10 Must Have Travel Items for Every Trip

When I pack for a trip I want to be prepared for everything, yet carry as little as possible. No matter how light I’m trying to pack there are certain must have travel items that always make the cut. These are things that make the day easier, reduce stress, and help us have the most fun we can possibly squeeze in.

1. snacks, lots of snacks 

I’m not going to remind you to bring some nuts and granola bars for the plane ride here. We need snacks all the time, on the plane, in our bags, maybe even a pocket. Easily accessible healthy snacks provide energy, save money, and save us from getting “hungry” after a long afternoon.

Have you ever chosen to skip a special restaurant because the wait was too long, you were starving, and ended up going to a random place that was terrible? What about just grabbing fast food because you were too hungry to drive to a special restaurant, and then feeling gross and disappointed afterwards? A few snacks during the wait could have saved the day.

Snacks are so important while on the go; I wrote a whole post about my favorites, like unique dried fruit, fancy nut mixes, and RX Bars for something more substantial.

2. Luggage Scale

Don’t be that person at the airport, holding up the line because their suitcase is over the weight limit. I’ve been that person, having to pull things out and repack in the middle of a crowded airport, clothes flying all over the place. Never again.

If repacking isn’t an option, airlines will graciously let you check a heavy bag for a fee. These fees can be as high as $100 a bag. No thanks. Instead, I started bringing this easy to use, lightweight luggage scale with me and it has saved my butt more than once. I weigh my bag before the trip, and before heading home, and make any changes necessary before heading to the airport.

3. Slippers

Speaking of luggage weight, a great packing tip is to wear your heaviest shoes onto the plane. Those will usually be some kind of boot, especially during the winter. Unfortunately, boots don’t make for a comfy long-haul flight.

A simple pair of lightweight, packable slippers is the perfect solution. Slippers are so much more comfortable than a pair of clunky boots. After the flight, they are nice to have for walking around a hotel room. Especially now, slippers are a great extra precaution for safely traveling during the pandemic. Look for ones with rubber soles that can be easily washed.

4. Bandaids for BLISTERS

I try to make the most of every situation, no matter what goes wrong. One thing I can’t overcome is a painful blister. Especially when walking around a city, a big blister can easily ruin a day. Being near a pharmacy when that happens is ideal, but not likely. Wasting time trying to find one, spending the day in pain, or ending the day early are all terrible options.

A heavy duty healing blister bandage and cushioned blister bandage are in my purse at all times. Put one on at the first inkling a blister is coming and the day is saved.

5. Face Mist

This is a luxury item for sure but I love having a facial mist on hand and use it all the time. My skin dries out easily during a flight and a few spritzes of Evian Facial Spray freshens it right up. It’s also a relief to have on a hot day.

Another great option is Mandarin Energizing mist from The Body Shop. The bright, citrus smell wakes you right up and hydrates skin in the process. It’s also vegan!

6. Corkscrew

A combo corkscrew/bottle opener is always in my suitcase. It’s one of those things that if you need it, you need it now and don’t want to go looking for it. Just make sure you don’t PUT IT IN YOUR CARRYON and try to go through security. TSA will not be impressed. They WILL find it and they WILL take it away. I did that by accident once and not only was it embarrassing, I lost a good corkscrew.

*Update: TSA now makes carryon approved corkscrews! They are allowed on planes because the tiny knife that normal corkscrews have is removed. If you are traveling carryon only, these are great to have. Find it here: TSA Approved Corkscrew

7. Playing Cards

Flight delayed? Tour rained out? I always travel with a fun deck of cards for unexpected free time or to liven up a dull moment. A deck of waterproof cards is great to have for a long day at the beach. It’s never too late to learn how to play a new card game. Here are some classic favorites with links to their rules.

8. Journal

Even though most of us travel with a smartphone, tablet or laptop (or all three), sometimes an old fashioned journal trumps them all. It’s nice to take a break from staring at a screen. Jot down some notes when the mood strikes.

I prefer to buy smaller journals more often, so I’m not adding another heavy item to my bag. Paper covers are the trick to keeping them on the light side.

9. lightweight, packable bag

A small bag that folds up easily is so handy to have stashed in my purse. Having just one easy to carry bag for unexpected shopping or a cute farmers market is much easier than a bunch of little bags or worse, none at all. Little souvenirs can easily get lost buried in a pile of shopping bags.

For more serious shopping, a bag like the Cloud from Baggu works even better. Both of these bags are extremely lightweight and packable.

10. Portable Charger

A portable charger doesn’t need an explanation, does it? Going without your phone is like losing a camera, gps, notebook, map and everything else we rely on at the exact same time. This is a great little charger. It’s lightweight, small and works quickly.

These must have travel items have saved the day for me more than once! I can’t imagine packing for a trip and leaving any of them behind. In fact, some of them live permanently in my suitcase. If you have never used some of these things before, give them a try! I bet they will become a permanent part of your packing list in no time.