My Personal Travel Kit
10 Essentials That Have Earned Their Place in My Luggage
As a frequent traveler, I rely on a small, core collection of gear that makes a massive difference in how smoothly a trip goes. These travel essentials are reliable, functional items. If a product doesn't genuinely simplify my life or solve a common travel headache, it doesn't make the cut.
Here are the 10 things I genuinely recommend because I use them myself.
Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links. I only recommend products I genuinely use, trust, and believe will benefit your travels.
1. Universal Travel Adapter
TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter, International Power Adapter with 4 USB Ports (1 USB C), Worldwide Plug Adaptor Wall Charger for USA to Europe UK France Germany Spain Ireland Australia(Type C/G/A/I)
The Review: Traveling internationally means navigating a maze of different outlets. This universal adapter solves that problem in a single, compact device. It features sliders for US, EU, UK, and AU plugs, plus multiple USB ports. It’s an indispensable tool for keeping all your devices charged, no matter which corner of the globe you land in.
MZOO Luxury Sleep Eye Mask for Side Sleeper Men Women, Zero Eye Pressure 3D Sleeping Mask, Light Blocking Patented Design Night Blindfold, Soft Eye Shade Cover for Travel, Black
Review: Nothing ruins a flight or train ride like harsh ambient light. This sleeping mask is designed with a 3D shape that keeps pressure off your eyes while blocking out 100% of light. It's soft, comfortable, and provides the darkness you need to grab quality rest.
3. Veken 8 Set Packing Cubes
Veken 10 Set/8 Set Packing Cubes for Travel Essentials, Suitcase Organizer Bags in 4 Sizes, Carry-On Luggage Accessories with Laundry & Toiletry Bag
Review: For general packing and staying tidy throughout the trip, these packing cubes are unbeatable. They don't compress clothes so much as they organize and compartmentalize them, so you can easily find your shirts, socks, or dirty laundry etc. If your goal is everyday structure and easy unpacking, these are the way to go.
4. Electronic Organizer for Cables & Accessories
FYY Travel Cable Organizer Pouch Electronic Accessories Carry Case Portable Waterproof Double Layers All-in-One Storage Bag for Cord, Charger, Phone, Pattern Blue
The Review: If your backpack always turns into a tangled mess of cables, chargers, and headphones, this organizer is the solution. It keeps your expensive tech accessories protected from damage and, most importantly, keeps them from getting lost at the bottom of your bag. Essential for the digital traveler.
5. Anker Slim 10K Portable Charger (UK Link)
Anker USB C Power Bank, PowerCore Essential 20000 PD (18W) Power Bank, High Cell Capacity 20,000 mAh Portable Charger Battery Pack for iPhone 12/Mini/Pro/Max Pro/Samsung (PD Charger Not Included)
The Review: This portable charger packs a huge 10,000mAh capacity into an incredibly slim and lightweight design. It provides multiple full charges for your phone and is reliable enough to keep your essential tech alive for days of heavy use, from airport layovers to long excursions.
6. Hanging Toiletry Bag Organizer
Travelon Compact Hanging Toiletry Kit
The Review: This organizer keeps your shampoos, skincare, and makeup upright and visible in separate compartments, eliminating the fear of leaks or forgetting a key item. I like the convenience of hangin it on the back of a door or towel rack and for instant accessibility.
7. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB)
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) – Now with a larger display, adjustable warm light, increased battery life, and faster page turns – Black
The Review: The Paperwhite is the ideal road companion. The larger, glare-free display reads exactly like paper, even in harsh sunlight, and the adjustable warm light is a blessing for late-night reading on a crowded flight. With 16GB, you can carry an entire library for months of travel, and the battery life is measured in weeks.
8. Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw, BPA-Free Sports Water Bottle, Great for Travel, 24 Oz, Daybreak
The Review: Finding a water bottle that travels well and actually makes you drink more water is a win. The Owala FreeSip design is genius: you can sip upright through the built-in straw or swig from the wider spout. The stainless steel insulation keeps water ice-cold all day, and the secure lock keeps it from spilling in your bag. It's durable, easy to clean, and a simple way to prioritize hydration, whether you're hiking or just moving through airports. It is on the pricier side but it lasts long and worth it - I’ve even purchased it in multiple colors.
Pro-tip: If you open it during flight, crack the lid slowly; cabin pressure changes can cause it to burst and spill
9. Travel Backpack Carry-On Size
coowoz Travel Backpack For Women Men,Carry On Backpack,Hiking Backpack Waterproof Outdoor Sports Rucksack Casual Daypack travel essentials（Khaki）
Review: This is the ultimate "personal item" bag designed specifically for maximizing carry-on space. The thoughtful clamshell opening lets you pack it like a suitcase, while the internal compression straps ensure everything stays tight. It has dedicated compartments for a laptop and shoes. If you want to bypass checked baggage fees and still pack enough for a solid week, this waterproof rucksack was designed for the frequent traveler.
10. Vacuum Storage Bags with Wireless Electric Air Pump
Rechargeable Wireless Pump Travel Storage Bags Set - 15 Pack Portable Space Saver Bags for Travel & Home - Vacuum Compression Packing Seal for Clothes, Blankets, Seasonal Storage
The Review: These bags are for when you need to defy physics and cram maximum volume into minimal space - perfect for bulky items like winter jackets, ski gear, or simply pushing the limits of a carry-on. Unlike cubes which organize, these truly compress. The included wireless electric pump saves you the arm workout of a manual pump and ensures you can re-compress your items quickly before the trip home. I personally use the Veken 8 Set Packing Cubes (Item #3) for trips with my larger suitcase and these bags when I need maximum capacity in my carry-on suitcase.
