As a self-proclaimed travel addict, I have had my share of experiences both good and bad while venturing out to explore this incredible world that we live in. While there is no way to avoid all potential complications, these items are sure to make your travelling experience easier and more enjoyable!
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Close your eyes for a moment and picture your dream vacation…
Are you fumbling with your suitcase, struggling to fit everything that you’ll need while still paying attention to luggage weight guidelines?
Are you dumping your disorganized luggage out on your bed desperately trying to find something?
Are you struggling to find your airline ticket while almost missing your flight?
My guess is that your dream vacation is a smooth-sailing experience free from stress and unnecessary challenges. If that’s the case, then this post is for you!
As I said in the beginning, there is no magic solution to avoid all potential complications when we are travelling. Things happen, life gets crazy and we need to be flexible. Some of the craziest and most unexpected detours have led me to some of my favourite destinations, so don’t fight it. That being said, if you can make your trip a little more enjoyable simply by picking up some key travel items, why wouldn’t you?
With the warmer weather now moving in, summer is just around the corner and with that comes all our summer adventures! I don’t know about you, but I am already counting down to our next big adventure (June 1st, watch out Chicago, we’re coming to you – Stay tuned to my social media accounts for more information). I’m digging out my luggage and checking to make sure that I have everything that I need. After all, there’s nothing worse than scrambling last minute!
To help all of you with your travel planning, I decided to share some of my must-have travel items. Each of these items has been included because they will make your next adventure easier or more comfortable in some way. Better yet, they can all be purchased online – Click on the item’s name to learn more!
Table of Contents
On The Go
When you’re travelling, there are so many different documents and pieces of ID that you need to ensure are easily on hand. Rather than fumbling to find what you need, this travel wallet will keep your airline tickets, passports, credit cards, keys and more easily on hand. Not only is this great for solo travel, protecting your personal information and keeping everything close at hand, but with the ability to hold up to 4 passports and 5 credit cards, it’s also perfect for family adventures!
There is nothing worse than being uncomfortable on a long flight, I’ve been there and wouldn’t wish it on my worse enemy! While I have tried a variety of different travel pillows, the contoured design of this specific memory foam pillow allows for the best comfort. When you get home, the cover is removable and machine washable, making it easy to ensure your pillow is clean and ready to go at a moment’s notice! The company is also throwing in a set of earplugs, an eye mask and a carry bag, ensuring your next flight will be as comfortable and relaxing as possible.
While you can certainly grab a coffee on the go from your favourite coffee shop without this mug, there are a few reasons why this is a smart investment! There has been a lot of talk lately about how we can make changes to be more environmentally responsible, and bringing a reusable mug is one of the easiest changes. Consider how many coffees you drink on an average road trip, and how many disposable cups and lids that will require. However, that’s not the only reason I love this mug! The insulated mug will keep your coffee hot much longer, and it’s spill-proof which is such a huge bonus when you’re on the move!
Pack Lighter Without Sacrificing…
While your toothbrush certainly isn’t going to take up a lot of room in your suitcase, bulky travel cases can make it difficult for it to fit in many of the great toiletry bags out there. This toothbrush folds in on itself, making it incredibly compact and eliminating the need to purchase any additional travel supplies. Not only are these great for bigger adventures, but they are also the perfect size to throw in your purse or pocket when you’re on the move.
2 in 1 Mini Flat Iron/Curling Iron
Ladies, we all know how annoying it can be trying to pack everything that we need to keep ourselves looking our best, right? If so, you need to check out this item! A 2 in 1 mini flat iron and curling iron, you’ll be prepared to tackle any hair situation while you’re on the move. This heats up quickly and easily transitions from curling iron to hair straightener. Don’t sacrifice style just because you’re away from home!
If you’re leaving the country and planning on bringing any electronics with you, then a travel adapter is a necessity. This set from Ceptics includes attachments that will work for a wide variety of countries including the UK, Asia, France, Japan, Australia and more. Simply insert the proper attachment and go. It’s also equipped with a surge protector and includes 2 USB outlets. Don’t get stuck without your phone or camera on your next big adventure!
If you have ever had to travel or a wedding or a bigger event, the idea of having to iron your clothing can be a little daunting. Will the hotel or resort have a working iron? If they do, will it be okay quality or have previous users destroyed it in some way? Unfortunately, that happens more often than we’d like to admit… Don’t get stuck with wrinkled clothing and no solution! This mini steam iron is incredibly compact for travel, with three different temperature settings and easy to use steam control, making it ideal for a wide variety of fabrics.
