15 Essential Travel Items for Every Seasoned Traveler

These are the must-have travel essentials I won’t leave home without!

Some things can make the difference between a good trip and a great trip. As an organization freak, I love checking out the newest travel products out there to make life as a traveler easier. Here are the travel accessories that I use, love, and trust when taking off on my most important trips!

Don’t miss my list of essential Beauty Products for Travelers!

Here are my essential travel products I won’t leave home without!

Delsey Suitcase

While it isn’t a Rimowa, my Delsey Titanium carry-on does the job just fine, and I love the similar silver hardshell look. Delsey is a well-known French luggage company that’s been around since 1946. The prices are reasonable especially if you don’t want to sacrifice quality.

Tote Bag

I love love love my Longchamp Tote bag! It’s been with me for years and though it has some slight fraying on the bottom corners, it’s held up really well. For me, the zipper top is what’s made me stick with this tote even though I have researched others on the market.

It’s the perfect size for fitting your laptop, camera, and all your typical travel accessories like a computer charger, wallet, passport, water bottle, etc.

Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes are a Godsend for organizational crazies like me! Fold your clothes and organize your toiletries easily with this set of travel packing cubes. Then just plop them into place within your suitcase. Be sure to keep an eye on the measurements so you know it will fit your particular suitcase.

Shoe Bags

I use these drawstring bags to pack my shoes and prevent them from getting everything else inside my suitcase dirty. I also pack one empty one to use to separate my dirty laundry in case I’m moving between places and don’t have time to wash my clothes. So many uses for these handy, cheap bags!

Camera

I never go anywhere without my trusty camera. The model I have is a great starter camera for anyone who wants to start working with professional travel cameras without spending a lot of money.

Tripod

I recently bought a Flexible Tripod. This is a new purchase of mine and so far it’s been great. This little iPhone tripod has flexible legs so it can either stand up straight on a flat surface or be wrapped around something (like a lamp post for example) and still be able to hold my camera upright!

Portable Door Lock

You can’t underestimate the importance of safety when traveling these days. I always travel with a simple portable door lock that has anti-theft and anti-break-in benefits. This self-defense door stopper is great for adding an additional layer of privacy protection when staying in a hotel or Airbnb.

Passport Holder

Sadly my beautiful pink passport holder from Anthropologie is no longer available, but you can snag a similar one from Kate Spade here. Keeping your passport in good condition is a must. Some countries won’t let you in if your passport is too tattered!

Portable Charger

As our phones eat up data and battery quicker than ever, a portable battery charger is a must. I use the MagSafe battery packs on budget flights that don’t have a USB charging port, as well as on day trips where I’m out and about for entire days. They just snap onto the back of my phone and charge it up.

Universal Adapter

You can’t forget this essential electrical converter when traveling! This particular device has a surge protector inside it to protect my electronics. It also has two extra USB ports so you can charge multiple devices at once through the same outlet! It’s ideal for staying in small hotel rooms with just one or two outlets available.

Travel Size Umbrella

A small, compact umbrella that can fold up and fit into your bag is a travel essential. Unlike bulky regular-sized umbrellas, a travel umbrella takes up barely any room but can still keep you dry in a downpour. It’s lightweight and easy to carry around while sightseeing. I recommend one with a vented design so it won’t get flipped inside out on a windy rainy day.

Packable Rain Jacket

Even if the weather looks clear, I never leave home without a thin packable rain jacket. Weather can be unpredictable when traveling. The last thing you want is to get caught in a storm without protection. A lightweight, waterproof jacket can be scrunched up into a small pouch so you can stash it anywhere when not needed. It offers an extra layer of coverage over clothes and serves as a windbreaker too.

Rain Shoe Covers

Nothing dampens travel spirits faster than wet shoes and socks. That’s why I always keep a pair of foldable rain shoe covers in my daypack when I’m out exploring a new destination. They slip over your shoes to form a water-resistant barrier, shielding your footwear and keeping moisture out. This ingenious yet simple item helps me sightsee in comfort amidst rain showers and unexpected puddle splashes during urban hikes.

Collapsible Wash Bin

One item I’ve found invaluable is a collapsible wash bin or bucket. When staying in a hotel or rental, the bathroom sink often isn’t suitable for hand washing delicate items. A portable tub allows you to keep your clothes clean on long trips. Mine folds flat for storage and has leakproof construction. Fill it with water, add soap, let items soak, rinse, hang dry. No more sink messes.

Foldable Clothing Steamer

Skip ironing on vacation and pack a foldable handheld garment steamer instead. Great for freshening wrinkled clothes, they’re lightweight, compact, and ideal for travel. I love that mine heats up quickly and has an ergonomic easy grip handle. A few passes remove creases effectively to keep outfits looking crisp. It’s gentler than ironing, with no risk of scorch marks on delicate fabrics too.

Luggage Scale

A luggage scale is my best friend when packing for trips. Nothing’s worse than getting to the airport check-in counter and having your bag rejected for exceeding weight limits. This handy device allows you to weigh bags at home first to avoid scrambling at the last minute to repack and redistribute stuff. Compact scales clip onto handles or straps to accurately measure up to 50 or 70 pounds. Some also have built-in tapes to determine dimensions. It brings great peace of mind.

Books

The BMW Art Guide by Independent Collectors book has been incredible in allowing me to find and visit independent private art collections around the world! If you’re an art fan, then this book is a must because it publishes an easy-to-reference guide with information about art collections that you just cannot find online!

What are your favorite travel products?