10 Travel Essentials You Should Bring on Every Trip

When it comes to traveling, I pride myself on carrying carry-on luggage only. It doesn’t matter if I’m away for a few days or a few weeks, traveling with my bag as light as possible is crucial for me, not only for my peace of mind, but for the constant movement, different forms of transportation, and ease. I also find that the more you travel, the less you need.

That said, some travel essentials remain packed and ready: the gear, gadgets, and essentials that make every trip that much easier. After years of traveling for work (I’ve logged 78 flights this year alone), these are the items I never unpack because they’ve proven useful time and time again. Keep scrolling to see the essentials I always pack in my carry-on, so I’m ready for any adventure. And an added bonus: they are all available on Amazon.

Travel essentials that I always carry in my carry-on luggage

Thule Compression Packing Cubes

As a carry-on only traveler, these compression packing cubes They are the first thing I reach for to keep my bag organized and light. The durable nylon and compression zippers make them feel much sturdier than standard packing cubes and actually squeeze out air to free up lots of space. I use the larger cube for bulkier items, like jeans or sweaters, and the smaller one for t-shirts and dresses. They make packing so efficient that I can fit an entire week’s worth of wardrobe into a carry-on, which is probably why people always ask me how I travel so light. (And yes, I am the biggest fan).

Bagsmart Technology Organizer

Nothing feels more messy than tangled cables at the bottom of your bag in the middle of a travel day, so this smart tech organizer It never leaves my suitcase. It has elastic loops for magazines, mesh pockets for adapters, and enough padding to keep everything secure without being bulky. I keep mine packed with an extra phone charger, travel adapter, and other cables so I can grab it and go. The flat design slides easily into my backpack or the front pocket of my carry-on, and has become one of those things that I immediately notice when I forget, which is why I never do.

Bagsmart transparent toiletry bags

These transparent toiletry bags I permanently live out of my carry-on luggage and my toiletries remain packed. They’re TSA approved, waterproof, and structured enough to sit on your bathroom counter without falling over. I keep travel size staples inside (toothpaste, facial serum, SPF) so I never pack from scratch again before a flight. The clear panels make it easy to see what’s inside at a glance, which is especially helpful when searching through your bag at security or in a small hotel bathroom. For less than $10, they’re my secret to staying organized and avoiding the dreaded toiletry explosion.

LifeStraw Sippy Filter Straw

This elegant stainless steel straw It’s one of those things that seems silly until you travel with it once; then it is essential forever. It filters out 99.9 percent of bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, allowing me to safely drink from any questionable glass, tap, or refill station. It’s perfect for long flights, day trips, or places where bottled water is not available. I love that it comes with its own travel case and is easy to clean. (The filter lasts up to a year of use!) I always keep it in my personal item so I can stay hydrated without adding more single-use plastic to the mix.

Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Cases

Another one that stays in my zipper compartment is this one waterproof phone bag. It’s perfect for activities like rafting, rainy hikes, beach days, or even just exploring in unpredictable weather. It closes tightly with a double-zip closure and comes with a lanyard for hands-free use, which is especially helpful when swimming or kayaking. It fits my phone and a card or two, and the clear PVC window still allows me to take photos and use the touchscreen. I’ve tested it in everything from tropical downpours to water temples, and my phone always comes out perfectly dry.

Vifuur water shoes

These simple water shoes I live in my personal item because they weigh almost nothing and somehow manage to save me every trip I make. I’ve worn them on rocky beaches, in hotel pools, on rafting days, and even on brisk hikes where flip flops just won’t cut it. They fit like socks, dry in minutes, and roll up to the size of a T-shirt sleeve. The grippy rubber sole means I don’t have to worry about slippery pool decks or surprise pebbles underfoot. For something that costs less than a coffee, they got permanent residency in my carry-on luggage.

Hohom Mesh Tote Bag

I love me june bagbut this amazon bag It also works very well. It stays folded in the zipper pocket of my carry-on, ready for anything I can throw at it (or into it): days at the beach or pool, a shopping trip, even carrying groceries when I’m staying somewhere long enough to fill a cooler. I also use it as a personal item (and turn my personal item into a carry-on) when I bring things home from a trip and want to go through my (now overstuffed) carry-on bag. It’s endlessly useful, machine washable, and takes up as much space as a pair of socks.

Riiqiichy Shawl

This cozy shawl It’s my go-to security blanket: soft, lightweight, and big enough to use on a plane when it’s really cold. It’s the perfect second layer that works on airplanes, in air-conditioned restaurants, and for those cool desert nights when you forgot to pack enough layers. The material feels comfortable without being bulky and rolls up inside my personal item so I can grab it mid-flight. I keep it in classic black so it always matches my travel uniform, and it goes from bag to wash and back to bag every time.

Riiqiichy silk scarf

This silk scarf he earns his keep a dozen times over. I have used it as a headband, bag decoration, neck scarf and even as an improvised red eye mask. Silk feels soft and breathable, never itchy, and instantly makes any simple travel outfit look more put together (and allows you to rewear them in a pinch, making them look and feel different). It takes up less space than a scrunchie, which is saying something, and adds a touch of shine that feels like “I planned this,” even when I definitely didn’t.

Seritant Heatless Hair Curlers

I never carry hot tools, and this heatless curling iron set is one of the reasons. I twist them in freshly dried products (either outdoors or with my hotel hair dryer) at night, secure the ends, and tie them in a silk scarfand wake up to bouncy, effortless curls—no heat damage, no extra time in the morning, and no bulky curling irons in my luggage. The satin finish keeps frizz to a minimum and the flexible wand is easy to fold. It’s a travel beauty hack that feels luxurious but takes up less space than a hairbrush.

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