When traveling, the goal is always to bring as little as possible. After 5 years of trial and error, I’ve figured out the best travel essentials to pack for a trip. Most of these items seek to minimize your life & make travel even easier.
Many of the links used here are affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of these links, I receive a small commission at no cost to you.
Compression Packing Cubes
I swear by Eagle Creek Compression Packing Cubes. A secondary zipper compresses your clothes, saving tons of space in your suitcase or backpack. Out of all my travel essentials, these packing cubes are my favorite.
Non-Amazon Link: Eagle Creek Packing Cubes
Flexible Tripod
This flexible tripod is compact and perfect for those that don’t want to fuss with a full-sized tripod. I often attach it to street signs, fences, or walls when trying to get the perfect shot.
Non-Amazon Link (alternative product): Flexible Tripod
Bar Shampoo & Conditioner
Bar shampoo & conditioner is a great sustainable option that can limit the amount of liquid in your carry-on. I recommend Lush’s Seanik Bar Shampoo and Lush’s American Cream Bar Conditioner. For reference, I have thick, straight hair that gets greasy fast, and these products keep it clean & healthy.
Compact Camera
I bring this Canon Powershot Digital Camera everywhere I go. Though DSLR cameras are a photography staple, they are bulky and quite noticeable. Instead, I opt for this compact, high-quality camera to save space and not draw unwanted attention.
Non-Amazon Link: Cannon Powershot Digital Camera
Collapsible Water Bottle
This collapsible silicone water bottle makes it easy to stay hydrated on the road. When the bottle isn’t in use, it can be folded to fit into your bag or pocket. Plus, it comes with a carabiner.
Non-Amazon Link (alternative product): Collapsible Silicon Water Bottle
Travel Plug Adapter
This Travel Plug Adapter is great for trips to Europe. It is Type C, which works for most countries in the EU (not the UK/Ireland). It also comes with one regular plug and two USB ports. I highly recommend the Tessan brand for any adapter. Make sure to research which type of adapter you need for the country you’re visiting.
Non-Amazon Link: Travel Plug Adapter
Travel Towel
Travel towels one of my favorite multipurpose items. In addition to being used as a bath or pool towel, I’ve used my travel towel as a picnic blanket, sweat towel on hikes, actual blanket while sleeping on overnight buses, and more. This Dock and Bay Microfiber Travel Towel is fast-drying and extremely compact.
Non-Amazon Link: Dock and Bay Microfiber Travel Towel
E-Reader
As an avid reader, my Kindle Paperwhite is the most-used item that I pack. Instead of wasting space & weight on multiple books, load up your e-reader with your favorites, and hit the road. I recommend pairing your e-reader with the Libby app to access digital book copies from your local library for free.
Non-Amazon Link (alternative product): Nook GlowLight
Anti-Theft Backpack
This Anti-Theft Backpack is the perfect daypack & a great personal item on a plane. It has slash-proof fabric and all zippers clip-in. I always feel safe wearing it, even in areas known for pickpocketing.
Non-Amazon Link: Travelon Anti-Theft Backpack
Concentrated Laundry Detergent
When you inevitably wash your clothes in the sink (we’ve all been there), this concentrated laundry detergent will go a long way. Plus, it is TSA carry-on compliant.
Non-Amazon Link: Sea2Summit Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Travel Clothesline
This travel clothesline is a lifesaver on the road. The velcro straps allow you to hook it anywhere, so you can dry your clothes on the balcony, in the bathroom, or even in your hostel bunk bed. You’ll definitely want to add this to your travel essentials list.
Non-Amazon Link (alternative product): Travel Clothesline
TSA Locks
Locks are your best friend while traveling! You should always put them on your luggage while on trains, buses, or planes, as well as use them on lockers in hostels. These TSA Locks are flexible and can fit in just about anything.
Non-Amazon Link (alternative product): TSA Locks
Carry-On Suitcase: Splurge
Away is taking the travel industry by storm. This isn’t surprising, considering their lifetime warranty and high-quality, minimalistic suitcases. If you often take budget airlines, I recommend the The Carry-On by Away without a battery to save space and comply with airline size standards. If you usually take mainstream airlines, I recommend The Bigger Carry-On by Away with a battery.
Use this link for $20 off your first Away purchase.
Carry-On Suitcase: Budget
You don’t need to spend a ton of money for a reliable carry-on suitcase. I recommend this beautiful American Tourister Carry-On in Rose Gold.
Non-Amazon Link: American Tourister Carry-On in Rose Gold
Carry-On Backpack
If you prefer to travel with a backpack but still want to go carry-on only, this is the luggage for you. The Osprey Fairpoint 40 Backpack is compact enough to fit in the overhead bin but holds significantly more than the average daypack. I am 5’5″ and I use the Small/Medium size.
Non-Amazon Link: Osprey Fairpoint 40 Backpack
Ready to Travel?
Now that you know all the travel essentials you need to pack, let’s start planning your dream trip. Check out my blog posts on Florence, Italy and Cork, Ireland for some travel inspiration!
