While you know packing extra socks and a spare umbrella are a must, some of the most essential travel items are often overlooked. This is a list of tried-and-true products that are just as cute as they are functional which you may not have thought of. They’re guaranteed to be essentials in your travel arsenal, and they’ll help you jetset!
A scarf is the Jane-of-all-trades when it comes to travels. Not only will it keep you warm on chilly flights, it can be used as a pillow or as a eye mask while trying to catch up on some extra z’s. The secret pouch on this scarf ensures your valuables are safe and within easy reach!
Instead of spending $7 on bottled water as soon as you’re through security gates, keep a foldable water bottle with you that you can fill up right before your flight. It’s also easy to keep it in your backpack on your various potential excursions. The globe print is an added bonus.
Although sleeping mid-flight is about as likely as airplanes serving four star meals, a sleep mask can at least help you zone out and relax while you have the time. If you are planning to take a snooze, make sure your valuable items are close at hand (see scarf above). While I’ve been lucky enough to avoid any major thefts, I did have a blanket stolen mid-flight (an odd occurrence considering the blankets were free). But alas, lesson learned, you can never be too safe.
Wheels are overrated. Having had one too many close calls between flights, a backpack is much easier to wear than lugging around that in-conducive tote and rolly duffel bag. Chose one with various compartments so you’re never left searching for your passport/phone/snacks again.
Luggage tags
After traveling for numerous hours, every dark grey suitcase starts to look the same. To make yours stands out, chose a bright luggage tag that you can easily spot at baggage claim. A goofy saying will encourage other’s to enjoy your luggage, too.
Have your passport within easy reach is the bets way to not misplace it. To err on the side of caution, I keep a copy of my passport in both my luggage, wallet and carry-on bag. Excessive, maybe. But these easy precautionary steps can be the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one.
Not only will you be prepared to handle the grimy airport floors through security (it only takes one time wearing flip flops to understand this conundrum), but compression socks also help improve blood circulation and prevent swollen ankles when flying. This may not be the sexist item you’ll bring with you, but the darling patterns are adorable with black leggings and comfy shoes.
What can’t you leave home without?
Not including snacks (duh), I can’t fly without wearing my globe-patterned socks that were a gift from a close friend. Not only are they theme-appropriate, but they keep me cozy on super-long flights!
Stay up to date on Juliette’s adventures by following her on Instagram –julietteelise & twitter @JulietteElise_ !
I need snacks to travel, a book of logic puzzles and a regular book. For years, I’ve been under the impression that you weren’t allowed to take large containers like water bottles past security. But apparently I was wrong — I met a few people at FinCon who’d brought their own — so I’d say one of those is integral!
Totally- you can bring empty bottles and fill them up after security! I had not thought of that for a long time either… it saves a lot of money! I was at the airport last week and it was $3.50 for the cheapest bottle, what a waste. Ugh!
Woah, that scarf with a secret pouch blows my mind! I travel a lot, why didn’t I think of this already?! Great list!
Thanks so much! Juliette is a seasoned traveller so I love to have her advice on this blog as a regular contributor, I learn so much!
obsessed with monograms!