Whether we are heading to Europe for two weeks, flying across the country for a quick family trip or packing the car for a weekend away, there are a handful of travel essentials I reach for again and again. Traveling as a family of four has taught me that the right products really can make the entire experience feel easier, more organized and far less stressful.
I’m intentional with every item I pack- I am not someone who wants to fill my suitcase with things we may never use. When we travel, I plan each outfit based on each day… for everyone in my family. The items on this list help us stay organized, keep our devices charged, care for our clothes and handle all of the little moments that inevitably come up while traveling with children.
Below are the travel essentials I recommend for almost any trip, along with a few luggage and packing options depending on how and where you are traveling.
Travel Organization Essentials
1. Zipper Pouches
These mesh zipper pouches are one of those simple products that make a surprisingly big difference. I love to color coordinate the pouches inside our carry-ons. It makes it so much easier to find snacks, chargers, medicine, activities and all of the little things that would otherwise disappear at the bottom of a bag.
Because the set includes several sizes, you can create a designated pouch for almost anything. They are especially helpful when you are packing for children and need to be able to grab something quickly without emptying your entire carry-on in the airport.
2. Packing Cubes
Once you begin using packing cubes, it is very hard to go back. We have one color per person in our family, which makes unpacking and finding everyone’s things so much easier.
This 10-piece packing cube set gives you several sizes for clothing, shoes, toiletries and smaller accessories. I also included this sturdy 10-piece packing cube set and this BAGAIL nine-piece set in dusty blue as additional options.
For family trips, I like packing by person rather than by type of clothing. When we arrive, each person’s cubes can go directly into a drawer or onto a shelf. It keeps the hotel room or vacation rental much more organized and saves us from living out of a chaotic suitcase.
Charging Essentials for Travel
3. Multi-Charging Cable
A multi-charging cable is one of the easiest ways to simplify your travel technology. Instead of packing a separate cord for every device, one cable can work with multiple plug types.
We keep one of these in our cars too. It is especially useful when everyone seems to have a different device that needs to be charged at the exact same time.
4. Portable Charger with Built-In Cables
I use this portable charger with built-in cables all the time, even when we are not traveling. The built-in cords mean there is one less thing to remember, and it is invaluable on long travel days when you are using your phone for boarding passes, directions, reservations, photos and entertainment.
This is one of the first things I make sure is fully charged before we leave home.
5. USB-C Wall Chargers
As more cords switch to USB-C, it is worth checking your charging bricks before a trip. This three-pack of USB-C wall chargers makes it easy to keep one in a carry-on, one in your suitcase and one at home or in the car.
There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination with the right cord but the wrong plug, so I always double-check this before we leave.
International Travel Essentials
6. Universal Travel Adapter
If you are traveling internationally, a universal adapter is essential. I included two EPICKA options in my collection: this universal travel adapter and this all-in-one worldwide power adapter.
An all-in-one adapter takes up far less space than carrying individual adapters for every country. The extra USB ports are also helpful in hotel rooms where outlets can be limited.
One important reminder: a travel adapter changes the shape of the plug, but it does not necessarily convert voltage. Always check that your device is compatible with the voltage at your destination before plugging it in.
Clothing and Personal-Care Essentials
7. Portable Clothing Steamer
We use this Hilife clothing steamer when we travel and at home. Even carefully packed clothing tends to wrinkle, especially on longer trips, and a small steamer makes it much easier to feel pulled together without relying on whatever iron may or may not be available.
If you are traveling internationally, remember to confirm voltage compatibility before packing a steamer or any other heat-producing appliance.
8. Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes
I always travel with Wet Ones antibacterial hand wipes. I use them to wipe down airplane seats, tray tables and surfaces in hotel rooms, as well as our hands while we are on the go.
They are easy to tuck into a purse or carry-on and are particularly helpful when traveling with children, because sticky hands somehow appear at the least convenient moments.
9. Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier + Immune Support
Travel days can make it surprisingly difficult to drink enough water and traveling is dehydrating. These Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier + Immune Support packets offer hydration support and immune support in one convenient packet.
They take up almost no room and are easy to mix into a bottle of water after a flight, during a long day of sightseeing or anytime you feel like you need a little extra hydration.
The Best Carry-On Luggage Options
The best suitcase really depends on your travel style. Some people want a classic, durable roller, while others need easy laptop access or want a matching carry-on and checked-bag set. I included several options so you can choose what fits your trip and budget. We have both styles and honestly, I don’t prefer one over the other.
10. Quince Carry-On and Large Check-In Suitcase Bundle
This Quince carry-on and large check-in suitcase bundle is a beautiful option if you want a coordinated luggage set. A bundle is especially practical for longer trips when you need the flexibility of both a carry-on and a full-size checked suitcase. We don’t have this exact set yet, but I’ve had great success with Quince products- so I want to purchase it soon! I also love all the colors.
11. Quince Front-Pocket Carry-On
For anyone who travels with a laptop or likes having quick access to documents and electronics, this Quince front-pocket carry-on suitcase is worth considering. The front compartment makes it easier to reach important items without opening the entire suitcase at the airport.
12. BÉIS Carry-On Roller
The BÉIS Carry-On Roller is a stylish, highly recognizable option with thoughtful travel-focused details. If you want luggage that feels polished but is still designed for real travel, this is a beautiful choice.
13. Aluminum Carry-On Suitcase
An aluminum carry-on suitcase has a sleek, timeless look and feels especially elevated. I love this option for travelers who want something a little more distinctive than a traditional hard-shell suitcase.
You can see every suitcase option, packing cube set and travel accessory together in my complete Travel Essentials for Any Trip collection.
One Thoughtful Extra: Thank You Cards
14. A Small Set of Thank You Notes
Thank you cards may not be the first thing that comes to mind when packing for a trip, but you never know when you may want to write a thoughtful note. I like having a few simple thank you cards tucked into my luggage for a host, a kind hotel employee or anyone who makes our trip especially memorable.
It is a small thing, but thoughtfulness rarely goes unnoticed.
The best travel essentials are not necessarily the most complicated or expensive. They are the pieces that make it easier to find what you need, keep your family organized and move through the day with a little less stress.
For our family, color-coded pouches and packing cubes keep everyone’s belongings under control. A portable charger and multi-charging cable help us survive long travel days. Wipes, hydration packets and a steamer take care of the small inconveniences that can easily become much bigger when you are far from home.
You certainly do not need to purchase everything at once. Start with the items that solve the biggest problem you face when traveling, then build your own travel kit over time. These are the products I would begin with because they are useful for so many different kinds of trips, from a simple weekend away to an international family adventure.
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