Traveling efficiently and prepared is definitely a learned skill. It takes practice with lots of trial and error. After years of traveling for a sales job, and then traveling for fun and the blog, I like to think I’ve mastered the travel essentials I need.
However, I have yet to find a travel pillow I love. I think I just can’t sleep on a plane no matter what, but if you have a favorite, drop it in the comments below so I can try it. I feel like that is the one thing I have yet to finalize in my list of favorite travel essentials.
My Favorite Amazon Travel Essentials
1. Toiletry Bottles
Never without a few of these. They’re great for filling with your shampoo, conditioner, whatever. These come in a few sizes too I believe.
2. Nail Polish Remover Pads
I have to have my nails painted at all times. Period. So when they start to chip, I need the polish off ASAP or I feel like a mess. I always pack a few of these in my toiletry bag so I’m prepared.
3. Portable Charger
Doesn’t matter if this is a domestic or international trip, I always like to have one of these on me for travel. A portable charger can save your butt and these are compact.
4. Travel Steamer
Sure this takes up a bit of space, but I think it’s totally worth it. Having a steamer at home too is just simply life-changing. No more ironing, thank you!
5. Pill Container
I have one from Container Store but this is exactly the same. I find it so useful to have all my different pills for trips in one spot. This is never not stocked and in my purse ready to go.
6. Tessan Travel Adapter
I love that this has a plug but also a USB. This way you can still blow dry your hair while your phone is charging. Nothing is worse than having limited outlets when you’re abroad so this allows you to maximize your space.
7. Packing Cubes
Choose whichever brand or style you want, I feel like many of them are pretty much the same. But these help to keep you organized in your suitcase and save space.
You can really stuff them full of things and then zip them up to compress everything inside. Game changer.
8. Foldable Duffle Bag
Anytime I go overseas I always pack this foldable duffle. It folds up to practically nothing and takes up literally no space at all. But when you want to buy a bunch of things and need to bring them back home, this is how I do it.
I usually pack this full of my clothes (since it has zero structure, I wouldn’t put anything remotely fragile in here) so I can fill my suitcase up with all my new goodies.
It has saved me multiple times when I realize I did a little too much shopping and need an extra bag. Instead of buying an expensive bag at a tourist trap convenience store, you’re prepared!
9. Vera Bradley Travel Cosmetic Case
I love these travel cases so much that I wrote a whole blog post on them. You can get some of them on Amazon which is great. They’re designed so well and are of high quality material.
10. Foot Sling
I am not someone who can sleep on a plane. But this foot sling definitely makes things much more comfortable. It hooks around your tray table and your feet can be elevated.
Honestly, it’s truly life changing whether you’re awake or trying to sleep. So much more comfortable. Will not go on any long haul flight without this now.
11. Converter & Multi-Country Adapter
While every trip abroad will require you to pack an adapter, you may also need a converter. What’s the difference? An adapter just changes the plug to work with whatever country you’re in. This works for things that are dual voltage like all your phone and computer plugs.
But a converter converts the voltage so that your electric razor, or steamer or sometimes blow dryer and hair tools don’t get blown out. The voltage in other countries are different and you’ll need to convert certain devices.
This converter and multi-country adapter will cover it all for you. It includes several different country outlets too so you won’t need to worry. I always forget that the UK/Ireland have different plugs and thankfully this has saved my butt.
Photo by Hannah Lozano
