Top 5 Travel Essentials To Pack For Any Type Of Trip

This article may contain paid links where we make a small commission for purchases you make from links that you click from this article. By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support ❤️. For more details, read the disclosure page.

Packing for a trip away is pretty exciting, so you can be forgiven for forgetting a few essentials whilst you’re daydreaming about all of the fun stuff you’ll be filling your days with. Whether its sunnier climates, adventures over mountains or treks in the snow; these top 5 travel essentials should be with you wherever you go.

5 Travel Essentials Every Traveler Needs

1. First Aid Kit

Accidents can happen any time and anywhere, so its always a good idea to be prepared for any kind of mishap; especially when your family are concerned.

From a kids pavement graze to something a bit more serious, a well-equipped first aid kit will be a welcome addition when you need it, and peace of mind when you don’t.

With everything that could happen while you’re on your travels, it’s a great addition to your luggage and won’t occupy much space.

So whether you’re climbing mountains, trekking across rugged terrain, or simply enjoying a relaxing beach break with the kids, a first aid kit it an essential that nobody should be without.

2. Inflatable Pillow

For most people, the first thing they think about when they know they’re travelling back home, is their pillow. You can’t beat the comfort of a familiar pillow, so whey not take that comfort with you when you travel.

An inflatable neck pillow may not sound like the most appealing choice, but with a brushed cover and your own pillowcase, they have certainly come a long way since the travel pillows of years gone by.

While comfort is at the core of their design these days, travel pillows are also designed to be compact and easy to transport.

Even if you don’t end up using it, it’s worth stowing away in your carry-on bag for those ‘just in case’ moments and a potentially uncomfortable flight.

3. Trek Towels

Packing for a trip can be a stressful affair, but finding that you’ve occupied all of your space without allowing for the towels, is the tip of the iceberg.

Towels steal a huge chunk of your luggage space but they are essential on any trip away from home. However, where in the rule book does it say that your favourite fluffy bathroom towel has to be the one? Try out an alternative that’s designed with compact packing in mind.

A trek towel is a great option thanks to its thinner fabric but it’s also a practical choice thanks to a host of technical features. Super absorbent, quick drying and with antibacterial properties, it’s a wonder why you don’t see more of them on the beach.

4. Travel Canister

Arriving at your destination to find that your shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and shower gel have emptied themselves across the entire contents of your luggage, has got to be a bit of a buzz-kill. But its easy to avoid such a mishap by ensuring that you’ve got your wet products packed away safely and securely.

You could double-bag your bottles in plastic bags but it’s not ideal; instead why not try a good travel canister that’s designed with performance and clean clothes in mind.

Look for features such as durable fabrics, internal pockets and maximum space with minimal size and you’ve got all the boxes ticked. You can also find them with toothbrush covers to keep your toothbrush clean.

5. Packable Rucksack

It’s pretty hard to find a ‘one size fits all’ option when it comes to luggage, and sometimes you just have to settle with what you have when it comes to travel bags.

But if you’re planning on a few days out while on your travels, then having a rucksack is essential. Not everyone wants to use a rucksack at the airport though, and packing on can be a bit of a space nightmare.

Packable backpacks are the answer to that problem and provide a lightweight and compact alternative to a rigid bag. Durable fabrics, strong straps and secure closures are not compromised with leading brands either.

There you have it! The travel items we take with us on every trip that always guarantee to make our travel so much easier and comfortable. Let us know which of these you had already thought of and which you now have on your Amazon shopping list!

Travel Resources For Your Next Trip

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

• KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
• AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
• Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
• Ubigi – AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.