Deciding what to pack can be daunting, whether you are a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip abroad. This feat is even more difficult if you are traveling for two or more weeks.
Regardless of the length of your trip or destination, there are several must-have travel items that you should always bring with you. Each makes packing more efficient and ensures you are prepared for various situations.
The following list includes some essential travel items that can fit in your carry-on luggage. From essential items like power adaptors to personal care products, this list has you covered all types of getaways and adventures.
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Important Packing Tips
Although there are plenty of essential travel items for all trips, it is important to consider where you will be, the potential weather, and the activities you will be experiencing before packing additional items.
Traveling during the winter months in a large city will require completely different travel gear than relaxing beachfront on the Mediterranean. In addition, the region you are traveling to also requires some additional thought. For example, if you visit the U.K., expect overcast skies and rain no matter what time of year.
Another factor to take into account is access to a washing machine. Some hotels and vacation rentals will have access to laundry services, but only sometimes. If you will not have the ability to wash your clothes while traveling, that means you will have to pack more.
To cut back, research the facilities of your accommodations. Many come supplied with basic personal items such as hair dryers, irons, shampoo, and soap. These few essential items can save you a lot of room in your suitcase.
I highly recommend the following list of items, no matter what international destination you are visiting. I’ve also included some general clothing and personal care item guides and a few extra things you may want to bring.
25 Must Have Travel Items and Accessories
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes may be one item that many may think is an unneeded expense, but they truly are worth the investment. One of the best luggage organizer sets is by Eagle Creek. The pack-it collection come in an assortment of different sizes to help organize all your items.
For even more storage, the company offers a line of compression cubes. All products are water resistant, machine washable, and come with a lifetime warranty.
Another popular and more affordable set is the 6 piece set by BAGAIL which come in 20 different colors and three different sizes. Most sets come with a mesh front makes it easy to locate things, and the line also comes with compression cube options.
Having separate storage compartments keeps your luggage from becoming cluttered and unorganized. If you’re like me, your suitcase probably looks like a disaster after day two!
Packing cubes allow you to stay organized, especially for longer trips or ones where you are traveling to multiple locations. These save a lot of time!
Another thing I like about using packing cubes is that I can organize my outfits and keep my dirty clothes separate from the ones I have yet to wear. These have been quite helpful with staying organized during my trips and even allowed me to pack more!
Universal Adapter
One of the most important things you should have is a Travel Adaptor when traveling to another country. The outlets are much different than in different parts of the world so you will need an adaptor for your electronic devices.
Most of Europe uses the same adaptors, but a few countries, such as the U.K., have a different plug. The EPICKA Universal Adapter works in Europe, UK, Australia, and the US for over 150 different countries.
This high power adapter can charge six devices simultaneously and fits all USB plugs, while being small enough to pack in your carry-on luggag.e.
Travel Capsules
Ever pack a cream or liquid in your suitcase just for it to explode all over? I have! I’ve tried inexpensive alternatives like ziplock bags to place all my cosmetics and creams in, but that does not always work the best, either.
Travel capsules were the best solution to the problem. Not only do they take up little space, but they help you organize your makeup and skincare products and protect them. In addition, the thickness of the cases helps protect your items from both leaking and breaking.
Cadence Capsules are small half ounce magnetic containers that can be purchased in signals, or sets of 6 or 12. Each capsule can be personalized with individual labels, with certain icon proceeded going to non-profit organizations. From creams, vitamins, and makeup, you can organize all your personal items easily.
What I really like about this brand is the importance they place on sustainability and the environment. Each capsule is made with reusable materials and they partner with organization in order to combat plastic waste around the world.
Headphones
Headphones come in especially handy for traveling to destinations. They cancel out surrounding noise and allow you to focus on a show you are watching or the music you are listening to.
Apple Airpods are a popular choice because they are wireless, compact, and hold a charge for 24 hours. Best of all, they work with all apple devices. Once you are done, just pop them into their charging case and pack them in your bag for later.
For a cheaper option, the Soundcore Noise Canceling Headphone is an excellent alternative. These headphones are larger than the Airpods, but have over 40 hours of wireless playtime and work wonders for canceling out noise.
One thing you want to think about is the capacity of your headphones to plug into devices. Some apple products have a different plugs that may not work with other devices, so you may need a 3.5mm plug adaptor to use them.
