Going on a trip and want to know what you should bring? Check out these top 5 basic travel essentials every traveler should bring regardless if you’re a beginner or an expert.
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Basic Travel Essentials
Traveling is exciting regardless if it’s a leisurely vacation, a jam-packed adventure, or a business trip. However, it’s important to be prepared and pack the right items to ensure your trip goes smoothly. Here are the top five basic essentials to bring when traveling to make your trip hassle-free and more enjoyable. I’ve also included various options to fit different preferences, and links to purchase items from Amazon.
1. Travel Documents and Basic Essentials
Before embarking on any journey, it’s important to have all necessary travel documents organized and easily accessible. These include:
- Passport/ID: Ensure it’s valid for at least six months from your return date
- Visas and relevant permits: Research and obtain necessary visas or permits for your destination
- Printed Itinerary: Having a physical copy of your itinerary, accommodation details, and important contacts can be invaluable in case of technology failure
- Travel insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances with comprehensive travel insurance
- SafetyWing: Budget-friendly travel medical insurance → Check it out here (or use the widget below)
Keeping these documents in a secure, easily accessible place within your carry-on or personal bag can make for a stress-free travel experience. Additionally, take photos of your Passport/ID so that it’s also accessible on your phone. I have an “Important Docs” photo album on my phone specifically for these and other important paperwork.
2. Universal Adapter, Converter & Power Strip
In this technology-driven age, our devices are our lifelines. To keep these gadgets operational throughout your trip, pack the necessities to power and charge them.
Universal Adapter
An adapter is definitely a must-have when traveling to a different country! Choose an adapter that suits the power outlets of your destination country to power and charge your own devices.
Port accepts 10 plug types: built-in adapters covers 150 countries + 4 USB ports. This is an amazing all-in-one device! No extra attachments make this an easy packable item
For US plugs: has 6 adapter attachments + 2 USB ports + connected USB-C charger + 2 USB-C ports
For US plugs: has 6 adapter attachments + 2 USB ports + connected micro USB charger
I love these because of the connected charger so that’s one less charger cord to worry about! The included attachments also cover so many countries so you can only bring the one(s) you need
Universal Adapter + Converter
An adapter that also includes a converter to convert the voltage of an outlet to match the needs of your higher wattage devices. This is perfect for powering curling irons and hair straighteners when abroad!
Port accepts 10 plug types: + 4 USB ports + built-in adapters. This is an amazing all-in-one device! No extra attachments make this an easy packable item
For US plugs: has 4 USB ports + 4 adapter attachments + 2 AC outlets
or US plugs: has 4 USB ports + 4 adapter attachments + 3 AC outlets
The included attachments cover so many countries so you can bring just the one(s) you need!
Compact Power Strip
A small power strip will work wonders to charge multiple devices from a single outlet. Combo using this with a converter to power the power strip without worry!
For US plugs: has 3 AC outlets + 4 USB ports (or 3 USB + 1 USB-C ports). This is awesome if you have a ton of devices that requires a USB port to charge.
For US plugs: has 3 AC outlets + 1 USB + 2 USB-C ports & the cord wraps around unit for convenient packing.
For US plugs: has 3 AC outlets + 3 USB ports & the cord wraps around unit for convenient packing.
I absolutely love the packability of these with the wraparound cord design. Makes it so easy to pack and handle!
3. First Aid and Medication Kit
A compact first aid kit and essential medications should always find a place in your luggage. Whether you’re healthy or are prone to unexpected issues, it’s always best to be prepared for the worst. Your First aid and medication kit should include items like:
Travel First AId Kit
Contains a variety of items including bandages, gauze, and antiseptic wipes. This would be helpful for minor injuries or cuts
Medicine Organizer Container
This organizer comes with blank sticker labels for customization
This organizer comes with tons of brand name sticker labels
These are perfect to hold all of the below medications in one place. These also come with sticker labels to organize and keep track of what’s what
Medications
Having these over-the-counter medications on hand can save you time and discomfort in case of minor health issues or unexpected emergencies. But also don’t forget any prescription medications too.
