10 Essential Things I Always Pack (That Most People Forget)
Let me just say: I used to be a chronic over-packer. I once brought a hair dryer, 6 books, and three pairs of boots for a weekend trip to Italy. And yet — somehow — I still forgot my toothbrush.
After a few too many travel fails (and a painful encounter with blistered feet and no Band-Aids in Prague), I’ve created a list of 10 things I always pack now. They might seem small, but these items have saved me in ways a seventh pair of socks never could.
01. A Small Power Strip (aka the Airport Savior)
Have you ever wandered around an airport or hotel room, holding your dying phone, searching for an outlet… and every single one is already taken?
A tiny power strip or travel power cube lets you charge your phone, power bank, camera, and maybe even a stranger’s phone at the same time. Instant best friend status.
02. A Packable Tote Bag or Fold-Up Backpack
It weighs nothing, takes up no space, and becomes your lifesaver when your luggage mysteriously gains 3 kg from souvenirs you “definitely didn’t plan to buy.”
Use it for day trips, beach days, laundry, or emergency airport repacking sessions.
03. A Copy of Important Documents (Yes, on Paper)
I used to think this was old-school… until I lost my phone and wallet on the same day in Barcelona.
Now I carry a printed copy of:
My passport info page
Travel insurance policy
Hotel reservations
Emergency contact numbers
Just in case. (Future-you will thank you.)
04. A Microfiber Towel (Not Just for Hostels)
Whether it’s a questionable Airbnb, an impromptu beach swim, or a bus seat that’s mysteriously wet (ew), a fast-drying microfiber towel is always a win.
Plus, they’re tiny. Mine rolls up to the size of a burrito and dries in 30 minutes.
05. A Reusable Water Bottle with a Filter
Staying hydrated while traveling is a whole thing. Some places have safe tap water, some don’t. A filter bottle like LifeStraw or Grayl lets you drink from basically anywhere without worrying.
Also: airports let you bring empty bottles through security, so no more overpriced $5 bottled water.
06. Electrolyte Packets (Hangovers, Heat, Long Flights…)
Dehydration doesn’t care if you’re in Bali or Boston. Whether it’s a long hike, a night out, or a stomach bug, electrolyte packets like Liquid I.V. or Nuun help you bounce back faster.
I keep 2–3 in my carry-on at all times.
07. A Sleep Mask + Earplugs (For Planes AND Hotels)
Your flight is overnight. The toddler two rows behind you is channeling their inner heavy metal drummer. You’re exhausted. What do you do?
Sleep mask. Earplugs. Salvation.
Also handy for:
Noisy hotel neighbors
Too-bright curtains
Unexpected naps in train stations
08. A Mini First Aid Kit (Yes, Really)
I’m not saying you need to be a full medic, but I now travel with a tiny pouch that has:
Band-Aids
Ibuprofen
Antihistamines
Imodium
Disinfecting wipes
It’s not glamorous, but the day you get a weird bite or surprise headache, you’ll feel like a genius.
09. Travel Laundry Detergent Sheets
You wore your only clean shirt three days in a row. There’s a sink in your room. Boom — problem solved.
These little sheets weigh nothing and let you do a quick wash anywhere. Bonus: your bag will stop smelling like forgotten hiking socks.
10. Duct Tape (Yes, I Said It)
This might sound weird, but duct tape has:
Held my broken suitcase together
Patched a torn sandal
Fixed a leaky water bottle
Served as emergency lint roller
Wrap a bit around your water bottle or pen and keep it there “just in case.”
Bonus Item: My “Tiny Things” Zip Pouch
In it I keep:
Safety pins
Hair ties
Tweezers
Lip balm
SIM tool
SD card
Safety whistle (call me paranoid, I call it prepared)
It’s my Mary Poppins pouch. Saves me every time.
Final Thoughts
Packing isn’t about bringing everything. It’s about bringing the right things. These aren’t flashy items, but they’ve saved me from stress, discomfort, and flat-out travel disasters more than once.
Next time you’re packing, try adding just 2–3 of these — especially the earplugs and duct tape (seriously).
And if you have a weird, genius packing item you swear by, let me know in the comments. I’m always looking to upgrade my list.
