There’s something about traveling that’s both exciting and stressful, especially when it’s time to pack your suitcase and start preparing. What you bring along can vary greatly, depending on your destination and the occasion or duration of your trip.
Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a whole month abroad, here are the 40 Best Travel Essentials to bring along, listed by time away from home.
Check this post: The Ultimate Travel Packing List
Best Travel Essentials for Any Trip
iMangoo Protective Cable Organizer Case Travel Essentials
iMangoo Protective Cable Organizer Case Tame your electronic accessories with this little storage solution. The case keeps your charging cables and wires from getting all tangled up so you can grab what you need. It’s especially useful when digging through a big, deep tote bag.
Baggu Go Pouch Set Travel Essentials
Baggu Go Pouch Set: A must-have for daily organization, these pouches can hold anything, such as cosmetics, laundry, receipts, etc. We never leave the house without one, whether we’re running out for a quick errand or a long trip.
July Everyday Garment Tote
July Everyday Garment Tote: this tote is a carry-all and garment bag for occasional travel. It protects your dressy clothes and has room for a pair of sneakers to change into when you get to your destination.
Daily Pill Organizer Travel Essentials
Found on TikTok, this daily pill organizer fits in any handbag and holds all your daily meds, supplements, and nutritional aids.
Nori Press Travel Steam Iron
Nori Press Travel Steam We travel, and our clothes get creased. This travel steamer is the quick fix. It fits your luggage and has 6 fabric settings for silk blouses and linen pants in seconds.
Travel Jewelry Case Organizer
Travel Jewelry Case Organizer: Travel with peace of mind, knowing your chains won’t get tangled and your earrings are in one place.
Tumi Just In Case, Tote
Tumi Just In Case Tote Vacations mean expanded wardrobes. Prepare for this by including this collapsible nylon bag to hold all your new treasures.
Twelve South AirFly Pro
Twelve South AirFly Pro: You may have seen this on TikTok. It’s the missing link between your wireless headphones (like AirPod Max) and in-flight entertainment systems.
Now, you can watch your favorite movies or binge your favorite shows without using corded alternatives or the subpar earphones the airline provides.
FunTouch Rechargeable Travel Makeup Vanity Mirror
Take your beauty routine with you wherever you go with this genius travel companion. The FunTouch Rechargeable Travel Makeup Vanity Mirror is the perfect solution for makeup lovers who won’t compromise on their look, even when not at home.
Its slim design hides a powerful array of LED lights that mimic natural daylight, so your makeup application is precise and perfect anywhere.
The rechargeable battery means no more hunting for a plug, and its compact size fits in your carry-on. Whether you’re touching up in a dark hotel room or getting ready for a night out in a new city, this mirror covers you.
Bearaby Travel Napper
Elevate your travel game with the Bearaby Travel Napper, a luxurious weighted blanket for jet-setters. An extra 6 pounds might seem indulgent, but the comfort it brings on long-haul flights or extended stays is unmatched.
This travel-sized version of Bearaby’s popular weighted blanket gives you the same stress-relieving, sleep-inducing benefits as the full-sized version. Made from breathable, eco-friendly materials, it regulates temperature so you stay cozy, not hot.
The duffel bag isn’t just for storage; it’s a stylish personal item for your flight and can be checked without worry. For those month-long trips or frequent flyers, the Travel Napper is an investment in comfort that pays off in sleep and travel anxiety reduction.
Therabody RecoveryTherm Cube
Take your fitness routine on the road without sacrificing recovery with the Therabody RecoveryTherm Cube. This little powerhouse is for the health-conscious traveler who’s on an extended stay.
Despite its small size in your luggage, the RecoveryTherm Cube packs a big punch for muscle recovery. Advanced thermotherapy and vibration technology target soreness and stiffness from workouts or long sightseeing days.
The device has customizable heat and cold treatments to tailor your recovery session to your needs. Its rechargeable battery means you can use it anywhere from hotel rooms to outdoor adventures, so your body is in top form for your month-long trip.
4PCS Refillable Travel Perfume Spray Bottles
Take your fragrance to the next level while adhering to TSA regulations with these genius refillable travel perfume spray bottles. This set of 4 lets you bring multiple scents with you without the bulk or risk of full-sized bottles.
Beyond travel, these mini sprayers are perfect for everyday use – slip one into your purse, gym bag, or desk drawer for quick touch-ups throughout the day. With these versatile containers, you’ll never have to sacrifice your signature scent, whether you’re jetting around the world or freshening up for a spontaneous night out.