Mini Compact Sun & Rain Travel Umbrella
Okay, no one WANTS to think about getting rain on their next big adventure, but the reality is that we don’t have the ability to control the weather. My husband and I watched Cabo flood when we were there for our honeymoon! You don’t want to waste a lot of valuable space on rain gear when you’re packing, but this tiny umbrella will easily slip into your suitcase unnoticed. Not only is it perfect if your trip is getting a little wetter than you’d like, but it also provides protecting from the sun, blocking 95% of those harmful UV rays.
Luggage Favourites
There are many different styles of toiletry bags out there, but since purchasing my hanging traveller case from Thirty-One, I honestly haven’t looked back. With all the different pouches and pockets, there is space for me to include everything I need. It folds up into an easy to transport pouch and includes a buckle style strap inside that allows you to hang it up when in use. Not only is this perfect in your hotel room, but as an avid camper, being able to keep it up off the ground is key! You can also personalize all Thirty-One products for that extra special touch.
Baubles and Bracelets Case
I am not a big jewellery person when I’m travelling, but if I’m going somewhere to attend a special event such as a wedding or a gala, that’s going right out the window! In those moments, I want something that is going to hold everything I need, keep it all organized and easily accessible but also keep it safe. The baubles and bracelets case is perfect for this, including straps to organize earrings and rings, a zippered design that keeps everything secure and even three small organza bags to keep your necklaces from becoming tangled.
Road Trips With The Family
I may not have children, but I have travelled with friends and family often enough to know some of the big challenges. This bassinet folds up quite small with an easy to care handle, making it easy to bring along whether you’re heading on a cross-country road trip or just heading to a family picnic. The mesh design ensures your little one has plenty of airflow while providing a safe, comfortable place for your baby to sleep regardless of where you may be when naptime strikes.
Pet Car Seat Cover with Side Flaps
I LOVE taking road trips with our pups, but I’ll be honest – they can make a MESS out of our poor Jeep! This is especially true when we’re taking them to one of our local dog beaches (a favourite summer pastime for the two of them). This waterproof car seat cover is designed to not only protect the seats themselves but also the sides of the vehicle and the back of the seats in front of them, providing the ultimate coverage for your vehicle! Even better, it’s got a non-slip surface meaning that your precious pup isn’t going to slip and slide around in the seat behind you while you’re driving.
Long trips can be hard on children, as they can easily become bored or agitated. This organizer clips to the back of the seat in front of them, providing a writing surface for colouring or play, including convenient pouches to store toys, markers and more. This is also the perfect surface for eating on the road! When folded up, it includes a clear pouch on the back idea for a tablet or Kindle, making it easier than ever for your kid to watch their favourite shows or movies while you’re on the go. It zips up securely for travel, with a should strap design making it easy for your child to carry it to and from the vehicle.
This isn’t just any backpack – Moondo has designed this specific bag to function as the perfect travel accessory, serving as a laptop back, a diaper bag and more! The bag includes a changing pad, a dispenser pouch to store garbage bags (for those dirty diapers), a laptop pocket big enough to fit up to 14” laptops and 15” Macbook pros, a phone pocket, cable management, hidden security pockets for travel, and more. The padded back panel and shoulder straps will allow you to carry all this easily and comfortably, ensuring that you’ve got everything you need on hand throughout all of life’s adventures.
2 in 1 Pet Water and Food Container
If you have ever travelled with pets, then you know that it can be a challenge to ensure that you have their food and water available when necessary. This is especially true, I find, when making stops on a longer road trip – No one wants to have to makeshift a water bowl on the side of the road! This great bottle is designed to keep both freshwater and your pet’s food close at hand, with collapsible bowls to make feeding time easy. Better yet, it’s leakproof and small enough to tuck away in a backpack if you’re a fan of hiking with your pups like we are!
While the former food container is great for shorter road trips or hitting the hiking trails, it’s just not going to cut it for those bigger adventures. This bag contains two lined food containers that will hold up to 30 cups of food in total, two dishwasher-friendly collapsible dog bowls, and space to store toys, waste bags, and more. Not only will this bag keep you and your pup organized, but it also meets all airline safety guidelines.
What are your must-have items when you are travelling? I’d love to hear them! Drop your recommendations in the comments!
I LOVE my travel hair dryer. It’s compact and it has lasted for years, even using it everyday when my other one broke!
Rachel || http://anotherstationanothermile.com
Yes! I forgot to include that on the list, but I love my travel hair dryer too!
The memory foam travel pillow is right up my street! It’s an absolute must have!
Love, Amie ?
The Curvaceous Vegan
The shape of this specific pillow is absolutely amazing! It’s better than any other pillow I have found.
