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Must-BringTravel Items
Clorox Wipes
These Clorox Wipes, my friends, have been an absolute game changer for me. Planes are covered in germs. Lots and lots of germs.
Historically. I have gotten sick almost every time we fly. When I say sick, I’m talking about a sore throat, coughing, and congestion. You get the picture.
I became a vacationing zombie. Just picture me shuffling through all our travel must-sees delirious from cold medicine, pockets stuffed with cough drops and tissues.
Kind of like this but upright. Miserable friends, very miserable!
So, anything I can do to stay healthy is a priority. This is where the handy dandy Clorox Disinfecting Wipes come in. Since adding them to my must-bring items I haven’t gotten sick.
Trudy Tip: Once seated on the plane wipe down the seat belt buckle, armrests, tray table, tray table latch, and the entertainment screen if there is one.
The Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are my absolute #1 travel item every time we fly. Every tim
Compression Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are one of my favorite travel items. I have to admit, I rarely use packing cubes for everything in my luggage because there are some things I just like to see at once. However, I have found many handy uses for them.
I use the Tripped Travel Gear Packing Cubes for several reasons. First, the materials are of high quality. The nylon is water-resistant and the zippers move smoothly without snagging. I have to admit, I’ve had these overstuffed and have had no problem with the zippers.
I also really like the easy-to-grab handles. They are great when carrying multiple packing cubes at once.
I have consistently begun using my packing cubes for socks, underwear, and other items I don’t want to float around in my luggage.
I’m going to be totally honest, I’m still working on being a light packer, but I’m not there yet. I’d also like to tell you that I’m a roll-out-of-bed-and-go traveler, but I’m not that either.
I often have some type of a brush, comb, maybe a hair straightener, or a hair dryer depending on where we are going and where we are staying. I don’t like these items floating around in my luggage so I started using the long skinny packing cube for those items. Then I can just carry one bag into the bathroom with all those items.
Trudy Tip: The drawstring laundry bag can also be used for dirty shoes if needed.
Lastly, but not any less important, the Tripped Travel Gear, was created by Tim and Fin, who are fellow travel bloggers. See their compression packing cube review below. Who better to understand the needs of a traveler than people who travel for a living. #travelbloggersunite
Travel Document Holder
I’ve used this travel holder every time we travel for the past several years making it one of my must-bring travel items. When we travel as a family I don’t want to take the chance of someone’s passport getting misplaced.
To avoid lost passports, I use this to keep everyone’s passports and boarding passes in one place. That way we have everything we need when passing through security. I hand out the passports to each person when waiting in the security line and return them to the holder when we leave security.
This holder has successfully ensured that passports and boarding passes don’t get misplaced. I also like that it fits nicely in my purse or personal items that I keep with me on the plane.
Digital Scale
When we check our luggage we always bring a luggage scale.
As I’ve mentioned before, we still aspire to be light packers but we haven’t yet reached that goal.
To avoid paying overweight luggage fees, we bring along our digital luggage scale. By weighing our luggage before arriving at the airport, we avoid the awkward removal of belongings at the ticket counter due to excessive weight. No one wants to pay extra fees. And thank you in advance for not subjecting the rest of us to your undergarments and personal items!
Bluetooth Audio Transmitter for Earbuds, AirPods or Wireless Headphones
You should definitely pick up this AirFly In Flight Wireless Headphone Adapter to wirelessly connect your earbuds or wireless headphones to the in-flight entertainment. It can be used with your AirPods, earbuds, or wireless headphones with no more cords getting in the way.
Unlike other adaptors, AirFly has a battery life of 20+ hours to cover even the longest flight. The AirFly can also be used while charging with the included cable.
You can also connect two sets of earbuds or headphones to one transmitter if you and your travel buddy want to watch a movie together.
The AirFly In Flight Wireless Headphone Adapter is one of the best long-flight essentials.
Organizer Box
This is a life hack I use at home and also bring along when we travel. I am the keeper of vitamins, supplements, and medications in our world.
Personally, I don’t like having multiple bottles moving around or tossing everything into a ziplock bag when we travel. As a result, I started using this plastic organizer that keeps everything separate.
