So, you’re getting ready for your next adventure, and you’re doing your best not to overpack. Hopefully you’ve already gone through the checklist on my post for optimizing packing for travel so that you can travel light.
Even still, the question still remains: what are the true essentials for this trip? And that, my friends, is exactly what this post is for.
Regardless of if you’re going to the beach, the mountains, the desert, or the snow- there are 9 non-negotiables when it comes to packing for your next trip. You know I’m a wellness girlie. So there you’ll find wellness, with a dash of woo, and a whole lot of practicality when you’re browsing this list. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
9 Travel Essentials For Your Next Trip
When it comes to prepping for your next trip, you want to make sure you’re prepared without overpacking. There’s nothing worse than being weighed down by a bunch of stuff that you don’t even use on your adventure. Ugh, truly the worst.
This list of 7 travel essentials is really geared towards maximizing space, staying light, being well, and feeling prepared for whatever curveballs might come your way once you’re on the road. You want to make sure that your upcoming travels are fun, while also being replenishing. So that you can come back to regular life feeling refreshed and anew.
For more deets on how to stay well while you’re on the road, check out my post for more in-depth tricks and tips to wellness while traveling.
Water Bottle
First things first, you need to travel with a water bottle. Not only is this a score for the environment (yay for less plastic bottles!), but it’s also going to just be convenient for you. From the moment you’re in the airport, you can fill up your bottle at refill stations. To when you’re on the plane- the flight attendants will fill up your entire bottle if you ask them (which sure as hell beats those rinky dinky plastic cups that you can finish in two gulps).
When you’re on the road, you want to make sure that you’re getting enough water. And the best way to do that is to have a water bottle with you at all times. Even if you’re not going somewhere hot, hydration is still key! In fact, sometimes it’s even easier to get dehydrated in cold climates. Because we don’t feel as thirsty as we do in the heat. Bottom line, the best path to feeling as good as possible on your trip is to make sure you’re getting enough water.
LMNT
Okay, I’m a huge LMNT fan, but really any electrolytes will do if you have a preference for something else. I know what you’re thinking: but I’m already drinking enough water, I don’t need to add anything to it. And, sometimes this is enough. But the truth is, most of the time it’s not.
If you’re traveling to a place where you have to drink from bottled water, then chances are while all of the bad stuff has been filtered out- all of the good stuff has also been stripped away, too. Hydration packs, like LMNT, are an easy way to replenish all that’s been lost in our drinking water. Plus, there’s super small, light additives to bring along.
If you’re really not sold on the whole electrolyte thing, then at least bring 1 – 3 packets just in case you get food poisoning. Or, to at least sip on the travel days themselves. This is something you will be super grateful for when push comes to shove. Promise.
Waist Bag
I don’t know how I traveled without a fanny pack (waist bag, bum bag…whatever you want to call it) before this year. Truly, I can’t imagine going anywhere without it now. Why? Well, it’s super cute worn cross body. And can really give an outfit an extra flare in those moments you’re feeling kinda plain. But also, it’s convenient, practical, and safe when you’re traveling.
I love wearing my fanny pack as a cross body bag in the airport. Because then my passport, boarding pass, and whatever else I need to immediately grab is just THERE- without falling out, or getting stolen. This is also great in bustling markets abroad, or on long hikes. It’s super versatile, can fit all of the essentials (you bet your ass I always have a few packets of LMNT in mine).
I love the brand Mandrn, and found a great deal on mine buying secondhand on Poshmark. My code ALMENDRARIMBY will save you an extra $10 off your purchase of any item!
Travel Journal
There’s something extra special about journaling while traveling. Traveling cracks you open, and it’s surprising to see the remnants that pour out of you. This is where journaling comes into play.
I’m all about the 5 Minute Journal App. Because it doesn’t take up extra space in my bag, and I can add photos to posts every day. They also have a hard copy if you want to get one specifically for your next trip. I love this journal, because it’s a great way to journal if you don’t really journal. So if you’re brand new to this practice, this is the best one for you!
Online Yoga
Before you leave, download a handful of online yoga classes (or any movement classes) from your favorite instructors. I say this because you might be going to a place where there aren’t a ton of yoga options available. Or because you just want to move in the comfort of your own hotel room one day, but don’t really know how to guide yourself through completely on your own yet.
The download feature is one thing I love about my app, because I spent so much time living in places without good Wifi (or no Wifi at all!), but I would still have access to classes as long as I’d downloaded them beforehand. You can do this for any classes on my app. As well as Youtube, Alo Moves, and probably most other movement apps out there.
Kindle
I’m a huge fan of Kindle or iPad reading when on the road, because it saves so much space. I read pretty damn fast. And if I tried to bring enough books to last my vacation, I’d have to have a whole bag of books. Sounds heavy. The best thing about Kindle reading is that you can also have guidebooks of the area where you’re traveling, which can be hundreds of pages of knowledge for the region you’re in just at your fingertips.
If you’re a devout hard copy reader, then I’d try Kindle reading over iPad reading. If you’re still not sold, then just bring ONE book. And hunt for a book trade library once you finish it. Sometimes that can also be a fun way to find the most random, and surprisingly good books when you’re on the road.
Downloaded Map
Speaking of electronics and downloading stuff- download or save the map of the area you’re going to travel before you go. Why? Because you might not always have service, and chances are you have no idea where the heck you are! Plus, if you’re dealing with a language barrier, that will only add to your challenge of finding your way back to your hotel with ease.
I like to download entire maps using the app MapsME. But you can also save regions on Google Maps so that they’re available offline, as well.
Eye Mask
Quality sleep is one of the best ways to ensure you feel as good as possible, whether you’re traveling or not. I don’t know about you, but sometimes it can be hard to fall asleep in a new place. And it sure as heck can be hard to fall asleep on an airplane.
I’ve found that packing a silk eye mask is a really easy way to get more sleep when I’m traveling. I love that it’s small, light, and easy to fit in my fanny pack (because that has all my essentials for the flight, remember). Plus, the silk materials make it really comfy, and lightweight- instead of that horrible suffocating feeling.
Wipes
I’m all about the different wipes. From lens wipes for my classes, to alcohol wipes for my screens. But most importantly, I love the Woo More Play Freshies wipes for long travels when you don’t have access to a shower for a long time.
My traveling girlies out there know what it’s like to sit on a train, a plane, or a bus ride for 20+ hours or more. It’s not super comfy (for a lot of reasons), but one of them has to do with feminine care. Whether you’re on your period, or just a little sensitive- these wipes are a great way to feel a little *cleaner* without having access to a shower for a while. I always keep a few in my fanny pack for those long travel days.
There you have it my friend. The 9 travel essentials for your next trip that you don’t want to forget. They’re small, affordable, and will undoubtedly help you feel your best during your next adventure.
Have fun!
xx,
K