Based on my trips, I recommend the following essential travel items:
Bluetooth trackers to put in your luggage, backpacks or handbags: Air tags https://a.co/d/dxCINOQ OR Tile Mate https://a.co/d/0nK5NfW Checked bags can get lost by airlines; handbags can be left in taxis; items could be stolen. Technology will help you track these items down and possibly recover them if you stow a tag inside.
Crossbody bag Amazon.com | Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag, Black, One Size, 8.5 x 8.5 x 2 | Messenger Bags. Buy it for the various locking compartments. It’s the perfect size-big enough but not too big. I carry a passport wallet, power brick, Kleenex, snacks, umbrella. Wore this bag all over Europe for a month and it’s the best! (shown above)
Sling bag NIID-FINO NEO Sling Shoulder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZFC5DSC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Thom has had this for over a year and loves it! People actually stop him on the street and ask him where he got it. Very cool looking! (shown above on Thom)
Packable backpack or hip pack at www.Matadorup.com I’ve have had one of these for years. Their warranty is awesome and so is their customer service. They gave us a 60% discount on a new bag because we had a zipper issue on an out of warranty bag.
Daypack to use for shopping/groceries-4Monster Hiking Daypack, Water Resistant Lightweight Packable Backpack for Travel Camping Outdoor https://a.co/d/8jSCx5p Light and packable, use this on the road to take with you shopping and to the market!
Hanging toiletry bag Amazon.com: BAGSMART Toiletry Bag Hanging Travel Makeup Organizer with TSA Approved Transparent Cosmetic Bag Makeup Bag for Full Sized Toiletries, Medium Teal: Beauty & Personal Care A must for all those small bathrooms where there is no counter space. Just hang it and access what you need.
Hanging jewelry bag MISSLO Hanging Jewelry Organizer Travel Foldable Jewelry Roll Storage Case with 14 Cotton Zippered Pockets for Traveling, Closet, Suitcase: Home & Kitchen (amazon.com) I love my jewelry and coordinate it with my travel outfits. Hang up your jewelry in the closet next to your clothes.
International Universal All in One Worldwide Travel Adapter with dual USB charging ports for USA EU UK AUS European Cell Phone Laptop https://a.co/d/ezVroZa. What do you have to charge? Cell, Kindle, Computer, Power block, ear pods, etc. Bring enough!
Portable power bank Anker Portable Charger, 313 Power Bank (PowerCore Slim 10K) 10000mAh Battery Pack with High-Speed PowerIQ Charging Technology and USB-C (Input Only) for iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and More https://a.co/d/cXVxyN6. It’s important that it is powerful and light. Carry it with you!
Headphones: Sony MDREX15AP In-Ear Earbud Headphones with Mic, Black (MDREX15AP/B) https://a.co/d/dvJt0sD Make sure you have noise cancelling headphones with you when you travel! You can not only listen to music, podcasts, movies, etc. but you can also tune out that talkative seat mate and the loud airplane noise. Or try these affordable noise cancelling ear buds that my son loves: https://www.wyze.com/products/wyze-buds
Cellphone holder to attach your phone to the airplane table, desktop, bed to watch movies while on the road https://a.co/d/bZSMKd4.
Travel power strip https://a.co/d/2mBx26y There are never enough outlets for all our electronics! This is a USB C Travel Power Strip Ultra Flat Extension Cord with 3 Outlets with 3 USB Ports (2 USB C), 3.2ft Wrapped Around Extension Cord. Charge it all!
Passport and Vaccine Card Holder Combo – HOTCOOL Leather RFID Blocking Wallet with Elastic Strap Travel Cover Case for Passport, with USA CDC Vaccination Card Slot, with Pen, Happy Tree print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DKNR8F1/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_DEZQJAXCGA314EMEYR2T?psc=1 I like having everything in one spot-my cash, credit cards, passport and this holds it all with RFID blocking to keep it safe.
Add-a-Bag Strap for Spinners, Black, One Size https://a.co/d/4ShJYTU I put my backpack on my carry-on when my back gets tired.