- Pain relievers: Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or any prescribed pain medication. These have saved me when I’ve caught a cold while abroad or have woken up with back and neck pains
- I always carry: Advil & Tylenol for Cold & Flu
- Antihistamines: Useful for allergies or unexpected reactions. You never know what type of new foods you’ll react to so best to be prepared in case you find out something new about yourself
- I always carry: Benadryl
- Gastrointestinal medications: Useful to aid any stomach issues you may encounter while trying new foods. These have helped so much when something just hasn’t exactly agreed with me. These are the last thing you want to be searching for when you’re “going through it”
- I always carry: Tums, Gas-X, Pepto Bismal, Imodium, Lactaid
- Motion sickness medications: Useful to prevent expected or unexpected sickness when in a car, on a boat, or in the ocean
- I always carry: Dramamine
- Prescription medications and daily vitamins: Ensure an adequate supply for the duration of your trip
4. Travel-Friendly Toiletries
While many accommodations provide basic toiletries, having a travel-sized kit can be convenient especially during transit or for personal preferences. Essential toiletries include:
- Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Moisturizer and hand sanitizer
Travel-size Toiletry Bottles
Opt for travel-sized containers to comply with liquid restrictions, and also consider reusable toiletry bottles to reduce waste. I use:
Travel-Size Toiletry Bottles: Leak-proof 3oz bottles
Travel-Size Toiletry Bottles: Leak-proof 3oz bottles w/ case
Travel-Size Toiletry Bottles: 16 pieces and variable size containers w/ case
Toiletry Bottle Cover
Toiletry bottle covers for larger toiletry items: This is perfect for packing and securing your larger toiletry bottles that you want to bring for longer trips
Toiletry Travel Bag
Toiletry Travel bag: I love this toiletry bag because it’s hangable and has multiple compartments for extra organization. The transparent pockets make it easy to find items too.
Toiletry Travel bag: Smaller yet has a large main compartment. This is perfect for shorter trips where I don’t have to bring my entire toiletry arsenal and only need a few toiletry items.
Travel Wipes
For an even more stress-free trip, I always bring the below items for self care and hygiene:
Facial Wipes: Not only are these great makeup wipes, they are also great facial cleanser wipes to help freshen up as if you just washed your face.
Antibacterial Wipes: Perfect for cleaning public use surfaces (like plane seat areas), and cleaning hands of germs and dirt.
Water Wipes: These are 99% water-base so they’re perfect for a quick wash-wipe when you’re not near a water source. I usually pair using these after using one of the previous wipes for an even more fresh feel
Travel Sanitizer & Hand Soap
Travel-size Hand Sanitizer: Absolute must for a quick way to sanitize your hands from bacteria and germs. Comes in a rubber holder you can attach to your bag or carryon for easy accessibility.
Cute Hand Sanitizer Holder: In case you think the rubber sanitizer holders are an eyesore, this cute sanitize holder can hide and carry your travel-size sanitizer. It comes with a refillable bottle, or you can replace the bottle with a pre-filled/store-bought one.
Dissolvable Soap Sheets: extremely convenient when you’re in need of soap. Some public restrooms may not have soap, so these are great to stay clean for exactly these moments. Also, they’re super compact and easy to pack and bring with you everywhere.
Clothes Maintenance
Odor-Neutralizing Spray
Anti-Wrinkle Spray & Tide Pens: The anti-wrinkle spray works great to clear out wrinkles from your clothes. These are a decent replacement when there’s no iron or steamer to use. The tide pens are also a bonus to treat unexpected stains.
Portable Clothes Steamer: I love this steamer because it’s foldable and compact, heats up fast, and sufficiently rids clothes of wrinkles.
Odor-Neutralizing Spray: Perfect travel-size scent spray to mask restroom smells
5. Appropriate Clothing and Footwear
Clothing
Packing versatile clothing suitable for the destination’s weather and activities is key. Consider the climate and local customs when selecting your outfits.
For example, if you’re traveling to Morocco or Thailand, it is customary for females to wear more conservative clothing that cover your knees and shoulders, specifically in places of worship. These destinations can also be quite hot so look for light and airy clothing that still follow their local customs.
A mix of casual wear, formal attire (if needed), and swimming attire (if applicable), is essential. Additionally, it’s wise to pack layers that can be easily mixed and matched to accommodate temperature changes.
Footwear
When traveling, it’s imperative to wear and bring comfortable shoes for walking. For an open-toed option, I swear by Crocs’ Brooklyn Collection for women. They provide the famously sought-for comfort that Crocs is known for, and they’re cute and goes with any outfit! I have brought these to almost every destination (non- cold weather) and I can last all day on my feet in them. The extra height boost from the 1.9-inch (4.8-cm) platform is an added bonus as well.
Final Words
Packing efficiently and thoughtfully can significantly enhance your travel experience. By focusing on these top five basic travel essentials, you can have a smoother, more enjoyable journey. Lastly, adapt this list to suit your specific needs and destination and aim for a balance between preparedness and traveling light. Safe travels and Bon Voyage!
