My Must-Have Travel Items for Every Adventure
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If packing for a trip sends you into a spiral of suitcase chaos, you’re not alone.
I’ve been there, staring into the abyss of my closet, wondering how to fit my life into a backpack.
But after countless journeys, from the neverending deserts of Jordan to the chicken busses of El Salvador, I’ve mastered the art of packing.
Today, I’m peeling back the curtain on my travel essentials—the items that have transformed my travels from just good to absolutely unforgettable.
1. A Great Backpack & Toiletry Bag
I’ve lived out of the Osprey Fairview 55L Women’s Travel Backpack for nearly three years. Its versatility, with a detachable 55L main bag and a smaller daypack, makes it perfect for any adventure.
I love these two toiletry bags: Hanging Organizer Bag or Nylon Shaving Bag. I also use this mesh shower bag to take in the shower with me when I stay in the hostels and leave my bigger toiletry bag in my room.
2. The Organizational Holy Grail: Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are the secret sauce to my sanity. Constantly on the move, these little lifesavers allow me to unpack and repack in a flash, keeping my things organized and accessible.
My go-to’s are the Eagle Creek Compression Cubes and Travelwise Packing Cubes.
Consider a water-proof packing cube for things that shouldn’t get wet, just in case.
3. Stay Hydrated: Reusable Water Bottle with Filter
Hydration is key, and a reusable water bottle with a filter ensures I can safely refill anywhere, staying hydrated without contributing to plastic waste. Try this one if you want one that’s a bit less bulky.
4. Stay Charged: Portable Charger and Travel Adaptor
A dead phone is a traveler’s worst nightmare. My portable charger and travel power adaptor keep my devices alive.
I use an extra-long iPhone charging cable because sometimes the outlets abroad aren’t right next to the bed
5. Tune Out the World: Noise-Canceling Earphones
Whether it’s a noisy plane or a bustling hostel dorm, noise-canceling earphones are my escape, allowing me to dive into my music or podcasts, creating a personal oasis.
6. Never Lose Your Bag: Airtag
An Airtag attached to my bag gives me peace of mind, ensuring that even if we part ways, we won’t be separated for long. I got one after the airport employee told me they didn’t know where my bag was (it was left in Sri Lanka).
7. A Library in My Pocket: Kindle
My Kindle is my portable library, allowing me to carry hundreds of books without the weight, perfect for poolside reading or long bus rides. I use the Libby app to borrow books from my local library for free.
It’s waterproof – you can take it in the pool!
8. For Those Hot Nights: Travel-size Electric Fan
A travel-size electric fan has been a game-changer, offering a breeze on demand, ensuring comfort in even the most sweltering climates.
9. Sleep Like a Baby: Sleep Eye Mask and Earplugs
A sleep eye mask and earplugs are my sleep sanctuary kit, ensuring I can find rest no matter the environment.
10. Travel Tote Bag
I use this packable tote bag all the time – for groceries, beach days, or even laundry! I also clip this travel backpack onto my larger backpack for when I need a day pack.
11. Travel Towel & Wash Cloth
This travel towel is perfect for hostel stays or beach days. And I couldn’t live without this washcloth – it exfoliates and takes up no room. They both dry super fast!
12. Eco-Friendly Hygiene: Solid Shampoo and Menstrual Cup
Switching to solid shampoo and conditioner bars, and a menstrual cup has not only lightened my load but also reduced my environmental footprint. Win-win!
13. Combat the Chafe: Body Glide
Body Glide has been a lifesaver, preventing chafing on those long, hot, and humid days exploring Southeast Asia in shorts or dresses.
14. Be Weather Wise: Raincoat and Travel Puffer Coat
A packable raincoat and travel puffer coat ensure I’m ready for any weather, from unexpected showers to chilly evenings. They pack up small.
15. Step Comfortably: Great Shoes
Sports sandals and trail running shoes have carried me comfortably across continents, ensuring my feet are ready for any adventure.
