This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
This post will show you the 20 must-have travel essentials to upgrade any trip.
POV: you packed these 20 travel must-haves and had the best trip ever.
Whether you’re an avid traveler or traveling for the very first time, packing the right items can make or break your trip. And regardless of your frequent flyer status, we could all use a refresher when it comes time to pack our bags.
As someone who travels frequently, I won’t leave home without these 20 items that level up my travels. They are my absolute must-haves that make my trips more comfortable, more entertaining, and all around more enjoyable. No gatekeeping here!
So before you catch that flight (or train, car, or boat ride), make sure you bring these essentials with you, and thank yourself later.
Passport Holder
If you’re leaving the country, you will need a passport! This is one of the most important, if not the most important, items you will be carrying with you, so be sure to keep yours protected and in good condition by keeping it in a case.
Mark & Graham Leather Personalized Passport Case
A personalized passport case is just so chic. It will make you look and feel like a jet-setter, regardless of how much you actually travel.
This faux leather passport case comes in 12 different colors and can be customized with a foil debossed or printed monogram for a personal touch.
P.S. — it also makes for a thoughtful gift!
Not only is this passport holder super cute, affordable, and available in more than 30 different colors and prints, but it has an RFID blocking shield material inside to protect your sensitive information from potential data theft.
It doesn’t just hold your passport, but it also has convenient card slots that are great for storing your ID card, credit card, tickets, boarding passes, and more, plus a snap button closure to keep it all secure.
BÉIS Passport & Luggage Tag Set
BÉIS is one of the most stylish travel brands out there, so it’s no surprise that they would offer a sleek-looking passport case and matching luggage tag set in hues that complement the brand’s luggage.
But whether or not you have a BÉIS suitcase, this set is perfect for anyone, and it can even be personalized with your initials should you choose.
The passport holder and luggage tag come in a bonus clear pouch too, which is excellent for stashing your last-minute essentials and/or liquids.
Travel Wallet
Keep your bank cards and money secure in a functional wallet that is good for taking on the go.
Compact Bifold RFID Blocking Wallet
This compact bifold wallet is slim and lightweight, with compartments for cards, cash, and coins, and should be able to fit in most handbags. Most importantly, it features RFID blocking technology to safeguard your personal information from unauthorized scans.
Unfortunately, pickpockets are not the only kind of thieves you need to be cautious of when traveling. The information on your payment cards can be stolen wirelessly via RFID skimming, which is why using a RFID blocking wallet is a smart way to protect your data—especially when you’re far away from home.
With a ton of different colors to choose from and a budget-friendly price tag, it’s a great option.
Zippered Passport Wallet
Keep your passport secure along with your cards and cash in this durable travel wallet with a zipper closure.
It has RFID protection lining and a protective laminate coating on the exterior to withstand travel wear.
Headphones
From watching Netflix to listening to your favorite music playlists, you can’t forget to bring your own headphones. It will make your travel day way more enjoyable!
Beats Solo 4 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
These on-ear headphones work wirelessly via Bluetooth, so no need to plug any cords into your phone, tablet, or laptop in order to tune in.
They have been designed for comfort, with a lightweight, stylish design and adjustable ear cups for a stable fit.
Best of all, they only require 10 minutes for five hours of playback time, so if you forgot to charge them ahead of time, you can always quickly plug in at the airport before boarding your flight.
Beats Studio Buds Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
Wish you could block out the sounds of your fellow passengers? You can with the Beats Studio Buds, which feature noise-cancelling technology in a pocketable design.
These earbuds are also sweat and water-resistant, so you can throw them in your beach or pool bag worry-free, and they are wireless, so you won’t be bothered untangling cords, either.
Lip Balm
What could be worse than being stuck on a long flight, drive, or train ride with dry, chapped lips? This must-have item can be easily forgotten and left behind, but I’m here to remind you not to make that mistake!
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
This is a viral hit for a reason! Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is loved for its hydrating properties, healthy-looking shine, and fun flavors and hues to pick from.
