Essential Travel Items to Have on Every Vacation (2024)

Packing for a vacation can sometimes be a little stressful. You want to make sure you have everything you need for your trip, and make sure it all fits in your suitcase! Here, we provide you with the topessential travel items to have on any trip!

Luckily, in most destinations, you can buy anything you forgot to pack at the local store. However, that can be very inconvenient and throw a wrench in your travel plans!

Once you have all your items you will need, you might need some help packing it all up! We have you covered on that too, with some essential packing tips every traveler should know that we use all the time!

Here are some airline packing guidelines of what you can and cannot bring on the plane with you!

With this list, you won’t forget anything on your vacation! Continue reading for more on essential travel items to have for vacation!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

When packing clothes for an upcoming trip, I suggest looking at your agenda and the weather for each day. Plan an outfit accordingly for each day. Here are some essential packing tips every traveler should know!

Additionally, I always pack 2-3 extra outfits, just in case the weather changes, I spill something, or just to have some options! This strategy will prevent you from overpacking, while also making sure you have all the clothing you need for the trip!

General clothing list:

• Outfits for each day dependent on weather and occasion
• Socks, undergarments, etc.
• Pajamas/comfy clothes for hotel or downtime
• Nice outfit in case you go out somewhere fancy
• Gym clothes if working out, hiking, doing something active. Sneakers, leggings/shorts, sports bra, t-shirt/tank
• Scarf or outfit covering shoulders if going to a church or temple
• Glasses if you need them
• Belt
• Jewelry
• Shoes (2-3 pairs that are comfortable if you are doing a lot of walking!)
• Cami/undershirt
• Airplane outfit (comfy pants like leggings, a t-shirt, and a sweatshirt)

When packing toiletries, especially liquids, less is more! Get a good liquids bag to store all your goodies, especially ones with small containers. I use this liquids bag, and I love it! I like that it has tiny containers if you just need to pack a little bit of something!

General toiletry packing list:

• Shampoo/conditioner (or just use the hotels to save space)
• Body wash
• Razor (can be packed in carry on)
• Makeup and makeup brushes/sponges
• Contacts (and a couple of extra pairs just in case) & contact solution
• I like to pack a mini loofa- you can find one at the Dollar Tree
• Deodorant
• Medicines/vitamins (easily pack in a travel pill case)
• Hand sanitizer
• Bug repellent
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• I always pack a zip loc of a few bandaids, q-tips, etc. just in case!
• Dramamine if you get motion sick or are going on a boat.
• Tampons/pads if you will need them
• Perfume (get a sample size if you can!)
• Makeup remover and cotton pads
• Hairbrush (I like these because they are so small!)
• Hairdryer/straightener/curler (these cordless ones are great for traveling)
• Face Wash
• Face moisturizer
• Sunscreen
• Any other things you use daily: hair products, shaving cream, lotion, tweezers, primer, etc.

There are some things you just CANNOT forget when you are traveling, making them a top priority our list of essential travel items to have for any vacation! Here are some packing tips that might help!

• Driver’s license or ID
• Passport (if needed)
• Credit cards
• Cash (you may want to exchange money at your bank before leaving for your trip)
• House & car keys
• Boarding passes (or have them on your phone)
• Tickets to any events you will be attending (we like to keep tickets on our phone, and also print them out)
• Itinerary (printed or on phone)
• School ID (hey, you might get a discount!)
• Medical insurance info, just in case

Any good vacation includes a beach, pool, or jacuzzi! That’s why we needed to include it on our essential travel items to have a list!

You can check out our packing list for how to get to the beach in style!

General Beach/Pool Packing List

• Beach towel (or if you don’t have enough room, just use a hotel towel!)
• Bathing suit (1-2 to let them dry in between wears)
• Flip flops
• Sunscreen (sample-sized if taking in carry on)
• Floppy hat (see essential packing tips every traveler should knowto learn how to pack one!)
• Bathing suit cover-up
• Sunglasses
• Beach tote to hold all your things
• Mini Bluetooth speaker

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, chances are you will have some sort of electronic with you!

• Cell phone & Charger
• Outlet adapter, if needed (we have this 3 pack and they work great. Make sure to research what type you will need for your destination)
• Portable charging bank (We have like 3 of these!)
• Tripod selfie stick (because if you read my posts often, you know I lovetaking pictures on vacation!)
• Laptop & charger, if needed
• Headphones (don’t forget this one, because many planes have in-flight entertainment. If you forget your headphones, it’s going to be a long ride if they don’t provide any!)
• Camera
• Ipad

Carry-on items

Especially if you are on a long flight, you will want some things in your carry on! Check out our top carry on items!

• Snacks
• Reusable /collapsible water bottle
• Entertainment: books, magazines, journal, music, audiobook, podcasts, etc.
• Neck pillow
• Blanket
• Top carry on items

Here are some other general packing list items that you might need on a vacation.

• Mini umbrella
• Pet supplies if you furry friend is joining you
• Chapstick
• Dryer sheets to put in your suitcase between clothes
• Allergy meds (just in case!)
• Travel journal