While selecting our top 10 travel essentials, we wanted to share those we never leave home without. We have certainly found several items that have made travel easier and more enjoyable and now we are here to share our list with you! Staying organized and healthy on the road are two of our main priorities. This list will help you do the same!
All of the items on our list are those we are actually using in our travels in 2023 and beyond. Safe and healthy travels!
Disclosure: Some of the links within this post are affiliate links. This means, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you make a purchase. For more information, click here.
1. Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes
We never pack for a trip, no matter how short, without our packing cubes. In fact, even if we are just going on a weekend trip we use them to keep us organized and prevent us from overpacking. We typically use three to four of the six cubes, the two larger cubes for clothing, a small cube for gym clothes and intimates, and then the shoe bag.
We’ve found that rolling our clothes works best to save room and keep your clothing from getting too wrinkly. Additionally, packing cubes make it easier to repack when your trip has ended.
2. Clear Travel Toiletry Bags
In our article about packing carry-on only, we mentioned that we keep our essentials bags packed due to the frequency of our travel. These clear pouches also make it easy to keep everything in order so that we can grab and go on a moment’s notice.
While we use the bags for makeup and toiletries, they could also be used for snacks, kids’ toys, or whatever else you want to keep organized. What can we say, we like to be organized 🙂
We’ve traveled both within the US and internationally using these bags and they have served us well!
3. Running/Walking Shoes
Even if you don’t plan to go running on your trip, you may be walking quite a bit and a practical pair of shoes will take you there. Andrea loves the Brooks Levitate running shoes and has purchased them year after year. The shoes are super comfortable and come in a range of fun colors.
Since we love exploring a new city on foot, comfortable shoes are a must. While you don’t have to necessarily wear running shoes the entire time, find a comfy pair that you trust won’t leave you with sore feet.
4. Beats Noise Canceling Headphones
We love the Beats headphones for a few reasons. First, they are Bluetooth compatible with your phone, second, you can easily adjust the volume on the headphones using the side button. They even come with an auxiliary cord so if you want to watch a movie in flight you can easily plug into the airplane console.
5. iPhone/Apple Watch/Airpods charger
Small and convenient, this charger is perfect for packing in your carry-on. This charger keeps the technology used to monitor our activity, heart rate, and glucose values charged when on the run! What we love about this charger is that you can charge nearly all of your Apple devices with it.
6. JadeYoga Travel Mat
The JadeYoga travel mat is another travel essential we keep packed and ready to go in our carry-on. It is thin, compact, and folds up nicely in the bottom of your suitcase allowing plenty of room for some packing cubes. Check out our post regarding how to maintain your fitness routine while traveling for tips on practicing yoga on the road.
This thin mat folds up nicely so it will fit in the bottom of your suitcase or bag before packing your other contents. JadeYoga is known for their great quality mats which won’t leave you slipping while in your downward dog. Travel and yoga, win-win!
7. International Power Adapter
International power adapters are not needed for every trip but for those international adventures, be sure to throw these in the bag! With multiple USB ports, you can charge all of your devices using just one adapter.
8. Backup Battery Bank
Next, staying on the topic of keeping those devices charged, we never want to assume that there will be an open outlet in the airport, train station, or on the plane. Stay prepared for anything with a backup battery. This item comes in a set of two and each battery will charge your phone several times without taking up much space in your bag.
9. MacBook Air
This small, lightweight laptop holds the best charge, you can get loads of work done (or watch tons of movies) while you are traveling. While we primarily use a Mac for work, it also comes in handy to stream workout routines as well. After having traveled with several different laptops over the years, this is by far my favorite.
10. GoPro
Finally, on our list of travel essentials, wondering how we get all those amazing underwater shots? We use a GoPro! You can control your GoPro using your smartphone which allows you to start recording and view what you’re recording on your smartphone screen. The GoPro is worth the splurge to capture those priceless shots while kayaking, snorkeling, or hiking.
