Ultimate Travel Essentials Kit

6 min readJul 28, 2019

Pro tip: Build a kit of essential items for travel. Used only when traveling, the bag is always ready to go. No need to pack (or forget) the basic essentials each time you leave home.

If you don’t have one of these, you’re going to spend time searching and packing the same items each time you leave for an overnight trip. If you’re like me, you’ll also forget some essentials. Building a kit like mine will save you time and ensure you always have the essentials you’ll need while travelling overnight. It will also prevent over-packing.

Basic principles:

Essentials that you commonly use and need while travelling in airports, rental cars, and hotels.
Travel-only items, not ones you use at home. The kit is always ready. No searching the house for your essentials before each trip.
Small enough to fit in just about any bag or even a coat pocket.
Inexpensive.

Links to recommended kit items are underlined. Here goes:

Chargers

Cords and USB outlets. Bonus for cords long enough for any outlet location. I go with a 6' for my phone and shorter for items I won’t need to use while they charge. Pack cords for all your devices: lightning, USB-C, USB micro.

See that nice leather clasp? It’s a simple and cheap way to prevent cord tangles.

Dual USB plug: Two USB plugs in the same outlet means charging two things at once. While my carry-on has a six USB port charger, this one comes in handy at airports or when I have a couple items to charge. I recommend the Ailken brand for the price ($5 each) and faster 2.4 amp charge rate.

Power bank: These will keep your phone alive for a few more hours when you’re on the go or in a plane without outlets. It can charge anything and is an essential backup. Link.

Cleanliness

Wet Ones singles: perfect for wiping down the rental car steering wheel, airplane tray table, or restaurant table. Link.

Shout wipes: have you ever spilled something on your shirt while travelling? These are indispensable and I always carry at least two. They have saved the day multiple times. Link.

Hand sanitizer: If you can’t find a nice bathroom, these will clean your hands in a pinch before eating street food or airplane snacks. The Wet Ones referenced above can also be used to clean your hands. These individual hand sanitizing wipes work well too.

Rental Car Accessories

Car outlet charger: Most rental cars have USB ports these days, but often just one, and they also provide a weak 1 amp charge. 1 amp is not enough to power a phone that is providing GPS directions. Get one of these to charge a couple devices simultaneously at a 2.4 amp charge . Also, I recommend getting it in white; you’ll be less likely to forget it when turning in the rental car.

Magnetic phone mount: Fits any car. I keep the flat adhesive magnet on the outside of my case for a strong hold. Super handy for GPS while travelling in any car.

Miscellaneous

Bottle opener: Most hotel rooms don’t have one, and most craft beer doesn’t come with twist off bottles.

Sleeping mask and ear plugs: This has allowed for peaceful sleep on the plane, in a terminal, or in a noisy hotel room. The Alaska Bear kit is perfect and inexpensive.

Moneyclip with $1 bills: For tipping the hotel shuttle driver, hotel breakfast server, etc. I used to just carry cards but now always have singles in case I need to tip. The money clip keeps the bills together nicely. This pack of 4 high quality, minimalist clips is what I use and like.

Croakies: For a baseball game, working out, white-water rafting, etc. Not just for keeping them secure on your face, but also so you can remove your glasses and let them hang down. Prevents crushed, dropped, or lost sunglasses. $6 and up here.

Extra headphones: Although I use and recommend Airpods for everyday use and Bose Quiet Comforts for the airplane, having an extra pair is a backup in case I lose my set. Long flights without headphones = sad face. iPhone (Lightning), Pixel (USB C).

Postcard stamps: Sending a post card is always an easy and fun occasion to reach out and say hello to family or friends. Don’t you wish you kept in touch with people more often? I carry a book of postcard stamps with me so I can buy a cheap postcard from my destination, and put it right in the mail. Many airports have post boxes and customer service agents can accept outgoing mail. Link.

Phone stand: A fold-able phone stand lets you watch videos on the plane without holding the phone, or Facetime in the hotel room easily. In a pinch, it also acts as a phone holder for group selfies. Link.

Amex Platinum and Priority Pass: $550 per year, but becomes unquestionably worth it after $200 in annual Uber credits, $200 in airline fee credits, great travel delay insurance, rental car insurance, free roadside assistance, and priority pass membership. With the included priority pass membership, I’ve been able to get access to airport lounges with complimentary food and alcohol. Referral link.

The bag itself: I bought a set of these Eagle Creek packing cubes. They are THE BOMB! The smallest pack is perfect for your Ultimate Travel Essentials kit. Multiple colors available here.