I'm Ready for Summer Vacation, and These Travel Essentials Are Coming With Me
After years of traveling, I've had both flawless trips and total packing fails (yes, I've forgotten socks and pajamas more than once). Through trial and error, I've nailed down a list of essentials that now make it into my suitcase every single time. You'll remember your clothes, shoes and the smart extras that save time, stress and money while you're on the move. If you want to skip the airport headaches and convenience store runs, these items should be on your must-pack list.
For more travel tips, learn about the best way to pack a carry-on and the best time to book flights for the cheapest tickets.
1. Hygiene items and prescriptions
On your travels, the last thing you want to forget is any essential hygiene or medical item. While you can easily get more deodorant to stay fresh on your trip, it's much more important to remember medications that will be difficult to replace once you arrive at your destination. This includes contact lenses, birth control, prescription glasses and any medications.
For women, most times we can plan a trip around our cycle, but sometimes life happens. It can be very costly and uncomfortable to be on a trip without sanitary items, especially when you need them. So, just make it a habit to pack a few. It's better to have them and not need them than to not have them and need them.
Also, don't forget to pack sunscreen when you're traveling in the summer or if you're visiting a particularly sunny or tropical destination.
2. A reusable water bottle
Bringing a reusable bottle saves money and keeps you hydrated.If you're spending hours walking through city streets or going on a full-day hike in a national park, you're going to need to hydrate frequently. It's not always easy to access water in certain destinations -- not to mention how brutally hot or humid it can be in certain climates -- so taking a refillable bottle with you is always helpful.
Sure, you could purchase water bottles at your destination, but water is often expensive in popular tourist hubs or hotels, and grocery or convenience stores aren't always nearby, especially in rural or woodland areas.
Here's a list of some great water bottles. If your destination's tap water isn't drinkable, think about a water bottle with a built-in filter.
3. Portable power banks
When traveling, you're likely going to be using your phone more -- pulling up boarding passes, looking up places to go and directions to those places, keeping in touch with friends and family back home and taking hundreds of pictures. All of this drains your battery, and it can be frustrating to interrupt your busy itinerary of sightseeing to charge your phone. Plus, access to power outlets is never guaranteed.
That's why it's always good to bring a portable power bank with you. Power banks put the power in your pocket for easy access and usually aren't too expensive. I recommend investing in one that's not only reliable, but can also charge your phone multiple times before needing to be charged itself.
4. Towelettes
Wipes let you sanitize your hands and certain "high-touch" objects.While bus tours or subway rides can be super fun, they're not always the tidiest of places. During your travels, you're likely going to have to grab "high-touch" objects like remote controls, light switches, telephones, doorknobs, faucet handles, etc. so it's important to keep hygiene in mind to prevent illness.
Washing your hands might not always be an immediate option so pack a few towelettes with you. Plus, small wipes should make it through security checkpoints without issue.
5. A quick-dry towel
Towels come in handy and you never know when one might save the day. Maybe you spilled on your outfit or got caught in a rainstorm and need to dry off quickly. Or maybe you arrived at your hotel or Airbnb only to find they didn't provide towels.
Quick-drying towels are not the most luxurious option, but they're lightweight and easy to stow away while traveling. Most importantly, they dry super fast so you can clean up and pack it in your bag without too much of a wait.
6. Plastic bags
If there's one travel necessity I swear by, it's a plastic bag. Need to pack up your muddy shoes? Plastic bag. Want to separate worn dirty clothing from your clean items? Plastic bag.
While plastic or trash bags are not the most glamorous travel item, they have a multitude of uses and won't take up much space in your luggage.
It's available in four colors: grey, dark grey, blue and black.
Pamela Vachon/CNET
7. A packable backpack
I consistently pack too much in my carry-on luggage. I want to bring my cameras, hat, sunglasses, a change of clothes and some toiletries just in case my checked back is lost. But all of these items quickly add up to leave very little room in my backpack. And usually, I don't want to take them all with me as I tool around the destination I'm visiting.
I suggest taking another smaller, preferably foldable backpack that you can use as you tour. This will keep you from having to pack and repack your carry-on bag. Plus, you can use it to carry the souvenirs you pick up.
8. Bottle protectors
I come back from almost every trip I take with a bottle of wine or specialty beer as a souvenir. I love bringing a special bottle of beer, liquor or wine home to share with friends and family as I tell them about my adventures.
But before that can happen, the bottle has to actually make it through the trip home. And that means you'll need to bring a form of protection. Many people swear by the wine-bottle-in-the-sock method or will swaddle the glass bottles with their clothes, but I prefer to pack an actual protective bottle bag. I recommend a protective bottle bag with padding and a zipper top that will help protect your clothing.
9. Dryer sheets
Stinky shoes? Just use a dryer sheet.
Alina Bradford/CNET
For me, this is a no-brainer. When you're walking miles and miles through various train or bus stations, airports and cities, you're going to work up quite the sweat. And your shoes will likely pay the price.
Bring several dryer sheets with you to help mask the smell of your shoes. Upon returning to the hotel or Airbnb at the end of your day, simply place a dryer sheet in each shoe to help aerate them.
10. A universal plug adapter
A travel adapter is a must-have.
Ceptics/Amazon
You probably already know this. I'm going to remind you anyway: If you're traveling abroad, you need a plug adapter. Outlets in the US are a different size from outlets overseas, which means if you intend to use electronic devices in a different country, you'll need an adapter.
You could try to buy one at your destination, but they can be expensive and hard to find. It's best to pack one with you before you go to save time and money.
11. A travel router
OK, this might seem like overkill, but a travel router has saved me on more than one occasion. Internet connection is not always reliable when traveling or in certain rural areas, and establishing a wired connection is almost always going to be more dependable than wireless (especially in hotels). I feel much safer traveling knowing I have a stable connection to call in case of an emergency, keep up with the group I'm traveling with or connect with loved ones back home.
Here's some more good news: Travel routers are usually small, affordable and easy to pack. You can buy one for anywhere between $20 and $100, and they're usually not much larger than a wall adapter.
12. A packable down or rain jacket
No matter if you're heading to a tropical destination or hitting the streets of a European city, it's always wise to bring an extra down or rain jacket (or umbrella if you have the space). Even if you check the forecast religiously, you could still get caught in a freak rainstorm or have a chillier night than expected.
One of the best options that won't weigh down your suitcase is bringing a packable down or rain jacket that can easily fold up. Trust me, it's better to be safe than sorry.
13. A method to document memories
I'm quite the shutterbug. I love documenting my trips with photos and videos, and sharing those with my friends and family. I also like to be able to look back and reminisce on my many adventures, the people I met along the way and the core memories made. To do so, I need a way to document them.
Most people probably just use their iPhone, but if you're like me, you quickly run out of storage with the thousands of photos taken every year and need another option. I prefer shooting on a film camera, but since one scan from the airport security CT scanner could destroy your unprocessed film, I've found another camera that has quickly become a travel essential.
My go-to camera is the Camp Snap digital camera. It's lightweight, rechargeable and screen-free yet still provides the vintage film look I like so much. It's also compact enough to fit in any checked or carry-on bag, making it the ideal vacation camera to capture all of your important moments. No matter what method or camera you select, always make sure you have something that can help you remember your meaningful journeys.
Final thoughts
Traveling can be a life-altering experience that creates memories that last a lifetime. But before you can experience all the magic of the cities around the world, you have to pack. And packing the right way can make all the difference by reducing stress and saving you money in the long run. While everyone might have a different idea of what items are essential for traveling, the 13 recommendations above are what I have found to be the most useful during my own trips.
If you're planning a vacation and are stressed about preparing, we have plenty of resources to help. Get ready for your next trip with these hacks and tips.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2Ftal-best-amazon-july-4th-safety-device-deals-tout-492b526af70841329c297b1adc75f846.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
an hour ago
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a Solo Traveler, and My 15 Essential Safety Devices Are on Sale at Amazon for the Fourth of July—From $8
As a food and travel writer, a certain level of risk is unavoidable when traveling alone and exploring unfamiliar spaces. I love my job so much, and it's always so exciting to meet new people and try new foods and flavors—but there's absolutely been a few not-so-great moments along the way. Like many of my travel writer friends, I've been pickpocketed in the past—I was lucky in that I didn't lose my passport or my phone in the process, but I have lots of friends who weren't as lucky. None of us wants to scale back on the travel we love, but we can make efforts to stay safer when we're out and about, whether as a solo female traveler or just in crowded tourist-heavy spots. We can take easy steps to protect ourselves, with personal safety devices and other items that will help avoid potential theft and risk. Thankfully, Amazon's July 4th sales make that a lot easier, as some of my very favorite go-to packables for anti-theft protection and personal safety are now on sale—some as much as 50 percent off. There are plenty of places that we need to protect our valuables—trains, planes, the gym, while at the pool or the beach—and this cute and portable lockbox is a great way to get the job done. It's light, compact, and easy to use: just set your own combination and go. Despite its portable size, it's still roomy enough to keep passports, credit cards, cash, phone, keys, and anything else you need safe. One five-star Amazon reviewer calls this lock box "a must-have for peace of mind." It even comes with a handy included cable loop so you can secure the box to a fixed object, like your bike, bed post at the hostel, beach chair, or just about anywhere else. We want our valuables to be safe and secure at all times, but we can't always keep them in our sight. This TSA-approved luggage lock with a flexible steel cable is ideal for airports and on public transportation; it can keep our luggage and anything else we need to keep secure, safe, and sealed. "Bought this to lock up my skis at the ski resort so I don't have to worry about them walking off," shares an Amazon five-star review. It's easy to use, too, since you just set the code and lock it, no key required. These zipper clips are great to keep purses or backpacks more securely closed when traveling. Clip one onto the existing zipper and it'll be a deterrent for pickpockets. "Purchased these for backpacks we'll be using in Europe. But not just Europe, anywhere we're in a crowd where there is the possibility of a pickpocket getting into our packs,' shares a five-star Amazon review. They're easy to use and come in a pack of six, so you can use them on all of your travel bags. Pickpockets are going to go for open-topped purses or backpacks first and foremost; they want the easy grab-and-run. This neck wallet will be much harder to get into without you noticing; plus, its durable water-resistant fabric and RFID-blocking properties will keep the contents safe, no matter where you are. Amazon shoppers love how secure and well-designed this neck wallet is, calling it 'great for travel' because of how much it can hold—phone, keys, credit cards, and a passport. As a solo female traveler, I'm always extra alert when staying at hotels or Airbnbs. My personal safety is always front of my mind, and I know sometimes people get the wrong key card or a door can swing open. This door stop alarm is so easy to carry and use; you don't have to be handy because there's no installation necessary. Just place the alarm behind any inner pull door and have added peace of mind when showering, changing, or going to bed for the night. "I appreciate the extra sense of security I feel when I travel alone. It's easy to use and the alarm is loud enough that it would most certainly get my attention," shares an Amazon reviewer. A crossbody is the perfect way to keep items secure and attached to you, while also in your line of sight and your hands free. This Skysper bag's main compartment is large enough for your phones and keys, while the RFID-blocking zippered pocket is a perfect spot for your passport, other IDs, and credit cards. There are absolute horror stories about vacation rental and Airbnb hosts leaving hidden cameras in even the most sensitive areas of their home in order to monitor their guests. This means you could possibly be a victim of listening devices or hidden cameras, even while in the bedroom or bathroom. Hidden camera detectors are surprisingly affordable and help keep you safe by scanning the area for any signals. "I actually used this at a hotel we stayed at. Busted!" says one Amazon five-star reviewer of this hidden camera detector. The Tracki GPS Tracker is a handy device when traveling as it's an app that works as a GPS tracker for cars, luggage, keys, and more—even children and pets, making it truly priceless when traveling or even right at home. Use it to keep an eye on your belongings, or keep it on your person and have a friend or family member know where you are when traveling solo. It's the best tracker on the market, says an Amazon five-star reviewer. "Not only is it incredibly reliable and easy to use, but it's also surprisingly affordable compared to other options on the market,' they write. 'I've been impressed with its accuracy and consistency—it gives me peace of mind knowing I can track what matters most without any hassle." Whether keeping our phone in a pocket or holding onto it, it can drop, get lost, or be grabbed—and travel is a nightmare without our phone at our fingertips, not to mention the safety or cost concerns. This phone anchor is super secure with a double-gated carabiner with a twist-to-lock center locking mechanism. This is a must for peace of mind when traveling, according to Amazon shoppers. "On a recent trip overseas, I had my phone in my hand most of the day, every day, in a city that has recently become notorious for phone snatchers,' writes one five-star reviewer. 'The design gives the flexibility to attach this to an item (bag, pants, etc) or loop around your wrist, but I ended up using it around my wrist most of the time.' Hackers pose a serious risk, and I live in constant fear of fraud and identity theft. Access to passports, other IDs, and credit cards makes theft that much easier, so a pouch that protects against those RFID readers scanning our chips is a huge help. These signal-blocking bags can protect bank cards, credit cards, and anything else that has our crucial private information from being tracked or hacked. Even more fun? Put your phone in the bag and it won't get a signal either…great for avoiding phone calls or texts when trying to get some shuteye on another time zone. "Worth every penny!" shares an Amazon shopper. A portable charger can literally be a lifesaver if we need to access maps to find our way home when lost or call an Uber to get us out of a dangerous situation. This Anker device charges quickly, is lightweight, and even comes with a built-in USB-C cable so you won't worry about forgetting yours in the hotel room. "This is a great piece of tech, compact in size, has just enough capacity for what can be needed in day-to-day life as a backup power device," says an Amazon shopper. RFID-blocking gets increasingly important as hackers continue to become more sophisticated; these secure sleeves couldn't be simpler to use. Protect bank cards, credit cards, ID, or passports from scanners that can hack and commit fraud and theft by sliding them into the sleeves. "I was a victim of someone scanning my credit cards while they were in my wallet, and I came across this product,' shares an Amazon shopper. 'It fits snugly in your wallet. It comes in various colors ,which can assist you in organizing your cards if you have multiple cards, like I do. The sleeves are very durable, weightless, so it doesn't make your wallet too bulky. Since I've purchased this, I have had no more problems with RFID scamming.' As a solo female traveler, there are a lot of dangerous situations we can find ourselves in. It's very easy for someone to slip something into our drink if it's unattended or uncovered. These reusable drink-cover scrunchies are an easy solution for peace of mind by covering cups to block someone from slipping nefarious drugs inside. As an added bonus, reviewers say they use them while at the beach or camping to keep sand and bugs out of drinks, too. There are many reasons to consider packing a mini flashlight when traveling. They offer a light source in emergencies or blackouts, or simply a dark room where a light isn't accessible. If you are lost or injured and trying to find your way back, it can be a lifesaver—and, if you are simply trying to read instructions, a label, or even relaxing with a book in a dark room, that light can be helpful then too. "Perfect for travel. Lightweight, small, and easy to fit in a carry-on. Love the glow in the dark feature; makes them easy to locate in the dark, yet it is not obnoxious," says one Amazon shopper. Pickpockets know to look for purses and backpacks, but hidden pockets are a great line of defense. This cute fleece vest is great for layering and feeling comfortable and casual while exploring, but it also boasts six pockets, both internal and external, and some zippered and hidden, ideal for keeping valuables and personal items secure. "This is a necessary part of my travel apparel when I fly. I fill the pockets with my passport, boarding passes, phone, ear buds, reading glasses, etc. It looks nice with black stretchy pants and a white blouse, plus it keeps me warm in a chilly airplane," says one five-star Amazon reviewer. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
‘Costly mistake' that some holidaymakers are making when travelling abroad
Going without cash when abroad could be an expensive mistake for some holidaymakers, according to research, with more than one in three having found themselves caught out when needing physical money. Some 39% of holidaymakers have found themselves in unexpected situations where cash was required while they were abroad, according to a survey commissioned by website Be Clever With Your Cash. The most common expenses included tipping, taxi fares and shopping at local or independent retailers, according to the research. Prepaid and specialist travel cards can make it easier to rely less on physical cash while travelling overseas. But those suddenly needing that cash could end up paying extra costs, the survey carried out by Opinium, among 2,000 people across the UK who have travelled abroad, indicates. The research found some people who had to make an emergency cash machine withdrawal on their last trip overseas were charged an ATM fee. Some people also said they turned to airport exchange desks for last-minute cash, even though they may potentially be getting a worse deal than if they had shopped around for their travel money and planned ahead. The website said that stepping outside major cities can also present challenges, as rural and remote areas in some countries could be less likely to accept cards. Amelia Murray, a money expert at Be Clever With Your Cash, said: 'There's still a blind spot when it comes to cash. Many people assume that having a fee-free card is enough, but that can be a false economy if you end up using an ATM abroad that charges or get stung by poor exchange rates. 'It's not about carrying wads of cash, it's about being prepared for those moments when a card simply won't cut it.' Ms Murray suggested packing a 'cash cushion' – a small amount of local currency that could be useful for tipping, local travel, or if holidaymakers end up somewhere that does not accept cards. She also suggested that holidaymakers make sure they understand their card's policy on fees and currency conversion before they travel. People may also want to check how much they would be covered for by their travel insurer if their cash is lost or stolen while they are abroad. Research released by financial information business Defaqto in May indicated that 91% of annual and 86% of single trip policies included cash cover as standard. Just over a third (35%) of single trip travel insurance policies covered as much as £200 to £299, while a quarter (24%) covered between £300 to £399, according to Defaqto's analysis. Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Inicia sesión para acceder a tu portafolio Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Se produjo un error al recuperar la información
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Brooks Barnhizer scores and draws the foul
Why New Jersey is 'honored' to host 2026 World Cup Final Alexis Guerreros and Christian Polanco of The Cooligans sat down with New Jersey governor Phil Murphy to discuss the state's preparations for next summer's FIFA World Cup. Hear the full conversation on the 'The Cooligans' podcast - and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen. 0:56 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
