Everyone has a list of items they pack every time, regardless of where, when, or how long they are going– e-reader, phone, camera, wheelie suitcase– but what about all the other things that you just can’t live without, especially on a long flight when traveling abroad? Here is a list of my personal “Must Haves” that I think help make any trip a bit easier. Let me know in the comments if you have a “Must Have” that I am missing or need to know about!

• Fast Charging Portable Charger
• Crossbody Travel Purse with RFID
• Headband Headphones for the Plane
• Travel Power Strip with Surge Protector for International Travel
• Reusable Wet/Dry bag for Bathing Suits
• Infinity Scarf with Secret Pocket
• Adjustable Memory Foam Neck Pillow

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1. Anyone who has had a long layover or spent the entire day exploring a new city/vacation destination has been in need of a cellphone/camera/e-reader recharge on more than one occasion. Not only is the Luxtude 5000 pretty (I love Van Gogh), but it is also lightweight and compact, and compatible with iPhone, Android, Samsung and more– it even doubles as a flashlight! I love it and even ordered it again when I mistakenly left it behind on my last trip!

2. A good travel purse is a must– one with lots of compartments, bonus if it is functional yet stylish, and even better if it offers added security. Baggallini does all of it. I have purchased several over the last 10 years and love that I have options whenever I travel– they come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors/patterns.

3. I find most earbuds uncomfortable, especially when trying to sleep on the plane– I need some noise to drown out the people around me! I found the Bluetooth headband headphones last year and it was a game changer. Not only does it keep my hair from being out of control, but I can also pull it down and cover my eyes on overnight flights. Comes in fun patterns or solid colors– so handy on long trips.

4. When I travel, I usually have a lot to charge– phone, camera, kindle, Bluetooth headband headphones– so I find the Travel Power Strip with Surge Protector for International Travel very handy! The surge protector is great, as I have blown a few hair dryers over the years and now only use the one provided by the hotel. (*Surge protector, not voltage convertor) With 4 plugs and 4 USB, as well as 8 International Adapters (UK/AU/JP/EU/IN/IT/AF/IS) this will have you covered for almost any trip you have planned.

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5. When I travel, I love to find a spa with a rooftop pool or something fun that is water related (or Beer & Water like the BeerSpa in Budapest) but I hate carrying around a wet bathing suit after– which is why I love the Reusable Wet/Dry Bag! It is easy to attach to my purse, so it is hands-free and the waterproofing keep me from dripping water everywhere I go. Easy to pack, takes up no room the suitcase, but functional and convenient if you have plans involving water.

6. I don’t usually wear scarves, but I can’t live without them on long flights! They are multi-purpose– it adds a little extra layer of warmth, instead of the airline blanket (I have lightweight for the summer and heavier ones for winter travel). I’ve also draped it over my head to block out overhead lights shining directly at me from the seat in front of me, and I’ve used it as a sling to rest my arms when trying to sleep in an upright position–also keeps my arms in my space when I am next to a spreader! This one has a secret pocket to store valuables (or wet wipes in the age of Covid!)

7. Last but not least, the Adjustable Memory Foam Neck Pillow— I am not going to lie I struggled with trying to find a comfortable pillow when I travel– window, aisle, middle– it is hard to find a ‘one-size fits-all’ until now (at least for me). I like that you can use it the traditional way around the neck, or you can adjust it accordingly. After suffering whiplash in a car accident 10 years ago, long flights bother my neck, so I find the adjustable core super helpful when trying to get comfortable and relieve pressure.

What are your thoughts? Do you have any Must Have travel accessories that you are willing to share– comment below! I’m always looking for things to make travel easier!

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