SIM Card
To stay connected while traveling abroad, purchase a SIM card. It allows you to use your phone to access the internet or make phone calls without the high roaming fees.
Many companies also have international data plans that charge around $10 per day to use your phone. The Orange SIM Card gives you 20G of coverage for almost a third of the price and is the perfect data card from traveling in Europe.
Reusable Water Bottle
Bottled water can be expensive, especially in tourist shops and airports. Having your own reusable water bottle is both an economical and environmental benefit.
It also keeps water cooler than a standard plastic bottle, which is handy in summer. Some places, such as Rome, have an amazing free water system throughout the city. In addition, there are clean drinking fountains all over the city that you can fill up at.
Hydro Flask has a large line of water bottles for all travel needs. The Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle come in three different sizes and over 20 different colors. Each is leak proof and features Tempshield insulation that keeps your water cold for up to 24 hours.
Each comes with a handle, and being made of pro-grade stainless steel make it perfect for both travel and day-to-day activities.
For even more eco-friendly solutions, you may want a collapsable water bottle from Nomader instead. They are as easy to use but take up much less space and can be rolled up when you’re finished using them.
Each water bottle can also hold hot drinks, and are made with durable, food-grade material that is both dishwasher safe and leakproof. These are great if you are backpacking or traveling light.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer in both the liquid and towel form comes in handy no matter where you go. From opening doors to traveling on the metro, having these in hand is always a good idea. Also, hand sanitizer is a quick must-have item if you don’t have access to a restroom.
Purell has 1oz sanitizer bottles made specifically for travel. Not only are they 99.99% affective, they come with a handy clip for ease of use. Their travel pack sanitation wipes are another great option for on the go use.
Portable Charger Bank
I cannot go on any trip without this! This Anker Compact Portable Charger is extremely useful, especially on days when you are out and about for hours at a time. You don’t have to worry about your phone or camera dying because you always have a backup with you. They have a variety of different chargers for all budgets and needs.
Especially if you use your phone to help navigate a new city or for photos, you will end up using the battery much quicker! Portable chargers are also beneficial for backpacking trips where you may need access to power outlets or hotels for extended periods of time.
What is great about this particular charger is that you are able to charge multiple devices at the same time.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is another thing you need to get before your trip. Insurance covers anything from a missed flight to lost luggage. For the extra money, it is worth knowing that these things and more will be covered during your trip. For great travel insurance, check out Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Camera
Taking photos of your travels is a great way to remember all the wonderful places you’ve visited. The newest phones have developed some fantastic cameras that are sufficient for most. However, if you’re looking for even better quality photos, then investing in a camera is an important purchase.
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a great starter camera at a reasonable price range. If you are ready to take your photography to the next level, invest in the Sony A7III. It is our most recent purchase, and we are so happy with the quality of photos and variety of settings that come with this camera.
If you plan on using your camera a lot, you will also need a couple of memory cards and an extra battery with you. If space is not a problem, tripods are extremely helpful for taking pictures, especially if you are trying to get one of yourself. Some tripods come with a wireless remote. If they don’t, you will want to purchase one.
Neck Pillow
For those of you that have trouble sleeping on planes, a neck pillow can help a lot. They do take up some space. However, the Cabeau Evolution is extremely compact and helps make those long flights a little more comfortable. Each pillow comes with a travel bag for easy storage, and straps to secure tightly to luggage or bags when not using.
Another option is an inflatable neck pillow, which is even more compact than the one above. The AirComfy pillow is self-inflatable, comes with a storage, and is washable.
Reusable Shopping Bag
One important tip for visiting Europe is that grocery stores and markets usually don’t give out bags to customers. Therefore, bringing your own reusable bag with you or purchasing one from the store is a common practice.
Chances are you will stop by one of these two places at some point in your travels. It is a good idea to have a reusable bag at your disposal. Ultimately if you have a large tote bag handy, you could use that.
Travel Bag/Purse
It is a good idea to have a travel bag with you instead of carrying a purse around at all times. These a larger and can fit more in them. They can also be included with your carry-on luggage in addition to a small suitcase.
Travel bags are useful for carrying items with you while traveling, but they can also be helpful once you get to your destination. I love my Longchamp Shoulder Bag. It is my go-to bag for long trips, weekend getaways, and days at the beach. Not only does it have a lot or room, it has both a zipper and button for security, and is easy to style with your outfit.
