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Netizens Share Their 41 “Must-Haves” For Travelling, From The Obvious To Super Specific Items
Traveling: it’s all fun and games until you’re that person fumbling with tangled headphones at airport security or realizing you forgot to pack your toothbrush for a week-long adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or just trying to get through your vacation without losing your luggage (or sanity), there’s always something that can make the journey a little smoother.
So when someone online asked what other netizens had to have when traveling, it led to a thread where 41 netizens shared their must-have travel items that help avoid meltdowns and chaotic moments on the road.
More info: Reddit
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
“Oh S**t” kit with OTC meds we use most often (ibuprofen, Pepto, allergy pills, DayQuil/NyQuil, etc.) in a small pill case or blister pack, Band-Aids with Neosporin, alcohol prep pads, gauze strip, and a tampon/panty liner. In my normal toiletry bag, I also have nail clippers and tweezers, to round it out.
It fits into a little pouch slightly larger than a credit card (but fatter) and saved our asses this summer when we got COVID while traveling and during another trip where someone cut themselves.
There is only small amounts of each item, but it gets you through the initial “oh s**t” moment.
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#2
Dental floss (or Dento-tape) and a sturdy needle. For flossing, sure, but it also makes a fantastic thread if you need to repair clothes, bags, shoes.
DennyS (denzoren) 3 days ago
Always pack a travel toothbrush and floss. Also, my dentist gives out these little 3oz toothpaste, perfect for travel.
#3
Sort of a weird essential, I know, but I usually pack a small pouch of goodies for rainy days: card games, a Bluetooth speaker, and a candle. I’m an active traveler and tend to go to remote locations, so it’s great to have after a long day of hiking or on an actual rainy day. Once I was doing a farm stay in Costa Rica, and when I brought out a deck of Phase10 my hosts flipped out! They were big fans of the game and called a few of their neighbors over to play. They were also fans of 80s music, so the Bluetooth speaker came in handy. Despite it getting competitive at times, it turned into as super fun night and one of my favorite travel memories.
Another item I like to bring along are those hydration packets you can add to water. They help with everything from recovery from an active day, a bad case of food poisoning or upset stomach, a hangover from partying too much, dealing with high altitudes, jet lag, and just making the water taste a little better.
Jeff White 3 days ago
These look like cards for the German game Skat. A fairly almost insanely game to play.
Travel Daily Media explain that comfort is usually most important in a successful trip. In fact, they state that 74% of passengers value comfort, well over value for money and efficiency.
They go on to state that passengers value comfort so much that most will actually pay for extras in an attempt to gain it. Most in demand for extras, in first and second position, respectively, are access to an airport lounge and increased legroom in the plane.
#4
I have a power strip with 220110V conversion, multiple adapters, USB A and C outlets. Never go to any hotel without it, fits in a nice little case.
Joanne Earle 3 days ago
We have a heavy duty extension cord which we've had to use a couple times in very small hotels with limited outlets.
#5
Reusable water bottle. For countries with non-potable tap water, buy a gallon at the supermarket to refill.
Green Tree 3 days ago (edited)
This is an everyday life habit for me. Easy, healthy and saves money (not tempted to buy a drink). But bring to the airport empty if you are flying. Many airports now have bottle filling fountains after you get through security
#6
Got to be an eSIM for mobile data. I don't need to buy local SIM cards anymore and don't worry about running up large bills. I use BreatheSIM and I just buy data through their app for the country or region I'm going to. I traveled around Europe with the family this Summer and we bought a 10GB plan which lasted us for the whole trip - navigation, streaming music, finding places to stay and eat in cities and the odd episode of Paw Patrol for the kids. Buying a Europe package also meant we didn't have to worry when moving between countries in Europe as well. Worked a treat.
Carryology acknowledges that as exciting as traveling it, reality sets in when one spends several hours, sometimes even a full day, in an airplane especially as fatigue, disorientation, and discomfort often await on the other side of these extended flights.
