When you have a trip coming up, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and stressed with all of the things you need to bring and pack. I find keeping myself as organized as possible helps. You know where everything is, and it’s an easy way to check it off your list.
I’ve done a lot of travelling in 2023 already including Hawaii, Japan, and Mexico, so here is my current top 10 travel essentials I think you need to have a smooth trip:
1. Pill Organizer
If you’re like me and like to have a mini pharmacy with you at all times, I highly suggest bringing a pill organizer with you so you have it at all times. Instead of carrying little baggies or individual boxes/packets of Advil or Tylenol, you can put them all in a pill organizer and it takes up less space. Here are some of our favorite pill organizers:
2. Packable Bag
A packable bag is a great way to save space in your suitcase and no one talks about it. These can be rolled up and stuffed into your luggage when you’re not using them, but when you’re on your way home and you don’t have any room left you can easily take one out as your personal item. They’re also great for going to the beach, going shopping, or using for dirty laundry. Here are some we personally love:
3. Portable Charger
A portable charger is a must-have for any traveler. These chargers can help you to keep your devices charged, even when you’re on the go. When travelling, sometimes you’re out for so long you won’t have time to go back to where you’re staying to plug your phone in. Having a portable charger is essential to making sure you have some form of communication at all times (and so you can take pics!)
- Anker 622 Magnetic Battery
- iWALK Small Portable Charger
- Q Portable Charger (has cords already connected to it!)
4. Cable Organizer
When travelling, one of the most annoying parts is keeping track all of your various chargers (phone, tablet, camera, etc.) and having them easily accessible. With a cable organizer, you can keep your cords tangle-free and organized! Highly recommend investing in one as it will keep you organized throughout your trip. Here are some of our faves:
5. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes is something I never knew I needed. Not only do they maximize suitcase space, but they keep your belongings organized through the duration of a trip. With multiple compartments, packing cubes make it easy to separate outfits, accessories, shoes, socks, etc. They even make compressible packing cubes, saving you even more space:
6. Jewelry Organizer
Jewlery is something I never brought with me on trips outside of the ones I wore on the airplane because of how easy it was to lose it. I’d put them in a little baggy or in a sock, and I’d almost always lose them. That is, until i got a travel jewelry organizer. It’s a great way to keep everything in one place, safe and organized. They’re all really cute, too! Try these:
7. Luggage Scale
This seems like an obvious one, but you’d be surprised with how many people forget to bring a luggage scale when they’re checking in a bag. This is a fool-proof way to avoid unexpected baggage fees, and they’re compact enough to fit anywhere. They may be off by a pound or two, but it’s the best way to get an idea of what your luggage weighs before checking into your flight! Here are a few we recommend:
8. Clothes Refresher Spray
Worried about your clothes smelling after having to re-wear them with no access to a laundry machine? Have no fear! Clothes refresher spray is something I didn’t know existed until I traveled to Japan, and every hotel had them as a toiletry in the room — talk about smart! While it can’t refresh everything, I re-wore a t-shirt 4x on a trip before I called it quits. It really didn’t smell that bad at all! For stink-free travel, try these:
- HEX Performance Deodorizing Spray
- Faultless ReWear Dry Wash Spray
- Febreze to Go Fabric Refresher Extra Strength Odor Remover
9. Toiletry Bag
Another common item a lot of people don’t think they need is a toiletry bag. Keeping your toiletries organized and easy to find is the best way to keep any trip stress-free. You can even use it as the bag where you put all the mini toiletries you find in hotel rooms, so whenever you’re travelling you have some to use. I personally love toiletry bags with multiple compartments, like these:
- Pocmimut Leather Cosmetic Bag
- NISHEL Large Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag
- IMCUZUR Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag
10. Slippers
Something I only ever see in hotels in Asia are slippers! Slippers make your hotel room feel more relaxing, and they protect your feet from the dirt on your hotel floors. No matter how much they clean them (as I’m sure every hotel does) it’s hard to keep a floor super clean especially when there’s constant foot traffic. Slippers protect your feet and socks, while also giving you a homey vibe away from home. These slippers are comfy and super portable for to fit in any bag:
- Comfysail Foldable Portable Slippers
- Snoozies Skinnies Slipper Socks & Travel Pouch
- shevalues Summer House Slippers
Whether you’re taking a 2 week trip to Asia or a weekend trip to getaway, everything on this list will make your trip that much easier. From making sure your chargers are organized to keeping your clothes fresh, I hope this list helps you pack for your next great adventure!
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