Travel Must-Haves & Essential Checklist
I get packing for a trip can be overwhelming, my anxiety gets the best of me just thinking about it. Over the years, I've learned, and still learning as I go, to strike a balance between packing light and making sure I have everything I need. I hate spending extra money on things I forgot. I'd rather spend that on food and drinks. So here's a list that I put together of my travel must haves and essentials for a short domestic trip or long international adventure. Your list might look a little different, but I hope this gives you some helpful ideas for your next time!
I've included affiliate links to the exact items I've personally used and still using. Feel free to copy and paste this list to make packing easier. And just a heads-up, these are my personal recommendations, so somethings may or may not work for you. But hey, I hope this helps. Happy travels!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them—at no extra cost to you! I only recommend products and services I personally use.
Stay Connected on the Go
Airalo - International eSIM
I’ve used Airalo in Greece, Croatia, Amsterdam, and Japan. Easy and fast setup. No surprise roaming fees. You can reload data anytime too. You can also check on the app how much data you have left. No need to carry around those physical bulky wifi boxes or insert a new sim card.
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Personal Bag Essentials
SKYSPER Sling Bag (Anti-Theft) - Having a good anti theft travel backpack makes all the difference. I used SKYSPER Sling Bag Anti Theft for everyday use walking around towns in Europe. Plenty of pockets, even a hidden pocket in the back. I was carrying it in front of me walking around, it felt comfortable and safe. SHOP HERE
OSOCE Sling Bag - I used the OSOCE Sling Bag during my trip to Japan. Even though Japan is known for being a safe country, it's still always good to feel secure. I was still able to hide my zippers and put the bag comfortably in front of me. GET IT HERE
*Tip: Use an S-Carabiner to have another layer of protection, not guaranteed of anti theft but it will slow down whoever is trying to get into your bag. Only works if you are able to attach 2 zippers together.
Important Travel Documents
Passport / Government ID - Always have your passport with you at all times. Some countries give hefty fines for not having a passport on you 24/7.
**Tip: I always take a picture of my passport and save it digitally somewhere I can access on the phone incase I lose it.
Visas - Check your destination if a visa is required for travel.
Travel Documents - Keep digital & physical copies of travel documents / confirmations for trains, hotels, visas, flights, and whatever else you have confirmations for.
Money & Payment Essentials
Credit/Debit Card & Cash - Call your bank if you need to tell them about you traveling. You don’t want your cards to be frozen during a trip. Also call your bank to check if they can exchange currencies. We used Chase to exchange cash in advance and it took a week.
**Tip: When using your card abroad, always pay in the local currency to avoid higher conversion fees!
Money Belt - Hide your passport and extra cash under your clothing especially if you are going to high theft areas. I loved the Daitet Money Belt. It was so comfortable I sometimes forgot I was wearing it. Slim and discreet, it fits easily under my clothing without being bulky. If you are wearing super tight clothing, it might not work but at least you know you have it on you. A must have for a worry free travel. Check it out here.
Tech & Charging Essentials
Phone & Phone Charger
Phone Charger - Anker GaNPrime Power Bank - One thing about me is that I am constantly taking photos and videos on vacation. I always keep my Anker GaNPrime Power Bank, on me. One other great thing about the Anker is the ability to charge itself and my phone at the same time when plugged into an electrical outlet. It acts as a wall charger and portable power bank. It has 2 in 1! It also has a visible battery meter, 2 fast charging USB-C ports and USB 3.0 port. It can charge my phone almost 3 times on a single charge, which is super handy when you are always on the move. SHOP HERE
CACOE Phone Lanyard - If you're like me, the thought of losing your phone while traveling just shoots up my anxiety. I've seen way too many videos of people getting their phones snatched in Europe or they would leave it behind somewhere. I'd just freakout. I decided to buy a CACOE phone lanyard for my Greece trip and it did give me some peace of mind. It stayed securely with me the entire time. GET YOURS HERE
Luggage & Packing Must-Haves
Carry-On Bag - Witzman Canvas Backpack - Everyone needs a spacious but compact enough for a carry-on bag. I love the Witzman Canvas Backpack. It has so many pockets that I am able to organize my clothes, documents, liquids, and my electrical devices without having to scramble looking through everything. SHOP HERE
Portable Luggage Scale - Etekcity Travel Scale - 1 thing I don’t want to do is end up opening up my luggage at the airport just because it’s over weight. Before I head to the airport I always use the Etekcity Luggage Scale to check my luggage weight. It’s super light and compact, I can even put it in my carry on bag. Digital scale is easy to read and uses kg and lbs. I never pay extra for bags. CHECK IT OUT
Packing Cubes – Keeps your suitcase neat and makes finding clothes effortless.
