My Travel Essentials: Packing List

In this blog post I’m sharing all my travel essentials with you. These are the go-to items that never leave my packing list, no matter the destination. As a frequent traveler, I try to bring items that are lightweight, functional, and reusable. While my outfits and clothes may change from trip to trip, these indispensable items always accompany me during my travels. Now, let’s take a peek inside my suitcase…

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Essential Travel Packing List – Overview

1. Packing Cubes
2. Jewelry Organizer
3. Reusable Water Bottle
4. Reusable Straws
5. Sleep Mask & Ear Plugs
6. Neck Pillow
7. Wireless Headphones
8. Travel Adapter
9. Luggage Scale
10. Bluetooth Speaker
11. Apple AirTags
12. Quick-Dry Towels
13. Reusable Shopping Bags
14. Reusable Cutlery
15. Solid Shampoo & Conditioner Bar
16. Body Soap Bar
17. Soap Box
18. Reusable Cotton Pads
19. Makeup Remover Towel
20. Reusable Cotton Swab

Packing Cubes

Since getting my hands on my first set of packing cubes a few years back, I cannot imagine traveling without them anymore. Trust me, packing cubes are a game-changer for staying organized while traveling! I separate my items into different cubes (shirts, dresses, skirts, swimwear, …) and roll my clothes to save space and make things easily accessible. This way I can also effortlessly spot every item. For me, packing cubes are definitely a must-have travel essential!

Jewelry Organizer

Ladies, this one’s for you (or for all the thoughtful husbands out there searching for a perfect gift): A travel jewelry organizer is the ultimate solution to keep your precious jewelry organized and untangled while traveling.

Reusable Water Bottle

I never go on a trip without a reusable water bottle. You can easily fill them up at the airport after the security checkpoint, or take them on day trips with you. Plus, it’s a small yet impactful way to cut down on plastic waste.

Reusable Straws

Another item that’s a constant companion on all my travels is a set of reusable straws. Be it sipping a fresh coconut on a tropical beach, enjoying a cool drink in a restaurant, or grabbing a take-away iced coffee – these straws are always handy. What’s even better, they contribute to sustainability by cutting down on waste.

Sleep Mask + Ear Plugs

I always pack a sleep mask and reusable ear plugs for a sound rest during long-distance flights and in bright or noisy hotel rooms. They’re lifesavers for quality sleep during my travels.

Neck Pillow

My go-to travel buddy on flights is a neck pillow. It’s far comfier than the airline-provided ones and doubles as the perfect companion for chilling at the airport during those extended layovers.

Wireless Headphones

I’m a huge fan of wireless headphones because they’re far more comfortable than regular ones. They’re not just for travel, I use them in my everyday life as well.

Travel Adapter

I think it goes without saying that bringing a travel adapter on your trip is always a good idea. Besides ensuring compatibility with different outlets, it’s incredibly handy for charging multiple devices simultaneously through the USB ports.

Luggage Scale

I always carry a portable luggage scale with me while traveling. It saves me from the stress of dealing with overweight luggage, considering each airline has a different baggage allowance, and some can charge quite a bit for exceeding it.

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

I looooveee music, so a portable Bluetooth speaker is a must for me! I’ve had the Anker SoundCore Mini for a while now and take it with me everywhere we go.

Apple AirTags

One of the best methods to track your checked luggage during travels is by using an Apple AirTag. This ensures you always know the precise location of your luggage in case it gets lost. Additionally, you can attach an AirTag to other valuable items, like your wallet or keys, for easy tracking. Just keep in mind that it relies on proximity to Apple devices.

Quick-Dry Towels

I always pack a set of quick-dry towels when I’m traveling. They’re incredibly lightweight and versatile: You can use them for so many different purposes like at the beach after swimming, yoga & sports, boat trips, van life, and more.

Reusable Shopping Bags

I always have a reusable shopping bag with me wherever I go. It’s a simple way to avoid using plastic bags and reduce plastic waste. Plus, the cotton bags I use aren’t just eco-friendly, they also add a touch of style, making them perfect for both shopping and the beach.

Reusable Cutlery

Yes, I always travel with a reusable cutlery set. Whether grabbing a snack at a grocery store, getting take-away food, or having a spontaneous picnic at the beach – this reusable cutlery set proves to be incredibly useful. It’s lightweight, fits into every bag, and can be conveniently clipped together.

Solid Shampoo & Conditioner Bar

I made the switch to solid shampoo & conditioner bars a few years ago. They’re a fantastic way to cut down on plastic. Plus, solid shampoo bars are ideal for travel – they’re more compact, lighter, and won’t leak all over your clothes like liquid shampoo. Depending on your hair type, experimenting with different brands is a good idea to find the perfect shampoo bar for you.

Body Soap Bar

I also use a body soap bar instead of liquid body wash. Just like solid shampoo (mentioned earlier), body soap bars contribute to reducing plastic waste, save space in your suitcase, are lightweight, and eliminate the risk of leaks. It’s a win-win for both convenience and the environment.

Soap Box

When using solid shampoo and soap bars, a soap box for travel becomes essential. This box can accommodate either two small (round/square) soap or shampoo bars or one large rectangular bar.

Reusable Cotton Pads

I always opt for reusable cotton pads when cleaning my face or removing makeup. They are washable and come with a small laundry net to prevent them from getting lost in the washing machine. I not only use them while traveling but also in my everyday life.

Make-up Remover Towel

Make-up remover towels are fantastic for removing makeup with just water, eliminating the need for extra cleaning products and reducing waste while traveling. I highly recommend adding makeup remover towels to your travel essentials!

Reusable Cotton Swab

I recently stumbled upon these reusable cotton swabs, a fantastic alternative to traditional cotton buds. While they might be slightly firmer and less absorbent, they stand as a commendable eco-friendly choice. And just a reminder, like regular cotton buds, it’s best not to insert them into the ear canal.

I hope you found this blog post about my travel essentials helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. And if you are also interested in the travel photography gear I bring on every trip, check out the blog post below:

📸 What’s in My Camera Bag – My Travel Photography Equipment

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