Traveling is exciting, but it’s so much better when you’re fully prepared with the right travel essentials. Over the years, I’ve tested and refined my list of must-have travel items that make every trip smoother, from long-haul flights to quick weekend getaways. Whether you’re looking for travel comfort accessories to make your journey more relaxing, the best travel gear to keep you organized, or smart packing tips for travel that save space and time, this guide has everything you need to upgrade your next adventure.

Portable Charger (Power Bank) – Stay Connected Anywhere
A high-capacity portable charger is my number one travel essential. Airport charging stations aren’t always available (looking at you, Miami), and running out of battery mid-trip is the worst. My go-to charger is about the size of an iPhone Pro Max, has built-in cables for multiple devices, and can charge both my phone and AirPods at the same time with no extra cords needed.

Portable Charger with multiple cord options.

2. TSA-Friendly Toiletry Solutions

Keeping liquids under the 3.4-ounce rule can be tricky, but empty lip gloss tubes are a game-changer for small amounts of lotion, serum, or hair products. Label them with a Sharpie and toss them in your toiletry bag.

Speaking of bags, I swear by my Calpak toiletry case! It’s TSA approved, sits upright, keeps items organized, and zips shut securely.

Use empty gloss tubes for packing liquids.

3. Ear Plugs + White Noise for Restful Sleep

Airports and hotels can be noisy at all hours.While my noise-cancelling AirPods Pro are perfect for flights, I can’t sleep in them. A simple pair of ear plugs paired with a white noise app or machine helps block out loud neighbors, air conditioners, or early morning street noise.

Use simple ear plugs to help drown out any noise.

4. Compression Socks or Sleeves

If your legs feel heavy after long travel days, compression socks or sleeves are a must. They improve circulation, reduce swelling, and help you recover faster — especially after walking miles through airports or theme parks.

Use compression sleeves to help with tired legs.

5. Travel Perfume Atomizer

Love your signature scent but hate packing bulky bottles? An atomizer lets you carry your favorite perfume without wasting liquid space. It’s especially useful for fragrances that don’t come in travel sizes.

6. Compact Extension Cord or Power Strip

Hotel rooms often have too few outlets in inconvenient spots. A travel friendly power strip keeps all your devices charged in one place. Just note cruise lines don’t allow them, so check the rules before packing.

Extension Cord Power Strip with different charging options.

7. Foldable Jewelry Organizer

Those little square travel jewelry boxes? Not for me, my necklaces always ended up tangled. A foldable jewelry organizer keeps everything separated and easy to grab. Customize it to fit your style. For example, I use the ring section for bracelets.

8. Compression Packing Cubes

If you want to fit more in your bag or stick to carry-on only, compression packing cubes are a lifesaver. I use large Calpak cubes, but Amazon has plenty of affordable options.

Pro tip: If wrinkles don’t matter, roll your clothes before compressing. If you need wrinkle-free outfits (especially for cruises, where irons aren’t in cabins), iron before packing and compress dirty laundry later in the trip. You’ll have more room for souvenirs on the way home.

The first image below - This shows the clothes are rolled and packed without compression cubes. There are 4 pairs of jeans, 2 sweatshirts, 2 long-sleeved shirts and 5 tee shirts.
The second image - clothes are being packed into a large compression cube.
The third image - everything but one pair of jeans and one sweatshirt fit into the compression cube. You can see using the compression cube made more room. You could pack more clothes or as you can see, I had enough extra room to fit a pair of platform Converse shoes.

Clothes rolled and packed without a compression cube.

Packing the clothes into the compression cube.

The compression cube made more room to add a chunky pair of shoes.

9. Top-Zip Suitcase + Luka Duffel Bag

I’ve fallen in love with a top zip suitcase. It’s much easier to grab something from your suitcase without exposing your whole suitcase contents like with clamshell designs. I pair mine with the Calpak Luka Duffel (pictured below) which has a shoe compartment and multiple pockets. Together, they cover most of my travel needs.

10. TSA PreCheck for Stress-Free Security

Not technically an “item,” but if you travel often, TSA PreCheck is worth every penny. I haven’t had to remove my liquids, shoes, or laptop in years. It’s a huge time-saver and makes security lines much less stressful. I know some of the rules for TSA are changing, but PreCheck has always sped me through security, so I won’t be giving it up anytime soon.

Packing smart isn’t just about saving space, it’s about making your travel experience more comfortable, efficient, and stress-free. These travel essentials have transformed the way I pack and explore.

What are your go-to travel must-haves? Share your favorites in the comments. I’m always looking for new ways to make traveling even better.

Thanks so much for reading! If you found this post helpful, you’ll love my posts on other travel tips and destinations. Click to scroll through and find inspiration and for your next vacation.

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