Therefore, travel essentials always come in handy. These essential items usually make flights smoother, helping reduce jet lag and discomfort.
#8
Multivitamin packets, electrolyte powders, band-aids, ziplocs, and earplugs top my extensive list!
#9
My microfiber towel is probably the best thing I have ever purchased. I love that thing, so useful for traveling!
Learning how to pack smart will not only save your time and your energy but will make your trip much better overall. No matter whether one is an experienced traveler or not, the first step to having a smooth travel is learning to pack effectively.
Lonely Planet highlights some necessary essentials for travelers as these things typically make traveling a lot easier. According to them, items like "cash, credit cards, passports, first aid kits, headphones, chargers, adapters, earplugs, and travel neck pillows" among other things should always be taken along when traveling.
#10
Assuming you are going overseas and you have your regular travel essentials; power adapter/converter, small amount of cash, and no foreign transaction fee credit card.
Make sure you are aware of your mobile roaming fees, credit card fees, healthcare coverage, and insurance coverage related to international travel.
#11
Lots of good suggestions. One thing I always carry that o haven't seen listed is carabiner clips. I always have a few clips to my bag. Great for a keychain (for the rare place that still uses physical keys) or just to clip your coffee mug, water bottle, etc to yourself. I have one that also has a bottle opener on it that's been going with me for years.
#12
Waterproof bags or a handful of zip lock bags. Keep passport and vital docs in one.
And a sandwich sized tuperware/Lock & Lock food storage to store for and anything else you need to.
Fit For Travel suggests that of utmost importance when traveling is a first aid kit. They explain that accessing medical care in a country can at times be a problem, and it is best, therefore, to have proper first aid kits with one.
In their opinion, a proper first aid kit can allow one to treat minor medical ailments and prevent buying possibly dangerous drugs in a foreign country. The contents of your first aid kit will have to be geared to your specific itinerary, taking into consideration the type of trip, its location, duration and any medical conditions that may already be existing.
#13
A book and noise-canceling headphones.
UncleJohn3000 3 days ago
He's reading a magazine and wearing open earbuds. BP, please tell us you do this on purpose.
#14
Silly thing, but I always travel with tea bags. They always have hot water on planes but have a low-quality tea. Bringing my own means I can have a delicious cozy beverage in the air
Green Tree 3 days ago
I bring tea bags, they don't take up much room and I love tea so having one handy is great rather than paying a couple dollars for a drink that costs a couple cents. BUT not an an airplane, their hot water comes from holding tanks which are not frequently cleaned
#15
Portable weight scale. I usually go with 2 backpacks but each flight has its weight requirement and when a cabin baggage must be say 7kg instead of 9 I just move things to the personal items bag. Sure you can do that at check-in but its easier to prepare in the room and the scale is the size of a couple of pens
Of course, everyone is a little different when it comes to traveling. Some prefer to go lightly and wing it, and then there are those who swear by a full carry-on bag in case of any and all eventualities.
Regardless of your style, one thing is for certain: having your must-haves in tow can make a whole lot of difference between a disorganized trip and a trip that glides effortlessly. So, what are your must-brings?
#16
When I took students on tours I advised each of them to take a plastic grocery store bag in case they had to vomit. Came in handy more times than I'd like to admit. And if you don't need it, put your dirty items in it on the way home.
#17
At least 2 credit cards. One stored in the wallet and one with the luggage. One time the atm at Hong Kong airport decided not to spit out my card fortunately I had a backup card.
Padlocks for all bags (yes that includes locking bags when Im out of the hotel/airbnb).
Power adaptor.
I am happy that my phone has a second sim slot so that I can use the local sim card.
À backpack. Its my carry on but use it when sight seeing.
Yes as someone else mentioned. Travel insurance is essential.
#18
My yoga mat to stretch out after a long flight, and My thermos w/tea bags & miso soup mix because you never know when you’re going to wake up starving at 3am due to jet lag or you just need a cup of tea. (I always ask for an electric tea kettle for my room. ).
