These neutral or coordinating basics can be mixed-and-matched to outfit you for any occasion.
Travel clothing essentials include:
Comfortable everyday tops
Pants/trousers
Dress or outfit
Sleepwear
Undies you trust
Socks
Pack wrinkle-resistant fabrics you feel comfortable wearing several times. And if you’ll have access to laundry facilities, pack less.
Layering Items
You’ll never know how the weather will be when you land, so layering is your best friend while traveling.
Layering travel essentials include:
Lightweight jacket/cardigan
Sweater or hoodie
Scarf/shawl
The more versatile your clothing is, the less you have to pack overall. By packing layers, you’ll be prepared for changing weather conditions and temps without having to pack bulky clothing.
Shoe Essentials
Shoes can make or break your travel experience. When it comes to footwear, comfort is key.
Travel footwear essentials include:
Walk-friendly sneakers/shoes
Casual shoes (flip flops/flats)
Optional: dress shoes
As with clothing, only pack shoes that you’ve already broken in.
Beauty + Personal Care Travel Essentials
Changing climates, water conditions, and air pressure can take a toll on your skin and body. Pack these beauty and personal care travel essentials to help you feel like yourself while away.
Skincare Essentials
Keep your skincare routine familiar and simple while traveling.
Skincare travel essentials:
Cleanser
Moisturizer
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Hydrating mist/toner
This is not the time to try new beauty products. If you run out of skincare products, you can always purchase more when you reach your destination.
Makeup Essentials
Less is more when it comes to packing makeup.
Must-have makeup travel essentials:
Tinted moisturizer or foundation
Concealer
Mascara
One multipurpose lip product
Blush/bronzer
Look for products that can double as more than one thing.
Hair Care Essentials
Hair care can vary based on your destination and hair type. But the essential hair care items stay pretty consistent.
Hair care travel essentials include:
Travel sized shampoo + conditioner
Hair brush/combs
Hair ties/clips
Leave-in conditioner or hair oil
Ask yourself if you really need to bring hair styling tools or if there are alternatives.
Health + Hygiene Travel Essentials
Packing the right health and hygiene items can help you take better care of yourself while on your trip.
Daily Hygiene Essentials
Stock up on these hygiene products before your next trip.
Daily hygiene travel essentials:
Toothbrush + toothpaste
Deodorant
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes/cleansing wipes
Feminine hygiene products
These items will help you feel clean and refreshed throughout your travels.
Health Essentials
Stock up on these health essentials before your trip.
Health travel essentials:
Prescription medication + copies of prescription
OTC pain reliever
Motion sickness medicine
Vitamins/supplements
Mini first aid kit
Be sure to keep medication in your carry-on bag at all times.
Travel Packing and Organization Essentials
Travel doesn’t have to be messy. Packing the right organization tools can help you stay orderly on your journey.
Travel Packing + Organization Tools
Pack these gadgets and tools to stay organized.
Travel packing + organization essentials:
Packing cubes
Laundry bag/pouch
Toiletry bag
Small day bag/crossbody bag
Packing cubes will be your best friend while trying to keep your luggage organized. A small day bag or crossbody is perfect for day trips and keeping your personal items with you instead of checked luggage.
Documents and Keeping Your Stuff Secure
You’ll have a lot of important documents on your trip. Keep them organized and secured with these essentials.
Documents and security essentials:
Passport + visas
Insurance information
Boarding passes/tickets
Copies of important documents
Emergency contact information
Invest in a travel document organizer for safe keeping.
Tech + Other Practical Travel Essentials
From navigating to capturing memories, technology is at the center of most of our travels. Keep your gadgets safe and prepared with these travel essentials.
Technology travel essentials:
Phone + charger
Power bank
Universal travel adapter
Headphones/ear buds
Download maps, reservations, and travel shows/movies before you fly.
Safety Travel Essentials
When it comes to travel essentials, safety should never be overlooked. Stay safe and protected while traveling with these items.
Safety travel essentials:
Room-safe crossbody bag/backpack
Split up your money
Portable door lock or doorstop
Personal safety alarm
You should feel confident and prepared while traveling. Not scared.
Comfort Essentials for Travel Days
If there’s one type of travel we could all do without, it’s travel days. They’re never fun. Make your travel days more bearable with these comfort travel essentials.
Comfort essentials for travel:
Neck pillow
Eye mask
Compression socks
Reusable water bottle
Comfort means something different to everyone. Identify what comforts you on travel days and pack accordingly.
Mental + Emotional Well-Being Travel Essentials
Travel can take you to some amazing places, but it can also bring up a lot of emotions. Help your mind and body feel prepared for anything with these travel essentials.
Mental and emotional health travel essentials:
Journal or notebook
Book/e-reader
Music or meditation app download
Something that smells like home or another comforting item
Travel is about the journey. And your journey should prioritize your mental and emotional well-being too.
Travel Essentials By Destination
Packing travel essentials should always be tailored to your destination. Before you start packing, ask yourself:
What’s the weather like?
Are there any cultural norms I should know about?
What will I be doing on this trip?
How long will I be gone?
Use these travel essentials for every type of destination as a starting point. Then, customize based on where you’ll be venturing.
Travel Essentials for Every Type of Trip
Solo Travel
Traveling solo means your luggage and supplies are all you. Pack your_bag_full_of essentials so you never feel uncomfortable on your adventures.
Travel essentials for solo trips:
Comfortable shoes
Trusty day bag
Portable charger
Something to keep you occupied (book/journal)
Business Travel
Pack smart and stay organized with these business travel essentials.
Business travel essentials:
Work appropriate clothing
Computer + accessories
Business documents
Comfortable shoes with a professional look
Family Travel
Family travel can get messy. Help you and your loved ones stay organized with these travel essentials.
Family travel essentials:
Snacks + activities
Extra clothes
Comfort item for kids
Baby wipes
Hands-free bag for mom
Adventure Travel
Adventure awaits when you pack the right travel essentials.
Adventure travel essentials:
Layers (see above)
Weather appropriate clothing
Durability aka no sandals
Quick dry fabrics
Protective accessories (hats, gloves, etc.)
The 6 Best Packing Tips
Now that you know what travel essentials to pack, it’s time to learn how to pack.
Here are our six best packing tips:
Pick the right bag for the job.
Pack versatile clothes and supplies.
Roll your clothes.
Maximize your space by packing heavier items near the bottom of your bag.
Don’t overpack!
Learn what travel essentials you really need by packing for different trips.
Your Personal Travel Essentials
There you have it! Our comprehensive list of travel essentials. While we try to cover everything you may need while on vacation, traveling teaches us what we truly need on the road.
Some of the best travel essentials are ones that you discover yourself. What works for us may not work for you, and that’s okay. Keep exploring the globe and pay attention to what you come back reaching for every.single.time.
Happy travels!
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