Travel Essentials I Can’t Live Without

After four years of full-time travel, I have figured out exactly what you can’t live without while traveling. These different tools are super helpful, and often forgotten before trips. Whether traveling solo, or with friends, these items save space, time, money, and get better pictures.

Whether you’re traveling for a week or a few months, these are all items that deserve a spot in your suitcase. From tech to space-savers to clothes, I share all my favorites here.

These are my non-negotiables when it comes to packing, so make sure you have everything you need too.

First, let’s talk tech

A Good Travel Adapter

No matter where you go, you are going to need a good travel adapter. I finally found one that works for all my destinations and does a great job converting with tons of outlets.

I’m obsessed with this travel adapter from Tessan. I’d highly recommend it since it’s go for the US, EU, UK, Australia, Asia and more! I’ve also seen tons of other travelers use it and rave about it, so I think this is definitely the one.

ToneOf Tripod

Whether you’re solo traveling or want to get pictures with your fellow travelers, a toneof tripod is VERY important. I’ve tried out quite a few options, but I fell in love with this one.

This tripod is as tall as I am with adjustable height and angles but also totally portable (it fits in my fanny pack) and includes a bluetooth clicker attached to it to take pictures with or start a video.

The price point was the real selling point for me though, since I’m always looking for the best deals!

(Plus it also doubles as a selfie stick!)

Hidden Cardholder Spigen Phone Case

The Hidden Cardholder Spigen phone case has been a gamechanger for me. It holds two cards (my credit card & ID usually). It’s much better than carrying a wallet and makes it much easier to avoid getting robbed since I can carry it easily.

I have been using this case for more than 3 years, especially since I find the magsafe ones to feel less secure and more obvious. Plus, Iphones in general are a bigger target for phone theft, so making your phone look a bit different is super helpful. And as an added bonus, my phone has stayed free of cracks and I’ve yet to be robbed (knock on wood!) with this case.

Kindle Paperwhite

Books take up WAY too much space (sadly), so I opted for an e-reader so that I can read infinitely.

I prefer the Kindle Paperwhite so that I can see my book while I’m reading on the beach or in bed without the blue light, and I don’t need all the fancy features that other e-readers have. I also use the free Libby app to get free Kindle Books using my library card.

Portable Travel Charger

One of the worst things to happen while traveling is when your phone dies and you don’t have a charger. It has happened to me more times than I can count, so I invested in a good charger that isn’t too heavy to keep with me. Not having a portable charger while traveling is just plain unsafe, so keep that in mind when deciding whether to get one.

I prefer this portable travel charger since it has a solar charger, which works great in a pinch, and it does a great job charging well and keeping me prepared.

Bag/Packing recommendations for saving space

See-Through Zipped Compression Bags

The only reason that my bag shuts is these see-through zipped compression bags. I usually have between 3-4 with me at all times. I switched from the full yellow one to see-through because it makes it much easier for me to figure out which bag has which.

I separate bottoms and tops, but sometimes I swap which one has my dresses or skirts, so seeing what’s inside makes that way easier. These bags save me SO MUCH space!

Osprey 55L Backpack

This Osprey 55L backpack has been a gamechanger for me. You can hide the straps if you’re going to check the bag, but it also fits as a carryon (just barely, but I’ll take what I can get).

You can also clip the corresponding day pack to the back if you don’t want to double bag it front and back like me. The straps disperse the weight really well and all the hidden compartments have been super convenient for me, especially the laptop one.

For underwater adventures/fun candids

AKASO Camera

I was skeptical at first, the price is just TOO good, but 34,000 reviews convinced me. Using the AKASO Camera was super fun, and great for when it’s raining or you’re worried to break your phone.

It comes with tons of attachments and is a great price (I took more vids that pictures, so this is an awful example). If you don’t want to splurge on a GoPro, this is a great runner-up for a good value.

Now onto some helpful ~clothes~

While this isn’t my full packing list, these are staple pieces, and related items (like laundry sheets), that I always travel with. Most of the items here are ones you wouldn’t think about until you didn’t have them, so I am sharing them to avoid that “too late” mindset.

Eco Roots Laundry Sheets

Eco Roots Laundry Sheets are one of those things people always forget. No one wants to lug around detergent, but carrying the sheets is super easy.

This is my favorite way to stay prepared when I have a washer available on my travels. It takes up almost no space, so it’s very easy to bring with me. It’s good for the environment, my wallet, AND saving space, so this one is a no brainer for me.

I love the Eco Roots in particular since it does a good job as actual detergent compared to other brands.

Travel Hacking Fishing Vest

My favorite travel savings hack is my fishing vest. Four years later and I still wear it on all flying days, as a just in case for my overfilled carryon. This hack will work for most things, it’s like a wearable pillowcase (since some planes allow you to bring those too).

It’s super helpful for carrying all my stuff that I would otherwise put in my fanny pack. This fishing vest even fits my computer in the bag, if I really want to hack the system. It keeps my mind at ease in case anyone questions my (slightly too large) bags.

Sports Bra Tank Top

Most of the clothes I bring with me serve multiple purposes when they can, which is why I love sports bras that double as shirts! This Sports Bra Tank Top is my favorite, and I’ve been using it for more than 4 years too.

This tank top actually doubles as a sports bra. It’s my go-to when I’m traveling, since it’s versatile for both working out and just generally during the day. I’ve taken this with me in my suitcase for the past 3 years, and it’s held up super well.

Linen Button Down

This Linen Button Down has also been an essential for me over the past few years. It’s a great item to throw on, and it always looks cute!

The button down is super versatile and it goes with pretty much every outfit. This comes in handy in warm and cold weather, and it’s pretty easy to get the wrinkles out… or if it’s packed correctly, you can get it wrinkle-less.

It’s also super easy to tie around your waist and attach to your bag since it’s so light weight.

Final thoughts

After traveling for so long, packing has stopped being a super daunting task. Now I am very prepared for all my travels with little effort. Sometimes I need to replace items here and there when I lose them or misplace them, but for the most part these staples have remained with me. If you’ve been wondering how to pack for long-term travel, you can check out my 6 month packing list for European Summer.

Have some questions about these travel essentials? Drop them in the comments or DM me on Instagram!