My Must-Have Travel Items for a Comfortable and Stress-Free Travel Day
With 26 years as a flight attendant, photographer, and travel writer, I truly don’t believe in overpacking, and after years in the air and on the road, I’ve curated my picks of top travel essentials to help you pack light and have a stress-free travel day. I’ve learned what truly works. These are my pro-tips for packing smart, along with the must-have items I never leave home without.
First, I believe in being prepared, traveling light, and choosing items that actually make a difference. That’s why I created this list of travel essentials—my picks, trusted and used over thousands of flights and dozens of adventure photography assignments.
Whether I’m flying to a cliffside in Portugal, stargazing at a glamping site in Utah, or a beach in Bali, these are the travel essentials that I won’t leave home without.
Start With Smart Luggage
Wheeled duffle bags are a game-changer. They’re flexible, roomy, and still glide through airports with ease. They are especially handy if you are planning on adventuring, and easier to carry around than a roller board. Check out this one by Osprey that I absolutely lovep because it is coated with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) resulting in a durable, waterproof duffle bag that has a heavy-duty zipper covered by a rain flap to protect any gear from outside elements. You never know when you’re your essentials will need to be protected by rain!
For carry-ons, I also typically use a lightweight and water-resistant travel backpack. The COR Surf Travel Backpack is great because it folds out and opens like a suitcase so I can carry all my items while staying organized. It’s also stylish enough for any destination but built for any type of adventure. Plus, it doubles as a daypack when I’m out exploring and as a carry-on bag when I’m traveling.
Thinking you need more structure? This Hot Way silver hardshell suitcase has spinner wheels, with divided compartments for a laptop, a cupholder, and USB ports. It’s also weather-resistant and has a lock, holds your cell phone when watching a movie, has lockable wheels, and, being only 20 inches, it’s small enough to fit in any overhead bin, including a small regional jet. It’s actually quite stylish.
What I Pack for Long Travel Days
A good travel book goes a long way and gets you even more excited anticipating your travels, especially if it’s written by the authors of Lonely Planet. If you can fit in an extra like ELOPE, my elopement planning guide is packed with stories and ideas and may inspire you to check out unique accommodations. It fits right into your carry-on and offers a moment of calm planning amid the chaos of travel. Don’t forget to bring a journal. Journaling comes naturally when you travel — because your experiences will be so profound that you just don’t want to forget the details. This is my favorite leather-bound journal. You’ll love it! (unless you are vegan!)
Anticipating a long flight? Nothing is worse than encountering a plane that’s WIFI is unreliable. I download movies to my iPad before takeoff, and books to my Kindle. It’s the best way to unwind when there is nothing else to do. Both the iPad and this Kindleare the lightest and most compact to help you travel light, and if one dies, you have the other. Or you can download the Kindle app on your phone and have plenty of reading material.
Must-have Travel Picks for Comfort on the Go
Long flights require comfort. A seat-friendly eye mask? Absolutely, especially on red-eye flights! They aren’t all the same – I suggest you get one that wraps over the back of the seat so that your head doesn’t bob. It makes all the difference!
I also pack a mini hot water bottle. It adds warmth and comfort to any plane cabin, tent, or Airbnb stay, and is an added relief for neck or back pain developed in your travels. Just kindly ask a flight attendant to fill it with hot water for you if you are on a plane shivering. You’ll thank me for adding this to your list! Did you know that cabins are kept on the cooler side so that passengers don’t get too hot and faint?
Don’t forget to bring a noise-canceling headset. It turns any space into a sanctuary, which is key on big travel days. At least carry some noise-canceling earplugs if you don’t want to spend the cash on headsets (they are pretty bulky to carry). Somehow, it makes a plane ride more peaceful and enjoyable, and it’s better to be prepared if you happen to have a screaming child sitting behind you.
Pro Tips for Packing Toiletries
Skip the hotel shampoo, I like to use professional products like Redken. I use TSA-friendly silicone bottles with no leaks, and no surprises. Oh, and I love the feel of the bottles. Don’t worry about bringing shaving cream… wait, what? If you haven’t already realized that laser hair removal is a total game-changer you should’ve made appointments for before traveling, here’s a quick fix: use hair conditioner to shave your legs. It’s pH-balanced and gives you a super smooth shave. (But seriously—go get laser hair removal!)
A refillable water bottle keeps me hydrated and saves money on the road. Check out this cool bottle that’s collapsible. I also carry Nuun hydrating supplements to keep me hydrated on long flights.
Speaking of supplements, I never go far without ginger pills, ginger chews or ginger lozengers. If you have a weak stomach like me, it comes in handy for boat ferry rides, airplane turbulence, a catamaran sunset cruise, or horrible drivers that like to ride their brakes in traffic!
Staying Organized Is a Game-Changer
You don’t need a hundred organizers. Just the right ones.
A sleek passport/document holder with RFID blocking – with Airtag holder is a great choice, or look into a slim mimimalist moneybelt that keeps your ID, cards, and travel documents secure. It also thwarts would-be pickpocketers in the big cities. You can also use a crossbody belt bag. I use one by Lululemon,but to be honest, I feel it makes me stand out as a tourist. I prefer a sling bag like this one from True Religion if I’m being adventurous. If I’m just wandering the city and want to look more stylish, I’d prefer a cross-body bag like this one. Note: I won’t pack them all, I’ll make a judgment call based on what type of travel I’m doing. The best thing about them all is that they are hands-free!
Packable cubes – some people swear by them. I’m on the fence, and I think it’s because I can fit a whole 10 days of outfits into a 21-inch rollerboard and have room to bring back souvenirs or an outfit from abroad. But here are the packable cubes I have should I decide to use them. Honestly, they are collecting dust in my closet as we speak.
Personalized stainless steel luggage tags make spotting your bag simple—no more airport confusion or losing a flimsy luggage tag. I love these! Bottom line, it’s a good investment when everyone carries black bags that all look the same!
Adventure-Ready Extras I Always Pack
I never skip swimwear. You never know when you’ll find a hot spring, pool, or remote beach, or get to your hotel early not being able to check-in. I also carry a Turkish beach blanket by SandCloud that has so many uses — a beach towel, a sarong, a blanket (for the airplane), a scarf, or a picnic blanket!
A backup phone charger is non-negotiable. Have you seen these credit card thin power bank chargers? They are brilliant! Especially when you don’t want to carry any extra weight.
I also pack Ogee for my makeup, specifically this contour stick trio. And don’t forget to have waterproof mascara on hand! Loreal waterproof has always been my favorite, a lip sleeping mask from Laneige (that I use all day long, it’s so good!), tissues and eye drops. Travel is fun, but dry cabins and tearful vows call for a few beauty basics.
Elopement Essentials
Vow books are small, but meaningful and look great in your photos. They elevate the moment—and give you something to treasure long after the trip ends. I suggest you buy them from Etsy.
Final Thoughts + Pro Tips for Packing
From one wanderer to another, these travel essentials—recommended by a flight attendant who has seen it all—will help you stay grounded, comfortable, and ready for whatever comes your way.
ELOPE’s product selections are curated and are purchased and tested by the Author Sherry Martin Peters. If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. Please consider shopping through our links if you would like to support ELOPE!
Looking for More Pro Tips for Packing?
Check out my book ELOPE (get a signed copy here!) or my ELOPE Planner for step-by-step elopement planning, location ideas, and unique travel inspiration.
