Travel Must-Haves: Essentials for any Packing List

What travel essentials do you always include in your packing list? Everyone writes down the basics, like clothes and a toothbrush, but I’m talking about your favorite items that you won’t travel without. I have a few must-have travel accessories that I absolutely love and take on every trip.

Here are my travel essentials that you’ll love to have for your next vacation! (By the way, if you need a packing list, you can download a printable here from my resource library completely free!)

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Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones

I take these noise-canceling headphones on every trip. The sound quality is fantastic for listening to music, and they block out pretty much all noise. Beats are perfect for flights or for when you are not the only person in the car. One full charge lasts for 40 hours, and the Bluetooth is an extremely convenient feature.

I have the rose gold color which I love! I would choose Beats over earbuds any day!

See it on Amazon.com

Passport Cover

You’ll want to keep your passport protected on your travels, so finding a cover that is practical, affordable, and (of course) cute is important!

I found this adorable passport cover on Amazon for a great price. I chose the Red color out of several color options, although it looks more like coral to me. Regardless, I love the color and the little airplane detail. It’s also great to have extra spots for credit cards and a clasp for keeping everything in place.

See it on Amazon.com

Luggage Tag Set

You can identify your bags easily at the airport with these cute luggage tags from Eccolo.

I love the gold writing and the classy white marble design. This luggage tag set is very affordable and stylish, and it also comes in other designs and colors.

See it on Amazon.com

Photography Backpack

This vintage-looking backpack I found on Amazon has everything I need in a backpack for travel. I looked and looked for a bag that had all the features I wanted, and this was the winner! The main reason I chose this backpack is the customizable lower compartment for my photography gear. My extra lenses fit perfectly, and the side pocket makes it super easy for me to get my camera out so I don’t miss a shot.

I really like the look of this bag because it looks a little rugged and weathered, but that vintage look is what I like. Plus I didn’t realize the leather accents are real leather which is so nice! I absolutely love all the pockets. The upper compartment is deep enough for my essentials but not so deep that I feel like I’m digging in a black hole. Also, there is a laptop/tablet pocket, a tiny extra SD card pocket, a place for your water bottle, and straps for your tripod! I really can’t say enough good things about this backpack!

Check it out on Amazon.com to see more photos of the customizable pockets!

Sound Machine

I never go on any overnight trips without this white noise machine. It’s perfect for drowning out annoying sounds like leaky faucets, noisy neighbors, or snoring! This is the sound machine I use even when I’m not traveling. It puts me right to sleep every night! This is also great if you can’t sleep without the noise of a fan but don’t want the cold air blowing on you.

See it on Amazon.com

Wildly Good Socks

This is my favorite and most comfortable pair of socks that I own. They’re meant to be hiking socks because the merino wool prevents blisters, keeps you warm in the cold, keeps you cool in the heat, and more! Trust me when I say you’ll never find a better pair of socks. Plus, they are great for keeping your feet cozy around the house!

Check out their website Wildlygoods.com and use my code Light at checkout to get 20% off your purchase!

Eno Hammock

If you’re going to be hiking or spending a lot of time outdoors, you’ll love this Eno hammock. The single nest hammock is very easy to store, holds up to 400 pounds, and is super comfortable. I use mine all the time, even when I’m not traveling. It’s perfect for relaxing in the backyard! Remember, the hammock straps are sold separately.

See it on Amazon.com

Fossil Purse

If I’m taking a short day trip and don’t need a backpack, I have a variety of other bags that travel with depending on what I’m doing that day. My favorite purse is my Explorer Leather Crossbody bag from Fossil.

I bought this purse in the Espresso color from the Fossil outlet store in Nashville, and I really love the style. Since I’ve had it for a few years, it’s a bit hard to find online, but here is a similar style sold on Amazon.com. The brown leather goes with so many of my outfits! It’s just the right size: not too heavy, but big enough to hold my necessities like my phone and wallet.

Fossil is my favorite brand of purses, and this is the best one that I own! A classic fossil bag will last you for years and will never go out of style.

See it on Amazon.com

Travel Journal

I always take my travel journal on overnight trips in case I decide to write something from the day that I might forget. There are so many great options for travel journals out there.

I chose this journal from Target that has stickers and pockets for tickets and other souvenirs. I really like the design and the fact that it functions like a binder so I can easily write in it and take pages out if needed.

They don’t sell a journal exactly like this one anymore, but here’s a link to one that’s almost the same.

Skyway Luggage

If you’re going on an overnight trip, you’ll need a good suitcase! This luggage set from Skyway is my absolute favorite.

This hardside spinner suitcase comes in three sizes and several different colors. Of course, I had to go with rose gold! I love this luggage set, and you can find it at Kohl’s.

See it on Kohls.com

Camera and accessories

Of course, I have to take my camera wherever I go! Depending on the trip, I will take my camera and 2 lenses: my 50mm f/1.8 for closeups and portraits and my 75-300mm for zoom shots. However, more recently I have only been taking my 18-135 mm lens because it covers wide shots and portraits, and it has a decent zoom range.

You also can’t forget the accessories! I take my battery charger and an extra SD card if I’m staying longer than a day.

If you want to see more about what’s in my camera bag, check out my photography gear.

What are your travel must-haves? I would love to hear your favorite travel necessities in the comments below!

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