Over the last few years, I’ve made traveling more of a priority in my life, even if it’s just a quick New England road trip. Over time, I’ve learned how to expertly pack my travel bags to ensure each trip is a breeze. But let’s face it: packing and preparing for a trip isn’t the most glamorous. So having your must-have travel essentials down to a science, you’ll be less overwhelmed and your travel experiencing will be that much easier.
If you’re still figuring out what your must-have travel items are, I’m sharing my favorite travel essentials that I always have on me.
Must-Have Travel Essentials
Dagne Dover Travel Backpack
I have always been a tote girl when it comes to traveling but as I’ve gotten older, the more uncomfortable they are to carry around (anyone else?) so I added this travel backpack to the mix. If you’re not familiar with the brand, Dagne Dover has the best bags for work, travel, and every day. They’re made from a neoprene material and are super easy to clean.
The Dakota Backpack in medium is great for travel, too. It has a laptop sleeve (fits up to 13″), is water-resistant, and has a luggage sleeve making it easy to sit atop your suitcase as you move through the airport. It’s also the perfect size. I always keep my laptop and planner with me (yes, even on vacation), a change of clothes, my wallet, and any extra items in it and it never feels bulky.
Apple Airpods
This might be controversial, but I am not a noice-cancelling headphone kind of girl. I like to keep things simple with my Airpods and will never travel without them. Maybe some day in the future I will become a noise-cancelling headphone girly, but today is not that day.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is a must when traveling! I’ve been using this one for a few years now. It smells good, doesn’t dry out my hands, and keeps my hands germ-free. I love bringing a few of these with me when I travel to keep in different bags for easy access.
Portable Charger
When I’m traveling, I’m using my phone more often than normal whether it’s to take photos and videos or to simply look up directions or somewhere to eat. Because of this, my battery dies so quickly so I always keep a portable charger on me. I’ve been using this one from Amazon; it’s about the size of a credit card, is super lightweight and easy to fit into any bag, and it holds just under two full charges.
Away Bigger Carry-On
Whenever I’m traveling by train or plane, I always use my Away suitcase. It’s compact, it’s sleek, and somehow I can fit almost a week of outfits and shoe options in it. I have had the bigger carry-on for over five years now and it’s held up so great! The large size is next on my wishlist.
Away Packing Cubes
I am finally on the packing cube train and I honestly don’t know how I lived this long without them! I ended up getting these ones from Away since I already have a suitcase from them and I couldn’t love them more. They fit so much, make packing easier, and when I get to my destination, it’s easy to pop them out of my suitcase for easy access.
LEATHER COSMETIC CASE
For packing my makeup, I love using this leather cosmetic case. It comes as a set of two and the larger size is big enough to hold on my makeup and a few miscellaneous essentials. I use the smaller one to keep items I need to easily access while traveling in my backpack.
Travel Jewelry Case
Up until recently, I was putting all of my jewelry into a Ziploc bag when I traveled (I know, I know), but I finally upgrade to this travel jewelry case. It’s made such a difference! The days of untangling necklaces when I reach my destination are over. I also love that it’s lined so my jewelry won’t get scratched. I do find that if I pack watches, they don’t fit as well so I might look into another option but for my every day jewelry plus a few extra pairs of earrings, it’s perfect.
Truffle Clarity Case
I have had this clarity case from Truffle for almost 10 years now and it’s still in great condition! I love using this to keep all of my cords and chargers organized and easily accessible in my backpack. I’ll usually throw a notebook and some pens in it too if I know I want to get some work done on the road.
Clear Pouches
These clear pouches are my favorite for traveling. They come as a set of three for under $15 and are easy to clean. I usually keep my toiletries in one, makeup in another, and then if I’m going somewhere warm, I like to pack the third one with various sunscreens to take to the pool/beach.
Comfortable Shoes
Comfortable shoes are a must for traveling! Even if I’m not going to be doing a lot of walking once I get to my destination (helllo beach vacation!), I do like to wear a good pair of shoes while traveling so I have them. As of late, I’ve been reaching for my New Balance 9060s or my Adidas Sambas. I rarely travel in my Birkenstocks but they’re also a great option!
Kindle
There’s nothing I love more than a physical book but when I’m traveling, I try to leave them at home and bring my Kindle instead. I personally love the Kindle Paperwhite for traveling because it’s slim and compact so it doesn’t take up a lot of space in my bag. It’s also great for reading in the sun!
Psst.. Need some book recommendations?
Dramamine
I have been getting motion sickness for as long as I can remember. No matter what mode of transportation I take, there is a 100% chance I will get sick if I don’t take Dramamine which is why I always have it on hand. I will absolutely not travel without it.
Shop The Post