This list will be largely subjective as everyone will have their own creature comforts that are essential to that individual. I attempted to be as inclusive and broad as possible with these items.
Got a big trip coming up? With your flights and hotel booked, the luggage is the last thing stopping you from that great vacation. Packing mishaps range from inconvenient (heading to the Caribbean without a swimsuit) to disastrous (discovering you left the country without your wallet), but most are preventable. I’ve created this list of my absolute favorite things to travel with to help you pack well every time.
Travel, by its very nature is germy. Air travel in particular is known to leave travelers with a cold or other minor health nuisance. So one thing to bring is hand sanitizer- get the good stuff, they are divided by alcohol content go big or go home (with a cold). Also bring antibacterial wipes they have them in the travel section that can be easily tucked into a purse or pocket to wipe down any gross surfaces.
Noise cancelling headphones can be worth their weight in gold on flights. Engine noise? No problem. Screaming toddler two rows back (or even your own screaming toddler); not a problem. Bose has a set that are pricey but you can set what you hear so you won’t miss a boarding call but also will not hear the general background noise of airplanes.
A sleep mask can be a great thing to take on a flight or just travel in general, particularly if you will be changing time zones and dealing with jet lag. There are ones that are lavender scented if you are fancy like that.
Airplanes can be incredibly dehydrating, consider a moisturizing sheet mask, some people wear them on the plan and others wait to the hotel, no judgement either way.
Long flights do increase the risk of blood clots so wearing compression stockings can decrease the risk of developing a clot. Blood clots can be fatal so preventing them is wise.
Airlines are known for not washing their pillows or blankets in between flights so dress in layers (wear a jacket that I can use as a blanket) and bring your own neck pillow. There are inflatable ones to make packing easier.
This may seem nit-picky, but having a great toiletry bag can really make the traveling much more pleasant. No digging through your bag to find toothpaste if the bag is well designed. In this, like a lot of things, design is key. Find one that has pockets and compartments that are easy to access.
Traveling can often involve sightseeing in areas that are known for tourists, and sad as it may be, there are people who will prey on sightseers. Having a theft resistant bag to carry around with you can increase your peace of mind. These bags can prevent RFID fraud, as well as be slash resistant, this will not prevent all theft, but why make it easy? A money belt is also a good option.
If your sightseeing will take you walking around a lot consider a refillable water bottle. Make sure you are filling it with safe drinking water which may not be from the faucet. It can save you some significant money on staying hydrated.
Another way to reduce the risk of falling victim to theft is by using a TSA approved luggage lock. They are not terribly expensive and can protect your luggage from being rummaged through.
Traveling is an amazing experience, you can see, learn, and experience things that you never could in your home country. Bringing some comfort items can make it a more pleasurable experience overall. Yes, your passport and wallet (and probably some clean underwear) deserve to be at the top of your packing list. But in the rush to remember the essentials, travelers sometimes underestimate the power of the nice-to-haves. Humble objects, ranging from an empty reusable water bottle to bandages, can save time and money and go far toward boosting the quality of your travels. Have safe journeys and explore the world!
