{Travel} My Must-Have Travel Items & Hacks

I have been thinking about this post for awhile now and I'm ready to share my top travel must haves and  packing hacks.


1)Packing cubes

I'm a total packing cube convert and now use them for every trip.

I devoted a whole post to them here - 10 Days in Europe in one Carry On.

2)Corded  (noise cancelling) headphones

The noise cancelling kind are so nice for air travel when you're trying to watch a movie.  You usually need headphones with a cord to tap into the plane's entertainment system too.

I always bring a set of corded headphones for using the plane's entertainment system (though the last time we traveled internationally, they gave out free sets).  I love my AirPods for listening to/watching things on my phone.


3)Phone on Airplane mode

Download your favorite music and podcasts and listen to them in airplane mode.

 4) Blanket Scarf

I use this for plane and car travel. It keeps me warm on chilly planes and keeps my travel outfit clean in case I spill my coffee. #always  It's so much nicer than those airplane blankets!!

5)Foldable  & reusable shopping bag

The one  on the right  comes with me everywhere I go. It's always in my purse.  It also goes on vacation with me.   A lot of places have either eliminated or cut down on disposable plastic bag use.

I'm always happy to have my own bag for shopping.  In a pinch it's been my camera bag in the rain too.  I throw it in the wash and air dry it every few months.

6) Gel insoles for my shoes

Traveling means LOTS of walking and I want my feet to be as comfy as possible.

7)Sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer

I am a certified "germ phobe" so I always have hand sanitizer with  me. I use the wipes for airplane trays, arm rests and restaurant tables.  Nobody wants to get sick on a trip!

8)Eye mask & ear plugs

I use these on the plane and in hotels and airbnbs.


9)Cotton pads in makeup compacts

To keep my makeup from crumbling in travel, I cut cotton pads to fit inside the compacts.

Make sure the compact can close securely. It works like a charm!

10) Plastic wrap on bottles

To give liquids a little more spill resistance, cut a small piece of plastic wrap to cover the opening of the bottle before putting on the lid.

11)Passport/Itinerary

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a different place than where you keep your passport. Taking a photo on your phone works too but I still like having a hard copy (you can also leave a hard copy at home).  Screenshot your itinerary and keep it as the lock photo on your phone.

What are your best travel hacks?

More travel posts:

{European Vacation/Paris/London}

{Edinburgh/Dublin Trip}

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