The balm’s formula delivers soothing moisture to parched lips instantly and supports the lips’ barrier, which is especially important if you’re flying, since being up in the air can be super drying.
I love a multi-tasking product, and Glossier’s Balm Dotcom in the Original clear shade can be used everywhere from your lips to your cuticles and elbows.
It is both a lip balm and dry skin salve filled with antioxidants and nourishing emollients that make it a must-have for your travel bag.
Books, Magazines, and/or An E-Reader
Vacation is the perfect time to get your reading in, whether it’s while on the beach or on the way there (or both). Long plane rides can *fly* by when you’re reading a good book! That’s why I never travel without a book, magazine, and/or an E-reader (like an Amazon Kindle) which can hold tons of books in one slim package.
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, which is the newest version, is ultra-thin, offers a glare-free screen, and is waterproof, so you can bring it with you to the beach or pool worry-free.
A single charge can last up to 12 weeks, so you’ll be able to read throughout your trip without needing to constantly recharge, either.
Portable Charger
The last thing you want is for your phone (or any other electronic, for that matter) to die while you’re mid-travel day.
A portable charger is going to save you from searching for outlets, and is also a must-have during your vacation when you may be sightseeing, sunbathing, or adventuring.
PopSockets MagSafe PowerPack
This portable charger is as cute as it is practical, offering wireless on-the-go charging that supports up to one full charge.
It simply snaps to the back of your phone or MagSafe case thanks to its magnetic technology, and even comes with an integrated PopSockets grip and stand for comfort.
When you’re done charging, you can easily remove it, though you may not even want to since it has an eye-catching boho print (plus other print options to choose from).
Portable Power Bank
This lightweight yet efficient portable power bank can charge up to two devices simultaneously, making it ideal for travel.
You don’t need to have a MagSafe-compatible phone or case, since it comes with a handy micro-USB cord for added convenience.
Airports and train stations are notoriously germ-filled, so keep your hands clean with some hand sanitizer (especially before eating or touching your face!).
Pretty much any hand sanitizer will get the job done, but if you’re looking for a more *aesthetic* and skincare-forward option, try Touchland’s Power Mist, which comes in over 10 different scents, ranging from “Wild Watermelon” to “Aloe You.”
This sanitizer leaves hands sanitized, hydrated, and smelling great.
TBH, hand sanitizer doesn’t cut it for me when I am traveling. I like to carry cleaning wipes with me that I can use both on my hands and on my immediate surroundings (to clean my tray table, for example). Plus, it’s always smart to be prepared for any unexpected spills!
If you’re looking for wipes that don’t have harsh chemicals in them and are paraben and sulfate-free, try ALŌH Skin’s Sanitizing Hand Wipes. They come in refreshing scents like Sweet Orange Bergamot or Peppermint Eucalyptus, are hydrating, and are biodegradable.
The wipes are individually packaged, too, which is great for tossing in both your travel bag and your handbag once you arrive at your destination.
With all the hand sanitizing and dry airplane air, your hands are more susceptible to getting dry during travel. That’s why I recommend bringing a small hand cream with you and applying it while you’re up in the air (along with the rest of your trip, too).
Rare Beauty’s Find Comfort Hand Cream comes in a cute, convenient package with a twist-open cap that stays put, so you won’t need to worry about losing it.
It is non-greasy and absorbs quickly, plus it features a warm, cozy scent and hydrates for up to 16 hours.
Wearing an eye mask might seem excessive to some, but these truly do help you get better shut-eye when you’re trying to fall asleep in public spaces (or anywhere, really) by blocking out the light and helping you relax.
This eye mask is made from a silky, breathable material that feels nice on the skin and features eye cups for comfortable wear.
It also comes in a carry pouch so that you can keep it clean within your larger travel bag.
It comes as no surprise that standard seats on most planes, trains, and pretty much any form of transportation aren’t very comfortable, making it difficult to relax or sleep.
A travel neck pillow is going to make you much more comfy and help you get shut-eye by supporting your head and preventing you from leaning sideways (and onto your seatmate). This memory foam option is soft and squishy with a hanging buckle that you can attach to your bag.