A small purse is also a good thing to have once you have reached your destination. It is small and portable and perfect for holding a few essential things. When picking purses to bring with you, check to make sure they are secure in case you run across pickpockets.
Backpacks
Another alternative to a travel bag is a travel backpack. You can fit even more items in one, which is helpful when traveling with kids. Pacsafe is a trusted company dedicated for making secure luggage and travel accessories such as camera bags, wallets and backpacks.
Their Citysafe Anti Theft Women’s Backpack comes in four different colors and designed with interlocking zippers, durable fabric, and RFID blocking pockets for the ultimate protection of your valuables.
Dirt Clothes Bag
Packing cubes can be an alternative for separating clean from dirty clothes. Eagle Creek even has a set of packing cubes designed just for dirty clothes and block moisture and odors. There are several other types of laundry bags made just for traveling. These come in especially handy if you plan on using a laundry service during your travels.
Portable Umbrella
If you have a room, it is a good idea to carry an umbrella with you depending on your destination. If traveling to the U.K., I recommend having one as it does tend to rain a lot there.
The Repel Umbrella is extremely lightweight and can be packed in your carry-on without taking up much space. Most importantly, it is designed to withstand large gusts of winds and is extremely durable.
Book
I am an avid reader and enjoy having a good book with me while traveling from place to place. I always pack one on my carry-on to pull out if I have some downtime. For lighter options, you could bring an iPad or Kindle with you.
Makeup Remover Wipes
I recently moved from cream makeup remover to wipes, which are so much easier to use. Especially during travel, you can use them quickly and easily without needing water. I like the Neutrogena Towelette Singles because they are 100% plant based and compostable. Another great option for sensitive skin is the Burt’s Bees makeup remover collection. These come in especially helpful on planes. They also fit easily in your carry-on bag and can be used on the go.
Toiletry Items
Some important toiletries to have on all trips include toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, razor, deodorant, and moisturizer. To save space, purchase travel-sized versions of these items. For the warmer months, sunscreen is another important item to pack, especially if you plan on spending lots of time at the beach.
Shampoo and Conditioner Refillable Bottles
Most hotels and vacation rentals will provide these items for you, but having your own is still a good idea. For money-saving and environmental purposes, bringing refillable toiletry bottles are a much better option than purchasing travel-sized bottles that will end up in the trash.
The Gemice Travel Bottles come in packs of 4 in an assortment of colors. Each is designed to be leak proof and at 3oz in size are able to fit in your carry-on luggage. In addition to shampoo and conditioner, you can also store your liquid body wash and lotions.
Medications and First-Aid Items
Make sure to pack any prescription medications with you that you cannot get anywhere else. Items such as bandages, Ibuprofen, and Tylenol are easy to find in large cities and may not be something you decide to pack. However, having them on hand is not bad, and they don’t take up much space. Of course, if you are hiking on spending time in remote areas, you should have a full-blown supplies kit.
Running Shoes
Chances are you will be spending a lot of time walking. Running shoes are the most comfortable items to have and ensure you don’t have sore feet on day one. Especially for traveling from place to place, they are the most comfortable footwear to have with you. I personally love Nike running shoes and am currently using their Air Zoom Running Shoes. They are so comfortable that I wear them almost every day.
In addition to running shoes, I also like to have a pair of plain white shoes with me. They are perfect for walking around and go well with shorts and even dresses. Veja Esplar are a popular and stylish women’s sneaker that comes in a variety of colors and styles.
For a more affordable option, try the Superga 2750 Cotu Classic Sneaker. I also own these, and wear them when I want to dress up my outfit but still want the comfort of a sneaker.
Jacket/Sweater
No matter what time of the year you travel, you should always have at least one jacket or warm sweater. Summer nights can get cooler in some places, even during July and August. A lightweight jacket or cardigan should be plenty unless you are traveling during the winter.
Looking For More Travel Tips?
Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT | Skyscanner is the top search engine for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
VIEW ACCOMMODATIONS | For booking hotels and vacation rentals Booking.com is a top resource . They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
PLAN TRANSPORTATION | Discover Cars is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS | There are many top companies available in Europe. Get Your Guide is one of the best sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | Having travel insurance is always a good idea. World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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