TSA Approved Toiletry Bag - Tocelffe Clear Toiletry Bag - If you are going through the airport first and don’t want to deal with the TSA about your liquids. With a Tocelffe Clear Toiletry Bag I was able to get through TSA easily. I get way too anxious at the airport to get stopped. It has individual containers for different liquids and sizes. GET YOURS HERE
Store Your Luggage with Bounce for Convenience
Need a safe and convenient place to store your luggage? Whether you’re too early for check-in, have time to explore after check-out, or a long wait before your flight, BOUNCE LUGGAGE STORAGE has you covered! With secure locations across the country - including lockers and dedicated storage rooms - you can drop off your bags with a peach of mind.
Pro Tip: Check reviews to find the best spots and times, lock your bags, and use an Airtag for extra security!
Click here to find the perfect storage location and book now! Bounce Luggage Storage
Health & Safety Essentials
Basic First-Aid Kit - Band-aids, pain killers, motion sickness pills, and anti-diarrheal pills can be a life saver. We even pack hydration packets, allergy meds, antacid pills and sometimes cold/flu pills to avoid searching for local pharmacies.
Pill Organizer - VITEVER Travel Pill Organizer keeps pills neatly stored. TAKE A LOOK HERE
Clothing
Vacation Days - #______
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Walking Shoes
Dinner Shoes
Workout Shoes
Beach Sandals
Lightweight Jacket
Versatile Outfits (Mix & Match)
Pool/Beach Outfits
Shirts #____
Bottoms #____
Coverups #_____
Day Outfits
Tops #____
Bottoms #____
Night Outfits
Tops #____
Bottoms #____
Sleepwear
Socks #____
Underwear #_____
Bras
Sports Bras #___
Everyday Bras #___
Sunglasses
Hats
Comfortable Walking Shoes - Kizik Shoes - This really does make or break my trip. I get grumpy and mean when my feet start to hurt. I used Kizik Shoes for this trip and it was so comfy for me. The great thing for me is I didn’t need to tie my shoes over and over again. I was able to slip my feet in and out so easily after a long day. SHOP HERE
Toiletries & Personal Care
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body Soap
Deodorant
Sunscreen or Sunblock
Lip Balm / Chapstick
Razor & Grooming Essentials
Makeup
Face Wash
Entertainment & Accessories
Travel Cameras
Action Cameras - Insta360 GO3s and Insta360 X3. Go3s is a perfect vlogging camera and POV shots. I do get shy with vlogging sometimes so I use the GO3s if I want to be discreet about filming. The Insta360 X3 is perfect for those fun angles shooting.
Tripod
EUCOS Phone Tripod - I get shy asking people to take my photos and so I just bring my EUCOS 62" Phone Tripod everytime I go on a trip. It’s very compact and light. Great thing is it can be used as a selfie stick too. 2 in 1!
Electronics Cord Organzier Travel Case - CNPOP Electronics Organizer Travel Case - Keep all your cords organzied. A time saver trying find the cords and untangling it apart. GET IT HERE
Waterproof Phone Case - Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch - If you know you are doing water activities during your vacation, the Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch works great with water. FIND IT HERE
** Pro Tip - before using any waterproof pouch, put a paper towel inside first to see if there is a hole inside the pouch. If there is a hole, you’ll see water inside the bag.
Perilogics Airplane Phone Holder Mount - If you want to watch movies on your phone and don't want to hold it, use the Perilogics Airplane Phone Holder Mount. Sometimes I don't like the movie selections on the planes, so I just end up watching on my phone and this helped me not drop it when I ended up falling asleep. CHECK IT OUT HERE
E-Reader or Book - I just want to listen and look out at the ocean during sea days, I listen to my Audible. But sometimes I do keep like to read with my Kindle Unlimited Membership. I download audio books / book just before I get on the ship just incase the wifi isn’t strong enough on board.