- 1 Wallet and passport holder
- 2 Phone charger and adapter
- 3 Reusable water bottle
- 4 Hand sanitizer
- 5 Skincare products
- 6 Camera
- 7 Travel journal and pen
- 8 Walking shoes
- 9 Pajamas
- 10 Sunglasses
- 11 Headphones
- 12 Weather-dependent items
- 13 Travel pillow
- 14 Toiletry bag
- 15 First aid kit
- 16 Travel wrap or scarf
- 17 Book or e-reader
- 18 Lip balm
18 Essentials You Should NEVER Forget to Pack
Once your outfits have been planned and packed, it's time to focus on the things—particularly those items you absolutely can't forget. Consider this your go-to checklist for any trip.
Style + Travel Editor | Instagram @jackiehoman | jackiehoman.com
Wallet and passport holder
You won’t get very far without your wallet, and same goes for your passport on international trips. If you’re prone to losing things, purchase a wallet-passport holder combo to keep them close. We like this affordable and travel-friendly pick from Amazon, which has slots for your cards, cash, passport, tickets, boarding pass, and more, plus a convenient wristlet strap.
Phone charger and adapter
A phone charger is a must for any trip, and if you’re leaving the U.S., so is an adapter. This one from Flight 001 (available on Amazon) is color-coded and works in over 150 countries.
Reusable water bottle
Avoid spending money on plastic water bottles at every stop by bringing along a reusable one. With the fold-up capabilities of the Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle, you won’t even know it’s there.
RELATED: What to Pack for a Beach Vacation
Hand sanitizer
Say goodbye to the all-too-common post-trip cold by keeping hand sanitizer on you at all times. GoodSense is a classic and easy go-to that we suggest for any adventure.
Skincare products
Vacation is no excuse to forgo your skin care routine—in fact, you’ll want to keep it up even better to avoid breakouts and flare-ups caused by flights and new climates. If you’re committed to the products you already own, pack them in these leakproof silicone travel bottles from Amazon. Or, if you’re game to try something new, how about picking out a travel-sized set like Drunk Elephant’s The Littles?
Camera
Create long-lasting vacation memories by snapping better captures along the way (if you’re like us, your iPhone camera roll gets way too clogged up with screenshots and food pics). The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II Compact Digital Camera‘s slim design and light weight make it just right for travel.
Travel journal and pen
Keep your travel itineraries, checklists, and journal entries in one place with I Was Here: A Travel Journal for the Curious Minded, which has plenty of space for all of your musings, plus colorful illustrations that pull together the pages. And don’t forget a pen!
Walking shoes
Even if you’ve already perfectly planned all the shoes to go with your outfits, throw in one extra pair of easy walking sneakers or flats, like Everlane’s The Day Glove. We promise you won’t regret it when your feet start to blister from your sandals or heels.
Pajamas
When you’re excited about what you’ll be wearing on days and nights out, it’s easy to forget something to wear in between. Bring along a lightweight pair of PJs, like these from Lunya, to keep cozy in the hotel.
Sunglasses
Spending lots of time outdoors? Be prepared with sunnies. We love this go-with-anything classic style from Ray-Bans.
Headphones
You’ll want a heavy-duty pair of headphones for your flight, and we recommend these from Bose, which offer up to 15 hours of play time with a rechargeable battery and a wireless Bluetooth capability.
Weather-dependent items
Check the forecast before you go, and pack accordingly. The SY COMPACT Travel Umbrella is perfect for rainy travel, while this sunscreen is essential for the sunny days. Snow on the radar? Pack these winter accessories.
Travel pillow
If we’re talking airplane essentials, a travel pillow is at the top of our list (also great for train, bus, and car rides). With memory foam filling, a velour cover, and an ergonomic design, this one from Everlasting Comfort gets our pick. Plus, it comes with a sleeping mask and earplugs.
Toiletry bag
Keep your toiletries organized with this hanging kit, which has plenty of room for all the necessities and more.
First aid kit
Safety first, Jetsetters! This mini first aid kit will equip you with everything you’ll need in case of emergency.
RELATED: The Carry-On Luggage You Need Now
Travel wrap or scarf
Stay cozy on a cool flight with an oversized cashmere scarf, like this one from Halogen.
Book or e-reader
We love books as much as the next guy, but when it comes to travel, an e-reader is really the best option. Lightweight and waterproof, the new Kindle Paperwhite keeps you ready to read wherever you are.
Lip balm
It’s pretty much a given that a flight will dry out your skin, hair, and worst of all, lips. Prevent the chapped feeling with this ultra-hydrating lip balm from cult-favorite brand Mario Badescu.
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Here at Jetsetter, our style editors curate everything you need to travel—and live—smartly, fashionably, and consciously. All of our market picks are independently selected. If you buy something we link to on our site, Jetsetter may earn commission.
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