Katie and Pierce
Whether you’re heading to grandma’s house for the holidays or jetting off on a weekend getaway, having the right travel essentials can make all the difference. We’ve learned over the years that packing smart means carrying items that solve real problems when you’re away from home.
All of these items fit perfectly into one small, clear plastic bag that you can grab and go. Trust us, once you start carrying these essentials, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without them.
1. Adhesive Bandages
Small cuts and scrapes always seem to happen at the worst times when you’re traveling. Keep a few waterproof bandages in your bag for those unexpected moments. They’re also great for covering blisters from new shoes or protecting sensitive spots from rubbing.
2. Travel-Size Deodorant
Long travel days, delayed flights, and walking around new cities can leave you feeling less than fresh. A mini deodorant stick takes up hardly any space but gives you confidence throughout your trip. Your travel companions will thank you too.
3. Eyeglass Repair Kit
Nothing ruins a vacation faster than broken glasses. These tiny kits come with small screwdrivers, screws, and even a magnifying glass. They’re perfect for tightening loose hinges on sunglasses or fixing reading glasses when you need them most.
4. Throat Lozenges
Airplane air can dry out your throat, and all that talking to new people can leave your voice scratchy. Pop one of these before takeoff or when you feel that tickle coming on. They’re also great for freshening your breath.
5. Hair Comb
Wind, humidity, and long days of sightseeing can leave your hair looking rough. A small comb helps you look put together for photos and dinner reservations. It’s amazing how much better you feel when your hair is neat.
6. Anti-Nausea Medication
Motion sickness can strike anyone, whether you’re on a plane, boat, or winding mountain road. Having prescription or over-the-counter nausea medicine on hand can save your entire trip. Even if you don’t usually get sick, new foods and travel stress can upset your stomach.
7. Pen
You’ll need to fill out customs forms, sign receipts, or jot down directions from helpful locals. Hotel pens have a way of disappearing, so carrying your own reliable pen is smart. Go for the free ones from hotels or doctor’s offices to avoid losing an expensive one.
8. Individual Wet Wipes
These go way beyond cleaning your hands. Use them to wipe down airplane tray tables, clean sticky fingers after snacks, or freshen up during long travel days. The individually wrapped ones stay moist and take up minimal space in your bag.
9. Dental Floss
Yes, it’s great for your teeth after meals, but dental floss is also surprisingly useful for other things. You can use it to tie things together, hang wet clothes to dry, or even cut soft foods when you don’t have a knife.
10. Cash
Even in our digital world, cash still comes in handy for tips, street food, or places that don’t take cards. Keep a few small bills in your essentials bag for those unexpected moments when you need real money.
11. Lip Balm with SPF
Your lips take a beating when you travel. Sun, wind, and dry air can leave them cracked and painful. A good lip balm with sun protection keeps them soft and prevents that uncomfortable tight feeling that ruins your vacation photos.
12. Phone Charging Setup
Your phone is your camera, map, translator, and lifeline when you travel. Pack both a USB cord and a portable battery charger so you’re never stuck with a dead phone. Look for charging stations in airports and cafes to top off your portable battery.
13. Stain Removal Pen
Spilled coffee on your white shirt right before an important dinner? These little pens are miracle workers for removing stains on the go. They work best on fresh stains, so use them right away for the best results.
14. Hand Sanitizer
After touching dirty menus, shaking hands with new people, or holding onto escalator railings, you’ll want to clean your hands. The small, scented ones smell nice and fit perfectly in your travel bag. Use it before eating or touching your face.
15. Elastic Hair Tie
Even if you don’t put your hair up, these stretchy bands are incredibly useful. Wrap up phone cords, secure loose items in your bag, or use them to add extra security to zippers. Buy them in bulk because they’re easy to lose.
16. Medicine
Pack small amounts of basic medications like pain relievers in tiny zip bags. You don’t want to carry whole bottles when you’re out for the day, but having a few pills on hand can prevent a headache from ruining your plans.
17. Eye Drops
Travel can be tough on your eyes. Dry airplane air, bright sun, and long days of sightseeing can leave them feeling scratchy and tired. A small bottle of eye drops provides instant relief and helps you look more alert in photos.
18. Back Scratcher
This might sound silly, but trust us on this one. A small, adjustable back scratcher is one of those things you don’t think you need until you really need it. Look for the metal ones that extend like a car antenna for the best reach.
19. Lens Wipes
Your glasses, sunglasses, phone screen, and camera lens all get smudged when you’re traveling. These disposable wipes clean everything perfectly without scratching. They’re much better than using your shirt or a tissue.
20. Gum
Chewing gum helps your ears pop during takeoff and landing, freshens your breath after meals, and can even settle an upset stomach if you choose mint flavors. Pack a few pieces in your bag for those moments when you need a quick refresh.
21. Extra Camera Lens Cap
If you carry a camera, you know how easy it is to lose lens caps. They roll under airplane seats, fall into bushes, and seem to vanish into thin air. An extra cap costs a few dollars but can save your expensive lens from scratches.
22. Lip Gloss
Sometimes you need more than just lip balm. A little gloss makes you look more put together for nice dinners or photos. Choose one with a minty flavor for extra freshness throughout the day.
23. Travel-Size Hand Lotion
Frequent hand washing and hand sanitizer use can really dry out your skin. Airplane air makes it even worse. A small tube of hand lotion keeps your hands soft and comfortable, especially during long travel days.
24. Nail Clippers
Broken nails seem to happen at the worst times when you’re away from home. Small clippers fix the problem quickly and can also trim loose threads or cut tape. Choose ones with a small file attached for extra usefulness.
25. Antacid Tablets
New foods, different eating schedules, and travel stress can upset your stomach. A few individually wrapped antacids can provide quick relief when your stomach isn’t happy. They work fast and are easy to take anywhere.
