Every time I zip up my suitcase and head out into the world for a weekend getaway or a long holiday, there are 10 key travel essentials I never travel without always make the cut. No matter the destination, they’ve saved my sanity, kept me comfy, and made me feel like a glam goddess even in the middle seat of a 12-hour flight.
I know your mind is running wild now and you’re curious about these items. So, here are 10 things I absolutely never travel without:
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Key travel essentials I never travel without
I cannot see myself going even for a daycation without these key travel essentials. They are like comfort food for me. Without them, my trip is automatically soiled. Except of course, I can get an alternative in my destination.
Why are they so important? They make your travel comfortable. They make you enjoy your trip and even want to extend your trip. Do you want to know these 10 key travel essentials I never travel without, let’s get into it.
A Journal
Rolling your eyes? Yes, I’m one of those people!
I keep a travel journal not just for the artsy stuff (though I do love to doodle), but to jot down directions, restaurants, names of kind strangers, and “don’t forget” moments.
In Ghana, I scribbled down the name of a cafe I found on a random street and shared it with a friend a year later. She went and loved it. There’s something so lovely about having a personal log of memories that isn’t just in my phone camera roll.
Travel Wallet
I’m obsessed with having all my important documents in one sleek, organized place. I use a travel wallet that holds my passport, boarding pass, vaccination card, multiple currencies, and cards.
There’s just something about feeling put together while breezing through immigration that makes me feel like a spy on a secret mission. Plus, it saves me from panicking while digging through my bag at every checkpoint.
My “Airport” Uniform
Okay, hear me out. I’ve developed the ultimate travel uniform that’s cute and functional. It’s usually comfy joggers, a fitted tee, a stylish but warm jacket with pockets, and sneakers that are easy to slip off at security.
I learned early on that layers are everything because plane temperatures make no sense. One minute it’s a sauna, the next it’s Antarctica. I also always bring an extra pair of socks because, yes, I’m that girl warming her toes mid-flight.
Snacks
What’s that thing they say about a hungry woman? Yea I will let you fill in the gaps…
However, I never ever travel without snacks! My go-to snacks are typically protein bars, almonds, chocolates, biscuits, etc.
Why? Airplane food can be unpredictable, airport prices are criminal, and not every country has my fave munchies.
Once, I arrived at a remote Airbnb in Dar Es Salaam at midnight with no food options open nearby. Thank God for the crackers I packed, or I might’ve eaten my own arm.
An Oversized Scarf
I like to sometimes call this my holy grail. Yes, a big cozy and soft scarf is honestly my secret weapon. I’m talking about one of those gigantic wraps that can double as a blanket, pillow, shawl, and even a sarong in desperate times.
Aside from its multiple uses, I love how it instantly dresses up any travel outfit, even if I’m in leggings and sneakers. As a plus, it can be rolled up into a headrest for long flights.
You can bet I wouldn’t travel anywhere without an oversized scarf!
My Mini Medical Kit
I don’t mean a full-on pharmacy, but I always pack a small pouch with the essentials like painkillers, motion sickness tablets, plasters, allergy meds, and electrolytes. I once ate something very questionable on a trip, and the charcoal tablets I packed came to the rescue!
You never know when you’ll need something, especially when you’re in a place where pharmacies close early or are hard to find. I keep everything in a zip pouch and never unpack it. It lives in my suitcase permanently.
Noise Cancellation Headphone
I do not play about my peace. Crying babies, loud seat neighbors, humming engines, none of them stand a chance against my noise-canceling headphones.
Not only do they help me actually sleep on planes, but they also make listening to music or podcasts feel like a luxury experience. I remember being stuck next to a very enthusiastic snorer on a 9-hour flight. Thankfully, I had my headphones on, and suddenly it was just me and the vibes.
A Foldable Tote or Backpack
This is one of those things that sounds unnecessary until it saves your life. I always pack a tiny, foldable tote or daypack that can be used for spontaneous grocery runs, beach days, or overflow items when I inevitably over-shop.
I once brought back so many souvenirs from Tanzania with no regrets. I had to use my backup tote as a carry-on. It’s light, packs flat, and works like magic every single time.
Toiletries
I have perfected the mini toiletry bag over the years, and I treat it like a sacred artifact. Mini dry shampoo? Check. Tiny face mist for a mid-flight refresh? Absolutely. My favorite mini perfume? Yes, ma’am.
I learned the hard way after forgetting moisturizer once on a ski trip. I came back with cheeks so dry I was basically flaking. Never again. Now I keep a dedicated bag always packed and ready, so I can just grab and go. I refill it as needed, and it saves so much time.
Power Bank
Trust me, you wouldn’t want to be walking around with a dead phone in the middle of a strange city? I’ve been there, and it is one of the worst experiences ever! Never again! In fact, my current power bank can charge my phone three times over and still juice up my AirPods.
It has come in handy more times than I can count. Now, I charge it the night before and toss it in my tote like the lifesaver it is.
Which of these 10 key travel essentials I never travel without is your favorite? Which of these 10 key travel essentials I never travel without is on your travel packing list? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Ciao for now.