KittyGaming 3 days ago
Or any kind of soup or microwave meal, miso is great but not everyone likes tofu, I recommend dry pasta bowls and pizza pockets
#19
I put shower caps over the soles of my shoes so they don't dirty up the suitcase or anything else inside my suitcase.
#20
A pack of instant noodles against hangryness. A life saver when arriving in the middle of the night to random airbnb's after a long flight . Even in the event that, fo some reason, no hot water is not available, one can eat them uncooked.
#21
Maps app, collapsible bag for groceries.
HangryHangryHippo 3 days ago
Download some areas can come in handy too, it saves my behind many times. And I always travel with a grocery bag, super useful!
#22
Lip balm or gloss. Helps to sleep on a plane when your lips aren’t dry. Planes are very drying
Zip up hoodie with zip pockets. Carry your plane essentials in your pocket, zip ensures you don’t have to worry about anything falling out and they don’t get too hot
#23
Wanderlog, small amount of local currency of destination country, WET WIPES, wind breaker, slippers and pocket wifi.
#24
For hotel rooms, get a fire stick and connect it to the hdmi port of these tvs. Awful all around bad TV or whatever you wish to watch? What's your choice? $20 for a better viewing choice sounds like a great deal to me.
DennyS (denzoren) 3 days ago
They usually have some sort of animal planet or nature channel so I'm happy lol
#25
If you're hiring a car, mobile phone car accessories. It can get annoying trying to navigate with your phone on your lap!
#26
Assuming overseas travel:
* a scarf for chilly planes (I have this one with a hidden pocket that can double as a lightweight shawl)
* enough cash for at least a week (I'll research an average daily budget using google)
* photocopies of my passport, driver's license, and phone numbers for my bank and phone provider hidden in the lining of my carry-on bag
* outlet adaptors and splitters so that I can charge everything
* rechargeable phone battery that holds enough power to charge my phone twice
* solid facial soap, shampoo, and conditioner bars because not all hotels will provide
* a pickpocket-resistant purse or backpack with RFID protection (I highly recommend the brand Travelon).
#27
Earplugs.
Bathrobe.
Small powerstrip rated 110-240V with USB ports.
At least two charging cables, one 2 meters long (because outlets are often far from the bed).
#30
Good antibiotics. And don’t eat the runny eggs.
Regina Holt 3 days ago
Different antibiotics treat different things. Don't just take "any" antibiotics.
#31
10-15 feet of stretchy paracord wound into a small ball. And 8-10 feet of non-stretch, very thin rope. Some small carabiners, and screw-in hooks to use the ropes.
Marie Clear 2 days ago
I always keep paracord, carabiners, and a breakaway ID cord (the type of neck leash you carry your work ID on, making sure it has a "breakaway" connector) in my packing items (and in my car). When we go on beach vacations, we love to swim and snorkel, but we don't like keeping our important items on the beach. So get a colorful dry bag (neon is best), put your important stuff in it, fill it with air and it floats beautifully. Then with a long length of paracord (15' or so?), carabiner one end to the bag, and tie the loose end to the breakaway leash, and carabiner that breakaway leash to your swim suit. Your goodies float along behind you, safe from theft, your bag warns boaters that you're swimming there, and if a boat hits the line, the breakaway ID cord ensures you aren't dragged to death. Came up with this while snorkeling on vacation and happened to have everything with us on that 1st trip (except the breakaway cord). Solved our snorkeling anxiety!
#32
I'm a big fan of the Bentgo brand bento boxes! I like traveling with lots of snacks because you don't know when you'll eat next or have time to stop for a meal. I'll pack a snack box to enjoy during the flight, layover, once I get to my destination, etc.
#33
If you can bring your own pillow, that always helps me sleep, sometimes you can even trick yourself into thinking your in your own bed.
