Useful Travel Essentials That You Should Own
Whether you are traveling short-term or long-term, having a list of useful travel essentials is crucial. You must have these travel essentials in your arsenal to keep you safe and comfortable when traveling. Keep reading to discover why you need to carry a water bottle wherever you go and a few other essentials to add to your list.
11 Must-Have Travel Essentials
Here is a general idea of must-have travel essentials you should always have, whether traveling by land or air.
11. Noise-Canceling Headphones
You won’t realize you need noise-canceling headphones until you actually need them. Therefore, it's best to pack them in your travel bag. Even if you are not traveling with crying babies or other noisy annoyances, they are excellent for listening to music or watching a movie during long-haul flights.
Get good quality noise-canceling headphones, which will pay off in the long run, especially for a frequent traveler.
10. Microfiber Towel
A good microfiber towel is another item you won't realize is essential until you need to use one. A travel towel can serve two functions: for drying your hands or body and to double as a blanket.
The microfiber material ensures that the towel is quick-absorbing and fast drying. Use it to dry yourself off when you need to wash your hands or when you accidentally spill your drinks on yourself.
Meanwhile, if you are staying in hotels, you can use them as an extra blanket or your bath towel. Some towels provided in hotels are not super absorbent, so you can use your towel instead.
Ideally, pack two towel sizes: face and bath sizes.
9. Travel Pillow
A travel pillow can save the day on a long-haul flight or a road trip for several hours.
Use the travel pillow to rest and support your neck during travel. It could mean the difference between arriving at your destination well-rested or exhausted. Make sure it is the former by getting your hands on a good travel pillow, enabling you to sleep while traveling to your destination (as long as you’re the passenger).
8. Compression Bags
Compression bags, also called packing cubes, are a great travel essential. Whether traveling via plane or land, they are a smart way to organize your personal items, such as clothes, underwear, and toiletries.
Since the bags can compress, you can save up to 50% of space inside your bag, maximizing the content in your luggage. Choose a clear compression bag to ease your way through airport security. Once you have traveled with packing cubes, you’ll never want to travel any other way again.
7. Fanny Pack (Belt Bag)
Yes, they are the stuff of the 90s, but a belt bag or fanny pack is a practical travel essential you should never travel without.
Placing your wallet or money in your back pocket is a sure way to invite pickpockets when traveling. But when you store your cash and other valuables in a belt bag, it helps secure your valuables.
They are the perfect size to carry your essentials (money, cards, passport, etc) and are not too bulky. You should place it close to your body, keeping your valuable items secure. And the bonus is you can keep your hands free to carry other essentials (or your camera to take photos during travel).
6. Portable Travel Charger
If you’re carrying electronic devices during travel, ensure you're ready with a travel charger (for each device). It will provide enough battery to sustain you throughout your trip.
Electronic devices are a lifesaver during trips since you can use them for navigational purposes or to take photos of your trip. Therefore, you should add a travel charger to your list of travel essentials.
5. Comfortable Shoes
Comfortable shoes are a travel essential since you want to keep your feet comfortable as you will be doing a lot of walking. If you’re traveling via plane, you need comfortable shoes to easily walk around the airport when you reach your destination.
The best and most comfortable shoes for travel are made with breathable materials and offer a ton of support. If possible, use only shoes that you’ve worn and tested before. Never take a new pair of shoes for an upcoming trip.
4. Sunscreen
Packaging sunscreen for your travel to protect your skin from the sun is a brilliant idea. Choose a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher. Apply your sunscreen an hour before you go out to ensure your skin is protected from harmful UV rays. Wearing sunscreen also gives you peace of mind wherever you go.
3. Extra Clothes for Layers
No matter where your destination is, it's a good idea to pack extra clothes for layering, such as a jacket or scarf. You'll never know when it is going to rain or become chilly. Having your spare clothes for layering ensures you can always stay comfortable.
2. Entertainment
If you're on a long-haul flight or road trip, always pack entertainment to keep you occupied until you arrive at your destination. Entertainment can be in the form of a movie, a favorite playlist, or some board games. Keeping yourself entertained while traveling makes the hours go by faster.
1. Reusable Water Bottle
Nowadays, a reusable water bottle is a must, and it's one of the must-have travel essentials everyone should pack in their bags.
You can find numerous reusable water bottle brands and pick the best one for your travel preference. Ideally, choose a stainless steel water bottle with a wide opening since they are durable and easy to clean. It is convenient when you need a drink and can't find a water fountain to drink from. It also discourages buying plastic bottled water since that is not eco-friendly.
Research the best brands that ensure you have a leak-proof water bottle that maintains the ideal temperature of your water – or drink. Don’t ever leave your house without it to ensure you are hydrated. Make it a habit of carrying a water bottle when on the go!