Top 10 Must Have Travel Items For Better Traveling

Packing my bag before traveling is always a big deal for me. I have my travel packing list to make sure I won’t forget anything, but even when I know that some things are purchasable, I still want to have them with me before I travel. I prefer to avoid running between stores or buying items in the airport, where they can be three or four times more expensive. So apart from packing, I also make sure to purchase my must-have accessories in advance of my travel, and I am calm that nothing is forgotten. Well, one time I forgot my backpack at home and realized it only when we arrived at the airport, but that’s a whole different story.

This travel items list is for non-expensive travel essentials. It contains items that in my opinion, are must-haves for traveling, for short trips and long travels. Here are the top 10 must-have travel items:

Digital Luggage Scale – Must Have for Packing

Every airline has a luggage weight limit. Usually, it’s 50 lbs (23 kg) for a checked bag, and 17 lbs (8 kg) for a carry-on (check with your airline for specific information about your flight). So why not verify already at home that you are not exceeding these limitations? I am sure you would prefer to skip opening your bag at check-in and putting on 2 more jackets. This is why a small-sized digital luggage scale is a must-have item for every traveler, and if it’s a digital one – even better. A friend recommended me to get it and it’s one of the best travel tips I received. The scale is small, lightweight, and can really save worries and/or problems at the airport.

The Etekcity Digital Hanging Luggage Scale has a capacity of up to 110 lbs (50 kg), it’s easy to use and it comes in 4 different colors.

Every traveler knows – taking a long or a red-eye flight and trying to get a good sleep is not an easy task when you fly in economy. So trying to make myself a bit more comfortable, I can’t go on a flight without my travel pillow to support my neck and back. I actually carry my pillow also on short flights, as a habit. And even if sometimes I just cuddle it, it really helps me to get a better nap.

The MLVOC Travel Pillow is made out of 100% memory foam, it’s light-weight, and machine washable. It comes in a kit together with an eye mask, earplugs, and a bag – all to make your flight more comfortable.

Recognizable and Durable Luggage Tag – Must Have for Air Travel

Reaching your destination or coming back home, and not seeing your luggage on the carousel is pretty annoying. Even though airlines have good-and-improving tracking systems, and they might know your bag is missing before you even reach your destinations, it’s better to have your personal details on the bag itself, just in case. Home-address and a phone number will be useful to help other good people help you to find your lost bag. Adding a tag to your luggage is a must for every traveler.

Airlines provide paper tags that usually don’t survive the flight (these might be good for small personal bags) so having a durable (and stylish) luggage tag is recommended. They come in different colors and shapes, with your favorite figures or quotes, and in a wide range of prices. Check out Amazon’s Luggage Tags.

First Aid Kit – Must Have for Keeping You Strong

One of the most frustrating things that can happen when you travel is that you don’t feel well, or get hurt somehow. While travel insurance is also a must for every traveler, most cases do not require going to a hospital, and a bandage or a pain-reliever will do the work. Read more about travel insurance.

This First Aid Kit has 299 pieces, including Ibuprofen and Aspirin tablets, bandages, gauze pads, and alcohol wipes. I also carry with me some other over-the-counter pills for anti-diarrhea and anti-vomiting.

Toothbrush Kit – Must-Have On a Plane

I enjoy flying long distances and usually I make a trans-Atlantic flight once a year. However, spending around 8-10 hours on the plane makes me feel like I need a refreshment. Even after 4-5 hours on a red-eye, the best way to refresh is by washing my face and brushing my teeth. Either on the plane (better) or in the airport’s toilets, a toothbrush kit is one of the traveling accessories that comes in handy. The important thing is that it would be small enough to fit in your personal travel bag and that the toothpaste size is within the TSA restrictions of 3.4 ounces (100 ml).

The Wilken Electric Toothbrush Case is perfect for electric toothbrushes, but can also fit your regular toothbrush. It comes in 4 colors, so pick your favorite and stay fresh.

Face Masks – The Must Have Travel Gears Of Our Time

The Covid19 pandemic is here, and its impacts will probably stay for longer. One of the main rules that airlines came up with due to the ongoing situation is that every passenger must cover their mouth and nose during the flight. This has made face masks the most essential travel accessory of our time. There are many mask options out there, and I think that buying a fabric cover is better. It’s more comfortable, they are washable, and can also be fashionable.

You can find on this Etsy link many designs in different colors or check the availability on Amazon.

And don’t forget your hand sanitizer!

Insulating Water Bottle – What Every Traveler Must Have

My friends bought me my first water bottle two years ago and it changed my life. Carrying that bottle with me, everywhere I go, makes me drink so much more water, and I am less tired, less hungry, and my general feeling is much better. The same thing goes when I travel, and in this case, it’s super useful to have an insulating one. Carrying it in your backpack while you are outside most of the day – the water is kept cold and fresh.

The Thermoflask Water Bottle is my favorite travel bottle. it is made with double stainless steel that can keep your beverages ice-cold for 24 hours. It comes in different sizes and has five colors (I have blue).

If you are looking for a collapsible bottle, then the Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle is for you. It is leakproof, durable, and free of BPA.

Portable Phone Charger – Must-Have for Long Days Outside

You are strolling in the streets of a new city or exploring a national park. it’s already late in the afternoon, and you suddenly see that beautiful bird that you want to take a picture of. Boom, your phone’s battery is dead.
Or you want to call your mom to say how much you missed her, but oops, no battery. No need to say more. A portable charger is a must-have for every traveler.

The INIU Portable Charger fits multiple devices. it’s lightweight that can easily fit in your pocket (or in your backpack), and it allows fast charge for two devices at once.

Universal Travel Adapter – International Travel Must-Haves

Traveling local has lots of advantages, but it’s missing one important thing – the cultural experience of a new country. While culture exploration is fascinating, you also need to make sure that when you get to your hotel room at night you can charge your camera and phone to prepare for the next day of your travel. In different countries, different types of outlets are used, and having one universal travel adapter can make a traveler’s life easy all over the world (including airports).

The NEWVANGA Worldwide Travel Adapter covers more than 150 countries, has dual USB charging ports, and is one of the most important traveling items.

Important to notice that this is an adapter and not a voltage converter. Phones and chargers usually fit both EU and US voltage, but other devices like shaving machines might not. Check your product before traveling.

Phone Tripod – Must-Have For Better Pictures

Do you know those times when you try to get the perfect selfie, but you’re missing these 10 inches that your hand can’t reach? Or when you travel on an isolated beach and there’s no one there to take a picture of yourself and your loved one? This is why every traveler needs a phone tripod to help them. I am not really into travel gadgets but this small-size accessory is a must-have for getting better pictures and memories.

The UBeesize phone tripod is adjustable, portable, and easy to use. It has a remote with a wireless range of 30 feet (10 m) and the OCTOPUS-style legs allow it to connect at every angle you want it to.

Final Thoughts

When you pack your stuff before traveling or during your travels, there are endless items and gadgets you can take with you. Some really improve your traveling experience, and others might do the opposite – if they are too big, uncomfortable, or if you don’t really need them. The items I mentioned in this post are all light and small, and I find them very useful. Do your research, buy wisely, and most important – enjoy your travel and stay safe!

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