No matter where you are traveling, there’s a number of essential items I highly recommend taking on any trip. I’ve compiled the packing must-haves (plus a few extras of course) to take regardless of the trip length or destination.
Keychain Wallet | Loopy case | Lip balm | Oil absorbing roller | Compact mirror | Kindle | Hair clip | Tote | Crossybody bag | Apple Watch charger | Apple AirPods | First aid kit | Portable charger | Sunglasses | Eyeglasses | Pill case | Contact case
The Bag
The Longchamp Le Pliage tote is hands down my most used bag for traveling. Whether I’m going to a friend’s to get ready for dinner out and need to carry makeup and a change of clothes or am hopping on a flight for a weeklong trip, I always reach for one of my Longchamp totes. I carried this one for years but recently have been carrying this expandable one. I purchased it during the NSale a few years ago and it’s since been at the top of my list for NSale must-haves. It’s also the “rush bag” I would recommend for anyone going through rush/sorority recruitment.
True Essentials
License (and/or passport), credit card, cash, keys and phone are always at the very top of my list whenever I go anywhere. I love using this keychain wallet because it contains the essentials while allowing you to be handsfree.
Tip: For the ultimate in handsfree accessorizing, use the Darylann Denner/Lisa Fletcher hack: add a Loopy case to your phone and thread the loop around the leather wristlet strap!
Contacts and glasses are also a must-have for me when traveling. I like to take a few extra contacts in my bag just in case I need them. A friend of mine makes sure to carry three contacts in her purse at all times after having an incident with losing a contact when replacing a pair. She miraculously had an extra contact and now always keeps three contacts with her as a rule of thumb.
Medicine
Epipens, inhalers and the like are absolute essentials for those who need them. These go to the very top of the list in those cases!
Any necessary pills or other medications are also must-haves when going way for any length of time. To consolidate different prescriptions or supplements, I use a small pill case with the numbers of pills needed for the number of days/nights I’ll be away plus one or two extra in case of travel delays.
First aid – I recently tripped and fell on the sidewalk, scraping both my hands pretty badly. Now I highly recommend carrying a mini first aid kit in your bag when traveling and keeping a couple bandaids tucked into your wallet.
Tech
Phone charger – A 10ft charger will ensure you can charge your phone with easy access no matter how inconveniently placed the plug is.
Watch charger – If you have a smart watch and are conscious of tracking your steps or fitness, don’t forget your watch charger.
Tip: I recently bought an extra phone charger and watch charger specifically for travel. Having an extra set ready to go means there’s a couple fewer things to remember when running out the door the morning of a trip!
Portable charger – When you don’t have an outlet handy or need to charge a device on the go, this will be your best friend. I have used this charger for years and recently purchased this one because the plug and cords are all included within the device. I typically pack both when traveling (because I’m a chronic over-packer/a prepared traveler).
E-reader – I never thought I would favor an e-reader over a paper book but have found a Kindle to be one of my best purchases – and one of the best gifts I’ve ever given. It’s much lighter weight than carrying multiple books or even one book and if you finish what you’re reading, you can buy easy get another book to send to your Kindle.
Tip: If you have a library card, you can borrow e-books from your local library! Download the Libby app to easily do this. You can place a hold on popular books and you will be notified once it’s ready to borrow. The app also notifies you when a book’s due date is coming up. With e-books, they automatically get returned on their due date making the process seamless.
Earbuds/headphone – These will also allow you to listen to your favorite music or podcast while waiting or en route to your next destination. They will also enable you to take a call handsfree. I have had a pair of Apple AirPods for a few years and like them.
Extras
Sunglasses – I always throw a pair or two in my bag when traveling. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been so happy I packed a pair that I could easily grab. For me, these are a must!
Crossbody purse or belt bag/fanny pack/bum bag – Recently I have been putting my daily items (wallet, phone, keys, sunglasses, lip balm) in a bag within my tote so they’re more easily accessible. It’s so easy for things to get lost in a big bag so I embrace the bag in bag life!
Jacket – If I’m not already wearing one, I will throw a jacket into my bag especially if I’m flying. An athletic jacket, jean jacket, or a lightweight, packable rain jacket are all versatile options that you can get multiple wears out of on your trip.
Toiletries – I always make sure I have my favorite lip balm in my bag. I can’t stand when my lips get dry so am a faithful lip balm applier. I also make sure to carry hand sanitizer and a mini pack of tissues as well. Floss picks could also come in handy should you get something stuck in your teeth.
Hair elastic and/or clip – Having a way to keep your hair out of your face will save aggravation and possibly keep your hairstyle intact. I like Gimme Beauty hair bands and recently started using these clips from Amazon.
Makeup – If you have the room and want to be extra prepared, you could take a small makeup bag with a compact mirror and whatever your touch up essentials are. An oil control roller or blotting sheets, pressed powder and mascara are a few of mine for a quick refresh.
Gum – This is a must for me when I’m flying to help keep my ears from popping with the altitude change.
Stair Remover -– In case of a spill, a stain remover spray or wipes will save you from a fashion emergency.
Is there anything you consider a must-have that I missed here? Share it in the comments!
