Travel Essentials: Packing The Must-Haves

Travelling can be exhilarating, but packing and preparation can be a drag. Here are some must-take travel items to make your trip smoother and more comfortable.

Hygiene and health

- Hygiene and medical items are essential. Remember to pack prescriptions, contact lenses, birth control, and glasses.

- Sanitary items are a must for women.

- Pack sunscreen for sunny destinations.

- Hand sanitiser or wipes can help you stay germ-free.

Staying hydrated

- A reusable water bottle saves money and plastic waste.

- A water bottle with a built-in filter is ideal if you're unsure about water quality at your destination.

Gadgets and gear

- A portable power bank is a must for keeping your phone charged on the go.

- Pack a universal plug adapter if you're travelling abroad.

- A travel router can provide a stable internet connection.

- Noise-cancelling headphones can help you relax during long journeys.

- A travel pillow can make sleeping on the go more comfortable.

- An eye mask can block out light so you can sleep.

- Earplugs can help you sleep in noisy environments.

Luggage and packing

- A collapsible water bottle saves space when not in use.

- A quick-dry towel is lightweight and easy to pack.

- Packing cubes or compression bags help you stay organised and save space.

- A lock can keep your luggage secure.

- A universal sink stopper can be useful for doing laundry or filling a sink with ice.

- A luggage cup holder can be handy for carrying drinks and other small items at the airport.

- A lightweight, sturdy carry-on bag is ideal.

Clothing and footwear

- Waterproof shoes are a must if you're expecting wet weather.

- Merino wool socks are great for wicking sweat and odour-resistance.

- Compression socks can help prevent swollen feet and ankles on long-haul flights.

- Dresses are versatile and easy to pack.

- Leggings are comfortable and don't take up much space.

- A hat can protect you from the sun.

- A lightweight, packable raincoat is useful for unexpected downpours.

Happy travels!

A scarf with a hidden pocket to keep your valuables safe and easily accessible

A scarf is a great accessory to have on your travels, but a scarf with a hidden pocket is even better! Not only can it be used to keep you warm on the plane, but it also doubles as a small purse, keeping your valuables safe and easily accessible. You can store cash, keys, sunglasses, a passport, and even your phone in the hidden zippered pocket. This is especially useful if you're travelling solo and want to keep your items hidden, or if you're worried about pickpockets. It's a great way to keep your hands free when browsing a busy market or festival, without having to carry around a purse or wallet.

The Speakeasy Travel Supply Co. offers a range of stylish scarves with hidden pockets, including the Thea Emerald Scarf and the Soda Springs Scarf, which are made from bamboo or organic materials. These scarves are lightweight and perfect for summer adventures, and they come in a variety of colours and patterns. For something a little more luxurious, the Multi-Pocket Crossover Scarf by SHOLDIT® is a great option. It features multiple pockets and comes in a range of colours, including Alpine Sky, Alpine Smoke, and Winterburry Black.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Infinity Loop Solid Color Scarf with a Hidden Zipper Pocket is a great choice. This scarf is discreet and allows you to hide your cash, credit cards, ID, jewellery, and other lightweight items. It's the perfect accessory to keep you warm and stylish while on the go.

A portable charger to ensure your phone stays charged throughout your trip

A portable charger is a must-have item for any trip to ensure your phone stays charged throughout your journey. Whether you're using your phone for directions, taking photos, or staying connected with loved ones, a portable charger will ensure you're never left with a dead battery. Here are some benefits and features to consider when choosing a portable charger:

Compact and Lightweight Design

When choosing a portable charger, look for one that is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in your pocket, purse, or bag without taking up too much space. Some portable chargers are designed to be slim and credit card-sized, while others come with lanyards or stands for added convenience.

High Capacity and Fast Charging

Consider the capacity and charging speed of the portable charger to ensure it meets your needs. If you need to charge multiple devices or charge your phone multiple times, look for a charger with a higher capacity, such as 10,000 mAh or higher. Some chargers also offer fast charging capabilities, allowing you to recharge your devices quickly.

Built-in Cables and Magnetic Charging

Portable chargers with built-in cables or magnetic charging capabilities eliminate the need to carry separate charging cords, making them more convenient for travel. Some chargers have built-in lightning cables for iPhones, while others have USB-C or micro-USB cables that work with various devices.

LED Display and Safety Features

An LED display on the portable charger can show the remaining battery life, helping you plan your charging needs. Additionally, look for safety features such as over-charging protection, temperature control, and short-circuit protection to ensure your devices stay safe while charging.

Compatibility and Port Options

Ensure that the portable charger you choose is compatible with your devices. Check for the types of ports available, such as USB-C, USB-A, lightning ports, or magnetic charging. If you have multiple devices or plan to charge devices simultaneously, look for chargers with multiple ports.

