Not sure what to pack for your next trip? This essential travel packing list covers 13 must-have items you’ll actually use—from comfy shoes to space-saving travel gear.
What I’ve Learned from Overpacking, Underpacking, and Everything In Between
I’ve been lucky to see some truly beautiful corners of the world—ancient cities, coastal towns, remote mountains, crowded markets. And through all that travel, I’ve packed in just about every way possible. I’ve gone ultra-minimalist, living out of a backpack and a duffel bag. I’ve also gone full maximalist with the largest suitcase in the set plus two carry-ons… just in case. Here’s what I’ve learned after years of trial, error, and many sore shoulders.
Of course, your packing list will vary depending on where you’re headed—backpacking through Thailand, strolling through European cities, going on a cruise, or simply taking a long weekend to recharge. But no matter what kind of traveler you are, these thirteen essentials have earned a permanent spot in my suitcase:
13 Essentials I Never Travel Without (After Years of Trial & Error)
1. A GOOD Pair of Walking Shoes
And I do mean good. Not trendy, not just “fine,” not “I think these will break in after a few days.” You need shoes that can take on cobblestone streets, castle stairs, museum marathons, and unexpected detours. Especially in Europe, you’ll likely walk 20,000+ steps a day—even if you’re “taking it easy.” I once thought a cruise would be low on walking, but I still clocked those steps just pacing the ship. I’ve had my feet blistered, bandaged, and screaming because I packed cute sandals instead of smart shoes. Learn from me.
These Skechers Hands Free Slip-Ins have become my go-to. They’re super comfy, allow for easy on/off (no bending down in the airport security line), and have enough support to last all day, all week, all trip. Plus, they come in tons of cute colors. Just make sure you break them in before your trip. Trust me — they’re worth every penny.
2. A Secure Crossbody Bag
Pickpockets are real, y’all. Your bag should be big enough for sunglasses, your phone, a portable charger, cards and cash, lip balm, sunscreen—but not so big that you end up being your group’s designated pack mule. Choose one with zippers (plural), a sturdy strap that doesn’t unclip, and ideally, RFID-blocking pockets for peace of mind.
You need something that fits the essentials — phone, wallet, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm — without being bulky or a target for pickpockets. The key? A strap that doesn’t clip on and off easily, and a bag that sits close to your body.
I love this one from Amazon because it checks every box: it’s stylish, has a wide, comfortable strap, and most importantly, the strap is securely attached at both ends with no quick-release clips for someone to yank. Big enough for what you need, small enough not to get in the way.
3. A Compact Microfiber Towel
This thing saves the day more often than you’d expect. Beach day? Check. Spontaneous swim? Covered. Sweat-soaked after a hike or just want something to sit on in a dusty park? Yes, yes, yes. A decent travel towel folds up smaller than a t-shirt and dries faster than anything else in your bag. Regular towels take up way too much space and never seem to dry.
I use this 2-pack from Amazon — they’re super absorbent, fold down to almost nothing, and come in a variety of cute designs so you can match your travel vibe. One for the beach bag, one for backup. Always a win.
4. Sunscreen You’ll Actually Use
The key to wearing sunscreen consistently? Finding one you don’t mind slathering on. If it’s greasy, smelly, or thick, it’s going to sit untouched at the bottom of your bag. I love this face + body spray sunscreen — it’s lightweight, non-greasy, won’t clog your pores, and smells like summer in a bottle. You’ll end up using it all season long, not just on vacation.
Don’t forget your lips, either — they burn too! Sunburned lips hurt way more than you’d expect. I pack this SPF lip balm, which hydrates and protects without that weird sunscreen taste.
And for easy touch-ups when you’re out exploring? Toss a mini sunscreen stick in your bag. It’s mess-free, fast, and perfect for swiping over your nose, cheeks, and shoulders mid-day.
5. A Sun Hat
Your face will thank you. A wide-brimmed hat gives you that extra layer of sun protection when your sunscreen wears off or you missed a spot (it happens). And while it might feel a little dorky, a chin strap is totally necessary — you’ll be grateful for it when the wind tries to snatch your hat mid-hike or boat ride. No wind? Just tuck the strap under the hat and forget about it. Fashionable and functional.
6. A Lightweight, Packable Rain Jacket
Weather is fickle, and unless you’re going to the Sahara, you should expect at least one rainy day. A good rain jacket folds down into its own pocket and keeps you dry without taking up space. I keep mine clipped to my bag even on sunny days—just in case.
7. A Portable Charger, Cable Organizer & Adapter
Your phone is your lifeline—don’t let it die halfway through the day. A slim portable charger is a must, but so is bringing the right charging gear. Get a travel charger that can handle multiple devices at once (USB-C, lightning, etc.) and fits your destination’s voltage and outlet type—whether that’s Europe, the US, or beyond. Just as important: bring a small cable organizer so your cords don’t end up in a tangled, mysterious clump at the bottom of your bag. This keeps your electronics easy to grab and harder to lose.
9. A Weighted Sleep Mask and Earplugs
Whether you’re stuck on a red-eye flight, crashing in a noisy Airbnb, stuck with a snoring roommate, or adjusting to jet lag, nothing messes up a trip like bad sleep. A soft, blackout-level, weighted sleep mask and a pair of good earplugs can make almost any environment sleep-friendly. Trust me, it’s the difference between waking up refreshed or feeling like you got hit by a train.
10. Collapsible water bottle
Staying hydrated while you travel is non-negotiable, but lugging around a bulky bottle? No thanks. This collapsible water bottle rolls up when it’s empty, saving precious bag space — and it comes with a carabiner, so you can clip it to your backpack, belt loop, or suitcase.
Lightweight, leak-proof, and TSA-friendly when empty. Once you travel with one, you’ll never go back.
11. Silicone travel bottles
Don’t mess with the $1 travel-size aisle — those bottles always leak, explode, or somehow stop working halfway through your trip. Invest in a set of squeezable, soft silicone bottles with secure caps. Fill them with your own shampoo, conditioner, cleanser, moisturizer — whatever you actually use at home — so your skin doesn’t freak out and your hair doesn’t frizz the second you land. You’ll keep your routine and your glow intact.
12. Noise-canceling headphones
Planes, trains, buses, loud hotel neighbors — these are your peace, your sanctuary, your bubble. My Sony XM4’s are hands-down the best travel purchase I’ve ever made. They block everything out and make even the longest travel days feel calm and intentional.
13. Packing cubes (and a bonus hanging toiletry bag!)
There’s a reason seasoned travelers swear by packing cubes. They keep your shirts separate from your pants, your swimsuits from your underwear, and your clean clothes from the ones you’ve already sweat through. I use one just for dirty laundry so it doesn’t take over the whole suitcase.
I love this set from Amazon — the cubes are durable, fit perfectly in most suitcases, and it includes an amazing hanging cosmetics bag, which is clutch for those hotel bathrooms with zero counter space. Total travel upgrade.
Smart Packing = Stress-Free Travel
At the end of the day, the goal is to pack smart — not heavy. The right items don’t just save space, they save your sanity. After enough trips, I’ve learned it’s not about having everything, it’s about having the right things. Little comforts go a long way when you’re jet-lagged, sunburned, or running on four hours of sleep and vending machine espresso.
Oh — and before I let you go: make sure your suitcase ROLLS. Trust me. There is nothing worse than sprinting full-speed through a massive airport, dragging an overweight duffel bag behind you like a stubborn toddler, praying you make your connection before the gate closes. (True story. Never again.)
Happy travels, and may your shoes be broken-in, your sunscreen non-greasy, and your adventures unforgettable.
more like this
Leave a Reply