After years of travelling for work, research, and joy, on long-haul flights, spontaneous road trips, and everything in between, I’ve curated a personal list of travel essentials I can always rely on. These are the pieces that help me move easily through airports, feel grounded in new places, and enjoy the ride, no matter the destination.
I don’t pack a lot. A 25kg check-in bag and a hand luggage can get me through months of travel. What I bring is intentional: practical tools, comforting items, and a few small luxuries that turn travel into something that feels effortless and even elegant. Some of the links below include affiliate commissions, which means you pay the same price and I get a small thank-you gift for every purchase you make through this page!
My Always-Ready Travel Kit
Let’s start with the little pouch that lives in my hand luggage. I keep this one ready at all times. It’s packed with items I keep repurchasing and reach for during every journey, especially long flights or early mornings on the go.
Passport – naturally.
Manta sleep mask – soft and completely light-blocking. I’ve napped in planes, trains, and airports thanks to this.
Soundcore sleep earphones – super comfortable, great for white noise or calming playlists.
Lavender essential oil/spray – instantly calming and lovely in unfamiliar hotel rooms.
Mini health kit – antiseptic spray, wet wipes, and a few plasters for small scrapes or blisters after a long walk.
Nuxe honey hand cream & lip balm – nourishing and lightly scented. I cannot live without this.
- Nasal salt water spray – the air is super dry on airplanes, and this saves my sensitive nose!
A few tea bags – my little ritual: ask for hot water and enjoy your favourite tea mid-flight.
Hair ties and clips – always useful.
Sunglasses – tucked in for arrival.
A soft scarf – works as a blanket, pillow, or shoulder wrap.
Having this kit ready-to-go takes the stress out of packing. It’s my anchor for feeling calm and comfortable wherever I am.
My Travel Experience
I’ve travelled to over 40 countries and lived for longer than 6 months in five: Belgium, Spain, the UK, the Netherlands, and Mexico. I enjoy travelling both for work and leisure, as a very curious person who can’t stop learning and exploring!
Travel Tools That Make Life Easier
Over the years, I’ve found a few lightweight but powerful tools that streamline every journey. These are the small details that make a big difference. The are the behind-the-scenes heroes of my travel routine:
Essentials
- Nortvi suitcase – lightweight and built to last, with lifetime warranty. It’s followed me everywhere.
- Stainless steel water bottle – need I say more?
- Portable battery – non-negotiable for long days of exploring or travel delays.
- Luggage scale – a tiny tool that saves a lot of hassle (especially when flying carry-on).
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Electrolyte sachets – for staying hydrated after long flights, big hikes, or late nights.
- Travel insurance – always ready, whatever happens! I recommend SafetyWing.
Tech tools
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Wise – the best app I’ve found for handling multiple currencies, without outrageous fees.
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Holafly – fast, simple eSIMs with unlimited data to keep me connected from the moment I land.
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NordVPN – for safely browsing sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi.
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All-in-one charging cable – with USB-C, Lightning, and micro-USB. One sleek cable for all your devices.
And my favourite hands-free helper…
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Phone strap – mine clips right onto my case. It keeps my phone accessible and secure while strolling through airports, markets, or trails. No digging through a bag, no accidental drops. My favourite phone snaps brands: Xouxou and MyJewellery!
Here the North suitcase, which I absolutely love. I have the cabin-friendly size with front pocket, in the colour Clay. The quality and functionality are impeccable, and it is life-time warranty!
Travel Essentials for Meaningful Experiences
Beyond the practical tools, I always get a few extras that connect me to the experience of travel itself:
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Notebook and pen – to journal, reflect, sketch, or keep tiny scraps of the journey. Travel opens the mind; writing helps you hold onto it.
- A great book – truly nothing beats this… check out my favourites over here!
- Mini retro camera – leave your phone at the hotel. be present. capture unique memories!
- Postcards – to collect or send them to loved ones, this is one of my favourite keepsakes.
- Relationship cards – ICYMI this is a popular and very effective way to connect deeper with strangers and friends.
These are the items that will make any journey become transformative and special.
Get all my Travel Essentials
You can purchase all my favourite travel essentials on my Amazon storefront at no extra cost for you, while this generate a very small commission for me. Think of it as a thank-you gift!
Final Thoughts
Travel essentials are a little collection of routines and objects that help me feel at ease, wherever I am in the world. Whether I’m navigating a busy airport, hopping into a rental car, or sipping tea in a quiet hotel room, these items keep things flowing. You don’t need to bring everything, just the right things.
Whether you’re prepping for your next long haul flight or road trip across Italy, I hope this list inspires you to pack with joy and intention.
Hi! I’m Sophie
I am a social scientist and explorer. In my work, I analyse the intersection of politics, technology, and democracy. Nothing makes me happier than learning and discovering the wonders of the world. I consider myself an enthusiastic feminist and self-care advocate.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you! Think of it as a free gift to support my blog 🤍