Wild One Travel Carrier
Take your furry friend on an adventure in style and comfort with the Wild One Travel Carrier. Designed for pets up to 20 pounds, this carrier meets airline regulations for in-cabin travel and is a cozy sanctuary for your pet.
The innovative design converts from a secure carrier to a comfortable bed, so your four-legged friends can relax at the airport gate or in your hotel room. The padded shoulder strap and luggage sleeve make navigating busy terminals a breeze. With its sleek modern design, the Wild One Travel Carrier means your pet travels as fashionably as you do.
Apple AirTag 4-Pack
Take the stress out of luggage tracking with the Apple AirTag 4-Pack. These small circular devices use Apple’s network to give you real-time location information for your belongings. Simply attach an AirTag to your suitcase, backpack, or even your pet’s collar, and have peace of mind knowing you can find them anytime via your iPhone.
The AirTags precision finding feature will guide you directly to your items which is super helpful in crowded baggage claim areas or busy hotel lobbies.
With over a year of battery life and a water-resistant design, these trackers are built to withstand travel. The four-pack lets you track multiple items, so whether you’re on a weekend getaway or a month-long trip, you’ll always know where your essentials are.
Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush
Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush This 2-in-1 product is for cheeks and lips, so it’s a must-have travel companion. The lightly pigmented balm from Merit has gotten so many great reviews. Throw it in your bag for quick touch-ups no matter where you are.
Therabody SleepMask
Therabody SleepMask Say goodbye to late-night flights with this Therabody sleep mask. It claims to block out all light and has 3 customizable vibration patterns to help you sleep so you arrive at your destination feeling rested and refreshed.
Calpak Ambeur Vanity Case
Calpak Ambeur Vanity Case: Keep your travel beauty in this hard-shell vanity case. Your toiletries will be protected in this water-resistant case, which has a flexible, detachable strap and a rear sleeve that slides over your matching Calpak luggage handle. This case comes in many colors.
Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash
Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash Keeping your hands clean while traveling is key whether you’re stuck in a window seat or need a quick wash after refueling on a road trip. This Aesop hand sanitizer does the job and smells good, so it’s the best on-the-go hand hygiene.
Calpak Packing Cubes 5-Piece Set
Calpak Packing Cubes 5-Piece Set Packing cubes are a must for keeping a duffel bag or when you’re packing for a trip with multiple activities and different outfits. These cute organizers from Calpak will make packing so much easier and keep your carry-on organized.
Bigger Carry-On
This is everywhere in airports, and for good reason. It fits in the overhead compartments of most US airlines and is the perfect balance of roomy and compact. You can pack all your essentials without sacrificing style or mobility. It’s durable and lightweight, so it’s easy to handle throughout your trip.
Comes in 7 colors to fit your style. The integrated USB port is connected to an external battery, so you have power on long travel days. Whether you’re going for a quick weekend or a long vacation, this will be your go-to carry-on for most of your trips.
Dagne Dover Remi Glasses Case
Packing for sunny destinations is always a problem: which sunglasses should you bring? Dagne Dover’s Remi case solves this problem. This small but mighty accessory can fit up to 3 pairs of glasses.
It’s designed to be space efficient without sacrificing protection. The hangable feature is an extra bonus, so you can easily access and organize it when you reach your destination. Whether you’re switching between your faves or bringing prescription glasses and sunglasses, this case will keep your glasses safe and at your fingertips.
KUSSHI Signature Makeup Bag
For short trips, this bag is a lifesaver for beauty lovers. Its machine-washable construction means you won’t have to worry about makeup stains or spills. The spacious interior has mesh side pockets to store all your beauty goodies. But what really sets it apart is the wide opening.
This genius feature gives you a panoramic view of all your products so you can find and grab what you need even when you’ve packed more than you thought. Practical and clever, this bag is your new travel beauty BFF.
Kindle Paperwhite – 16 GB
Book lovers no longer have to sacrifice their reading material when traveling. The Kindle Paperwhite solves the problem of carrying big books and extra weight. It’s slim and feather-light, so it’s easy to throw in your bag. With 16 GB of storage, you can store an entire library of books.
Wi-Fi means you’re never more than a few taps away from your next book, so you don’t have to pre-select your books before your trip. Whether you’re a bookworm or just like to have options, the Kindle Paperwhite will have your books at your fingertips without weighing you down.
Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
This do-it-all skincare product is a must-have for travelers who want to simplify their beauty routine. Formulated for sensitive skin, the Tower28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray does more than just hydrate.
