The summer travel season is here, and before you head out on your next great adventure or adventures, it’s important to make sure you have packed the right gear. What you bring with you on your trip will depend on the destination, duration of the trip, and the method of transportation. In addition to knowing about planning and packing outfits, these are the essential items to pack on every trip you take. Let’s get started. 

Extra Socks and Underwear 

It’s not uncommon to pack the exact number of socks and underwear for a trip, but there can be instances and circumstances where you might find you need a clean set of socks and underwear. For example, you may be returning from a daytime outing and need to freshen up because you’ve been sweating and covered in dust, your socks got wet from walking in the rain, or a drink was accidentally spilled on you at a restaurant. The last thing you want to do is have to put on used and dirty socks and underwear or cut into your day by running to the store to buy new ones to get you through the rest of your trip. 

USB Power Bank and Charging Cords 

While you are used to your routine at home of plugging in your smart devices when you go to bed, charging cords are often forgotten during the packing process. And if you’ve been out all day, especially with heavy data use or off-grid, your smart devices use a lot of battery power. If you have an extended day away from your hotel room, or long flight, a USB power bank is essential. It’s best to keep a USB power bank and an extra set of charging cords in your travel bag, so they are always there for you, even if you forget to pack your usual home set. 

Walking Shoes and Flip Flops 

Travel typically includes a lot of walking, and comfortable walking shoes are essential. One pair of shoes typically won’t be enough to get you through an entire trip. Plan to have walking shoes for daytime outings, when you’ll do the most walking, and have a second pair of footwear for evening activities. Flip flops are great to have on hand in case you decide to go to the hotel pool or to the beach, and the rinse off easily. 

Pro travel tip: Pack your shoes in a reusable shoe bag. This way they won’t get your clean clothes dirty, and any sand, mud, or debris will collect in the shoe bag instead of your luggage or backpack. 

Light Jacket 

A light jacket is a seasoned travelers essential item to pack on any trip. A lightweight shell can protect you from the sun, keep you warm on a windy day, or give a light layer of protection at night. A good light jacket will have a small, foldaway hood zipped into the collar that can easily be accessed if you’re caught out in the rain. It also takes up very little space in a carry-on. 

Swimsuit 

There will be times when you are travelling and you suddenly find yourself at a hotel with a hot tub or pool, or near a beach, and extra time in your day. You’ll appreciate having packed a swimsuit so you can enjoy the amenities. When you’re done, remember to rinse your swimsuit in the sink and hang it to dry—you don’t want to put a wet swimsuit in your bag, making your clean clothes damp and smelly. 

Sunscreen and After Sun Care 

An essential item to pack if you’re going to a sunny destination. Before you head out on your daytime adventures, put on a generous amount of sunscreen and take the bottle with you so you can re-apply throughout the day, as needed. In some destinations and resorts, sunscreen can be really expensive, so bringing your own from home would be more affordable. In the case you do get a sunburn, after sun care will help cool and calm the sunburn, easing the discomfort and allowing you to get a better sleep than without it. 

Pro travel tip: Pop some lip balm into your bag so your lips don’t dry out and get chapped—they need protection too! 

Sewing Kit 

Wardrobe malfunctions happen at the most inopportune times. A button might come off your shirt or you could have a tear in your outfit. A sewing kit will come in handy to do some quick whip-stich mending to get you through the trip. It’s small, lightweight, and easily tucks into a toiletry bag. 

Pro travel kit: Consider adding pain reliever and stomach relief medication in your toiletry bag too. You never know when you might suddenly feel sick or unwell. 

Face Cleanser and Moisturizer 

Keeping up with your skincare routine while travelling is important. Exposure to sun, pollution, dirt, and hard water can make your face dry, itchy, or oily, all which can lead to breaking out. Wash your face with cleanser every night before bed and in the morning when getting ready for the day. A layer of moisturizer will help protect your skin during the day and at night, so you always look fresh and healthy. 

Headphones 

There’s nothing more frustrating that arriving at the airport and realizing you have forgotten your headphones and you have a long flight ahead of you. Keep an old pair of headphones in your carry-on bag so even if you forget your Bluetooth headset, or if your Bluetooth headset runs out of battery life, you have a backup plan. You do not want to miss out on all the movies and shows you pre-downloaded for your trip!

Hand Sanitizer, Masks, and Disinfecting Wipes

During the COVID-19 global health pandemic we learned the importance of personal protection. While measures have eased, the risk of viruses are still out there. You could find yourself on an airplane beside someone with a nasty cough, or on a tour bus with a sticky seat, or heading to lunch after a day of touring—all instances where you will be thankful for having hand sanitizer, a mask, and disinfecting wipes at the ready. 

Sunglasses 

You can probably recall every trip you have been on where you’ve arrived at your destination without sunglasses. It has happened to everyone. Keep a spare pair in your carry-on. Even if you bring your favorite pair, if they get lost or broken, you’ll have a back-up pair of sunglasses ready to go. 

These are the essential items to pack on every trip, to help make your travels smoother and more enjoyable. Do you have specific items you absolutely cannot travel without that are part of your essential items to pack? Leave your comments below. We would love to hear them.