16 Travel Essentials for Women and Men
Whether it’s an outdoor adventure, relaxing on the beach, or wine tasting, there are some travel essentials – for women and men – that you’ll want to have on hand for every kind of trip you might take.
There are a lot of travel products that many backpackers and bloggers consider important, but I just don’t use them. For example, unless you’re doing a long camping trip or are staying in super-budget accommodations, you probably don’t need a miniature travel towel.
But there are plenty of essential travel items that I use and would recommend having on hand for every kind of trip, even if it’s just a short weekend getaway or a day trip on the train.
Most of these are pretty inexpensive items that won’t break the bank, but will last for years and have a huge impact on the quality of your time in transit and during a trip or vacation, especially my carry on essentials that always help me make it through long airplane journeys.
In fact, I’ve been using most of these essential travel items for a decade or more!
Carry On Essentials
Kindle Fire
This is a product I use daily, whether I am traveling or not. It’s almost always in my purse or on my bedside table!
Having an e-reader of any type is useful as instead of carrying multiple (possibly bulky or heavy) books, you can load up several books worth of reading material onto a single, sleek device. Although I received this as a holiday gift – and was dubious since I like the feel of an actual book so much – I actually love it.
Not only does it make many books portable for longer trips, the Kindle Fire also doubles as a tablet and portable Wi-Fi device, which I have found useful when I’ve traveled without my laptop. It is a time-keeper overnight if my phone is charging far away & serves as a backup alarm if I need to wake up early in the morning. And it is backlit, so I can still read in a dark room or airplane without additional light.
Check out available Kindle Fire versions: 7-inch Kindle 8-inch Kindle 10-inch Kindle
It is a bit heavier to get the Kindle e-reader with internet, called the Fire. If you’re nervous about the weight of the device, or don’t want something more lightweight over all the additional functionality, check out the Kindle Paperwhite as a lighter alternative. There is also a new Kindle version with a built-in front light.
Earplugs
Earplugs are key for any traveler. Whether it’s used for tuning out background noise so you can focus or blocking out the world so you can catch a nap somewhere, you’ll be glad to have a steady supply of these among your travel essentials. I like the cylinders better than the rounded ones as I find they block out noise more effectively, and I use them on buses, trains, and planes all the time.
Check out my favorite pair of earplugs (with carrying case!) HERE.
For me, I find noise-canceling headphones to be too bulky for me to be able to sleep comfortably, but other travelers swear by them. You can find out more about the famous Bose ones HERE and check out a more affordable, highly-rated alternative HERE.
Eye Mask
I usually keep my eye mask and earplugs in a bag together for travel, and this bag is typically the second thing I grab (after my Kindle!) to have a comfortable journey. I use my eye mask to comfortably nap in bright places, sleep at off hours, and often to block out the sun in the morning wherever I’m sleeping as not every hotel has curtains that block the sun.
I don’t know about you, but bright sun wakes me up at any hour, which can happen quite early in some places depending on where you go and the time of year.
I’ve tried several different eye masks, from the ones that come complimentary on the airplane to fancy ones that I’ve seen recommended online and then purchased. But nothing beats this version, which completely blocks the light while still being light and flexible and barely feeling like anything when you wear it. It comes in a bunch of colors and designs and has an easily adjustable velcro strap. And it’s super affordable.
Check out patterns and prices HERE.
Ear Buds
Probably most people have ear buds to go along with their portable music player, but these are also great to have for watching things on laptop or tablet in a public place or listening to music or a podcast on your phone. Plus, with many airline carriers having their in-air entertainment broadcast through your personal device these days, you’ll need something to be able to listen without disturbing the whole plane! Any time I think I don’t need them and leave them behind, I usually regret not having them on hand. And the ear bud itself is soft and flexible so doesn’t hurt my ears after a while like other versions.
The basic, noise-canceling ear buds I use are THESE.
You can also find more elaborate versions with a microphone and universal remote HERE.
Headphone Splitter
This is an incredibly small and basic piece of technology, but it’s nice when you have a single tablet or laptop and are traveling with a buddy, to be able to watch (or listen to) something at the same time. This is a great way to enjoy music or watch a movie or TV show episode together with minimal hassle. And it easily plugs into any port, and then you just need two pairs of ear buds to listen in.
The one I use is HERE.
Portable Charger
For me when I travel, not only is my cell phone my watch, camera, and internet browser all in one, it’s also my main means of security. I need the fallback plan of being able to call for help if needed, so the last thing I want is a dead cell phone battery.
When you travel, you can’t count on always finding a wall plug to charge your devices, which is why having a portable charger (even if it’s just in case) is so critical.
This is important for airplane journeys as well. Even if a plane is supposed to have an available outlet, they can always switch aircraft on you or your outlet might not work. Especially after a woman on an Air Canada flight was left stranded on a plane and couldn’t call for help when her phone battery died, I certainly count a portable charger as one of my carry on essentials!
For a compact version to always carry with you, check out THIS ONE.
For more charging capacity while still being lightweight, you may want THIS. Or for more capacity and increased charging speed, THIS ONE.
Universal Adapter
This is most useful for international travel or if you own devices on different plugs like I do and need to be able to convert. It also has the different shapes nest into each other, so it is compact for packing purposes.
The universal adapter covers various plugs from all over the world, and I was so glad to have it when I missed my flight connection and had a surprise overnight in London. I was going from a European to an American plug that trip, so it was only because I had the universal adapter with me that I was able to plug in and charge my phone right away when I got stranded at London’s Heathrow Airport, since the UK is on a third type of plug.
Check out this universal adapter with a plug slot and 2 USB ports HERE.
If you’d like 4 USB ports in addition to a plug slot, check out THIS ONE.
Fleece Jacket
A fleece jacket is one of the most versatile items you can travel with. Beyond the obvious function of wearing as a jacket to keep you warm, it can also cushion fragile objects in your luggage or be folded to serve as a pillow in a pinch. And if you’re flying, wrap it around your waist in transit which doesn’t count against your luggage allowance.
Neck Pillow
Any time I am traveling on a long flight or an overnight trip, my neck pillow is coming with me. It’s a great way to support your neck sitting up or reclining, and this version with the beads inside can be easily molded for maximum comfort. It also doubles as an actual pillow and can substitute for any uncomfortable hostel or hotel pillows you encounter in your travels.
Check out my favorite neck pillow HERE.
READ MORE: Travel Hack – Extra Items You Can Take on a Plane for FREE
More Essential Travel Items for Both Women and Men
Headlamp
You won’t realize how many uses you have for a headlamp when traveling until you take one with you, which is why it made my list of travel essentials. It’s not just for camping in the wilderness, but also good for any number of things. When I was in Ometepe Island in Nicaragua, having this headlamp was a perfect way to illuminate the way back to my hotel since there were no street lights.
In addition to finding your way around a poorly lit area at night, a headlamp is also great for reading in bed in a hostel dorm after lights out & finding your way anywhere while still having your hands free. Plus, it’s always good to have a bright light source on hand on the road, just in case.
The one I use, which includes a light flashing option to get attention, is HERE.
Vehicle USB Multi-Charger
Although USB ports are becoming increasingly common in vehicles, this multi-charger is still an essential for me. I use it in my car at home, and am also sure to pack it any time I travel to go on a road trip and am renting a vehicle.
TRAVEL SAVVY TIP! Not all rental cars will have USB slots, so be sure to have an adapter you can use.
This version plugs into a cigarette lighter port, and is shockingly fast at charging devices. Especially if you’re using a cell phone to navigate as you drive, you’ll want to have this accessible to keep it powered up for your entire journey.
The multi-charger HERE will keep a carful of devices charged.
READ MORE: Top Tips for Taking a Road Trip in Europe
Water Bladder
Hydration bladders are lighter and flatter than traditional water bottles, making it an easy and lightweight item to take along for travel, even if you’re only planning to take a carry-on bag. Whether you’re doing intensive physical activity or not, it’s super easy to fill up, seals perfectly, and doesn’t start growing bacteria and having a weird taste after repeated use. And many backpacks have a convenient loop like in the picture above so you can sip as you stroll without having to stop and open things.
Full disclosure: I’ve included this water bladder here because it’s what I use myself and I find it substantially better than other similar products out there. However, just so you know, I do have a family connection to this company. Read the Amazon reviews for some honest opinions from others about why this is the best hydration bladder you can use.
Find 1-, 2-. and 3-liter hydration bladder options HERE.
Zip-Off Pants
Some people love them, some people dislike them for their look. As for me, I find zip-off pants to be incredibly functional. I’ve found the current pair I own to be especially useful since they cut off below the knee when unzipped, which still allows me to enter religious sites that require modest dress since my knees are covered. Or walk to an island in Oman and still be covered appropriately.
Explore options of Zip-Off Pants for Men HERE
Explore options of Zip-Off Pants for Women HERE
READ MORE: Top 12 Things to Do in Oman
Columbia Omni-Shade Shirt
You know how Bedouins live in the scorching hot desert and are always seen wearing clothing from head to toe? That’s because it is actually cooler to have your skin covered, and when you sweat it’s basically like built-in air conditioning.
I love the Columbia Omni-Shade shirt because it is incredibly lightweight, has sun protection (SPF 30) built-in to the material, and has roll-up sleeves when you want them. If it gets wet or sweaty, it dries quickly. And it looks nice, especially the ones with pockets in front, so doubles as a ‘dressy’ shirt to wear out to a nice dinner in the evening. Travel essentials don’t get better than this!
I have been wearing mine for close to a decade, and you’ll see it in a startlingly large number of my travel shots. I recently encountered someone with my same shirt, except in light blue, and we just chatted about how much we love the shirt and how versatile it’s been in our travels.
TSA-approved Travel Lock
If you travel a lot or even just a little in the US, you’ll want to have some form of Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-approved travel lock so you can secure your luggage and agents can still open it as required if it needs to be searched without breaking your lock. I like getting multiples of the same type of lock, to use on different pieces of luggage and to have on hand in case a carry-on bag needs to be gate checked at the last minute.
Check out a TSA-travel lock 4-pack HERE.
Wine Skins
Okay, so technically these are single use (and I *may* have been reusing mine for a few years now), but these wine skins are an excellent way to pack wine in with your checked luggage for flying, and they’ve always kept my wine bottles intact. Basically there’s an interior layer of bubble wrap that hugs the shape of the wine bottle to keep it from breaking in transit. And they pack flat, so it’s easy to bring them along, even if you’re following my top advice and ‘packing poorly.’
READ MORE: Why the Best Packing Strategy is to Pack As Poorly As Possible
Anywhere you travel and think you might purchase wine as a souvenir, I encourage you to have a set of wine skins on hand to help transport them home.
Check out my favorite wine skins HERE.
If you’re very serious about wine tourism, it may be worth purchasing THIS Wine Luggage.
What are your travel essentials? Is there anything you always travel with that didn’t make my list? Or any other items you consider travel essentials for women or men? Let me know what I should add!
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