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10 Things Needed for Travel: A Packing List for Travelers

Last Updated: — 4 min read

Sometimes the excitement of going on a trip is marred by the reality of organizing all the things you need for a smooth experience. This packing list highlights some of the most important items travelers need on any type of trip.

Travel Documents

No matter where you’re going or how you plan to get there, travel documents are usually part of the equation. And while you might think it’s a no-brainer to grab these before you head out the door, almost every traveler has a story about nearly missing a flight because someone forgot their identification.

That’s why it’s a good idea to pack essential travel documents the day before your trip, including things like your:

In some cases, you may be able to access certain documents, like tickets and boarding passes, through an application on your phone. But even when that’s the case, you might want to make copies. That way, you’re prepared if the originals are lost or stolen.

A Fully Charged Phone (Plus a Charger and Adapter)

Forgetting your phone when you’re at home is a nuisance, but it can be a major headache when you’re traveling. Just think about all the travel situations where you might need it:

  • Boarding a flight
  • Calling a rideshare
  • Confirming a reservation
  • Getting directions
  • Contacting your family
  • Translating questions

Your phone is simply too valuable to leave behind or to let the charge run down, so make sure you’ve packed it, plus a charger and adapter, before you leave on vacation. While you’re at it, consider getting a portable power bank that lets you recharge without an outlet.

Comfortable Shoes

No one needs to remind you to pack clothes that are appropriate for where you’re going, but we cannot emphasize enough the importance of including comfortable shoes. Most vacations require a good deal of walking, and a quality pair of shoes can make the difference between enjoying the experience and suffering blisters and sore feet.

Warm Socks

While we’re focused on your feet, we also think a pair of warm socks is a must-have on any trip. They take up minimal space in your luggage and can be a lifesaver on just about any mode of transportation as well as in chilly hotel rooms and vacation rentals.

Bonus tip: Compression socks can be a travel essential if you’re anticipating a long flight. They reduce swelling, pain, and your risk for blood clots.

A Good Travel Pillow

While there’s nothing better than a vacation, the actual act of getting to your destination can be exhausting. Sleeping on a plane or in a car is seldom comfortable, but a travel pillow can help.

Ideally, you want to buy a travel pillow that is easy to pack and that supports your head and neck. Look for one with about five inches of foam on all sides. That way, your head won’t drop forward when you sleep.

Hand Sanitizer

The best way to get rid of germs is soap and water. However, these may not be readily available while you travel, so your next best bet is a small bottle of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. This won’t get rid of every kind of germ, and it’s not as effective when your hands are visibly dirty, but it will do in a pinch.

A Reusable Water Bottle

Traveling, especially by plane, can be dehydrating, and that can then lead to fatigue and headaches. Unfortunately, buying a bottle of water at most tourist destinations will cost you an arm and a leg — and ultimately cost the environment even more.

The easiest solution? A reusable water bottle that you can bring through security and refill wherever you see a water fountain.

However, there is one major caveat to this travel necessity: You need to know if the water where you are staying is safe to drink. Check out the US Department of State – Bureau of Consumer Affairs website to learn about your destination’s water quality.

TSA-approved Luggage Lock

Keeping belongings secure is high on the list of concerns for most travelers, so a lock for your luggage is usually considered a must-have travel accessory. However, you want to buy a TSA-approved luggage lock. That way, security personnel can easily open your bag without damaging it if they need to.

Prescriptions and Medications

You not only want to pack any prescription medications, you also need to make sure they’re handy while you travel. On a flight, that means stashing them in your carry-on luggage. There’s no limit to how much you can bring, unless you have liquid medications. Then the TSA says you can carry on a “reasonable amount” in excess of the usual limit of 3.4 ounces (learn more about TSA’s 3-1-1 rule.

Other tips for flying with prescription medications include:

  • Notifying security personnel when you have liquid medications
  • Keeping your prescription medications in their original containers
  • Asking for a visual inspection if you don’t want your medications x-rayed

You can also carry on or check syringes. Unused syringes must be accompanied by injectable medications. Used syringes need to be carried in a hard-surfaced container like the ones approved by the FDA.

Some people also prefer to keep over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and antacids, handy when they travel. However, be sure to check the law if you’re traveling internationally. Medications that are readily available without prescription in the US may be regulated in other countries.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance may not be something you literally pack, but it should be something you consider getting before you take a trip. Depending on the policy you chose, trip insurance can cover:

  • Cancelled trips
  • Medical care while you’re abroad
  • Delays and interruptions while traveling
  • Lost or stolen luggage

The money you spend on travel is an investment, and you should protect it like one. The right coverage can save you from financial losses should the worst-case scenario actually occur.

Written by Virginia Hamill

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