20 Ultimate Travel Essentials for Frequent Travelers

Last Updated on July 19, 2024 by Paola Castillo

As a travel writer and blogger, I usually travel 300+ days out of the year. Having been to 61 countries, I’ve spent years finding the perfect travel essentials list to help make travel easier, safer, and more fun. I’m always asked for recommendations on gear and hacks to travel better, and these brilliant travel products are the answer to making travel a lot less stressful (and a lot more fun)!

Here is the ultimate list of everything you need to pack, organize, and explore to travel like the pros. This list has been divided into 3 categories: Get Comfy, Get Organized, and Get Digital.

Travel Essentials For Your Next Trip

Get Comfy

Noise-canceling headphones

Sony’s headphones are the best quality noise-canceling headphones out there. Not only do they altogether cancel out noise (say, for example, a baby crying in the row next to you when you’re on a redeye), but you can also adjust the level of noise-canceling to whatever you want. Moreover, they also last 20 hours and come with Alexa built-in.

A silk eye-mask

I never travel without my slip silk eye mask! When it comes to switching time zones and sleeping on planes, a good quality eye mask is my #1 recommendation. Slipsilk’s eye masks are made from the softest silk for anti-aging, anti-sleep-creases, and anti-jet-lag benefits. You can’t ask for anything better to get your trip off on the right foot.

TRTL travel neck pillow

This super-soft neck support travel pillow is renowned among travelers as the best invention in the last few years. It’s lightweight, soft, and scientifically proven to keep your head in a better position when sleeping upright by holding your head in an ergonomic place. On top of that, it is machine washable, so it can stay fresh trip after trip.

Water shoes

Water shoes should be on your travel essentials list. For example, if you’re going anywhere tropical or plan on snorkeling, a pair of these water shoes are a must! They are the perfect mix of fashionable and practical!

Get Organized

Travel Jewelry Case

One of my favorite organizing hacks while traveling is a great travel jewelry case. For example, I love this one from Mark & Graham because it has a ton of room for earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and more! It even comes monogrammed!

Packing Cubes

Another organizing hack is to always use packing cubes. It helps you fit a ton into your suitcase and keeps you organized, especially if you’re going to more than one hotel on your trip.

Travel bottles for liquids

I love soft silicone travel bottles for storing 3 oz of all of my liquids, like shampoo, conditioner, cleanser, toner, etc. Their silicone bottles have large openings, making them super easy to fill and clean, and they’re even food safe!

A digital luggage scale

If you’re the one who almost always gets to the airport and needs to rearrange their checked baggage because it’s 51 pounds, you’re not alone. I live by this digital luggage scale to ensure all my bags are under the limit. Having this little scale on hand saves so much time, hassle, and money while traveling.

Wineskin Wine Bottle Holder

If you like to bring (or take home) wine from your travels, you need Wineskin’s wine bottle holders. They’ll keep your glass bottles safe so you won’t have any more nasty surprises or messy spills when you open your suitcase.

A reusable water bottle

Travel dehydrates you, and, let’s face it, those tiny cups of water they give you on flights are just not enough. So, travel with a reusable water bottle and fill it up after security in the airport to keep you hydrated throughout your travel day.

Lo & Sons camera bag crossbody

If you’re looking for a chic camera bag/travel purse all in one, Lo & Sons is the best there is. Their modern, classic designs and luxurious leather make the perfect travel purse, and you can even fit a large DSLR camera inside!

A great suitcase

Away’s award-winning suitcases are perfect for the frequent traveler. They feature 360 wheels and hard shells, making it easy to stay organized while traveling. Moreover, their carry-ons have a USB charger port on top of the suitcase, and their checked bags come with a laundry bag inside so you can keep your dirty clothes organized away from your clean ones on your trip. Honestly, this brand has thought of everything.

TSA-Approved Luggage Lock

A study recently found that airline passengers filed almost 8,000 yearly claims against the TSA for losing items such as clothing, jewelry, and electronics. This TSA-approved luggage lock keeps your belongings safe, and it’s one of the best things you can buy for peace of mind while traveling.

Worldwide Travel Charger

With dual USB ports and 5 international adaptors, this plug is compatible with outlets in North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, Japan, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, China, etc. In short, this plug and charger is the ultimate frequent traveler accessory!

A leather passport case

There’s nothing like a great passport case to make you feel excited about your travels. For example, this “I’m Outta Here” case is a perfect travel accessory for anyone traveling the world, studying abroad, or just dreaming up their next vacay!

Get Digital

An underwater phone case to turn your phone into an underwater camera

If you’re going somewhere tropical and want to take photos and videos while you’re sailing, snorkeling, waterfall chasing, or white-water-rafting, you’re going to need this top-ranked dry case for your phone. It works beautifully and keeps your phone safe in the water. In other words, it is hands-down one of the best travel essentials to travel with!

A mini phone tripod to wirelessly take photos of your family on vacation

This little tripod is easy to travel with and supports any device (smartphones, GoPros, digital/DSLR cameras). Moreover, it has a Bluetooth remote, so you’ll never have to ask a stranger to retake your picture!

A solar-powered phone charger

One of the coolest travel essentials out there right now is this solar-powered phone charger, which is perfect for adventurous travelers who may not have access to plugs or USBs.

Lipstick-sized compact battery charger for Android and iPhone Smartphones

This tiny aluminum power bank is ideal for traveling with – you can be sure you never run out of power on the go. On top of that, it has a bonus flashlight!

A Kindle Paperwhite

The Kindle Paperwhite ($129) is an e-reader with multiple weeks-long battery life. If you’re an avid reader or just looking to soak up a new beach read in the Sun, a Kindle is a travel must-have. Actually, it’s now even waterproof!

Final Words…

In conclusion, the right list of travel essentials can make a fantastic trip even better. Whether you’re looking to relax, keep things organized/stress-free, or take advantage of the latest technology, any of these items will help free you to make your trip that much more memorable! So, choose the ones you think will be investments in your personal happiness.

This article is part of the “Frequent Flyer Series.”  Click here to learn more.