Hey, fellow travel lovers! As I’m gearing up for a 2-week trip to Europe (so excited!!), I thought it would be the perfect time to share some of my absolute favorite travel essentials. Whether you’re heading out on a quick weekend getaway or jetting off on a longer adventure, these items have been total game-changers for me. Plus, I’ve included affiliate links for each item, so if you’re looking to upgrade your own travel gear, you’re just a click away!
So, let’s dive into my must-haves!
Tech & Gadgets Must-Haves
When it comes to keeping all my electronics organized and charged up, these gadgets are my travel BFFs:
1. Storage Case for Charging Cords
With all the devices I travel with (phone, tablet, Apple Watch, etc.), this little case is a game-changer. No more fishing through my bag for tangled cords! Everything has its place. [Affiliate link]
2. Universal Travel Adapter
Europe’s electrical outlets are different, and this trusty adapter works everywhere. Perfect for multiple destinations, it ensures all my devices stay powered and protected. This universal adapter works in over 160 countries, including the US, UK, EU, Australia, and more. It features 4 USB ports and 1 AC outlet, letting you charge up to 5 devices at once—ideal for phones, tablets, and other gadgets. It’s FCC, CE, and RoHS certified for safety, with built-in protections to prevent shock and short circuits. Compact and surge-protector free, it’s perfect for travel, even on cruise ships. Just remember, it doesn’t convert voltage, so make sure your devices are dual-voltage compatible! [Affiliate link]
3. Charging Station
This charging station is perfect for hotels and other accommodations where outlet space is limited. It’s also cruise ship-friendly, as many ships don’t allow surge protectors. It uses just one plug and lets me charge multiple devices with USB cords, making it super convenient to keep everything powered up! [Affiliate link]
4. Power Bank/Charger
This lightweight and compact power bank is a travel essential for long days of exploring. It features two-way USB-C charging, meaning the USB-C port supports both input and output, making recharging quick and easy. It’s powerful enough to keep my phone, Apple Watch, headphones, and iPad charged all day while I’m traveling internationally, and it has definitely saved me on more than one occasion! [Affiliate link]
5. Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
These headphones are definitely an investment, but they’re worth every penny for truly blocking out the noise on long-haul flights. With pro-level active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and personalized spatial audio, they create a serene oasis for your ears, allowing you to really sleep and disconnect from the world around you. Plus, they come with USB-C charging and Bluetooth compatibility, making them perfect for travel. [Affiliate link]
6. Air Tags
Air Tags are essential for keeping track of your luggage and belongings while traveling. I place them in my carry-on, checked bags, and even inside my personal items. This way, if anything goes missing, I can quickly locate it through my phone. They provide peace of mind, especially during layovers or when transferring between flights. [Affiliate link]
7. AirFly
The best thing about the Twelve South AirFly is that it lets you use your own wireless headphones or earbuds with the airplane’s in-flight entertainment system. With over 20 hours of battery life on a single charge, it’s perfect for long-haul flights, and you can even use it while charging with the included USB-C cable. Compact and lightweight, this portable travel accessory ensures you enjoy high-quality audio wherever you go. [Affiliate link]
Packing & Luggage Essentials
Packing smart is key to stress-free travel, especially on longer trips like this one. These items make packing a breeze:
8. Packing Cubes
I love using Biaggi packing cubes because they’re durable, lightweight, and feature a compression option! This helps me save space by squeezing down my clothes, making both packing and unpacking a breeze. They keep everything neatly organized and fit perfectly into my suitcase, maximizing space without adding extra weight. To make it even easier, I use stickers to label each cube, keeping track of what’s inside—whether I organize by days or specific items. It’s a game changer for staying organized on my travels! [Affiliate link]
9. Underseat London Fog Bag
I love my London Fog underseat bag because it’s perfect for easy maneuverability. It connects securely to the handle of my suitcase, so I can roll both bags together effortlessly. It has wheels, which makes it a great alternative to lugging around a backpack when you’ve checked your bigger suitcase. This sleek carry-on fits perfectly under the seat, which is a lifesaver when you want easy access to your essentials mid-flight. Plus, it’s stylish and practical! [Affiliate link]
10. Portable Luggage Weight Scale
Avoid those dreaded overweight baggage fees with this simple tool. It’s compact and easy to use, giving me peace of mind that my suitcase won’t tip the scales (because sometimes it’s close). [Affiliate link]
Safety & Health Essentials
Travel can be unpredictable, but these items keep me feeling safe and comfortable wherever I go:
11. Travelon Anti-Theft Bag
The Metro Convertible Small Crossbody by Travelon gives you freedom of movement while keeping your items close at hand. It’s cute and practical! The main locking zipper compartment features a zippered wall pocket, four RFID-protected card slots, an RFID passport pocket, and a tethered key clip. The front zipper compartment is perfect for quick grab items and is accented with a trendy plastic zipper, while the rear slash pocket is ideal for a smartphone.
Travel securely and stress-free with its anti-theft features, including locking zippers, slash-resistant body panels, and a slash-resistant shoulder strap that can be attached to a stationary object to prevent grab-and-go theft. Plus, it offers RFID protection to keep your personal information secure from high-tech electronic readers trying to steal your identity. This bag is perfect for crowded tourist destinations, the Paris metro, and more! [Affiliate link]
12. Undergarment Neck Pouch
This is Barry’s travel essential! This Undergarment Neck Pouch effectively blocks RFID readers from capturing information, ensuring your personal data stays safe. With two zippered pockets, it securely stores and protects your money, passport, and credit/debit cards. It’s comfortable to wear over or under clothing thanks to its air mesh back panel and adjustable neck strap. Barry loves this pouch because he doesn’t carry any kind of belt bag. He actually puts it under his shirt to protect his passport, credit cards, and cash in crowded destinations. [Affiliate link]
13. Nozin
Nozin is a game-changer for maintaining health while traveling. It’s an antibacterial nasal swab that helps reduce the risk of infections, especially in crowded environments. My surgical nurse gave it to me before my knee replacement procedure and recommended that I use it when traveling. I’ve been using it ever since! It’s easy to use and gives me peace of mind, whether I’m on a plane or exploring a busy destination. [Affiliate link]
Comfort Must-Haves
Let’s face it, long flights and lots of walking can be tough on the body. Here’s how I stay comfortable:
14. Compression Socks
These compression socks are a game changer for long-haul flights! They boost circulation and keep my legs feeling great when I step off the plane. Plus, I love the color options in this set. [Affiliate link]
15. TRTL Travel and Airplane Pillow
For a real sleeping experience on long flights, the TRTL Travel and Airplane Pillow provides excellent neck and shoulder support. It’s super-soft, lightweight, easy to carry, and machine-washable, making it an essential for restful travel. [Affiliate link]
Traveling is about more than just reaching your destination—it’s about making the journey as seamless and comfortable as possible. Having the right essentials can transform the way you experience new places. I hope my favorite items inspire you to upgrade your travel kit for smoother, stress-free trips. Now, I’d love to hear from you! Share your own must-have travel items below, and let’s swap ideas to make each adventure even better! And remember, I’m always here to help you turn your travel dreams into unforgettable memories. Safe travels!
View comments
+ Leave a comment