Unexpected Travel Essentials

Electrolyte Drink Mix

These little electrolyte powder packets slip easily into your purse or carry-on. I bring a couple with me for every trip, because you never know when you might have a little too much fun. Hydration the next day is key.

Packable Jacket

I get cold very easily and I’ve been known to show up unprepared and then have to buy a warm layer. Let me tell you first hand, when you have to buy fashion out of necessity and are limited to options, that’s no fun.

I bought my jacket at the Uniqlo at Disney World, but it’s one of their consistent best items. It packs up into a little carrying case, but when you need it provides enough warmth.

Lint Roller

A lint roller is imperative if you have a pet, but even if you don’t, you never know when a scarf or blanket or sweater will shed. And if you wear black as much as I do…forget about it.

One time I was in NYC interviewing for a new job and I did not have a pet and had no lint roller. I can’t remember what caused all the lint but it was bad and there was no way I could interview like that. Cut to me trying to find a Duane Reade at all hours of the night so I could look profesh. That was the last time I made that mistake.

What I love about this lint roller compact, it’s retractable so it doesn’t stick to other things in your bag, and it’s refillable (let’s help the climate out).

Compression Packing Cubes

Packing cubes have been a total gamechanger for me in organizing my travel. And compression packing cubes actually save space, so these are a no-brainer.

If you aren’t familiar with packing cubes there are a couple of trains of thought when organizing. Organize by category or organize by outfit. I use both depending on what type of trip I’m going on. If I’m going on a shorter trip I pack by outfit (one cube is for day 1, one cube is for day 2, one cube is for sleepwear, etc). But if I’m going on a long trip (let’s say to Europe) then I’ll pack by category knowing I’ll probably rewear some items (one cube is for pants, one cube is for sweaters, one cube is for sleepwear, etc).

Not only do packing cubes help to organize, they also keep your clothes so much cleaner, you don’t need to worry about shoes touching or outside elements getting in, like that one time I picked up my luggage in China and everything was wet inside (that’s when I switched to hardside luggage).

Silicone Travel Bottles

I read somewhere years ago that just because you are checking luggage, doesn’t mean that you need to take the full-size product bottle. That was like a light bulb went off in my head. Previously when I carried on I would take whatever travel-sized toiletry I could find, and then when I checked I would bring my regular product. That was troublesome for two reasons.

#1 – when I carried on I wasn’t happy using products that weren’t part of my routine. #2 – I was using precious space in checked baggage on full-size shampoo, conditioner, etc. even though I was only going to use a small portion of it.

So I decided to start using reusable travel containers. No more using products I don’t like, no more throwing more plastic away (I mean recycling), and no more taking up excess space. After years of trying different brands and types, I’ve found these to be the best. Note that the online reviews are great but I’ve been using them for years with no problem. Easy to fill, easy to get the product out, and never once have I had a leak.

Pill Organizer

Maybe I’m showing my age…but when it comes to taking supplements I need to be organized. What I love about this specific 7-day pill organizer is that the days are separate so you don’t need to bring the full week with you if you are only going to be gone for two nights. Weekend trip? Just slip Saturday and Sunday in your bag.

Compression Socks

I started wearing compression socks to fly on long flights (over 3 hours) a few years ago and love it. I bought them because I had kept on hearing about the dangers of blot clots, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during long-haul flights. One way to combat is to get up every hour. I knew I wasn’t going to do that so I figured this was better than nothing.

So while I can’t really speak to if compression socks work, and I’m no medical professional, what I do know is that I love the way they feel and I haven’t had a clot yet. They are snug on the calf, not tight. Like a hug and they also help keep me warm.

I put them on in the airplane before takeoff and take them off when we land, but if that tight little spot is too tiny then I recommend putting them on before you board. Just be cognizant of your travel outfit that day though, if you are wearing leggings you might not want to roam the airport in knee-high compression socks, but it doesn’t bother me on the airplane. If you know, you know.

Electric Toothbrush

I am a long-time Sonicare user, but there is no denying the fact that it is bulky and takes up a lot of space. So for a long time I travelled with a basic, manual toothbrush…big difference.

I decided to compromise and get an electric toothbrush that does a better job than a manual toothbrush but takes up the same amount of space.

What I love about this toothbrush specifically is that it’s sleek, comes with a travel case, and doesn’t have me throwing away plastic toothbrushes after every trip.

Power Bank

Traveling, especially by yourself, is no time for a dead battery. I’ve traveled too many times where I’ve relied on the plane to have a usb outlet and it’s an old plane, or it’s not working, or something happens and it’s stuck watching the battery life drain from my phone hoping I’ll have enough juice to get a Lyft.

The peace of mind of having a backup battery is priceless. These days I have a removable power bank in my carry-on so it’s always with me when I travel and doesn’t take up extra space. But if you aren’t in the market for new luggage this power bank is great too. For the times when I’m not taking that carry-on, this is what we take. It has multiple USB’s and charges electronics very fast.