Published by FlyHugz. We make travel pillows and sleep accessories, so we mention them where they fit. The rest of this list works with whatever you already own.
Quick answer: your true travel essentials are your ID, money, medication, phone and charger. Almost everything else can be bought when you arrive. Keep those five on you, then use the checklist below to add what makes the trip comfortable.
Documents and money
- Passport or ID, and any visas
- Boarding pass and booking details, saved offline
- Cards, plus a little local cash
- Travel insurance details
- A copy of your passport, stored separately
Keep these close in a secure travel bag with lockable zippers, especially in airports and busy streets. Here is how to choose one.
Carry-on essentials
- Medication in its original packaging, with a few extra days' supply
- Phone, charger and a power bank (power banks must stay in your carry-on, never in checked bags)
- Headphones
- A refillable water bottle, empty through security
- Snacks
- A change of underwear and a clean top, in case your bag is delayed
- Liquids in a clear bag, following your airport's limits
Long flight essentials
- A travel neck pillow that supports your chin
- A sleep mask
- Earplugs for flying or noise-canceling headphones
- A warm layer or travel blanket
- Warm socks, and compression socks if your doctor recommends them
- Lip balm, hand cream and a toothbrush
For the full routine, read our guide on how to sleep on a plane and what to wear for long flights. Wondering what fits in your allowance? See does a neck pillow count as a carry-on.
Tech essentials
- Chargers and cables, in one pouch
- A universal travel adapter
- A luggage tracker, if you check a bag
- Offline maps, shows and books, downloaded before you leave
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Face wash and moisturizer, with sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Basic first aid: bandages, pain relief and motion sickness tablets
Clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Layers that mix and match
- A light jacket or scarf that also works as a wrap
- Weather-specific items such as a hat or sunglasses
Travel essentials for women
Most of the list above applies to everyone. Useful extras include a light scarf that doubles as a wrap on a cold flight, period products in your personal bag, hair ties, a small makeup kit, and a crossbody bag that stays in front of you in crowds. See more travel accessories for women.
Travel essentials for men
Useful extras include a compact grooming kit with a hanging hook, a slim wallet, and walking shoes that also work for dinner. Pack loose razor blades in your checked bag. See more travel accessories for men.
Packing tips that save space
- Write a checklist and check off items as you pack
- Roll clothes to reduce wrinkles and save room
- Use packing cubes to separate items by category
- Plan outfits ahead to avoid overpacking
- Wear your bulkiest items on the plane
- Keep anything you cannot lose in your carry-on
Common questions
What should you always pack in your carry-on?
Your ID, wallet, phone, charger, medication, valuables and a change of clothes. If your checked bag goes missing, those items get you through the first day.
What do people forget most when traveling?
Chargers, adapters, medication, toiletries and a warm layer for the plane are easy to forget. A written checklist solves most of it.
What are the essentials for a long flight?
A pillow that holds your head, a sleep mask, earplugs or headphones, a warm layer, water and snacks. Those cover sleep, comfort and the long gaps between meals.