20 Must-Have Travel Essentials No One Remembers

If you think you're forgetting something as you pack for your next big trip, it's because you probably are. We've all had that feeling as we got ready to take off on our next adventure, and more often than not, our gut was right.

Don't hit the road on your next road trip or head to the airport without remembering to grab these twenty essential travel items first.

1. First Aid Kit

A small, travel-sized first aid kit can be incredibly useful in case of minor injuries or illnesses, whether you're headed to the park or across the country.

Stock it with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications you might need; cuts, scrapes, and blisters can happen to the best of us. This is a particularly important addition to your travel kit if you're traveling with kids!

2. Flexible Tripod

Whether you're traveling alone or with family, a small, lightweight, and flexible tripod can be the perfect tool to set up shots you'll always cherish from your trip. Adjustable legs make it easy to grip onto any surface to get the perfect angle, whether you're taking photos with your phone or a camera.

3. Extra Memory Card

If you're traveling with a camera, make sure to bring along an extra memory card when you hit the road. There's nothing worse than running out of storage space midway through your trip and being forced to delete photos you actually loved! It's a small item that can save you a lot of hassle.

4. Water Bottle With Filter

Save plastic (and money) by bringing a water bottle with a filter along with you on your next trip.

This is an especially useful tool if you're traveling abroad and can't drink tap water; brands like LifeStraw make water bottles with built-in filters that filter out everything from microplastics to parasites, making tap water drinkable no matter where you're traveling.

5. Travel-Sized Sewing Kit

A travel-sized sewing kit is something travelers often forget to pack, but it will be sorely missed if you run into a snag — no pun intended! Replace a button or fix a small tear with a compact kit that includes essentials like needles, thread, and safety pins. Sometimes, hotels will give these out for free, which is the perfect time to grab one to keep in your suitcase for future trips.

6. Luggage Lock

Savvy travelers know that keeping luggage locked with a simple lock is a great way to keep things safe, whether you're heading through the airport or leaving them in your hotel room for a few hours. These can also double as backpack locks if you're exploring busy areas with a backpack.

7. S-Biner Mini Bag Locks

S-biner micro locks may be one of the most overlooked yet affordable pieces of travel gear for keeping your items safe. These tiny locks clip your purse or backpack shut and can be just enough to deter pickpocketing as you travel. Easy to use and lightweight, they add a level of security without hassle.

8. All-In-One Soap

If you haven’t tried a multi-purpose soap bar like Dr. Bronner’s yet, your next trip may be the perfect time. Natural all-in-one soap can even function as shampoo, making it a perfect addition to your travel gear if you're traveling carry-on only and need to pack light and can't lug bottles with you.

9. All-in-one Shampoo and Conditioner

If Dr. Bronner's all-purpose bar soap isn't for you, consider traveling with a two-in-one shampoo and condition solution instead. This will save space in your suitcase as you travel, especially if you're traveling carry-on only on your next flight and can't bring along your full-size shampoo and conditioner.

10. Universal Plug Adapter

If you're headed abroad soon, make sure to pack an all-purpose electrical current convert and plug adaptor. Multi-use adapters can fit every type of plug with extendable prongs, and since they're small, they take up hardly any space in your bag. Trust us — you'll be thankful you packed this when you land overseas.

11. Silicone Earplugs

You never know when you're going to find yourself next to a noisy neighbor on an airplane or at a hotel in an unexpectedly lively part of town. Silicone earplugs are reusable and highly effective and will make a big difference in your comfort as you travel. Don't leave home without them!

12. Wired Headphones

Often, traveling involves many hours of being on the road or stuck in the sky, which can mean even the best brands of wireless headphones will lose power. Throw a cheap pair of traditional headphones in your bag just in case; it can save you from boredum on a long flight or road trip.

13. Earphones Splitter

If you're looking forward to a trip with a friend or partner, consider bringing along a headphone splitter to share the same entertainment as you travel. Simple and easy to pack, this is a must if you're looking forward to enjoying your most recent Netflix binge together with your travel mates.

14. Travel Umbrella

Who hasn't gotten caught in an unexpected rainstorm only to have to buy yet another umbrella? Add a compact, lightweight umbrella to your travel bag and avoid having to buy another one while you're on the road. You'll be surprised how little space it will take up in your big. It'll be a game changer if you're traveling to a particually rainy destination.

15. Portable Power Bank

A portable power bank ensures that your devices stay charged on the go. Whether you’re exploring a city, hiking in the mountains, or on a long flight, a power bank can be a lifesaver to keep all your devices charged as you travel. We rely so much on our phones when we travel so don't let yours die on you.

16. Waterproof Phone Bag

Inexpensive waterproof pouches are a fun addition to your travel bag whether you're going to the beach, the lake, or even the swimming pool and want to experiment with underwater shots! They're also a great item to keep your phone or camera free from sand at the beach, even if you don't plan on getting in the water.

17. Travel Pillow

A good travel pillow can make long flights or bus rides much more comfortable. Opt for a memory foam pillow that provides proper neck support if you have a history of back problems, though an inflatable travel pillow can be a get item to a small travel pack and save space when you're not using it.

18. Reusable Shopping Bag

A reusable shopping bag or simple canvas tote is handy for carrying extra items or souvenirs you pick up as you travel. Lightweight, foldable, and eco-friendly, this simple addition to your travel bag will help reduce the need for plastic bags as you explore and can help when grocery shopping, packing, or even serving as a spare beach bag.

19. Travel Journal

A travel journal is a wonderful way to document your experiences and memories as you go from place to place. Whether you prefer writing, sketching, or pasting photos and tickets, a journal helps you capture the essence of your trip. One day, you'll be happy you captured your feelings as your ventured through the world.

20. Eye Mask

Just like earplugs, you’ll regret not having an eye mask handy when traveling. Whether you're staying at a hostel without blackout curtains or trying to make the most of a long flight by sleeping, having an eye mask on hand will be a big help. You never know when having one will make or break your sleep.