Examples of Recommended Portable Chargers

• Anker PowerCore Slim Portable Charger: This charger is lightweight and slim, making it easy to carry. It offers fast charging via USB-C and can provide up to 2.25 charges for your phone, depending on the device.
• Power Juice Slim Portable Charger: The Power Juice charger is compact and easy to carry in your purse. It has a built-in wall plug and two USB ports, allowing you to charge up to six times, depending on your device's battery capacity.
• Anker PowerCore Mini Portable Charger: This mini charger by Anker is about 4 inches tall and weighs under 5 ounces, making it highly portable. It charges devices quickly and provides 1-2 full charges, depending on your phone model.
• IWALK Travel Mobile Power: The iWALK portable charger is designed for iPhones and plugs directly into your iPhone, eliminating the need for extra cords. It's small and lightweight, about the size of a lipstick, and provides 1-1.2 full charges.
• Nimble Champ Portable Charger: The Nimble Champ charger is "smaller than a deck of cards" and lightweight, making it ideal for travel. It can charge two devices simultaneously and is compatible with various phones, tablets, and laptops. It also comes with a lanyard for easy carrying.

A hanging toiletry bag to keep your essentials organised and save space

A hanging toiletry bag is a must-have for any traveller. Not only does it keep your essentials organised, but it also helps you save space. This is especially useful when you're travelling with just a carry-on bag or staying in a hotel with limited counter space.

A good hanging toiletry bag should have multiple compartments to store all your essentials, from toothpaste and toothbrushes to cosmetics and skincare products. Some bags even come with clear compartments, making it easier to find what you need. Look for a bag with a sturdy hook so you can easily hang it on a door or towel rack. If you're tight on space, choose a bag that can be rolled up and secured with an elastic band when not in use.

When it comes to material, coated cotton or nylon are great options as they are water-resistant and spill-proof. This will give you peace of mind in case of any leaks or spills during your travels. Make sure the bag is the right size to fit all your essentials and consider getting one with a grab handle to make carrying it a breeze.

A well-organised and space-saving hanging toiletry bag will make your travels less stressful and more enjoyable. So, the next time you're packing for a trip, make sure to include this handy item on your list!

A lightweight, compact umbrella to protect you from the elements

A lightweight, compact umbrella is a must-have travel item to protect you from the elements. It's small and portable, so it can easily fit into your bag or pocket without taking up too much space. You never know when it might rain, so it's always good to be prepared. Here are some benefits of having a lightweight, compact umbrella:

• Portability: Compact umbrellas are designed to be small and lightweight, making them easy to carry around. They fit easily into your handbag, backpack, or even your pocket, so you can take them wherever you go.
• Protection from Rain: The main purpose of an umbrella is to keep you dry when it rains. A compact travel umbrella will protect you from unexpected showers during your travels.
• Sun Protection: In addition to rain protection, compact umbrellas can also provide shade on sunny days. Look for umbrellas with UPF 50+ protection to shield yourself from harmful UV rays.
• Wind Resistance: Some compact umbrellas are designed to be windproof, ensuring that they won't turn inside out in strong winds. This feature is especially useful if you're travelling to windy locations.
• Easy to Pack: Compact umbrellas are easy to pack and won't take up much space in your luggage. They are a convenient item to have on hand during your travels.

When choosing a compact travel umbrella, look for features such as automatic open/close mechanisms, durable construction, and a comfortable handle. A good-quality compact umbrella will be sturdy yet lightweight, ensuring that it can withstand the elements without weighing you down.

A packable backpack to carry your souvenirs and free up space in your luggage

A packable backpack is a great way to free up space in your luggage, and it can be used to carry souvenirs or other items you pick up on your trip. Here are some options for packable backpacks that can be used for travel:

Paravel Fold-up Backpack

This lightweight backpack is made from water-resistant nylon and offers plenty of built-in organisation, making it ideal for those on the go. It has a roomy main compartment that can hold a 15-inch laptop and other essentials, as well as a zippered front pouch for smaller items. The backpack also has a luggage sleeve, allowing you to easily attach it to your suitcase. It folds up into itself and doesn't require an extra pouch for storage.

Away The Packable Carryall

This spacious 43-liter carryall weighs only half a pound and folds down to a compact size, making it a great secondary bag option. It's made from recycled nylon and is water-resistant, making it perfect for the beach or pool. It has a long carrying strap and can be carried by hand. However, it lacks structure and doesn't stand on its own, so you'll need to pack it carefully to prevent items from falling out.

Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Duffel

This versatile duffel can be carried in four different ways and has an expandable design. It has a front slip pocket for easy access to essentials and an interior pocket for storing small items. It's made from lightweight, water- and stain-resistant nylon and comes in four colour options.

Lipault Foldable Plume Cabin

This foldable bag functions as a standard carry-on suitcase but can be collapsed to a more compact size. It has two wheels, a bottom compartment, and multiple pockets for organisation. It's lightweight and sturdy, making it easy to transport through the airport. The collapsible design makes it easy to store when not in use.

Away The Packable Sling Bag

This lightweight sling bag has an adjustable strap, an interior organisation pocket, and a zip closure. It's made from heavy-duty nylon and is water-resistant. It folds up into a small zip pouch for easy storage and transport.

Frequently asked questions