What do you bring on your journey? What essentials do you need? As a seasoned traveler and a family doctor, I always emphasize packing light and smart. Over the years, I’ve discovered that less is often more when it comes to travel. You don’t need as much as you might think and you may find it liberating to travel with fewer belongings. But of course, every traveler has unique needs.
As you gear up for your upcoming adventures, you might be questioning, “What are the absolute essentials I should pack?” Here, I will share a curated list of practical and must-have travel items. These items won’t occupy too much space, prove highly useful and enhance your travel experience.
Table of Contents
- Items Under $25
- Items Under $100
- Items Over $100
Items Under $25
1. Travel Padlock
Safety should always be your priority. If you’re a budget traveler planning to stay in hostels, a travel padlock becomes a necessity. Hostels commonly offer lockers, but you often need to bring your own lock to secure your belongings. Although these locks are available for purchase or rent at hostels, it’s more cost-effective to buy one beforehand.
2. Travel Adapter
Arriving at a new destination and discovering you can’t charge your devices due to incompatible electrical outlets is incredibly frustrating. A travel adapter is the solution to this common issue. They are a must-have if you’re visiting different regions of the world.
3. Packing Cubes
Travel can be messy. Packing cubes are a blessing if you’re living out of a backpack for weeks or months or just want to keep your suitcase organized. They’re available in various sizes and can help you find everything in your backpack or suitcase more easily.
4. Earplugs
If you’ve ever stayed in a shared room or hostel, you’ll know that earplugs are a vital travel accessory. High-quality reusable earplugs are far more effective than cheaper foam alternatives, effectively blocking out distracting noises. They can help you sleep peacefully, whether you’re in a noisy hostel room or on a bus or train.
5. Passport Holder
A passport holder is an essential item for any avid traveler. It keeps your passport safe from damage, which is crucial as a damaged passport could result in an early end to your journey or denial of entry to a destination.
6. Toothpaste Bites
Traveling with liquids can be a hassle. Toothpaste bites are dry tabs of toothpaste packaged in a recyclable jar. They are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional toothpaste tubes.
7. Moleskine Notebook
A notebook is a must-have for jotting down your travel experiences, ideas or essential information. Even in this digital age, handwritten notes offer a special touch to your travel memories.
8. Exploration Journal
An exploration journal is perfect for those who want more than blank pages. It offers space for itinerary planning, jotting down language notes, inspirational quotes, and more.
Buy now at Remember Your Travels!
9. Celiac Travel Cards
Traveling with dietary restrictions can be challenging. These travel cards are in-depth resources that communicate your needs to restaurant staff, allowing worry-free meals.
10. First Aid Kit
A first-aid kit is essential for anyone planning outdoor activities like hiking or biking. Although travel insurance is a must, a first aid kit lets you take care of minor medical emergencies, such as small cuts, blisters, or burns.
How to pack a basic first aid kit.
Items Under $100
11. DryFox Quick Dry Travel Towel
Travel towels are compact, quick-drying, and a must-have for every backpacker. Traditional towels are often bulky, heavy, and take a long time to dry.
12. LifeStraw
LifeStraw is an eco-friendly brand that sells bottles with built-in water filters. They last up to 5 years, helping you save money and reduce your reliance on single-use plastics.
13. Travel Headlamp
A travel headlamp is useful for backpackers or anyone looking to do hiking or camping. Besides, if you’re staying in a hostel, having a headlamp is helpful to avoid disturbing your fellow travelers when you need to check in or out late at night or early morning.
14. Trtl Travel Pillow
Travel pillows are a necessity for long-haul flights, delayed buses, or airport layovers. They make your journey comfortable and help prevent jet lag.
15. External Battery
An external battery is a lifesaver when you’re traveling with multiple electronic devices. You can charge multiple devices at once, and the battery lasts for a significant duration.
Items Over $100
16. Suavs Shoes
Suavs shoes are comfortable, flexible, light, breathable, and stylish, making them perfect for travel.
17. Travel Backpack
A reliable, durable travel backpack is indispensable for budget travelers, minimalists, and backpackers. A well-made bag can last for years and be a companion in countless adventures.
Find the right backpack guide!
18. Travel Clothing from Unbound Merino
Made from merino wool, Unbound Merino offers versatile travel clothes that can be worn for weeks without getting smelly. They are super light, stylish, and incredibly durable.
19. Luggage from Samsonite
Samsonite has been a reliable brand for durable, quality luggage for ages. If you prefer a suitcase to a backpack, consider Samsonite.
20. Kindle
A Kindle allows you to bring thousands of books with you without the bulk. It’s a practical solution for avid readers who travel.
21. GoPro
GoPro cameras are great for travelers looking for something better than phone cameras. They are easy to use, durable, and versatile, perfect for ordinary days and adrenaline-filled adventures alike.
22. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones allow you to drown out the background noise for work, reading, or sleep during your journey.
23. iPhone
The iPhone is a great travel companion due to its high-quality camera, robust battery life, and overall functionality.
24. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not just a piece of gear, it’s a necessity. It covers health-related incidents and protects your gear.
Whether you’re embarking on a short vacation or a full round-the-world adventure, this list of travel gear will help you prepare. The right gear can truly enhance your travel experience.
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
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Book Your Flight: Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights by searching websites and airlines around the globe.
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Book Your Accommodation: You can book your hostel with Hostelworld or use Booking.com for guesthouses and hotels.
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Don’t Forget Travel Insurance: Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations.
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Want to Travel for Free?: Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending.
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Ready to Book Your Trip?: Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel.
Safe travels, everyone!