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I’m the kind of traveler who needs to feel prepared for any situation.
I’ll be honest — this has led to a chronic overpacking issue. Nevertheless, I always end up grateful to my past self for helping me be prepared.
Through years of trial and error, I’ve narrowed down what essentials I truly can’t travel without. Things that help me travel smart, more comfortably, and prevent problems. Because at the end of the day, a trip is meant to be enjoyed, not spent scrambling to fix something or gritting through preventable discomfort.
So, here are the essentials that help me travel happier and more hassle-free. Some may seem simple and some might be unheard of, but they’ve all made a big difference in how I travel.
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Dopper water bottle – a smartly designed bottle with a bonus
I first discovered the company Dopper from my Dutch friend. She brought me one of their water bottles as a gift when she visited Chicago a few years back.
When she gave it to me, she said “everyone in Amsterdam has one.” Well, of course, I was happy to hop on the trend. But after having it for a few years, I’ve realized it’s actually the perfect travel water bottle.
The Dopper water bottle is lightweight and has a sleek design making it easy to carry. It’s super easy to clean, holds up well, and the bottles are BPA, Phthalate, and lead-free. The best part? The bottle’s unique design. It can be used two ways (as pictured above) — as a normal water bottle, or as a cup to use separately or to share.
This is all perfect for travel because you can use it as a normal bottle, or use the cup detachment to share drinks with a friend, brush your teeth, or whatever else makes sense to you. Over numerous trips, this versatile bottle has really come in handy.
Plus, Doppers come in a ton of colors and sizes, and you can even get a stainless steel one if you’re worried about insulation.
Multi-purpose wash – helps you clean dishes, clothes, and more, on-the-go
When I first discovered multi-purpose wash a few years ago, I couldn’t believe I’d traveled so long without it. It is exactly what it sounds like. A soap you can use for pretty much everything. But trust me when I say it comes in handy.
You can use this stuff as shampoo, body wash, dish soap, and laundry detergent. Admittedly, I’ve only used it for dishes and clothes and will probably stick to that, but you get the idea. The truth is that stuff gets dirty from travel and it’s nice to have an easy, go-to bottle you can use to do laundry on the go and wash your water bottle or other items.
I’ve done the whole wash your clothes and dishes with hotel soap in the sink thing. This works better. And, it comes in a TSA-compliant bottle so it’s ready to go.
Noise-canceling headphones – block out excess airplane noise
You don’t realize how much of a difference noise-canceling headphones make on planes until you do. I own a pair of Sony noise-canceling headphones and will never ever travel without them.
Wearing these headphones blocks out excess noise, helps me sleep better on planes and trains, and helps me focus when I’m working and traveling at the same time. I know over-the-head headphones are bulkier to pack than noise-canceling earbuds, but I prefer them since they’re more comfortable for me.
Trail running sneakers – the perfect, versatile travel shoe
Shoes are a huge part of any travel wardrobe that should not be overlooked. Nine times out of ten, traveling anywhere will involve a ton of walking, and bad or uncomfortable shoes can ruin any good trip.
In my experience, the ideal pair of travel shoes are trail runners or low-top hiking shoes because they’re versatile. These types of shoes offer good grip and traction, are comfortable enough to wear daily, and can go with different outfits. You can easily transition these shoes from a mountain hike to a city excursion.
There are endless options on the market when it comes to these types of shoes. But for me, my perfect travel shoes are the Salomon xt6 Sportstyle.
Salomons are definitely an investment at $200, but I think they’re worth it. I’ve dragged mine all around Chicago and wore them almost daily on a month-long Europe trip. They’re super comfortable and lightweight, they have the perfect amount of traction, and they look great with a ton of outfits.
This being said, Salomons might not be for everyone since they’re pricey and designed for more narrow feet. Although I’ll be wearing and repurchasing them for years to come, my main advice is to find a quality pair of trail runners that work for you.
Basic sneakers lack the traction and quality that trail runners do, which is why I recommend them instead.
Sleeping mask – this simple accessory helps you sleep better
I used to think that sleeping masks were impractical, uncomfortable, and a little frivolous. After several hostel stays and trips abroad, my opinion has totally flipped.
Unless you’re the type of person who can fall asleep anywhere and easily, you should get a sleeping mask for travel. They’re handy whether you’re on a plane or train, or staying at a hostel or hotel.
Getting good sleep is key when you’re on the go, and a sleeping mask helps you get just that. It’s amazing what a little light blocking can do.
I purchased mine cheaply from a Flying Tiger store in Lisbon back in 2022, but any soft, simple sleeping mask will do the trick.
Daypack – travel comfortably, organized, and prepared
I think a daypack should be on any traveler’s list of essentials, and it’s for a good reason.
When you’re spending long days day-tripping and exploring a destination left, right, up, and down, you’re going to need and want to pack more than you would back at home.
Things like a water bottle, a sweater, snacks, an umbrella, and even a swimsuit might find its way into your day pack. Not to mention, you might pick up some souvenirs along the way.
Cut the hassle and keep things simple by having a small backpack to wear and store everything in. It feels better to be prepared and it’s easier to keep everything organized in one secure bag.
My day pack is a simple black one I picked up at a thrift store in Chicago a while ago. However, Travel Lemming founder, Nate, recommends the Osprey Daylite backpack for its durability, versatility, and great quality.
Notebook or journal – capture your memories in your own words
I never take a trip without my journal, and if you’re not a big journaler, consider this your sign to give it a try!
Traveling brings new experiences and moments that while special, often slip into the abyss of memories that eventually fade with time. Travel journaling is a cool and really personal way of holding onto it all.
Plus, delays and slow moments spent in transit are a little inevitable. Using that time to write in a notebook, or even jot down some bullet points about your travels, is a great way to pass the time and process all your new experiences.
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When it comes to travel essentials, versatility and comfort are key for me. These items do all of that and more. Do you have any essentials that you can’t travel without? Tell us what they are in the comments below!