Travel hacks

11 Essentials You Should NEVER Forget to Pack

Once your outfits have been planned and packed, it’s time to focus on the things—particularly those items you absolutely can’t forget. Consider this your go-to checklist for any trip.

Wallet and passport holder

You won’t get very far without your wallet, and same goes for your passport on international trips. If you’re prone to losing things, purchase a wallet-passport holder combo to keep them close. We like this affordable and travel-friendly pick from Amazon, which has slots for your cards, cash, passport, tickets, boarding pass, and more, plus a convenient wristlet strap.

Phone charger and adapter

A phone charger is a must for any trip, and if you’re leaving the U.S., so is an adapter. This one from Flight 001 (available on Amazon) is color-coded and works in over 150 countries.

1.      Reusable water bottle

Avoid spending money on plastic water bottles at every stop by bringing along a reusable one. With the fold-up capabilities of the Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle, you won’t even know it’s there.

2.     Camera

Create long-lasting vacation memories by snapping better captures along the way (if you’re like us, your iPhone camera roll gets way too clogged up with screenshots and food pics). The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II Compact Digital Camera‘s slim design and light weight make it just right for travel.

3.     Travel journal and pen

Keep your travel itineraries, checklists, and journal entries in one place with I Was Here: A Travel Journal for the Curious Minded, which has plenty of space for all of your musings, plus colorful illustrations that pull together the pages. And don’t forget a pen!

4.     Walking shoes

Even if you’ve already perfectly planned all the shoes to go with your outfits, throw in one extra pair of easy walking sneakers or flats, like Everlane’s The Day Glove. We promise you won’t regret it when your feet start to blister from your sandals or heels.

5.     Sunglasses

Spending lots of time outdoors? Be prepared with sunnies. We love this go-with-anything classic style from Ray-Bans.

6.     Weather-dependent items

Check the forecast before you go, and pack accordingly. The SY COMPACT Travel Umbrella is perfect for rainy travel, while this sunscreen is essential for the sunny days. Snow on the radar? Pack these winter accessories.

7.     Toiletry bag

Keep your toiletries organized with this hanging kit, which has plenty of room for all the necessities and more.

8.     First aid kit

Safety first, Jetsetters! This mini first aid kit will equip you with everything you’ll need in case of emergency.

9.     Lip balm

It’s pretty much a given that a flight will dry out your skin, hair, and worst of all, lips. Prevent the chapped feeling with this ultra-hydrating lip balm from cult-favorite brand Mario Badescu.

10.    Pack Plastic Bags to store wet clothes.

We suggest packing plastic bags just for dirty clothes or wet bathing suits. They’re also great at containing smells, like souring food or bad foot odour from shoes that haven’t been aired out yet. Plus, they’re waterproof too, which means you won’t have to worry about getting some else’s belongings wet either.

11.   Only Pack Items You’ll Wear At Least Twice.

Only bring items that will be worn at least twice. Additionally, make a packing list ahead of time and plan out your outfits, so you won’t overpack in a fit of last-minute stress.