My Top 10 Travel Essentials

I am a planner.  So much so that I keep a running packing list updated on a regular basis for all different kinds of climates.

My lists vary by destination, but I thought I would share with you my 10 must have items for traveling both here and abroad.

1.  ZzzBand

Not going to lie, I was pretty skeptical about this one when I bought it.  My brother even laughed at me when I pulled it out on our 17-hour flight to Sydney.  Let me tell you, this is the best purchase I have ever made in my entire life!  It has a fleece-like band that goes around your head and over your eyes.  An elastic band with an adjustable velcro opening runs inside part of the fleece band and can be slipped over the headrest.

My biggest problem when flying is being able to sleep comfortably.  Ballin' on a budget always puts me in economy seats, and my 5'9" self just cannot find a position that works.  I'm too tall to sleep on the tray table, and sometimes you just can't lean back.  This ZzzBand is an eye mask that gives you a complete blackout while also keeping your head strapped to the seat and preventing your body from slumping over.  I'm sure you could try to make a DIY one, but I got mine from Amazon for under $20.

2.  Probiotics
Any kind of travel that disrupts your normal routine is going to affect your digestive system in some way.  I have already been taking probiotics for years now to combat some health problems, but it’s also helped me avoid a lot of potential gastrointestinal issues traveling both in and out of the U.S.  This is by no means a quick fix when you’re having any sort of “issues” that require immediate attention, but if you start taking them at least a week before going away, you will be a lot better off!

3.  Shampoo Bar

Airline restrictions limit you to only 3 ounces per container of liquids and all liquids must be packed separately in a clear bag. As someone who likes to keep essentials on my person when traveling for fear that my luggage will vanish, it’s hard to carry enough shampoo for all this hair. I came across these shampoo bars on one of my many deep dives through the internet and oh my goodness, it’s a total game changer!

The one I purchased was the Ethique Eco-Friendly Shampoo Bar in the grapefruit and vanilla scent.  This one bar can last up to 300 washes, smells amazing, and leaves my hair and skin feeling so fresh. As if that isn’t enough, each bar is roughly the equivalent of 3 plastic bottles of shampoo. Saving space in your luggage while saving the environment too!

4.  All-In-One Converter, Adapter, & Power Strip

When traveling overseas, most likely you're going to need an outlet adapter.  You're probably going to end up needing a voltage converter too.  Hotel rooms always have a limited number of outlets, so you're probably going to need a power strip too for all your electronics.

Have no fear, this all-in-one device I picked up this year from Amazon does all three!

This device provides two outlets as well as four USB ports on the end.  Scarlett and I only ever need to charge our cameras, iPads, or my phone, but it can also support a hairdryer and other single voltage devices.  It's quiet, compact, lightweight, and even comes with it's own little holding pouch for the device and outlet attachments.  Perfect for traveling domestically and internationally!

5.  Power Bank
Even though I try to charge things like my phone and camera at night I always end up draining the batteries.  It never fails that I need my power bank at least once while away. This was especially useful during our 30 hours of travel to Australia and the nights where I needed my phone closer to the bed for alarms.

I bought the Anker PowerCore power bank last year and it did not disappoint.  It takes a while to fully charge the device, but I can get multiple phone and tablet charges out of a full bank.

6.  Virtual Private Network (VPN)

There are just so many benefits to using a VPN, or virtual private network.  It helps to protect your sensitive data and information while connected to public WiFi hotspots.  It also helps to protect your privacy, preventing anyone from seeing the sites you visit and your location.  This comes in pretty handy when you're trying to find the best deals on hotels or flights since the websites cannot track your visits.  For me, it gave me peace of mind that my information was safe when connected to airport WiFi.  Another bonus to using a VPN is that it allows you to access content and websites that might be censored outside of your native country (Facebook, certain T.V. shows, etc.).

I purchased a 12-month VPN plan through ExpressVPN for $99.95 USD.  I can honestly say it has been well worth the cost!

7.  SD Card Reader (for tablets)
This one was born out of paranoia and fear.  Last year, my GoPro was stolen before I could pull the photos from the memory card .  I lost all of my photos and video from snorkeling in the Galapagos.  Devastated would be an understatement.

Although it was not stolen while I was traveling, it made me realize that anything could happen at anytime, whether it be misplaced, stolen, or accidentally damaged.  I still prefer to use a camera when traveling instead of just my phone, and I take so many photos and videos that sometimes transferring via WiFi just isn't a practical option.  The Apple Lightening SD Card Reader lets me download all of my images from my cameras onto my iPad.

8.  Reversible/Convertible/Multi-Way Clothing
Reversible and convertible dresses, skirts, sweaters, and shirts gives you more style options when traveling without sacrificing luggage space.  I have a dress and top that are both reversible with a pattern on one side and a solid color on the other.  When in cooler climates, I have a wide convertible scarf with snaps down the side that can also be worn as a shrug, poncho, and infinity scarf. 

There are even convertible shoes coming this November from Pashion Footwear where you can swap from heels to flats in a matter of seconds!

9.  Duct Tape
Really, duct tape can be used for almost anything.Tear in a bag? Duct tape. Broken luggage? Duct tape. Air conditioning vent above your bed blowing too much air on you at night? Duct tape a towel to redirect it somewhere else so you can still stay cool.  Want an easy way to mark your luggage?  Florescent duct tape!

10.  Plastic Bags
I keep a handful of plastic bags on hand whenever I am going away somewhere longer than two nights.  I try to carry at least one grocery store bag, a few sandwich size bags, and a few snack size. They've come in handy for carrying sandy seashells found on unexpected beach walks, holding wet swimsuits or muddy shoes, and even as a way to keep my receipts from taking over my purse.  Plus, you never know when someone else might need one when passing through airport security!

I'm always on the hunt for new travel tips and ideas.  What are your must have items when traveling away from home?