Top Ten Travel Essentials
Portable Charger
Nothing is worse than your phone dying when you want to take photos, listen to an audio guide for a city you are visiting or use google maps to get to a destination. I travel with a few portable chargers because I rely on my phone a lot when I travel!
Power Adapter
Travelling overseas requires an power adapter. And you are going to need one to plug in some of your electronics. You can purchase one for each type of power outlet, or you can purchase a universal power adapter. This is especially useful for cruise ships. While the majority of their outlets are North American-style, there are some UK outlets. Using your power adapter in a ship’s UK outlet will give you the ability to charge extra phones, use a mini speaker, etc.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
If you’ve been on a plane with a crying baby, an excited toddler, or a drunken fool, you just want to tune them out. This is especially true on overnight or long haul flights when you are trying to get a little extra sleep. Having a good pair of noise cancelling headphones does the trick!
Tablet
I don’t only rely on my phone, I take my iPad with me. In fact I use this over my laptop. It’s smaller and lighter than my laptop and more convenient. I have an iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard. It’s easier than using my phone to research, edit photos, and even communicate sometimes. Never leave home without it! I make sure I have some games, books, movies and podcasts for places I do not have wifi.
Packing Cubes
While there is some debate on whether packing cubes are worth it or not, here is my take. I love them to keep my luggage organized and having a different pattern or colour than my spouse allows me to easily identify who’s who in the zoo. Sometimes they take up more space than if you were to cram socks into your shoes and line the sides of your luggage with those shoes. I am a minimalistic packer so I prefer to keep everything neat and tidy in my luggage and use packing cubes. If you like to have more options than perhaps not using them is better for you.
Good luggage
Good luggage is worth it. Look for luggage that has warranties, that are really light weight and have great reviews. I love our Rimowa and Samsonite large suitcases. They have stood the test of time with over ten years of travel. We’ve recently updated our carry-on luggage with Monos brand and couldn’t be happier. Many flights and road trips later they are still in amazing condition. The best source for carry-on luggage reviews is It’s The Kelly’s. I’ve mentioned them before on this site for good reason. Lauren is the best luggage reviewer out there.
Air Tags/The Tile
Tracking your luggage is important now more than ever. I highly recommend purchasing tracking devices like Apple Air Tags or The Tile. I have them in all our luggage (including carry-on), my purse and we keep one in our car for the times I forget where I parked. It can help airlines track your bag when their systems for some reason cannot locate it.
Tech Organizer
When I see people in airports pull out a big plastic zipper bag with all their charging cords, SD cards, charging blocs and and other electronic gear I feel a little anxious! I like to keep it all neat and tidy and all very organized. I have two tech organizers and depending on what I need I take either the small one of the big one.
Anti-theft Purse/Backpack
Your personal belongings are better protected in an anti-theft purse or backpack. I look for a product that has anti-slash, RFID blocking, clips that lock your zippers in place and a lockdown strap that prevents grab-and-go thieves. I prefer crossbody for an extra little safety.
Snacks
Last but definitely not least are snacks. You can never be guaranteed a snack when you need it, something that you like or require for dietary restrictions. I pack my favourite trail mix, fruit (if not flying or crossing international borders in North America), cheese and crackers.