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(Ok, you obviously don’t need to pack a pineapple, as the above image might suggest! But if you’re visiting Hawaii, you should bring one of these sweet treats home, and you actually can from this exact tour I tried recently.)
I’ve been traveling around the world for over 20 years. So people naturally ask for my recommendations on what to pack. While it depends on your destination, personal needs, and travel style, there are some things that are always in my travel bag. Here’s a running list of tried-and-true travel essentials that might just be exactly what you need for your next trip or as a gift for your favorite traveler.
(Looking for advice on something you don’t see here? Lmk!)
Electronics organizer / cord case: I keep my cords and chargers all in one place so I don’t have to dig through my bag when I need them.
Earbuds: I prefer to travel with affordable ones so if they’re lost or stolen, they’re not expensive to replace. This is the pair I travel with. They are affordable, the charge lasts a long time (great for long-haul flights and long bus or train rides), and the key ring attachment means I’m less likely to lose them. I also love that they are mini; they actually fit my ears comfortably, and the case is small too.
Bug spray: This is my favorite mosquito and bug repellent. It’s a long-lasting, non-greasy lotion that works well and smells good. It’s easy to apply, and I have used it in many places, including hiking in Costa Rica, Spain, and Hawaii. You can find it here.
Essential oils: Sometimes travel really stinks! This lavender oil is one of my favorite antidotes to stressful or smelly situations. Need some relief from that recycled airplane air? Put a couple of drops on a scarf or face mask. Jet-lagged and having trouble sleeping? Put some on your pillow. Feeling anxious or stressed? Lavender is known to promote relaxation. (I also carry peppermint oil for public bathrooms and to deter insects.)
Rain jacket: I spend a lot of time outdoors, and most places I travel, like Costa Rica, there’s a chance of rain. This is the rain jacket I use. (I prefer longer-length, boxier jackets for more coverage during heavy rain. But if you’re looking for a more fitted rain jacket at a lower price point, you can find one here. <= I tried that one on in the store and recommend sizing up if you want to fit layers underneath.)
Quick-dry tops: Clothing that’s comfortable and quick-drying is key for a lot of my active adventures. This one has built-in support and comes in dozens of colors. I have this exact top in a couple of colors and wear it regularly. You can find it in many colors here.
Sunscreen: This one is water-resistant (for up to 80 minutes) and made without oxybenzone and octinoxate. You can find it here (formerly Solimo. Same formula, different package).
Wide-brim hat: Always wise to add an extra layer of sun protection for outdoor activities. (The exact hat I have is not currently available, but this one is very similar.)
Multipurpose bag: This water-resistant tote converts to a backpack, so I’ve used it as my beach bag, laptop bag, grocery bag, and hiking bag on my recent Costa Rica and Spain trips. I love the front zip pocket for my phone and medicine, and love the side pockets for my water and sunscreen. You can find it here in a variety of colors. (Two things to note: While this bag works really well for me, if you have broad shoulders, it may not fit well as a backpack. And the straps are not padded, so I wouldn’t use it for longer hikes.)
Splash-proof bag: The most obvious use is as a beach bag, but it also works well for carrying groceries and keeping liquids separated from clothing in your checked bag. I have (and love) the Day Tripper Tote, but there are lots of other sizes, styles, and designs to choose from.
Portable cold brew cup: It may not be essential for everyone, but it is for me! And it’s a great gift for anyone who loves travel and cold brew. I’ve encountered too many dirty coffee makers and too much bad and overpriced coffee on my travels, so now I bring this cold brew cup. It also works for making tea and fruit-infused water. Unexpected benefit: It’s turned into a conversation starter; I’ve made cold brew using local coffee while traveling, then shared it with new coffee-loving friends on multiple occasions. (If you need a smaller size, there’s another option here)
Hydration packs: A quick way to replenish electrolytes on the go. I always keep some in my bag and love them for staying hydrated on flights and hikes (if you drink alcohol, these are also handy for rehydrating before bed). I recommend the powders over the tablets; the tablets don’t always dissolve fully. You can find the strawberry kiwi powder packs here and the pink lemonade powder packs here.
Travel bidet: IYKYK. I’ve tried others, and this is the best travel bidet I’ve found. It’s small, discreet, and easy to tuck away in your backpack or carry-on bag.
Tripod: This one isn’t essential for everyone. But if you are a solo traveler like me, it’s helpful for capturing photos and videos when you’re out adventuring on your own. This is the one I tried recently, and I love that it’s affordable, lightweight, and it opens and folds up so easily. Unlike other tripods I considered, I also love that you can tuck away the phone clamp so it doesn’t snag on anything when it’s in your bag. And this tripod is adjustable up to 62 inches. An important tip: If you use it fully extended, prop a bag or something at the base. Since the tripod is lightweight, the more you extend it, the more it might sway if there’s wind.
Digital photo frame: Ok this one obviously doesn’t go in your travel bag. But it is a great gift for friends and family. I gave this digital frame as a Christmas gift to my parents, and I love dropping photos on it from wherever I am in the world.
Mesh laundry bags: For longer trips when I will need to do laundry, I always bring these mesh bags to keep swimwear and other delicates from getting tangled or snagged.
Long & durable charging cable: I always travel with an extra charging cable (if yours ever broke or got left behind and you were far from any electronics stores, you know exactly why!). I like that this one is longer length for those far-away outlets, and it’s covered in braided nylon — making it extra durable for travel.