Travel Essentials

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Packing for a trip is fun, isn't it? I know, not everyone thinks so. Let me help!


After years of packing for all kinds of trips, international flights or road trips, I've learned by trial and error how to pack and what essentials to bring with me.

I can help you to be prepared and save money, by not having to buy expensive items on the road or at airports.


The best accessories are those that enhance convenience, comfort and preparedness. You want to combine practicality and style for a well-prepared and enjoyable experience on your travels.

For any destination, a versatile travel bag with multiple compartments is a great start for organizing your essentials. Some accessories we cannot live without: a powerful universal adapter, portable chargers, and a well-designed travel wallet to safeguard important documents, currency, cards, and boarding passes are key. I always pack a foldable tote bag or backpack in my luggage in case I bring home too many souvenirs!

Travel safety and security are always a high priority no matter the destination, so accessories with safety features are important too.


What follows is my list of TOP 8 TRAVEL ESSENTIALS and accessories. I'll also provide lists for Beach vacation essentials and European travel essentials.

Click on the images below to see where to find them!

1. Portable Phone Charger

Let's face it, we can't live without our mobile phones anymore. Even on vacation when we want to unwind, we still need the darn things!

We need it especially when travelling to get travel information, booking confirmations, to communicate with our loved ones as we travel, use our GPS in foreign places, to use our cameras to lock in our memories of our trip, and so much more.

I use this portable charger to keep my phone fully functional:

2. Apple AirTags

You've packed for a fantastic trip and the worst thing happens. Your luggage gets lost and you have no idea where it is. You're left with only the clothing on your back and no toothbrush, unless you're a smart carry-on bag packer.

These Apple AirTags connect to your phone (another reason why item 1. is so important) and help you locate your things!


3. Money Belt or Infinity Scarf

I'm not a fearful traveler by any means, but I do take safety and security seriously.

Having experienced theft of personal belongings on a European train, right under my nose, I now swear by keeping my personal items on my body at all times. Trust me, that wasn't fun.

These items are a great choice if you want some added security. Click on images.

4. In-flight Travel necessities

Here are some travel products that I won't travel without. I know, some seem unnecessary until they are, so I plan ahead.


I'm one of those people who get a dry, irritated nose or throat, especially on flights, so I've learned to pack Saline nasal spray and throat lozenges


Tylenol. How many times have I needed a Tylenol for a headache in flight and didn't have one?! It's a must have for me.


Click on images below for easy access.

5. Flips Flops

Flips flops and/or slides are not only for the beach.

I wrap a pair of flip flops in a plastic bag (usually in a disposable shower cap) and bring them in my carry-on bag. When I reach my sunny, hot, vacation destination, I can change into my flip flops right at the airport.

The most important reason for bringing flip flops on any trip is for sanitary reasons. Hotel rooms may look clean, but have they really been disinfected after the last guests leave? I'm not so sure. I have a phobia of walking on hotel room floors so my flip flops also serve as slippers in the room.

Click on images for easy access.


6. Reusable Water bottle

A reusable water bottle saves you a lot of money from having to buy the expensive ones at airports. Just make sure it's empty before needing to pass through security and then fill it at the water station before boarding.


Most airports now have filtered water bottle filling stations where you can fill up on your H2O. The little half-cups of water you get in flight just doesn't cut it to stay hydrated. And, when you're on a road trip, you also need to get your water in too.


I like this Contigo Stainless Steel Vacuum-insulated water bottle. Click on image below.


7. Kindle, iPad or Tablet

Many airlines still have the back-of-seat entertainment option, however, it seems to moving towards being phased out and you need your own entertainment.

I personally love reading while in flight and my kindle is my best friend. I download the books I want to choose from, make sure I have my Kindle fully charged and ready to go. Click on image of Kindle below if you need this reading device.

For the movie, shows, music or live TV enthusiasts, I want to say most aircraft have Wifi you can connect to through the airline apps.

Click on the iPad or Tablet below to explore your options.


8. Headphones or AirPods

The cheap headsets that most airlines provide just don't quite cut it. If you want want to watch your movies or shows, or listen to your music in peace, you'll want to upgrade to your own reliable headphones or AirPods.


I usually just bring my AirPods since they're tiny and take up so little space in my carry-on bag, but sometimes I do love the luxury of complete noise-cancelling headphones and immerse myself in my movies. I've used both.


I've put links for the Bose Quiet Comfort headphones (Sony has some very decent ones too) and the AirPods on the images below for your convenience.


Beach vacation essentials list:

  1. Beach Bag - a foldable, packable, spacious beach bag is great for carrying all your essentials for the day.
  2. Sunscreen - do not leave home or your vacation rental without sunscreen for your body and lips!
  3. Beach towel - a thin, quick-dry, microfiber towel is needed to dry off.
  4. Swimwear - I usually pack 3-4 swimsuits to have a change for daytime and nighttime swims at the pool. One and two-piece swimsuits.
  5. Sunglasses - I don't go anywhere without my polarized Maui Jim sunglasses to protect my eyes. And, why not look cool on vacation.
  6. Hat - don't go to the beach without a hat, whether it's a baseball cap, sun visor or full beach hat. Protect yourself from the sun's rays.
  7. Water shoes - if you plan to walk on the beach or wander for a hike on trails, make sure to protect your feet with water shoes. See my cute suggestion below!
  8. Insulated water bottle - I'm in love with the Stanley, insulated, reusable water bottle! It keeps my drinks cool all day, even if sitting on the beach. They're pricey for a water bottle, but so worth it!
  9. Waterproof phone pouch - my family just started using these on our latest beach trip and these darn things are life-changing! No more worrying about my cell phone or ID that I brought to the beach, they stay on me at all times with this waterproof invention!
  10. Beach chair or mat - I get it, these may not be a great item to try to fly with, but if you're doing a road trip, a beach chair is a must for comfort while people watching or watching the ocean waves. A mat, however, is easily packable and portable to bring on overseas trips.

More suggestions:

European vacation

essentials list:

Accessories for Europe vary by the season, whether you're off to a rural or urban location and planned activities, but here is a general list:

  1. Comfortable shoes - I cannot stress the importance of comfortable shores enough, hence it's number 1 position on this list!
  2. Travel adapters - don't leave home without adapters for Europe. How annoying if you couldn't charge your cell phone with your camera on it.
  3. Travel wallet - some destinations in Europe are known to have professional pick-pocketers. Don't be a victim and secure your essentials.
  4. Backpack - a backpack is essential in Europe for your day trips.
  5. Weather appropriate clothing - depending on when you travel, you'll want to be prepared with layers, light jackets or heavier outerwear and footwear.
  6. Umbrella - once again, check the weather! Raincoats and umbrellas may be needed depending on where and when you travel.
  7. Reusable water bottle - warm or cool weather calls for a reusable water bottle so you always have water on hand during long walks and hikes.
  8. Portable charger - this item is so convenient because there's nothing worse than your phone dying and you can't take another photo. Having your electronics fully charged is the best way to go.
  9. Travel guide or travel app - there are travel guides for most destinations nowadays, as well as convenient, downloadable apps.
  10. Foldable Tote bag - you may need a bag for extras. I like to bring a foldable travel tote with me in case I buy extra gifts and items to take back home.

My recommendations: