No matter whether it’s for pleasure or business travel, having the appropriate gear can make all the difference in how your journey unfolds. These essentials will save time, space and stress!
Travelers love these packing cubes! Perfect for jeans and tops alike, as well as shoes – and featuring zip up flat closures so they fit easily into carry-on bags.
1. Compression Socks
Compression socks can be invaluable travel luggage packing essentials as they support healthy leg and foot circulation during long flights and prevent leg cramps, swelling and blood clots by increasing circulation during your journey. You can find these at pharmacies as well as online.
Rolling T-shirts, pajamas and casual pants tightly saves suitcase space while eliminating wrinkles. Start with your longest pieces (like dresses and pants ) at the bottom, followed by thinner rolls on top; fold in items that won’t fit or are too long such as sweaters and starched shirts that won’t roll properly.
One of the main errors travelers make when traveling is folding clothes that could instead be rolled, according to fashion and travel blogger Nneya Richards of Unparalleled Dimensions. Rolling clothing takes up less space and is more cost effective.
Make the most of unused suitcase space by tucking small items such as hats, scarves and belts into shoes to free up more room for clothing and accessories. Also take advantage of any nooks or crannies for toiletries, workout gear, swimwear and undergarment storage needs.
Select a suitcase that meets the size restrictions of your airline when planning international trips, especially short vacations. A compact or medium-sized suitcase allows more outfits to fit, advises Etihad Airways flight attendant Adina Elena Beldie. Hard-sided models like Away’s The Bigger Carry-On or Monos’ Hybrid Carry-On as well as soft sides such as Samsonite NuRoad Carry-On Spinner may be appropriate options; soft sides may include Samsonite NuRoad Carry-On Spinner can also work well; for outdoor adventures a larger duffel such as REI Co-Op’s Big Haul Recycled Rolling Duffel or Osprey’s Shuttle Wheeled 130L would provide enough storage capacity.
2. Water Purifier Bottle
If you’re traveling to a remote destination, be sure to bring along a water purifier bottle to prevent sickness from drinking polluted water. These handy gadgets remove bacteria, protozoa (large single-celled organisms), cysts and impurities such as heavy metals, organic or inorganic matter while being durable and lightweight, making it easier for transport. They’re also made to be lightweight for easier packing in luggage.
This Sawyer Select Filter Bottle requires some time and patience for you to master, as you have to fill both sleeves with water before inserting the inner filtering sleeve containing filter. Once in, press down with two hands for approximately ten seconds in order to force water through filter and out through spout – but once that is accomplished it works exceptionally well, packing 17 ounces of clean drinking water in an easily portable bottle that fits easily in a bag or pocket.
Grayl also makes the Grayl Geopress, which fits easily in your backpack but provides excellent water filtration and purification. These bottles are BPA-free, durable enough to withstand an accidental 10-foot fall on concrete while full, members of 1% for the Planet (an environmental project support network), and BPA free, making them great additions when hiking or camping abroad in countries where drinking water might be subpar.
3. Travel Pillow
No matter whether traveling by air, car or train, having a travel pillow will significantly enhance your journey’s comfort. No matter which sleeping style is preferred; with several neck pillows for travel tailored specifically towards meeting individual sleeping styles available.
Travel neck pillows that are most widely preferred include U-shaped designs that are compact, easy to transport, and provide excellent head support. Many millennials favor them for use while sitting with a cup of coffee on their lap – according to travel blogger Nina Ragusa of Where in the World Is Nina.
Carolyn Ray, CEO and editor at women’s resource site JourneyWoman, prefers neck pillows made with dual-density memory foam as she feels they provide optimal support while being soft to use and having an elevated collar that keeps your head in an ergonomic position. “These pillows have high walls on the collar to help ensure it keeps you head in its proper place,” says Carolyn.
One such travel pillow filled with polyester can provide a plush surface that’s compact enough to fold easily in your suitcase. Scott Keyes of Scott’s Cheap Flights prefers it due to its lightness; it can even be worn under or attached to plane seats as an eyemask!
Before embarking on any journey, it is essential that your travel pillow be properly prepared and stored. Start by checking it is clean and free from stains or damage before fluffing it back up into its original size or shape; finally place it strategically within your luggage to optimize organization and prevent shifting during transit.
4. Travel Towel
Travel towels can come in handy during travels where hotels don’t provide towels and when hiking, camping, and backpacking adventures arise. Consider choosing one made of microfiber fabric which dries quickly so it can easily fit into your carry-on bag.
There are various options available, such as the REI Co-op Multi Towel Lite. Crafted from polyester and nylon blend material that’s resilient enough for adventure while remaining comfortable enough for daily bathing, bluesign approved, sustainably sourced and with face, hand and body sizes to meet various trip needs.
Other useful options include the OlimpiaFit fast-drying travel towel, which is extremely absorbent and odor resistant – making it a favorite among TFG reader recommendations and folding into an easily transportable wash bag-sized case, making it perfect for use inside daypacks or suitcases.
Roll rather than fold your clothes to maximize space and prevent wrinkles when packing them away, suggests travel expert Nneya Richards of Kondo Life. Packing cubes offer easy categorization by day or type and help maintain an organised travel experience while making outfit selection effortless – not to mention making for faster dining or discovery trips!
5. Toiletries Bag
Toiletries bags are an indispensable travel essential, helping to eliminate the chaos many travelers experience when arriving at their destination. By keeping all of your bathroom products neatly organized during transport, there’s no risk of shampoo bottles exploding or toothpaste tubes melting and ruining the contents of your luggage.
Travel toiletry bags come in many styles to accommodate individual preferences and meet security regulations more easily, from clear toiletry bags with zippered closures that easily pass through security to more traditional makeup cases or backpacks that hold all your favorite essentials. If you’re planning an outdoor adventure trip, opt for one with wheels with sturdy pull frames for ease of movement between destinations.
Charles Doppelt, the original inventor of the Dopp kit, may no longer be with us, but his bag remains an indispensable travel luggage packing essential. Nowadays you can find Dopp kits in an array of colors, materials and shapes; small sets for children to large kits designed for men – some even feature fun prints such as adorable animals or licensed teams so that it stands out among an otherwise solid sea of luggage!
6. Electronics Organizer
Modern travelers take more than sunscreen and passport on vacation; tech gadgets like laptops, cell phones and cameras have become essential travel essentials for many. But with so many gadgets to carry in a single bag, cords, chargers and adapters can quickly become disorganized or lost if not organized appropriately – an electronics organizer can help ensure all these travel essentials remain easily accessible while on the road.
This travel accessory organizer’s slim form factor makes it the ideal companion for sliding easily into any carry-on bag or backpack, tucking away cords and accessories neatly out of sight when not needed. But don’t be fooled by its small size: packed full with pockets, elastics, compartments and elastic bands this organizer provides space for all of your electronic accessories such as phone cases or tablet cases while smaller mesh pockets hold chargers/power banks/cords/USBs safely when in storage mode.
The removable dividers of this travel bag allow you to customize its layout according to your specific travel needs. From packing a long trip full of electronics or just going on an adventure with just your camera, this portable travel organizer makes up for its price with its functionality and durable construction – perfect for avid travelers who don’t want their cables getting tangled up.
