These 7 essential travel items are on every packing list that I create, whether it’s just a weekend getaway using luggage or if I am traveling for months at a time in a backpack. I use all of the items listed below, most of them for over a decade of travel.
My Personal 7 Essential Travel Items
(in no particular order)
Sleep Mask
Most of the flights I take are overnight flights, so these eye masks come in super handy to help me get some rest and also block out the glaring lights on the airplane. I also use them in hostels while sleeping.
Sometimes you will run into that rude hostel mate who will turn the lights on at 2 am when they come back to the room. It happened to me in Barcelona. An eye mask will help to block blaring light. They are also super comfy and cheap!
Earplugs
I use earplugs during flights AND while sleeping in all accommodations (hotels/ hostels/Airbnb’s). It took a few years to find the perfect ones and these are the absolute best. They also hold their shape so you can use them multiple times.
Travel Surge Protector
I have a lot of electronics to plug in: phones, laptops, external phone chargers, compact lighted mirrors, and razors. You name it and I need to plug it in. This strip is the perfect size and has the most outlets out of all the power strips I have seen in the past, including a USB connector.
If you are traveling abroad you may also need a converter which also has more USB plugs. Add this to your list of essential travel items as well.
Lock
Locks are very useful in hostels that do not have lockers. Most hostels do have lockers nowadays; however, you may want to leave a bag on your bed and lock it up if the locker is too small for your entire bag.
Even when I stay in hotels, I lock up our bags in the hotel room; better safe than sorry. My hostel in Rome had metal drawers under the bunk beds which required a lock to keep things safe.
Water Bottle
This is my number one essential travel items. I save a ton of money by using a reusable water bottle. In most countries that I visit tap water is safe to drink, so I use this bottle every day while on the road.
In the U.S., you must empty all water bottles before going through security. I swear by the Hydro Flask, I have several models of it but the one with the built-in straw is perfect for flights.
Once you’ve passed through security you can then refill your bottle before your flight, saving you from having to buy an expensive plastic water bottle. Every penny counts!
Wallet and Passport Holder
This slim pouch holds your flight essentials. It is large enough to keep your passport, boarding pass, credit cards, some cash, ear plugs, headphones, and Chapstick (most important) all in one easy to access location.
Packing Cubes
People have mixed feelings about packing cubes, however I like using them. Especially the compression ones. They come in all different shapes and sizes and can be used in rolling luggage and also in backpacks. I use a medium-sized one for shirts, and a small one for undergarments and socks.
They help to keep everything organized, especially when you have to move sleeping accommodations multiple times, it makes for a quick getaway.
