My Top 10 Must-Have Travel Items for Stress-Free Adventures

Whether you’re jetting off on a quick weekend getaway or embarking on an international adventure, the right gear can make all the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one. Over the years, I’ve learned that being prepared doesn’t mean overpacking—it means packing smart. These are my top 10 must-have travel items that I never leave home without.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through my links. I only share products I truly love and trust.

1. Travelpro Platinum Hardside 21" Carry-On

A sturdy, lightweight carry-on is the foundation of every great trip. The Travelpro Platinum Hardside 21" is built to glide effortlessly through airports, fit in overhead bins, and protect your belongings with its durable shell. Bonus points for its sleek design and spacious interior.

Why I love it: Reliable, easy to maneuver, and stylish enough to feel like you’re traveling first-class—no matter your seat assignment. I also have the 25" expandable checked bag, which is perfect for longer trips and my tendency to over pack!

2. Luggage Scale

Avoid overweight baggage fees by checking your luggage weight before you head to the airport. A small digital luggage scale fits right in your bag and saves you from last-minute repacking at the check-in counter. You never know what or how much you'll end up buying!

What I use: I never travel without my travel inspira digital scale.

3. Pander RFID Blocking Travel Money Belt

Traveling light? Keep your essentials safe and close with an anti-theft waist pouch. Designed with hidden zippers and RFID-blocking material, it protects your cards, cash, and passport from pickpockets and digital theft.

When I use it: Sightseeing in busy cities, wandering around amusement parks, exploring markets, or attending crowded events. Also, any place where I carry a backpack so I can easily access my most needed items.

4. Tile Trackers

Lost luggage is every traveler’s nightmare. Tile Trackers (or AirTags if you're an Apple person) help you track your bags in real time, so you can locate them whether they’re in the overhead compartment or halfway across the world. There are so many uses for these when traveling. Slip one into your suitcase, backpack, or even your purse for peace of mind.

5. Travel-Size Containers for Liquids

TSA-approved, leak-proof travel bottles save space and prevent spills in your bag. They’re perfect for your favorite shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and other liquids you can’t live without. Look for silicone containers that are easy to refill and clean.

I love this 16-piece set that includes silicone squeeze bottles, jars, spray bottles, as well as scoops, a funnel, a cleaning brush, and a bag to carry it all.

6. SAFEGO Portable Indoor/Outdoor Lock Box Safe with Key and Combination Access

Whether you’re in a hotel, hostel, vacation rental, or just at the beach, a portable lock box adds an extra layer of security for your passport, cash, jewelry, or electronics. The SAFEGO Portable Indoor/Outdoor Lock Box has key and combination access. It is compact yet sturdy enough to give you peace of mind.

What I love: It easily attaches to your beach chair or umbrella to keep my valuables secure while at the pool or beach.

7. Bagsmart Packing Cubes

If you’ve never used packing cubes, prepare to have your packing game transformed. The Bagsmart cubes keep your clothes organized, compress bulky items, and make unpacking a breeze.

Packing hack: Assign one cube for tops, one for bottoms, and one for accessories or undergarments.

8. Luggage Straps

If you’re juggling multiple bags, luggage straps are a lifesaver. They secure your carry-on to your checked luggage, or your personal item to your carry-on, or all three, making it easier to roll everything together without extra effort. This is one of the best purchases I have made as a solo traveler (especially on longer trips where I have more luggage).

Check out these luggage straps: Vigorport Luggage Straps

9. Bagsmart Toiletry Bag

Organization is everything when it comes to toiletries, and the Bagsmart Toiletry Bag nails it. With multiple compartments, a removable makeup pouch, and space for full-size bottles, it keeps everything neat and easy to find. You can hang it in the bathroom or lay it flat in your luggage.

Pro tip: Perfect for overpackers (guilty!) because it holds more than you think without taking up too much space.

10. Universal Travel Adapter and/or Voltage Converter

International travel calls for a universal travel adapter or voltage converter, depending on your electronics, that works in multiple countries. Look for one with USB ports so you can charge multiple devices at once without carrying extra chargers. Read more about the differences between travel adapters and voltage converters, and which type you need, in here: Travel Adapter vs. Voltage Converter: What's the Difference?

The travel adapter I use can be found here: EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

And, my voltage converter here: FOVAL 220V to 110V Power Converter