It’s the time of year when we start thinking about our next getaway, and to help you prep, I have 17 travel items I don’t want to live without.

I used to travel quite a bit for work as well as for personal trips. Like, 10-14 trips or more per year for many years. Sometimes by plane. Sometimes by car. This list of my favorite travel items includes some I have used for nearly 15 years — that’s how reliable they are and how much better they make traveling!

I try to keep my travel items compact… without depriving myself. 😆 I want things to be easy to use, take up little space, and make traveling more efficient and enjoyable.

So here are items that I love to take on trips!

My Favorite Travel Items

1️⃣ Travel Backpack — LOVE. Holds SO much, including my huge 15″ laptop, but isn’t bulky. Tons of pockets and organization. Water-resistant! I have the 15.6″. I’ve owned this backpack for several years now, and it’s been all over the world with me, including to Hong Kong!

2️⃣ Roller Carry-On Suitcase — This is the one item that’s not from Amazon, but it must be mentioned! My husband and I tested others and landed on this suitcase as our favorite for smooth rolling, durability, zipper function, and size. (We also tested the super popular Away suitcase but liked this one more — plus it costs less!)

3️⃣ Foldable Tote — Underrated MVP of our recent Hawaii trip — and a recent trip I took for work. Folds up to save space when not in use 🙌, flexible, and water-resistant and easily wipeable. It also has lots of pockets and can fully zip closed to keep things secure. In Hawaii, we used it at the beach or while shopping for trinkets. We weren’t worried about it getting wet, and sand wiped off easily. On my solo work trip, I packed it in my suitcase in case we were given swag that wouldn’t fit in my suitcase. It was absolutely the right call and came in handy!

4️⃣ Toiletry Bag — It’s not the aesthetic ones you see all over the internet, but I’ve used this style for 16 years(!!), and it just WORKS. Holds so much without being super bulky in your suitcase. However, if you want an aesthetic one, there’s also this one.

5️⃣ Jewelry Organizer — I’ve owned this jewelry organizer forever and love the big panel for statement earrings. BUT, there’s a newer one that looks even better HERE (picture above!) — it has the clear pocket in the middle and pockets under the necklace section, which is SO helpful for keeping necklaces untangled. I used the latter on my recent solo trip and really did like the zippered pockets.

See above that it has a middle flap that opens up (right picture is opened) and uncovers a panel that holds necklaces and bracelets, too.

6️⃣ Silicone Travel Bottles — My favorite for no-leak toiletry bottles. Have been using these for close to 20 years now, I think!

7️⃣ Toiletry Tubs — Useful for gel and small portions of lotion, or you can fill with pills.

8️⃣ Packing Cubes — If you don’t have packing cubes in 2026, what are you doing with your life? They keep your suitcase way more organized, especially with kids. We’ve used ours for over 20 years, so they’re no longer available, but there are tons of options out there. This set is popular with great reviews!

9️⃣ Shoe bags — Keep dirty shoes separate from the rest of your stuff. I own a different brand that is no longer available, but these should do the job.

🔟 Portable Charger (for iPhones and Apple Watches) — 100% necessary if you plan to take pics or videos while you travel, or plan to use ride shares like Lyft and Uber. That drains so much battery! I’ve lent this to others so many times while out and about. This one recharges Apple Watches too.

1️⃣1️⃣ Portable Charger (for non-Apple devices) — This is a great one if you DON’T need to charge an Apple Watch. Has a cable for SO many types of devices!

1️⃣2️⃣ Cable Organizer — How did I live so long without this? Keeps my travel backpack sane!

1️⃣3️⃣ Steamer — Must-have! Gives you peace of mind looking pulled together (not wrinkly) wearing clothes that were packed tightly.

1️⃣4️⃣ Water Bottle — The ONLY water bottle that hasn’t leaked on me in an airplane.

1️⃣5️⃣ Lighted mirror — For makeup, if the hotel lighting isn’t good. This one is compact but powerful.

1️⃣6️⃣ Cup holder for roller suitcases — Just got this because so many times I thought about how helpful it’d be to have a place to put my tea in transit. 🙌 It’s most helpful for me during road trips, like for my daughter’s volleyball tournaments. I’ll have my drink in the car and a lot of luggage, bags, and gear to bring into the hotel room, so this frees up one of my hands from holding my drink. I’d also use it for airplane travel with longer layovers. (I don’t usually get an unbottled drink in the airport for shorter trips — I won’t finish it before we board, and I don’t want to deal with it on the plane.)

1️⃣7️⃣ Airplane seat organizer — I just ordered this. WHERE HAS THIS BEEN ALL MY LIFE? I’ve so badly needed a place to put my water bottle, phone, kids’ stuff, activities, and snacks for easy access!!

I hope these help you feel ready and even more excited for your next trip! Let me know where you’re going so I can keep it in mind to help with outfits. 😉

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