Master Your Packing: The 12 Must-Have Essentials for Every Trip!

I am perpetually looking forward to my next journey. I fall into that category of individuals who nearly always has an itinerary prepared, ensuring there’s something to be excited about. I’m thrilled at the prospect of visiting my friend in Philadelphia this January and another friend in Paris come spring. Be it a 2-hour drive or a 10-hour international flight, I relish every adventure. 

Although travel is invigorating and enlightening, the packing and preparation can be quite daunting, particularly with the unpredictable nature of the weather, temperature, and climate. Despite being known for overpacking and meticulous planning, there have been instances where I’ve completely mismanaged my packing efforts. (I won’t even get into the episode where I forgot socks and sleepwear.) It’s generally possible to find what you need at your destination, but by packing correctly in advance, you can conserve both time and money. 

You might not typically forget essential items like clothing or footwear, but what about those less apparent necessities that can enhance your journey and comfort? Whether your trip is already arranged or you’re in the early stages of planning, here are 12 items you must remember to include in your luggage. 

For additional travel advice, discover the optimal ways to pack a carry-on and the ideal time to secure flights during the holiday season. 

1. Personal care items and medications

During your travels, the last thing you want to overlook is crucial personal care or medical supplies. While replacing deodorant is fairly simple on your trip, remembering medications is far more critical since these can be extremely challenging to obtain once you reach your destination. This encompasses contact lenses, contraceptives, prescription eyewear, and other essential medications.

For women, we can often schedule our trips around our menstrual cycle, but sometimes unforeseen situations arise. It can be quite expensive and uncomfortable to find oneself on a journey without the necessary hygiene products, particularly when needed. Therefore, develop a routine of packing a few. It’s preferable to have them and not need them than to be in need of them and not have any. 

Additionally, remember to include sunscreen if you’re traveling during the summer or to a notably sunny or tropical locale. 

2. A reusable water container

If you anticipate hours of walking in city environments or an entire day hiking in a national park, staying hydrated is essential. Accessing water may not always be feasible in certain locales, not to mention the extreme heat or humidity you might encounter — carrying a refillable container can be very beneficial. 

While you might think of depending on buying bottled water at your destination, it can often be pricey in popular tourist areas or hotels, and grocery or convenience stores are not always readily accessible, particularly in rural or forest regions. 

Here’s a compilation of some excellent water bottles. If the tap water is unsafe to consume at your location, consider a water bottle equipped with a built-in filter. 

3. Portable battery chargers

While journeying, you’re probably going to be relying on your phone more often — accessing boarding passes, searching for places to visit and their directions, staying connected with friends and family back home, and snapping countless photos. All these activities quickly drain your battery, making it discouraging to pause your exciting schedule for a phone charge. Furthermore, access to power outlets is not always guaranteed.

That’s why bringing a portable battery charger is always a wise idea. Power banks provide you with power on the go, and they are usually quite affordable. I recommend choosing one that is not only dependable but can also recharge your phone several times before it too requires charging.

4. Hand wipes

Although bus excursions or train rides can be incredibly enjoyable, they may not always be the cleanest environments. Throughout your travels, you will likely encounter “high-touch” surfaces like remote controls, light switches, doorknobs, faucets, and more, so it’s vital to prioritize hygiene to avoid getting sick. 

Handwashing might not always be an option, so it’s prudent to carry some hand wipes with you. Moreover, small packets typically pass through security checks without any issues.

5. A quick-drying towel

Towels are often beneficial, and you never know when one might come to your rescue. Perhaps you spilled something on yourself or got stuck in unexpected rain and need to dry off promptly. Or you may check into your hotel or rental only to discover they do not supply towels.

Quick-drying towels may not be the epitome of luxury, but they’re lightweight and easy to store while traveling. Most importantly, they dry very quickly, allowing you to tidy up and stow them away in your bag without delay. 

6. Plastic bags

If there’s one travel essential I firmly believe in, it’s having a plastic bag. Need to store your muddy shoes? Plastic bag. Want to keep used clothing apart from clean garments? Plastic bag.

While plastic bags might not be the most glamorous travel accessory, they offer numerous uses and take up minimal space in your luggage.

7. A collapsible backpack

I tend to overpack significantly in my carry-on baggage. I aim to include my cameras, hat, sunglasses, a change of attire, and personal care items in case my checked luggage is misplaced. However, all these pieces quickly accumulate, leaving little room in my backpack. Typically, I do not want to lug all of them around as I explore my destination. 

I recommend bringing a smaller, ideally foldable backpack for your explorations. This will save you from the hassle of unpacking and repacking your carry-on. Plus, it provides a convenient way to carry any souvenirs you gather along the way.

8. Bottle protectors

Almost every trip I embark on ends with me bringing back a bottle of wine or a unique local beverage.beer as a keepsake. I enjoy bringing a unique bottle of beer, spirits, or wine back home to enjoy with friends and family as I recount my journeys. 

However, before that can take place, the bottle must successfully survive the trip back. This means you’ll require some form of protection. Many individuals swear by the sock method for wine bottles or wrap glass bottles in their garments, but I prefer to utilize a dedicated protective bottle bag. I suggest using a protective bottle bag with cushioning and a zippered top that will help safeguard your clothes.

9. Dryer sheets

For me, this is a no-brainer. When you’re strolling miles upon miles through different train or bus terminals, airports, and cities, you’re going to work up quite a sweat. Your footwear will likely bear the consequences. 

Bring several dryer sheets along to help cover up the scent of your shoes. When you return to your hotel or Airbnb at the conclusion of your day, simply place a dryer sheet in each shoe to aid in airing them out. 

10. A universal plug adapter

You likely already understand this. I’m going to reiterate: If you’re traveling internationally, you will need a plug adapter. Outlets in the US differ in size from those abroad, which means that if you plan to use electronic devices in another country, you’ll require an adapter.

You could attempt to purchase one at your destination, but they can be pricey and difficult to locate. It’s wiser to pack one with you before departing to save time and money. 

11. A travel router

Alright, this might appear excessive, but a travel router has rescued me on more than one instance. Internet access is not always dependable while traveling or in certain rural regions, and setting up a wired connection is nearly always going to be more reliable than wireless (particularly in hotels). I feel much more secure while traveling knowing I have a consistent connection to reach out in case of an emergency, keep in touch with the group I’m traveling with, or connect with loved ones back home. 

Here’s some even better news: Travel routers are typically compact, inexpensive, and simple to pack. You can find one for anywhere from $20 to $100, and they’re generally not much larger than a wall adapter.

12. A packable down or rain jacket

No matter if you’re heading to a tropical locale or exploring the streets of a European metropolis, it’s always prudent to carry an extra down or rain jacket (or umbrella if you have the room). Even if you check the weather forecast religiously, you could still find yourself caught in an unexpected downpour or have a chillier evening than anticipated. 

One of the finest selections that won’t burden your suitcase is a packable down or rain jacket that can conveniently fold up. Trust me, it’s better to be overprepared than regretful.

Final thoughts

Traveling can be a transformative experience that creates enduring memories. But before you can bask in the enchantment of cities around the globe, you must pack. And packing effectively can significantly reduce stress and save you money over time. While everyone may have their own perspective on what items are indispensable for traveling, the 12 suggestions above are what I have discovered to be the most beneficial during my personal journeys. 

If you’re organizing a trip soon and feeling anxious about preparing, we have numerous resources available to assist you. Get ready for your next adventure with these hacks and advice: