Latest news with #essentials
CNET
25-06-2025
- CNET
I'm Ready for Summer Vacation, and These Travel Essentials Are Coming With Me
Summer is officially in full swing, delivering hot temperatures, longer days and the long-awaited arrival of vacation season. With that comes the chaos of traveling, packed bags, flight itineraries and the knowledge that you have no responsibilities past enjoying yourself for a few glorious days. Whether you're mapping out your next road trip, or planning to hop a flight to hit the beach, what you pack can make -- or break -- your trip. When it comes to packing, it's all about knowing what you'll need and making sure it's in your bag. 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 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" 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.
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Travel + Leisure
22-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
I've Been to 30+ Countries—Here, 15 Brilliant Travel Essentials I Tell Family to Buy for Trips Abroad, From $6
Traveling abroad can be both thrilling and overwhelming. As a travel writer, I've fielded countless calls from friends and family asking for tips, especially a go-to packing list of essentials before their first flight, cruise, or any other international adventure. Over the years, I've been surprised by how often people circle back to tell me that one specific item made all the difference. I've had moments myself, like when a fellow passenger lost her phone mid-flight and my trusty headlamp lit up the dark airplane floor to find it quickly. And in today's world, with headlines about carbon monoxide leaks in hotel rooms or widespread power outages, some of these 'nice-to-have' accessories have become non-negotiable for peace of mind. Whether you're a first-time flyer or a seasoned jet-setter, I hope this list of must-have travel items helps you feel a little more prepared—and a lot more at ease. I've carried an Energizer headlamp in my travel bag for nearly a decade—and like the brand's famous bunny, it just keeps going. Whether you're rummaging through luggage at night, navigating a blackout, or helping someone find a lost item under their airplane seat, it beats your phone flashlight every time. This two-pack is great for having a backup on hand or sharing with a fellow traveler. It's a smart addition to any emergency or camping kit, too. Packing cubes are a travel essential, and Veken's eight-piece set levels up the game. Whether you're road-tripping or flying overseas, these space-saving organizers help keep clothes neat, outfits sorted, and your suitcase stress-free. The breathable mesh keeps things visible and fresh, while sturdy handles and well-thought-out sizes make packing (and unpacking) way easier. It comes with extras like a shoe bag, a laundry pouch (also great for beach days), and a cosmetic case. Carbon monoxide poisoning in hotel rooms is a growing concern, which is why a portable carbon monoxide detector is a must for safety-conscious travelers. This compact model from First Alert is dependable, travel-friendly, and highly rated (it's an Amazon's Choice pick). Though a small addition to your packing list, it can make a big difference when staying in unfamiliar accommodations. When you're navigating a new city, the last thing you want is a dead phone. This slim, travel-ready Mophie power bank has saved me more times than I can count. It holds enough charge to fully power up an iPhone, and the fast-charging feature delivers juice up to 50 percent faster. Durable and compact, it slips easily into a crossbody or backpack—perfect for travel days when you're using maps, mobile payments, and camera apps nonstop. Jet lag and time zone changes can make it easy to forget your daily meds or vitamins, but this colorful, easy-open Auvon pill organizer helps keep everything on track. It's BPA-free, compact enough for travel, and designed with push-button lids that are gentle on hands. Whether you're managing prescriptions or just keeping up with supplements, this travel-friendly case makes it simple to stay consistent on the go. Avoid the TSA shuffle with this 18-piece travel toiletry set, which includes leak-proof bottles, jars, and spatulas—ideal for shampoo, skincare, and other personal items. The clear, zippered bag keeps everything organized and TSA-compliant, and the variety of sizes makes packing for a week or weekend a breeze. Every item is reusable and easy to clean, too. A universal travel adapter is an essential accessory for any international trip. Compact and lightweight, this Tessan adapter easily converts outlets for over 150 countries with simple slide mechanisms—no bulky parts required. It includes multiple USB ports alongside a standard AC outlet, so you can charge smartphones, laptops, cameras, and other devices simultaneously. Amazon's Choice, with over 5,000 positive reviews, is designed for durability and convenience. For best care, store it in a protective case to keep dust and debris out during travel. Traveling light with a carry-on means having to maximize space, and keeping your belongings clean is key. These waterproof shoe bags are a game-changer for anyone who packs an extra pair of shoes. Designed to protect your clothes and gear from dirt, mud, and moisture, the durable, water-resistant material keeps your suitcase organized and mess-free. Perfect for hikers, bikers, or beachgoers, these bags also double as storage for swimsuits, laundry, or toiletries. The five-pack gives you plenty of options to separate shoes or other items on every trip. This toiletry bag easily fits an electric toothbrush, shaving kit, and all my grooming gear with room to spare. Secure zippers and sturdy materials help prevent spills and leaks, too. Available in five neutral colors, it complements any suitcase style while offering versatile storage for toiletries, electronics, or small travel accessories. Travelers love stylish vacation looks, but sun protection is just as essential for staying healthy and energized. This wide-brim sun hat offers UPF 50 protection, shielding your face and neck from harmful UV rays. Crafted with breathable mesh fabric, it'll keep your face sheltered on sunny days, making it a must-have accessory for outdoor adventures and sightseeing in any destination. Long days in the sun can wear you down, especially while traveling. This lightweight hoodie has UPF 50 sun protection woven right into the fabric, shielding your skin from harmful UV rays. Its breathable, moisture-wicking material keeps you cool and comfortable on hikes, beach days, or city explorations. Compact and easy to pack, it's a smart, stylish addition to any travel wardrobe for reliable sun defense without bulk. For travelers logging miles on city streets or theme parks, foot fatigue and pain can quickly set in. These insoles provide extra cushioning and arch relief to absorb shock while reducing pressure and fatigue. They fit easily into most athletic shoes, helping you stay comfortable during long days of walking and exploring. Stay refreshed and energized on the go with these electrolyte packs. Perfect for days on which you're surrounded by that dry airplane air, these convenient packets help replenish fluids and deliver immune-boosting vitamin C. Keep hydration simple and effective wherever your adventures take you. Travel smart with Knockaround Polarized UV 400 Sunglasses. They're durable, stylish, and budget-friendly. Perfect as a backup or everyday pair, these polarized sunglasses protect your eyes from harsh UV rays while offering clear vision on any adventure, making them a must-have, affordable travel essential. Upgrade your in-flight entertainment with the AirFly SE Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter. Easily connect your Bluetooth headphones, including AirPods, to airplane seatback screens for superior wireless audio. It's perfect for travelers seeking a private experience and high-quality sound on flights. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Bloomberg
06-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Walmart CFO Says Shoppers Remain Focused on Food, Essentials
Walmart Inc. said shoppers are still spending about the same as they did a year or two ago, with a focus on food and essentials over discretionary purchases. 'It's been very consistent,' Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey told reporters in a question-and-answer session at the company's annual shareholders' week in Bentonville, Arkansas. 'Wallets are stretched. And so they're still stretched, but the overall level of behavior has not been that different than what we've seen in the last year.'
CNET
21-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Spend $50 on Everyday Essentials and Get $15 Back With This Amazon Gift Card Deal
With Memorial Day now just around the corner, there are lots of deals floating around on all kinds of things. But you don't have to buy something special to save money, as there are some great Memorial Day everyday essential deals on offer. Amazon is running a sale of its own and will give you a free $15 gift card when you spend $50 or more on the things we all need to get through our busy lives. Just make sure you enter the code STOCKUPSAVE at checkout. This deal is available right now across all manner of essentials, from paper towels to batteries and everything in between. And the best thing? Because you'd buy these items anyway, you can rest easy knowing that you're cutting back on your spending instead of buying things you don't need. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. There are tons of products included in this deal, including all of the laundry detergent that you could possibly ever need, not to mention a slew of air fresheners. You can even stock up on Duracell batteries so you need never run out again. The only thing to note here is that Amazon says the $15 promo credit will expire at 11:59 p.m. on Sept 4, so you do have to spend it before then. Maybe use that money to treat yourself to something nice? Go on, you deserve it. Why this deal matters With the cost of everyday living increasing more quickly than any of us would like, it's vital to save money wherever possible. Everyday essentials are a great way to save money because you'd buy them anyway, so why not spend a little less when you can? Some of these items are discounted on top of the free gift card you'll get, so you could argue you're saving twice, too.
Daily Mail
10-05-2025
- Daily Mail
I'm a travel editor - and these are the items I ALWAYS pack in my suitcase
I never used to be the best packer - just the thought of deciding what to include in my luggage would send me up in a rash. But, as deputy travel editor of MailOnline, I'm constantly jet-setting around the globe. In the last month alone, I've stayed at the Radisson Blu Royal in Copenhagen, Pikes Ibiza, Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa in Salcombe, Devon, and the new Virgin Hotel in Shoreditch. And later this year, I'll be heading to Switzerland twice - for Eurovision next week and the Women's World Cup in July - as well as Croatia, Amsterdam, Italy and the Caribbean. This globetrotting lifestyle has meant I've had no choice but to streamline my suitcase and get the packing list down to a tee. Below, I've included all the essentials I take on every trip. The list includes multiple space-saving gadgets that double up as two items and Amazon products I use to ensure a good sleep on long-haul and early morning flights. You're definitely going to want to take a leaf out of my luggage next time you holiday... INSFIT 17-Pack Silicone Travel Bottles Set This travel bottle set has been an absolute gamechanger for me when it comes to travelling with hand luggage only. The TSA-approved clear case comes with 17 containers, ranging in size, that you can decant all your lotions and potions in to using the included funnel. It even comes with a brush for cleaning, as well as waterproof sticker labels so you don't mix up your shampoo with your moisturiser! £9.99 Shop OGIO RISE Backpack I always make sure I bring a backpack with me on holiday in case