No matter the time of year, you will never catch me on an airplane without a hoodie—specifically, an oversized zip-up hoodie. It might seem basic, but it is one of my greatest travel hacks and ultimate must-haves!
First of all, airplanes are usually freezing, even during the summertime. So even if the rest of your vacation wardrobe is full of bikinis and mini dresses, you’ll still want to have a hoodie with you, at least for travel.
This is why your airport outfit should always involve layering, and a hoodie is one of the most comfortable pieces to layer over whatever else you are wearing. One with an oversized fit and a zipper closure will make it that much easier to take off and put on.
A hood is also going to help you feel extra comfy if you are trying to rest (there have been times I’ve forgotten an eye mask and have pulled my hood down over my eyes instead) and keeps your hair from touching the seat backs, which can be gross. All in all, zip-up hoodies are the unsung hero of my travels!
A Tablet or iPad
An iPad or an electronic tablet is another great way to pass the time while you’re traveling, and they are much easier to carry around compared to a laptop.
You can watch your favorite Netflix series or movies, play games, journal, read books, and more with one of these conveniently-sized tablets.
Keep track of your important belongings, like your luggage or your passport, by using an AirTag.
This tiny device allows you to track its whereabouts, so by placing it in your checked luggage, for example, you’ll be able to see where it is (which is especially handy if your luggage doesn’t make it to your destination).
There are also AirTag passport holders, which have slots for AirTags so that you can always locate your passport.
Hypochlorous Acid Facial Spray
If you are acne-prone, you are going to want to travel with a hypochlorous acid facial spray, which has antimicrobial and soothing properties.
Tower 28 Beauty’s SOS Daily Rescue Spray comes in a travel-friendly mini size that you can spritz on your face to help prevent acne and soothe any redness or irritation. This comes in clutch when you can’t properly wash your face or do your full skincare routine during long travel days!
It will purify your skin and give you an instant pick-me-up.
Sling Bag or Small Purse
Another one of my favorite travel hacks is bringing along a sling bag or small purse to hold my most important items (like my wallet, passport, cell phone, etc.), but that can fit inside my larger personal item bag.
This way, when you are walking through an airport, you can wear your sling bag or crossbody bag for easier access to your necessities without needing to dig around. It helps me stay organized and avoid those “Where did I put my passport?!” moments.
This sling bag from BÉIS is an excellent option, with a key leash, a built-in card organizer, and a micro-fiber-lined protective pocket for your phone or sunglasses. You’ll be able to use it on the rest of your trip, too!
Toiletry Bag
If you are traveling by plane, you will need to be mindful of the TSA regulations regarding liquids, aerosols, and gels. No matter how much you may want to bring your full 12-step skincare routine along with you, you’ll need to make sure that all of these items fit in a quart-sized bag.
This convenient set comes with a clear toiletry bag and ten small containers that you can fill up with your favorite liquid and gel products, along with labels, scoopers, a funnel, and a brush.
You could be heading to the sunniest place on earth, and I would still tell you to bring an umbrella with you, just in case.
Trust me, you don’t want to be caught off guard in a sudden downpour at your destination, with no way to stay dry! (Yes, this has happened to me, and yes, I had to get soaked roaming around a foreign city in search of an umbrella.)
This mini umbrella will take up hardly any space in your bag, and packs up into a little case. It also offers UV protection, so you can use it in the sun as well as the rain.
Don’t forget your jewelry! Jewelry is the ultimate way to take your vacation looks to the next level, but you’ll want to keep your pieces secure during travel.
A jewelry organizer will protect your items and also help keep them from tangling, while keeping you organized throughout your trip.
With compartments for rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, this soft case is ideal for travel.
Keep your hair tangle-free and looking sleek by traveling with a mini hair brush. This little brush works on both wet and dry hair, helping you to detangle and smooth your hair without taking up hardly any space in your travel bag. By keeping your hair tame throughout your travel day, you’ll arrive at your destination looking your best.
What do you think of our travel essentials guide?
Did we miss any of your travel must-haves? Leave a comment and let us know!