Let me just say I had no clue they had travel memory pillows ! I have one of the regular travel pillows and it does nothing for me pointless so thanks for that and the umbrella I never really think to bring those when vacationing and it has rained on me a couple times while away..I’m going away this week so this was great like a little reminder of what to bring with me!
The design of this specific travel pillow is seriously heaven! I LOVE it!
Thanks so much these are really great tips! Especially the “mini” products. I will definitely invest in the mini steamer/iron and mini flat iron and curling iron – I’m always maxed out in my luggage because I pack my regular sized ones! Thanks again.
That was always a struggle for me in the past, which is why I set out to find some of these smaller options. I love the idea of bringing everything you need, not having to sacrifice, by bringing a smaller version!
The charger/adapting kit is a great idea. I have never used one of those neck pillows, but can see how it would come in handy!
I love that the adapter I shared has SO many options, buy it once and you’re good for all your future travels rather than trying to find something else down the road. I’m also a huge fan of anything that includes a USB option
I love all of these ideas! I need to use some of them when I travel again! Thanks for sharing!
It’s amazing how one small little gadget can make your adventures far more enjoyable
The travel mug and the universal plugs are my two big must-haves from this list! I don’t know when I’ll be travelling again but pinning this to buy a few things before I do!
Thank you so much for sharing!
-Nyxie
http://www.nyxiesnook.com
I feel like the travel mug is one that is FAR too often overlooked lol!
I have a small collection of them here, not going to lie – different colours and patterns depending on how I’m feeling at any given time
I travel a lot and some of these items I definitely want to get! Great post and some really cool travel gadgets too!
I love how many great gadgets are available today to make the whole travelling process easier! Especially for people like you and I who love being on the go and exploring the world!
Very smart items, woo girl, you’re great at organization!
Thank you! Organization can really make your adventures FAR more enjoyable lol
Great tips! I like the way you included different items for a variety of travel situations. I especially like the mini curling iron straightener combo. Thanks for the post!
I love that it’s a combo versus having to bring two different hair tools depending on how you’re feeling at any given time hahaha – Why limit your hair options? lol
This is such a great list. I love the dog week away bag. I might have to get it for my dog! Awesome post. (:
I feel like early on I was always scrambling to make sure I had the stuff for the pups before it dawned on me – we make sure we have what we need by packing a bag, why not do the same for them?
I also love the Contigo!! This list is great
I have yet to find a mug that I like more – Contigo is the best, by far!
Cool products, I love the pet seat – I will definitely look into that for my dogs. I’m sure the kids organizer will come in handy as my daughter grows up as well!
We travel EVERYWHERE with our dogs, but when we hit the dog beach they are FILTHY getting into my jeep hahaha! I love that it can just be wiped clean after, and all the muddy puppy paws are gone lol
We don’t get to travel much unless it’s just a short 1 to 5 hour road trip. When we do go places though,we go as a family and there’s always an issue with organization and pet care. Thanks for all these suggestions and tips, it’s really helpful. I just purchased new luggage several months back, but with a family (and as a crafter and writer) you can never have enough bags! I’m going to look into that parent backpack. That seems super useful! Take care and have fun on your next trip!
I was super impressed by the parent bag, and I think I may be buying it as a gift for a couple of people this Christmas/their birthdays!
Excellent list of products and the links make for easy shopping! I love that 2 in 1 Mini Flat Iron/Curling Iron!!
Isn’t it great? I love that it’s not only small, and therefore portable, but also the fact it’s a 2 in 1, so you cut a whole item out of your packing process!
Reading this has actually reminded me I need to get a travel pillow!! Such a great list of things to remember or invest in for trips, definitely will refer back to this for future trips!!
Vikki | http://planetvikkiblog.wordpress.com
You should check out the memory foam ones like the one I featured – once you try it, you’ll never go back to a regular travel pillow again lol
I’ve tried a few neck pillows but never gotten on woth them. I’ll have to try that memory foam pillow though. I like that it comes in its own carry case and is washable. An umbrella is a must have for me too but mine broke recently, so I’m currently looking for replacments. This one looks great as it’s so compact.
I usually pack a small extension lead on trips to charge all my devices but that travel adaptor looks like a great alternative! This is such a great post and I’m sure it will come in useful for my next trip. One thing I would add is my fold up travel hairdryer.
The memory foam pillow is DEFINITELY worth it! I mean, if you’re going to sleep, why not be as comfortable as possible? Right?
They are some legit tips I would say 🙂
Thank you!
An RFID wallet is SUCH a great idea for traveling (and honestly everyday life). Also, I really like how you compiled each set of recommended products in your photographs and by specific travel-related sections!
Thank you! I agree, I wish more people would stop and consider the implications in today’s society of not using an RFID wallet.