In theory, you could easily get on a plane with nothing but your passport, a credit card and your prescription medicine and buy everything else at your destination. But let's face it: not even the most hardcore light packers travel like that. We all have some travel essentials we always pack and there's always a few things we prefer to bring our own off, instead of buying them abroad.
Today, I thought I'd share my travel essentials with you. These are things I always pack, no matter where I go or for how long. Have a look and let me know if you pack these things too!
My travel essentials
Electronics
- My portable power bank
- My Samsung Galaxy S6 phone + charger
Clothes
- The complete outfit I'm wearing, including a scarf and a jacket/sweater (depending on the weather at my destination)
- Clean underwear
- Something to sleep in
- Clean shirt
Honestly, clothes are something you can buy everywhere and if you're going on a very short trip, whatever you're wearing might be sufficient. I usually do pack something a clean shirt and some other extras in case things get sweaty/I spill all over myself while stuffing my face with delicious foods, but I'd never say that packing three different outfits is essential.
Shoes
You only need one pair. Honestly, you do. You think you need more, but you don't. Face it.
Bags
- A small handbag
- A backpack
- A toiletries bag
- An Eagle Creek Pack-It cube for organizing
Although I could probably pack all of my travel essentials in a backpack, a backpack isn't the most pleasant thing to lug around all day and so I prefer having something smaller with me so that I can ditch whatever I won't use during the day at the hotel and only take the essentials of my essentials out exploring with me.
I usually bring my Jo Totes camera bag for women as my handbag, but when I'm really going basic and don't bring my FujiFilm XE-1 camera + extra battery, my Pacsafe anti-theft purse will do.
As a backpack, I always take my Eastpak laptop bag. Even if I wouldn't bring my laptop, I could use the laptop area to put other stuff away and it's still the best backpack I have for travel.
Little essentials
- Paper tissues – these have come in handy on so many occasions
- Prescription medicine
- Lip balm – I'm an addict, it's an essential for me
- Passport
- Prescription glasses + case
- My Dynomighty wallet with credit card, bank cards, money, my Belgian ID and my drivers license
Toiletries
- Lush solid shampoo, conditioner, toothy tabs and deodorant
- Toothbrush
- Lens container and liquid
- Earplugs
- Facial cream
- Makeup, makeup remover and cotton pads
- Tweezers
I know, I know, you can travel without makeup, but while never put on a lot, I do like to look at least half decent when I'm out in the world and I prefer using my own products for my face as I have somewhat difficult skin and like to treat it well.
DISCOVER MORE COOL TRAVEL GEAR
Printable packing checklist
Want to make sure you don't forget anything? Sign up for the newsletter and get my free printable packing checklist!
Tim UrbanDuniya says
I always take an empty plastic bag for laundry, if I’m carrying dirty clothes around with me! But otherwise, I think you are spot on here!
Meanwhile, I didn’t even know solid shampoo was a thing!!
Sofie says
I used to take a linen bag for dirty laundry because it allows the clothes to breathe (although that’s not always a good thing :D). Now I prefer the packing cubes because the fabric is much thinner and lighter, so it takes up less room. Plus, I find them easier to stuff :D
Solid shampoo is SO a thing! Which reminds me I need to buy new toothy tabs, also a brilliant invention. I used to always take a bunch of toothpaste samples from the dentist office to have toothpaste in a small size for carry-on :D