Collage of water bottle, sunglasses, headphones, 18 Essentials You Should NEVER Forget to Pack
Packing Tips

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

See recent posts by Jackie Homan

1

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.

Buy It Here
2

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.

Buy It Here
3

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

Buy It Here
4

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.

Buy It Here
5

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?

Buy It Here
6

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.

RELATED: JS Editors’ Picks: 18 Items We’re Crushing on Now

Buy It Here
7

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!

Buy It Here
8

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.

Buy It Here
9

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.

RELATED: 21 Gift Ideas for the Stylish Traveler

Buy It Here
10

Sunglasses

Spending lots of time outdoors? Be prepared with sunnies. We love this go-with-anything classic style from Ray-Bans.

Buy It Here
11

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.

Buy It Here
12

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.

RELATED: 18 Shoes We’re LOVING for Summer 2019

Buy It Here
13

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.

Buy It Here
14

Toiletry bag

Keep your toiletries organized with this hanging kit, which has plenty of room for all the necessities and more.

Buy It Here
15

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

Buy It Here
16

Travel wrap or scarf

Stay cozy on a cool flight with an oversized cashmere scarf, like this one from Halogen.

Buy It Here
17

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.

Buy It Here
18

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.

Buy It Here

Traveling? Consider These Luggage Options

For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the seller’s site. Things you buy may earn us a commission.

Want more?

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.

Comments

comments

All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, Jetsetter may earn an affiliate commission.