16. Don’t Forget: Travel Insurance
Last but certainly not least, travel insurance is essential. It’s the safety net that lets me explore with confidence, knowing I’m covered no matter what.
Read More:
- Ultimate Guide to Hostel Life by a Solo Traveler
- REVIEW: Is TrustedHousesitters Legit?
- El Salvador Solo Travel: A Solo Female Traveler’s Guide
- Is Chiang Mai Safe? Solo Female Traveler Safety Guide
- I was Harassed While Traveling Solo in Jordan
📝 Thailand Travel Planning Guide 🇹🇭🌟
Before you embark on your unforgettable journey to Thailand here are the essential tips every traveler should know:
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Thailand?
✅ 100% YES! — My #1 Safety Tip for all travelers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend and use SafetyWing – it’s cheap and comprehensive.
💧Can you drink the water in Thailand?
🚱 No — It’s recommended to drink filtered or bottled water in Thailand (but using tap water to brush your teeth is usually fine). I recommend this reusable water bottle! It works great, turning tap water into safe-to-drink water that tastes good.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Thailand?
Yes — Renting a car in Thailand is one of the best ways to see the countryside! I recommend Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local companies, so you get the best rates.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Thailand accommodations?
My go-to for Thailand hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use HostelWorld. Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to book Thailand flights?
For finding cheap Thailand flights, I recommend CheapOAir.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Thailand?
🙅🏻♀️ Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need visas for stays of up to 30 days in Thailand.
💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The currency here is the Thai baht, and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash. I always withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates (select “no” when it asks you if you accept the conversion rate).
🚕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Getting around Thailand is a breeze! Grab is safe and cheap in major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Bangkok has a modern metro. It’s easy to use local transport such as songthaews, too.
📶 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: Thailand has reliable internet connectivity. SIM cards are easy to find and cheap.
📝 El Salvador Travel Planning Guide 🇸🇻🌟
Before you embark on your unforgettable journey to El Salvador, here are the essential tips every traveler should know:
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for El Salvador?
✅ 100% YES! — My #1 Safety Tip for all travelers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend and use SafetyWing – it’s cheap and comprehensive.
🛟 Is El Salvador safe for tourists?
✅ YES, El Salvador is generally safe for tourists, but there are some areas to avoid. Ask your hotel for the most up-to-date information before heading out. When you’re out, stay alert, stick to busy streets, and avoid isolated areas. Read more about staying safe in El Salvador.
💧Can you drink the water in El Salvador?
🚱 No — It’s recommended to drink filtered or bottled water in El Salvador (but using tap water to brush your teeth is usually fine). I recommend this reusable water bottle! It works great, turning tap water into safe-to-drink water that tastes good.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in El Salvador?
Yes — Renting a car in El Salvador is one of the best ways to see the country! I recommend Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local Salvadoran companies, so you get the best rates.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my El Salvador accommodations?
My go-to for El Salvador hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use HostelWorld. Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to book El Salvador flights?
For finding cheap El Salvador flights, I recommend CheapOAir.
🎫 Do I need a visa for El Salvador?
Likely Not — El Salvador allows visitors from close to one hundred jurisdictions to visit El Salvador without a visa and stay for up to 180 days. US passport holders don’t need an El Salvador visa for stays of up to 90 days, but you must purchase a tourist card for $12 USD upon arrival.
💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The currency here is the US Dollar, and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash. I always withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates (select “no” when it asks you if you accept the conversion rate). Credit cards aren’t commonly accepted outside of major cities.
🪙 Tipping: Tipping 10% in restaurants is expected, but make sure it’s not already included in your bill as “servicio.”
🚕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Getting around El Salvador is a breeze! Uber is safe and cheap in major cities like San Salvador and Santa Ana. Local buses are generally efficient and easy to use. Renting a car is also a good option.
🗣️ Language: Many locals don’t speak English, so brush up on your Spanish! It can also be helpful to download the Spanish language option on Google Translate if you’ll be offline.
📶 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: El Salvador has inconsistent internet connectivity – it’s better in the main cities than in rural areas.