of any jam-packed day trips. This one from OGIO is the perfect size and has so many compartments, including elasticated ones on the side, for my water bottle and umbrella (just in case!), and a hidden zip pocket at the front for the important stuff. There's also a section specifically for your laptop, and enough space to fit a change of clothes and shoes. £89 Shop STACKERS Cosmetic and Jewellery Bag I've always been one of those people with a million different bags and boxes within their suitcase - a jewellery box, a makeup bag, a toiletries bag, the list goes on... But this nifty 2-in-1 bag from STACKERS has fixed all that. It fits all my makeup in and has a jewellery box attached at the bottom - which also keeps all my necklaces in place and stops them tangling. £55 Shop MyHalos 100% Blackout Sleep Mask I bought this blackout eye mask for a long-haul flight originally, and it's so good I use it in bed every night now, and my sleep has got so much better. Designed to prevent pressure on your eyes, this 3D sleep mask is perfect for sensitive eyes or those with lash extensions. Made from premium memory foam and soft, breathable material, it offers superior comfort and light-blocking ability. £9.99 Shop Philips 3000 Series Handheld Steamer I hate ironing and I'm not a neat packer in the slightest - so my life was changed once I discovered steamers. This one from Philips is the perfect size for packing in a suitcase and folds up so small so really doesn't take up much room. £31.99 Shop Universal Travel Adapter A travel adapter is an absolute must if you're going abroad, and I always leave this one in my suitcase so I never forget to pack it. It fits any plug sockets around the world, and also has three USB ports, as well as a slot for USB-C cables, so you can charge five different devices at the same time. £11.99 Shop DOCK & BAY Quick Dry Beach Towel One of my least favourite things about the beach has always been how wet and sandy the hotel towels end up getting. But now I pack my own beach towel from DOCK & BAY for holidays. It's quick-drying, never gets sandy and also comes in a little pouch so doesn't take up much room in the suitcase. I love this tropical print too! £21-50 Shop mdlondon BLOW Hair Dryer While this hair dryer may be expensive, it's so worth it to pack in your suitcase rather than having to rely on the rubbish hotel ones you get. It's not specifically made for travel, but it's so small and lightweight at 360g, and is just as powerful as most on the market. It's also really quiet! £199 Shop JBL Charge 5 A Bluetooth speaker is always an essential for me on holiday, as is a portable charger - especially when I'm using my phone to take so many videos and pictures. And, incredibly, this gadget from JBL is both - a speaker, doubling up as a 7,500mAh power bank. It's not the fastest at charging phones, but the sound from the speaker is incredible - what you'd expect from JBL. £119.99 Shop UGREEN Bluetooth Adapter The free headphones given out on planes are nearly always worse quality than my Airpods. But with no Bluetooth capabilities, there's no way of using them to watch a movie on long-haul flights. This Bluetooth transmitter has fixed that and simply plugs into the AUX port. What's even better is it connects to two devices at the same time, so when my partner and I want to watch the same film together on a flight, we no longer have to do it by pressing play at exactly the same time! £12.99 Shop Tile Mate by Life360 Throughout my life I've been told I'd 'lose my head if it weren't screwed on', and have been known to leave my suitcase on the train, my passport on the plane and my purse on the bar. I really would be lost without tile Mates, which I've attached to my keys and added one to my suitcase. The Bluetooth trackers are the ideal solution for scatterbrains, and also for safety if you're solo travelling, so friends and family can know your whereabouts. £27.99 Shop trtl Travel Pillow I was so skeptical about trtl pillows for years, having seen the pictures of people looking a bit silly using them on planes. But I'm officially a convert - they're the comfiest thing, and, together with my eye mask, I can finally sleep on the plane and don't even need a window seat. £45.99 Shop Portable Foot Hammock At 5"1, I have very little legs, and struggle to reach the footrest on planes, let alone the floor. This portable foot hammock hangs from the tray table in front, and makes it so much easier to get comfy - even in economy. It also comes in a little bag, which fits easily into any suitcase or backpack. £4.99 Shop YETI 18oz (532ml) Bottle I take a water bottle wherever I'm going, as it means I don't have to keep asking the crew for another tiny cup of water on a flight. This one from YETI keeps my water cold all day - especially when I add some ice to it when I leave the house. £30 Shop MAC IN A SAC Synergy Jacket The problem with travelling from cold and miserable UK to hot and sunny destinations is needing to pack a bulky coat in your suitcase and never take it out once you're at the hotel. But Mac in a Sac has the answer - with insulated jackets that pack away into a tiny bag. I have this Synergy jacket in ivory, and it's so warm and so easy to pack away. £59.99 Shop Klearlook 4 in 1 Adjustable Phone Stand The worst thing about short-haul flights is the lack of screen - and having to hold your phone for an entire movie can be frustrating. Thankfully, this phone stand - which works with all phones - can mount onto luggage handles or tray tables with a clamp. It also easily rotates 360 degrees, so I use it to make hands-free video calls too when I'm waiting for my flight in the airport. £9.99 Shop Loop Switch 2 Earplugs are a must to get some sleep on the plane - and Loop Switch 2 are perfect for wearing constantly, with three different volume modes. It means I can use them to nap on the flight, and also to wear in the clubs in Ibiza to stop myself getting tinnitus. The earplugs have just come out in a gorgeous new McClaren Papaya colour (pictured), having partnered with the racing brand. £59.95 Shop
