I travel with a carry-on, so everything I pack needs to earn its spot. These are the travel items that keep me organized, make long flights more comfortable, and help me feel prepared when I’m traveling alone.
Most come straight from my own suitcase. I’ve also included a few useful items that may work for you, even though I don’t personally pack them.
Some links are Amazon affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
In My Bag means I own and use it. Worth Considering means it may be useful depending on how you travel.
I’ve organized my favorites by category below so you can quickly find what would be useful for your own trips.
I live out of my suitcase when I travel, so I need to find what I want without pulling everything out. These travel items help me stay organized without adding unnecessary weight to my bag.
My phone is my camera, map, ticket holder, and connection to home. These are the small electronics and accessories that help me stay charged and connected while traveling.
A long flight is never going to feel like sitting at home, but the right travel gear can make it a little easier. I look for lightweight comfort items that don’t take up too much room in my carry-on.
I keep my travel toiletries simple. Small containers and practical personal-care items help me pack what I need without filling my entire TSA liquids bag.
Travel safety gear doesn’t replace being aware of what is happening around you.
But it helps.
My ten essential travel items are regular packing cubes, silicone travel bottles, a TSA liquids bag, Stall Mates wipes, a TSA luggage lock, a power bank, a universal travel adapter, a Trtl travel pillow, an eye mask, and compression socks.
Your list may change depending on where and how you travel, but these are the ten items I pack most often.
I prefer regular packing cubes. Compression cubes gave me more room, but I filled that extra space with more clothing. My suitcase looked compact, but it ended up heavier.
Regular packing cubes give me the organization I want without encouraging me to overpack.
Good travel items solve a real problem without adding unnecessary weight. I look for small products that keep me organized, keep my phone charged, make a flight more comfortable, or help me feel prepared.
You don’t need every travel gadget you see online. Start with the items that fit the way you travel.
For international travel, I always bring a universal travel adapter, a power bank, a luggage lock, and an organized place for my passport and other documents. I also check the outlet type and voltage used at my destination before packing.
Having the right travel gear can make a trip easier, but you don’t need to buy everything before you go. Start with the things that solve a real problem for you, then add other items as you learn what works.
If you’re getting ready for your first solo trip, my Plan Your Solo Trip and free Travel Documents Checklist can help you get organized one step at a time.