15 Travel Essentials That You Can’t Live Without

Traveling should be considered an olympic sport. Especially when you’re trying to do it on a budget like me. Lucky for you, I have a list of the most important travel essentials to make your life a little easier while catching flights across the world.

1. Travel Insurance

First and foremost, travel insurance is always a good idea. Depending on who you buy through and what plan you select, you and your money will be protected in case of surprise cancellations, delays, lost luggage, and bodily harm. The most popular travel insurance firm that I hear about is World Nomads.

2. Copies of Documents

This means passports, boarding passes, IDs, visas, and whatever other important documents you must bring with you on your travels. If any of them get lost or stolen, it’s always a good idea to have backups.

3. Currency Conversion

If you are traveling out of the country, you should be prepared beforehand with some of your home currency converted over to the currency of the country you are visiting. It doesn’t have to be hundreds, but maybe around the equivalent of $100-200 to get you through your arrival. You can always convert currency at your destination later on.

4. A Solid Carry-On

Honestly, I use a hard-side spinner I got from Target on sale for $40. It doesn’t need to be the prettiest or most expensive. If you think it will hold up to your standard of traveling for years to come, buy it.

5. A Good Personal Item

I recently invested in a Beis mini weekender after hearing all the hype about it. So far, I love it. It opens up like a doctor bag and has a bunch of compartments to shove little things. My favorite feature is the very bottom of the bag that zips open to a hidden shoe compartment. Not only does this keep your dirty shoes separate from the rest of your personal item, but it can free up some space in your carry-on as well.

6. Packing Cubes

These are a must. Have you ever wondered how some people are able to travel carry-on only? This is how. Packing cubes allow you to roll up and compress more clothing items than you can imagine. Once you’re done zipping up your packing cubes, you’ll find that they all fit together like a little game of Tetris and help you keep your bag organized your whole trip.

7. Noise Canceling Headphones

On my way to New York recently, I was stuck on a delayed flight. For six extra hours. With about 10 screaming children. And you know what I didn’t have? Noise canceling headphones. Yes, they can get pretty pricey, but I promise if you experience what I experienced you’ll never want to go without them again.

8. Travel Pillow

We have all been victim to neck and back cramps on long flights, especially when trying to hold your head up while you doze off. A neck pillow can help ease this pain, and you can get them cheap pretty much anywhere.

9. Toiletry Kit

I don’t know about you, but long haul flights tend to make me feel… icky. Having a toiletry kit on hand, full of things like a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, baby wipes, lip balm, moisturizer, and whatever else you’d like to have on hand can make a huge difference.

10. Medications

Keep any of the prescription medication or vitamins that you need to regularly take at home with you during your travels. You may also find it helpful to keep a bottle of an over-the-counter pain reliever on you as well, such as Advil or Tylenol. Try to keep it in the original packaging as to not subject yourself to any excessive searches.

11. Reusable Water Bottle + Snacks

Just fill up the bottle with water after you make it through security, and stash it inside your personal item along with some snacks. That way, if you get hungry or thirsty in between meals and snacks provided by the airline, you’ve got yourself covered.

12. Cozy Airport Outfit (and a change of clothes)

You will never catch me wearing jeans on a flight. It is always either leggings or some sort of loose knitwear for me. Also, be sure to bring a cozy sweater or jacket, some warm socks, and comfy shoes that are easy to slip on and off.

13. Hand Sanitizer + Disinfectant Wipes

Planes and trains aren’t known to be the cleanest of places. Having some wipes on hand means you can wipe down your seat and tray table, and hand sanitizer on deck is always a good idea.

14. Entertainment

Make sure you come prepared with different forms of entertainment. This could include books, a kindle, some Netflix TV shows downloaded onto your phone, and some good playlists to listen to.

15. Chargers, Battery Packs + Plug Adapters

Make sure you pack all of the charging cords you need (phone, laptop, Kindle, camera, etc). Having a pre-charged battery pack or two won’t hurt, either, in case your phone dies on the way. And a universal adapter is essential once you reach your destination, so you will actually be able to plug things in. Also, try to find out beforehand if you need a power converter for the electronics you are bringing.

What are your travel essentials?

This is a list of some of my favorite travel essentials to have on hand while I’m out and about. What are some of the things that you can’t live without while traveling abroad?

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