I’ve been to all 50 states and have explored everywhere from tiny towns in New England to the mountains of Alaska. Along the way, I’ve learned that the right travel essentials can make all the difference.
After hundreds of flights and road trips, I’ve boiled my packing list down to 11 things I never leave home without. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, these are the items I always bring with me.
Noise-canceling headphones make travel more peaceful.
As a very frequent traveler, I do everything I can to turn airport chaos into a calmer experience, whether I’m on a packed plane or waiting in a noisy lounge or terminal.
So, I use noise-cancelling headphones to sleep, listen to music, or just tune everything else out. They’ve saved more trips than I can count, and I never leave home without them.
I always bring a small first-aid kit with me.
No matter where I’m going, I always bring a small first-aid kit with me.
Scrapes, blisters, or minor aches happen on the road, and having basics like Band-Aids and over-the-counter medications means I’m ready for anything.
Electrolytes help keep me hydrated.
Between long hikes, flights, and summer heat, it’s easy to get dehydrated while traveling. That’s why I always bring electrolytes with me.
A quick powder package or tablet keeps me energized and feeling my best without weighing down my bag. I rarely leave home without them, as they’re a small addition that makes a big difference.
A refillable water bottle is a must-have item.
This should go without saying, but hydration is a non-negotiable. That’s why I always bring a refillable water bottle when traveling.
I always fill mine up immediately upon entering the airport terminal (after going through security), and it makes it much easier for me to stay hydrated. Plus, it’s much more cost-effective than buying airport water.
I always carry multiple credit cards and cash.
I always bring cash and multiple credit cards with me when I’m on the road.
Cash always comes in handy for tips and hole-in-the-wall vendors that don’t accept cards. However, I also pay attention to which credit cards have the best travel benefits and use them to my advantage.
For example, my American Express Platinum Card gets me into lots of airport lounges and provides a host of other benefits, including rental car theft and damage insurance.
Plus, my United Airlines MileagePlus credit card helps me save on in-flight purchases.
For safety purposes, I always carry a whistle.
As a woman traveling solo, I’m always thinking about my safety, so I carry a whistle with me and keep it within arm’s reach.
Thankfully, I’ve never needed to use it, but knowing I can quickly draw attention to myself in any situation gives me peace of mind.
My tripod helps me capture great pictures of myself while traveling solo.
As a solo traveler, I depend on a tripod for photos. I simply place my phone on it and snap photos on a delay.
This way, I don’t have to reply on other travelers — or selfies — to capture the moment.
Sun protection is important to have on hand.
I spend a lot of time outside when I travel, so sun protection — like sunglasses and a hat — are key.
It feels obvious, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people around me scrambling to buy these essentials because they didn’t think to bring them.
A notebook helps me keep track of my memories.
I love to journal on the road, so I always bring a notebook with me. I often spend nights doodling memories of the day to look back at later.
My cashmere scarf is the perfect versatile item.
It may sound fancy, but I never travel without my large black cashmere scarf. It doubles as a blanket on flights, works well as a shawl over outfits, and adds another layer anytime I need one.
It’s such a versatile item and keeps me at the perfect temperature at all times.
I always bring an Addalock device for enhanced security.
As a female solo traveler, I always travel with an Addalock — a small, portable device that lets me secure doors from the inside for additional peace of mind.
Even if the main lock feels safe, having this on hand is a tiny addition that makes me feel more secure.
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