It calms irritated skin, making it perfect for travel stressors like dry airplane cabins or changes in climate. The fine mist can be applied over makeup, making it great for mid-flight refreshes or quick touch-ups when you arrive. As a toner, setting spray, and general skin soother, it’s an efficient space saver in your toiletry bag and replaces multiple products with one.
Cadence Build Your 7 Bundle
Cadence is redefining the travel container. These stylish and versatile capsules are a game changer for storing small essentials. Unlike boring travel bottles, these capsules are sleek and modern and as functional as they are beautiful.
They’re versatile – use them to store liquid skincare products and supplements, small jewelry pieces, and hand creams. The magnetic feature means the capsules stick together, so they won’t roll around in your bag. Leak-proof and TSA-approved, these containers simplify packing and add a touch of luxury to your travel organization.
Le Specs Outta Love Sunglasses
Leaving your sunglasses behind when you travel is for amateurs. That’s why these Le Specs should live in your weekend bag forever. Stylish and durable, they have a timeless design that fits all face shapes and outfits.
They are robust enough to withstand travel and under $70, so if you lose or break them on your adventures, you won’t cry. UV protection and polarized lenses, fashion, and function for your eyes.
Loop Quiet Earbuds
When your weekend is packed with activities, rest becomes key. Enter Loop Quiet Earbuds, the solution to uninterrupted sleep anywhere. These innovative, reusable silicone earplugs are designed for comfort and effectiveness.
Loop Quiet Earbuds come in four sizes, so they fit everyone and block out ambient noise without the discomfort of traditional earplugs. Whether you’re taking a power nap between sightseeing or need a full night’s sleep in a noisy hotel, They give you the silence you need to sleep.
Comrad Nylon Knee High Socks
Long flights, especially if you’re stuck in a window seat, can cause circulation issues and discomfort in your lower legs. Comrad’s Nylon Knee High Compression Socks are the traveler’s secret weapon against these problems.
Designed to promote blood flow and reduce swelling, these socks apply gentle pressure to your legs and feet. Their knee-high design means full coverage, and the nylon material is breathable and moisture-wicking. Wear these on your journey, and you’ll arrive feeling more comfortable and energized to start your adventure.
Guanda Car Vent Phone Mount
While air travel is often at the top of your vacation planning list, road trips are a common and sometimes necessary mode of transportation. The Guanda Car Vent Phone Mount makes driving more enjoyable, especially on long trips. This attaches to your car’s air vent and provides a safe and visible spot for your phone.
Whether you’re using GPS, controlling your music, or need quick access to important info, this mount keeps your phone within reach without compromising safety. Adjustable design fits all phone sizes and case types, so it’s compatible with most devices.
Béis The Weekend Duffel
In the sea of weekend bags, the Béis Weekend Duffel is a versatile and well-thought-out option. Made from water-repellent material, it will protect your belongings from unexpected rain or spills.
One of its best features is the trolley pass-through pocket, which allows you to attach the duffel to your rolling luggage and save your shoulders from the strain.
With plenty of storage space, multiple pockets for organization, and a sleek design, this duffel is great value at over $100. It is the perfect size for short trips and durable enough for frequent use.
Kopari Coconut Deodorant
Staying fresh can be tough when you’re in different climates and activities. Kopari’s mini Coconut Deodorant, with its travel size and effective formula, is up for the task.
This vegan and aluminum-free deodorant uses the natural antibacterial properties of coconut oil and the soothing scent of sage.
It results in a smooth gliding application that feels fresh and lightly scented with tropical notes. The compact size fits in any toiletry bag or purse, so it’s perfect for on-the-go touch-ups during your travels.
Emi Jay Big Effing Clip
Keeping your skincare routine going while traveling is key to looking radiant and refreshed. The Emi Jay Big Effing Clip, despite its name suggesting a hair clip, is actually a portable ice roller that fits in your toiletry bag.
This nifty tool reduces puffiness, soothes skin, and gives you a fresh start to the day. Store it in the hotel mini-fridge overnight, and in the morning, you’ll have a spa-like treatment at your fingertips. Perfect after long flights or late nights to revitalize tired skin and prepare you for the day of adventure.
Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 Sunscreen
When space is limited, multifunctional products are a must. The Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 Sunscreen is a powerhouse that combines several skincare steps into one easy-to-use product.
This lightweight formula gives hydration to keep your skin moisturized, SPF 35 protection from UV rays, and a sheer tint to even out your skin tone and give you a natural, dewy glow.
Buildable coverage lets you customize your look from barely there to more polished, so it’s perfect for all your activities and occasions during your trip.
Combining skincare, sun protection, and makeup into one product simplifies your routine and saves space in your travel bag.