6 Must-Have Travel Essentials for Every Traveler
Are you a frequent jetsetter? Or are you preparing for your once-a-year vacation? Are you headed on a solo trip, baecation, group trip or family holiday? No matter which of these categories you fall under, having the right travel gear can make or break your trip. As a seasoned traveler, I’ve learned the hard way which items are truly worth packing, especially when exploring solo.
Table of Contents
Here are 6 must-have travel essentials every type of traveler should carry for a safer, smoother, and smarter journey. Watch out for number 6, you can never go wrong with this one lifesaver!
**Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and I may get a small commission when you make a booking or purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
1.) AirTag
Say goodbye to lost luggage and backpacks. Apple AirTags (or similar trackers) are perfect for travelers who need to keep tabs on all their essentials. It is easily trackable with its GPS technology; all you need to do is toss one in your checked bag for real-time tracking.
Pro tip: you can use multiple AirTags to track multiple items apart from your luggage like a purse, handbag, passport pouch, and even your keys.
2.) Portable Door Lock
This small but mighty device is one of the many safety essentials for solo travelers as it adds an extra layer of security to your hotel or Airbnb door. I don’t know about you, but the extra safety that this portable door lock provides me means extra peace of mind, especially as an occasional solo female traveler. While it is very easy to figure out and use, it is best for you to test it at home before your trip to get a hang of the mechanism.
3.) Combination Padlocks
Whether you’re securing your backpack, locking a suitcase, or using a public locker, durable TSA-approved padlocks are non-negotiable. Where you can, opt for a combination padlock over a key padlock to skip the added stress of lost keys.
4.) Tripod
If you’re often traveling solo, then I’m sure you’ve had the pleasure of awkwardly asking a stranger to take a photo of you. With a lightweight travel tripod, you can skip the awkwardness and get your insta-worth shots all by yourself. Look for a tripod that is compact, extends tall enough for full-body photos, and comes with a Bluetooth remote.
5.) Universal Adapter
A solid universal travel adapter is essential when country-hopping, especially across continents. Instead of fumbling with multiple plug types or having to buy a new plug wherever you go, invest in one adapter that covers almost every country and includes USB & USB-C ports for extra convenience. Some models now include surge protection, which is great for your laptop and phone.
6.) Power Bank
Nothing causes more panic than a dead phone battery in a foreign city. A high-capacity power bank is your lifeline for all the travel-friendly apps on your phone like Google Maps, translations, ride shares, and emergency contacts. Choose one that charges your phone at least 2-3 times and includes multiple ports so you never run out of juice again.
Final Thoughts
Traveling is one of the most liberating and empowering experiences you can have, but preparation is key. These 6 travel essentials aren’t just convenient — they are practical, compact, and designed to enhance your journey.
So, before you zip up your suitcase, make sure these frequent traveler must-haves are on your checklist.
Safe travels
Joba