I like that I can adjust the sections to meet the needs of what I’m storing and the size of the box allows me to bring what we need for the entire vacation.You can easily place a piece of tape or use your handy dandy label maker if you want each section labeled.
Trudy Tip: Any leftover sections can also be used for jewelry. Since items stay securely within each section there is no concern of your earrings ending up in your vitamins.
I then pop this into my carry-on bag or in my purse and have everything we need readily available. Remember to always bring medications on the plane with you. No one wants medication stolen or to go missing if luggage becomes lost.
Battery Powered Electric Toothbrush
Really? An electric toothbrush? Absolutely! This is a travel item that we both miss if we don’t bring it.
I like the Oral-B Pro-Health Clinic Battery Powered Tooth Brush for traveling. It does have slightly less power than the rechargeable model however, in my non-dental professional opinion, my teeth still feel much cleaner than just brushing by hand.
TSA Approved Clear Bag
I used to just use a quart size Ziploc bag for my liquids until I found these fabulous bags. I was shocked to see how much more they held AND they meet the TSA 3-1-1 requirements.
When I say they hold a lot, I mean a lot!!! I can fit over 20 items in one bag.
Don’t miss out on one of the most practical and affordable travel accessories!
Portable Charger
Our portable charger has come in handy on numerous occasions. We use it to make sure phones and tablets stay charged when rental cars don’t have USB ports or planes don’t have outlets.
They are also great on road trips when USB ports may not be available to passengers in the back seat.
A portable charger is one of my must-bring travel accessories. It ensures that you can access everything you need whether it be GPS, apps, music, videos, games, etc.
Small First Aid Kit
This first aid kit is one of our tried and true must-bring travel items. Someone is always getting some type of a cut or blister while traveling. This mini first aid kit is small, light and can be refilled to meet your own needs.
It comes with wipes, gauze pads, and a couple of different types of band-aids. It’s great for basic scratches, cuts, and blisters that occur when traveling.
Charging Station
With all the various electronics in our lives, it is nice to have one place to charge everything. You know, the thing to charge our things.
This three-in-one charging station charges your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple watch all at once. Even better, it folds up nicely and takes very little room in your luggage making it one of our favorite travel accessories.
Travel Adapter
Not every trip requires a travel adapter but when you travel internationally these are definitely must-bring travel items.
Check out “Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Ireland” for our personal lesson learned with travel adapters.
Power Strip
One of our newer must-bring travel accessories is a small power strip.
This comes in handy in hotels and on cruise ships when electrical outlets may be limited or hard to reach. Using a power strip you can easily charge all your electronics at the same time.
Luggage Tracker
If you’ve ever experienced having an airline lose your luggage, you know why these luggage trackers can provide some piece of mind.
This option works for iOS products but there are also versions available for Android products
Luggage Tag
Like a majority of other travelers, we also have black, grey and blue luggage. Amidst the other hundreds of look-alike bags, a catchy luggage tag can help you easily identify your luggage as it makes its way down the carousel.
Although they are handy for quickly identifying your bag, it is also important to have your contact information listed on the back. This identifying information is helpful if your luggage ends up in a separate destination. We’ve had lost luggage friends…unfortunately, it happens. Don’t forget luggage tags on your list of must-bring travel items.
Hat
Last but not least. I always, always bring a hat. And, when I’ve forgotten my trusty hat, I end up buying one which makes it a must-bring travel accessories.
Hats, especially those with a brim, are a great way to deal with wind, rain, and wet hair, prevent sun damage, and block the sun all in one.
I like this one because it is nylon, washable, and dries quickly. It is by Columbia Sportswear but it is pretty standard.
I’ve tried stocking caps, Indiana Jones-looking hats, and girly floppy hats but in the end, I just prefer your standard ball cap.
I hope you enjoyed these must-bring travel items!
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It’s a very informative and enjoyable content. Thank you to author.
I’m glad you found it helpful!
Trudy does it again!! Thank you SO much for these awesome tips!
Thanks Cara!!!!