I’ve formed my travel essentials packing list after years of traveling for fun and work. These items work for weekend trips, road trips, business trips, or weeks away in another country. I’ve picked up these tips through my own experience forgetting to pack something or learning from a friend or family member what they bring. I’ve put this list of travel item tips in hopes you add something to your own travel essentials packing list!
Travel Essentials for Packing Your Luggage
This collection of travel essentials is to help improve how you pack your luggage. I usually travel with just a carry-on, which means my packing needs to be efficient and organized. A carry-on helps to move around the airport or city easier! But, this list of items can help pack your checked bag, backpack, or duffel bag easier too.
- Carry-on Luggage
My carry-on is a similar size to this one. A darker colored, hard-shell carry-on is a great choice because it hides scratches and dirt easier. The hard-shell will make it easier to clean using a Magic Cleaning Pad Eraser. - Packing Cubes
I love my packing cube set. This helps to organize my clothing items and find them easier than digging around my luggage. Hot tip: Roll your clothes to fit more items and see them better! - Travel Shoe Bag Cube
In addition to a packing cube set, a shoe bag will help keep your clothing clean from dirty shoes. These darker colored shoe bags will look better in the long run. I’ll stuff clean socks or dirty laundry in sneakers to not waste space in my carry-on. - Toiletry Bag
A toiletry bag helps organize all the random bits you need to pack. I fit in my travel size toothbrush, travel hairbrush, and any other toiletry needs in a small bag. - Quart Size Travel Liquid Bag
This reusable, quart size travel bag is great for storing TSA sized liquids. I’ve linked to this TSA approved bag. Even if you’re not using a carry-on, I highly recommend storing your liquids in a separate bag incase anything leaks in your luggage. - Madewell Zip Top Transport Crossbody
My leather Madewell crossbody purse has traveled all over the world with me. I’ve had it for nearly 8 years and it still serves me so well. This black and brown color helps to work with different colored outfits and I love that it zips close to protect the contents.
Travel Essentials to Use
This collection of travel essentials has helpful things to use during your trip. Pack these items in your luggage or keep in your bag as you walk around. They’re things you may not think of to use or an upgrade from what you might typically pack.
- Anker Ultra-Compact Portable Charger
I keep a lightweight portable charger with me at all times. It’s helpful in the airport when you can’t find a plug, if your phone battery runs out when you’re out around the city, or even if you’re out camping. - Silicone Body Scrubber Loofah
These silicone body scrubbers are great to use when traveling. They dry quickly, clean easily, and limit bacteria from traditional loofahs. If I take a bar of soap, I’ll store the bar on top of the loofah to help dry. - Travel Slippers with Storage Bag
I have a “no shoes in the house” household and the same goes for when I’m traveling. I recently learned from a friend to buy a set of travel slippers to keep my feet clean from dirty hotel floors. - Chewing Gum
A pack of gum can come in handy for so many situations. Long flights, layovers, or eating something smelly. A stick of gum can help freshen your breathe and make you feel human again. - Hand sanitizer
I carried around hand sanitizer before the pandemic. Sometimes the bathroom doesn’t have soap or you can’t find a public bathroom easily like in Europe. - Water bottle
Always take a water bottle. Fill it up at the airport or buy a larger water jug to refill your water bottle during a trip. Everyone has at least 10 these days, take your favorite one.
Pack These Travel Essentials
I hope this travel essentials packing list helps you as your pack for your next trip. I take these items for any trip, including car camping, weekend trips, or weeks long abroad. Let me know how your essentials packing list differ from mine!
