Your 9 Travel Must-Have’s
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed travel fanatic or it’s your first time flying, it’s worth investing in the right gear to ensure your travels are as hassle-free as possible.
These are all the accessories I’ve used most over my years of travelling. It isn’t easy to pin down my favourite travel must-haves into a short list, but here are nine items you simply can’t miss.
Here’s what we cover in this guide:
Travel Document Organiser
Backpack
Power Adaptor
Power Bank/Portable Charger
Filtered Water Bottle
Luggage Scale
Neck Pillow
Microfibre Towel
Hand Sanitiser Gel
Travel Document Organiser
A Travel Document Organiser has to be one of the most important things you carry on a trip.
Along with keeping your passport and other documents secure and in order, this travel wallet also has many credit card slots, SIM card slots, and space for boarding tickets. Unlike other travel wallets, this one is made from top-quality leather, so it’ll last you.
Whether you’re travelling to a metropolitan city or a rural farm, an off-the-beaten-track beach or hiking up a volcano, a backpack is an absolute travel essential. It would be best if you aimed to invest in a backpack that appears minimalistic and basic on the outside and is functional on the inside. This way, you won’t draw too much attention to yourself (which is crucial if you’re travelling on public transport in a city like Barcelona), and you can keep all of your stuff safe and organised.
My favourite backpack is relatively small and lightweight, and I find that this works best for my travels. Due to its size, you won’t be tempted to overpack and are forced to take only the essentials. Plus, you don’t have to carry all of that weight on your back!
A Universal Power Adaptor
Let’s be real, people. This is the 21st century. Who can tell me they haven’t been left gob-smacked by a hotel's lack of power outlets? First-world problems. The majority of accommodation options seem to be scarce in outlets. So, a Universal Power Adaptor is your best solution, especially if you travel in a couple or a group.
This versatile adaptor comes in very handy when travelling to a different country, and you can conveniently charge all your devices at once.
This Universal Power Adaptor has 1500W and four different kinds of international standard plugs for the USA, UK, EU, China, Japan, and Australia that can work in over 170 countries. It also has 3 USB ports and 1 USB Type C port. This outlet can charge five devices at the same time, including iPhones, iPad, Android, laptops, tablets, etc. This was definitely one of my best investments, and it’s saved my ass countless times.
A Power Bank/Portable Charger
Everybody needs a little extra juice on the road… If you’re searching for a quality portable charger, then look no further!
This one is ultra-compact and has high-speed charging technology. With a Micro USB cable, an 18-month warranty and a little pouch to protect your power bank, this is especially handy if you’re a clumsy lunatic like myself.
I actually use this portable charger daily at work (since my current job involves using my phone) and I’ve got to say that it’s hands down the best power bank I’ve tried to date.
Filtered Water Bottle
This is an obvious asset to have when you’re on the go. Water isn’t safe to consume in certain European countries (for example, Barcelona and Paris) and many other third-world countries.
This stainless steel water bottle removes chemicals and contaminants such as chloride, fluoride, copper, heavy metals, and sulphur. Plus, it also keeps your water (or whatever sneaky beverage you might be tempted to fill the bottle with) colder for longer, even in scorching hot destinations.
This is the perfect travel accessory because you do not have to waste money on over-priced plastic water bottles, but you’re also making an environmentally conscious effort to avoid single-use plastics! Can I get a yeehaw for Mother Nature?
Luggage Scale
Many budget-friendly airlines are very strict with luggage weight, so it’s best to weigh your luggage beforehand to avoid getting hit with those nasty-ass airport fees.
This is a fairly simple device. All you need to do is hook it around your luggage, pick it up and it will tell you how much it weighs. This luggage scale, in particular, can weigh luggage up to 110 pounds and displays weight in kilograms/grams/pounds/ounces. Your choice!
This luggage scale saved my ass when I travelled to Bangkok, Thailand. I may or may not have gone a bit too hard-core at the Duty-Free Shopping... What can I say?
A Comfortable Neck Pillow
If you’re travelling economy or long-distance, a comfortable neck pillow is definitely something worth buying.
I’ve wasted way too much money on overly expensive airport neck pillows, and finally, after years of travelling, I invested in this bad boy.
It’s lightweight and has memory foam with a U shape design. This is a big deal if you’re used to other cheaper pillows. The neck tilt allows your head to rest comfortably on both sides. It includes a protective bag, an eye mask, and earplugs.
The earplugs will come in handy for long-haul flights with screaming toddlers or cancelling out the cheer of rowdy backpackers from the hostel you’re staying in. Say hello to a peaceful night’s sleep!
Microfiber Towel
In my experience, not all accommodation sites will provide you with a towel. Is it worse when you realise this after you’ve already hopped out of the shower?
A simple microfiber towel doesn’t occupy too much volume; it dries super quickly, and it can even double as a blanket or even a beach towel. This towel is made of high-quality microfiber, and it’s oh-so-soft! Super handy for when you’re travelling and don’t have much space in your luggage!
Hand Sanitiser Gel
If the recent COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that now, more than ever, you must invest in a quality hand sanitiser to have on you at all times. Never underestimate the power of hand sanitisation. Aeroplanes are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, so come prepared!
FAQS
What are the essential things to pack for travelling?
There are many essential things to put in your suitcase, including your passport, wallet, credit card, toiletries, socks, underwear, shoes, hat, tops, pants or skirts and a jacket.
What are the travel essentials for women?
Before travelling to your next destination, ensure you have the following: passport, purse, sunscreen, headphones, electronics, clothes, shoes, face care products, makeup and tampons/pads.
What are the travel essentials for men?
Before you jet set overseas, don’t leave without the following men’s essentials – passport, wallet, credit card, comb, razor, trimmer and shaving cream, toiletries, electronics, clothes and shoes.
What are essential travel items for Europe?
Europe is a large continent and the weather can vary greatly. Even if you’re travelling during the summertime, be sure to pack at least one jacket and a long-sleeve shirt. Don’t forget sun protection, toiletries, shoes, clothes, sunglasses, passport, wallet, electronics and other essential travel items.
So whether you’re a travel fanatic or a first-timer, it’s definitely worth investing in the right gear. These 9 Travel Must-Haves will help ensure your travels go as smoothly as possible, so don’t miss out!