#34
Best i have ever had: the flat bottle opener keychain
Stupid: never used my “flat” pack water bottle ever
Marie Clear 2 days ago
We tried the flat pack silicone water bottles. Once. Terrible to try and drink out of, flopping everywhere. Also tried the accordion style that smoosh down to a smaller form factor. Used them a little more often, but the space savings wasn't worth it trying to keep them clean and still having some "flop" factor. Instead got lightweight 32oz water bottles with a handle and locking lid (you can operate with 1 hand) and we CARABINER the empty bottles to the outsides of our carry-on bags when we go through airport security. (Always have carabiners!) The "travel" bottles aren't worth the aggravation.
#35
Since you mentioned business travel, I’ve found having a portable monitor in my backpack makes getting work done on the road so much easier. We’ve all gotten used to having multiple screens in our offices. So, it’s a hassle when you only have your laptop’s screen to work off of. Portable monitors are wicked easy to use and are fairly inexpensive. Throw it in you laptop bag and forget about it until you travel. It’s great.
This is the one I use: Limited-time deal: ARZOPA Portable Monitor 15.6'' FHD 1080P Portable Laptop Monitor IPS Computer External Screen USB C HDMI Display for PC MAC Phone Xbox PS5- A1 GAMUT
What do you think ?
Serena Myers 3 days ago
I have my handbag, well, it's a baby handbag, 8" long with four pockets, and in it I carry (takes deep breath)....A tape measure (out of a Christmas cracker so it's tiny but works fine) a magnifying glass and a set of screwdrivers (ditto) my coin purse, comb, eyedrops, lip salve, a comb, some paracetamol, tissues, antacids, a sim card and adapter, one of those usb thingies, a tiny camera, my car key, a pen, tiny notebook, usb plug charger, cigarette lighter (I don't smoke, but just in case) a small torch, a toothpick and a few other bits and bobs. When I was a girl, men were always astonished at what a woman could pack into her handbag, now I do the same thing but minimalist! :)
Joanne Earle 3 days ago
We are avid road trippers and we keep a gallon of water, 'space' blankets in case we have to sleep in the truck, pillows in case the hotels only provide 2, all kinds of tools, zip ties, hose clamps, jumper cables, extra shoes, an extra starter & alternator, a walker (I fell a couple years ago in Wyoming and couldn't walk well at all. Hubby found a walker at a local elder services so we leave it in the truck now just in case), rags, TP, paper towels, gloves, extension cords, plastic cutlery, plastic baggies in case I beachcomb, OTC meds, stamps, envelopes in case I have to send out mail from the road, road atlas, lg souvenir bag, quarters for laundry, pennies for penny machines, snacg bag, drinks, come along, wiper blades, oil/wiper fluid/gas treatment....
Serena Myers 3 days ago
I have my handbag, well, it's a baby handbag, 8" long with four pockets, and in it I carry (takes deep breath)....A tape measure (out of a Christmas cracker so it's tiny but works fine) a magnifying glass and a set of screwdrivers (ditto) my coin purse, comb, eyedrops, lip salve, a comb, some paracetamol, tissues, antacids, a sim card and adapter, one of those usb thingies, a tiny camera, my car key, a pen, tiny notebook, usb plug charger, cigarette lighter (I don't smoke, but just in case) a small torch, a toothpick and a few other bits and bobs. When I was a girl, men were always astonished at what a woman could pack into her handbag, now I do the same thing but minimalist! :)
Joanne Earle 3 days ago
We are avid road trippers and we keep a gallon of water, 'space' blankets in case we have to sleep in the truck, pillows in case the hotels only provide 2, all kinds of tools, zip ties, hose clamps, jumper cables, extra shoes, an extra starter & alternator, a walker (I fell a couple years ago in Wyoming and couldn't walk well at all. Hubby found a walker at a local elder services so we leave it in the truck now just in case), rags, TP, paper towels, gloves, extension cords, plastic cutlery, plastic baggies in case I beachcomb, OTC meds, stamps, envelopes in case I have to send out mail from the road, road atlas, lg souvenir bag, quarters for laundry, pennies for penny machines, snacg bag, drinks, come along, wiper blades, oil/wiper fluid/gas treatment....
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