Packing cubes https://a.co/d/cBBuhJ4 to organize your carry-on. Check out my Packing page to see how I use these. Never check a bag!
Collapsible Silicone Water Bottles-750ML, Medical Grade, BPA Free Travel Water Bottle Can Roll Up,26oz, Leak Proof Foldable Sports & Outdoor Water Bottles https://a.co/d/g719afX There are fountains everywhere in Europe to fill up your bottle.
Matador Pocket Blanket https://a.co/d/1SmG1Ma Impromptu picnics your thing? Just carry this very packable, light blanket with you and you will never have grass stains or dirt on your pants when you want to stretch out and relax on the grass. Perfect for concert goers! (shown above)
Portable rain poncho https://a.co/d/cmy8Lru because it will rain on you. This one is very portable to throw in your day pack and always have available. (shown above)
Women’s Quick Dry Travel Underwear Mesh Hiking Bikinis Activewear Stay Fresh Panties 5 Pack (Terraversal L84) https://a.co/d/4OLKgKq Road tested on a month-long Europe trip, these are comfortable, breathable, easy to wash and dry fast.
Jockey Women’s Underwear Skimmies Slipshort to wear under skirts/dresses to eliminate chafing: https://a.co/d/5FpnrCk Want to wear a dress on a hot day but it’s windy? Wear these and you won’t be flashing the crowds. Very comfy.
Shoes: Allbirds
Clothes: Athleta
Merrell Men’s and Women’s Wool Everyday Half Cushion Socks 3 Pair Pack – Arch Support Band and Insulated Moisture Wicking https://a.co/d/aeSmB2Z I wore these sock every day for a month and they felt wonderful.
Compression socks https://a.co/d/4XEngje Must wear on the plane!
Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets – Fresh Scent – No Plastic Jug (60 Loads) 30 Sheets, Liquidless Technology https://a.co/d/80RMzUb I’m a carry-on only person so that means packing only a few clothes and washing out along the way.
Laundry line for all those ARBNBs with no dryer in Europe https://a.co/d/6OQRuS1 (shown above-you can tell from this picture that I stick to the “one color” approach to travel clothes.)
Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover Pen, 3 Count https://a.co/d/gccyqCc Always good to have because you will spill. It is inevitable.
Downy wrinkle releaser plus-fabric refresher; static remover; odor eliminator; ironing aid https://a.co/d/9VZiCVb Love this stuff! You can dewrinkle your clothes, freshen up your room and even works with ironing clothes if you do that, which I don’t.
LA Fresh Travel Lite Antiperspirant Wipes Pack of 50 Individually Wrapped 10×8” Wipe Fresh Scented Towelettes Made With Clear Formula For Men And Women With Powerful Wetness And Odor Protection Perfect For On The Go, Gym Bag, Purse https://a.co/d/hLHIzYL My work place stocks these in the bathroom so I tried one and they are awesome. Going out straight from work and need a refresh? Perfect for the planes to refresh before you land.
Cutex Care Swipe and Go Nail Polish Remover Pads, 10 Count https://a.co/d/9ZSjcQ2 Got nail polish? Then you need these to do quick refreshes on the road. Individual packets but I was able to remove all my nails’ polish with one packet.
Bandaids Band-Aid Brand Hydro Seal Adhesive Bandages for Heel Blisters, Waterproof Blister Pad & Hydrocolloid Gel Bandage, Sterile & Long-Lasting, 6 ct : Health & Household (amazon.com) You will walk miles on your trips so be prepared!
Individually wrapped OFF wraps to repel insects OFF! Deep Woods Mosquito and Insect Repellent Wipes, long lasting, 12 Individually Wrapped Wipes https://a.co/d/81Pnawe Who knew that Italy had so many bugs that bite? They do so be prepared.
Instant coffee packets https://a.co/d/2e2GNUh normally I would never willingly drink instant coffee but there are times when you get desperate, i.e. the hotel room doesn’t have a coffee maker and you don’t want to get dressed and go out to grab an AM pick me up. It happens and at least this coffee is a dark roast espresso-style.
Travels with Melinda 