We travel a lot, and we overanalyze every item we pack! Our under-seat carry-on bag is dialed in, our ‘we aren’t checking’ roller bag is analyzed and weighed, and our cross-body purse contents are maximized! That said, some items that make the trip aren’t must-haves, but we’ve found they’re really nice to have.
Here is our FabList of Not Necessary, But Great to Have, Travel Items:
Duck Tape: Don’t get stuck without it! Wrap some around your luggage handle for later use, or use the convenient travel size to repair tears in clothing, shoes, or luggage. It can also secure containers to prevent leaks and create a splint or bandage.
Post-it Notes: If you need to leave a note on a hotel door, a reminder on your bathroom mirror to take things out of the safe, etc., you’ll be happy you have a small pad of these on hand.
Fearless Body & Clothing Tape: This magic tape can close the gap in a blouse, hem pants, make a ‘V’ in a dress plunge a bit less, hold down a lapel, keep a shirt from slipping off your shoulder, and much more. We keep it in our toiletries kit at all times!
Travel Steamer/Iron: This is especially useful if you’re traveling with linen or with something to wear for a special occasion. This steamer/iron combines the versatility of a clip iron, a flat iron, and a hanging iron in a design that meets all your laundry smoothing needs for any occasion.
Ziploc bags in all sizes: Tuck a few Ziplocks, in various sizes, into your luggage and just keep them there, ready for any trip. They are perfect for dirty clothing or wet bathing suits, and big ones are great if you want to bring home olive oil, wine, or other liquids.
Earplugs: We love these Mack’s silicone earplugs. They are perfect for noisy flights (screaming babies!), snoring roommates/seatmates, or whenever you want to guarantee a good night’s sleep.
Whoosh Screen Cleaner: The one they use at the Apple Stores! This spray cleanser works great for eyeglasses, laptops, tablets, phones, or general electronics. There is a handy travel size, and each purchase includes microfiber cloths.
Little Notebook/Pen: Many of us take notes on our phones, but sometimes it’s nice to have a little pad of paper handy! And one of these mini-pens, especially if you’re traveling internationally and need to sign visa documents upon entry.
Kindle: Yes, you can read on your phone via the Kindle app, but we prefer having a real Kindle for its larger screen, non-glare display (perfect for reading in the sun), and long battery life.
Aloha Bags: These waterproof pouches, totes, and backpacks come in various patterns and sizes. They’re lightweight and waterproof, making them great for toiletries, beach items, damp bathing suits, or just about anything! A little more elevated than a Ziploc!
Overflow bag: Pack an overflow bag in your suitcase to hold purchases, dirty clothes, and more. It’s nice to have a strong, zippered one that can be checked in on your flight home so you don’t have to carry it on the plane.
Hand sanitizer: This slim container is lightweight, and the scents are great! Also, keep wipes on hand to clean hands, tables, tray tables, seats, etc.
Tissues: Great for runny noses and extra TP if you need it!
Face masks: For busy airports, trains, buses, and trips to cities or countries with poor air quality.
Booties: If you have to take off your shoes to enter buildings/temples, etc, these will keep your feet clean.
Extra reading glasses: If you break or lose your reading glasses, you’ll be happy you have an extra pair.
Sewing kit: Some hotels offer sewing kits, while others do not. It’s always a good idea to have one on hand if a button falls off or you need to make repairs.
Bag within a bag: If you have a larger carry-on, you might want a smaller tote inside to grab when you need just a few essentials on hand for the plane ride, like your head pillow, noise-canceling headphones, Kindle, blanket, water bottle, etc.
Cross-Body Phone Lanyard: Use this phone strap to keep your hands free and your phone secure while enjoying your vacation, shopping, or any event.
Hats: We always bring a couple of options – a wide-brimmed one like this is excellent for intense sun, and we also like to throw in a baseball cap for plane rides or other activities when our hair isn’t behaving!
Snacks: Bars and nuts are great healthy items to have while out and about.
Lightweight scarf with insect shield: This is a multi-use item—great as a fashion accessory, for sun and bug protection, as a bathing suit cover-up, seat cover, and more.
Rubber bands: Our friend Audrey had a couple of these on our last trip, and she used them to cinch her too-long pants! They can also help compact rolled-up clothes, prevent items from shifting in bags, and be used as temporary fasteners or grips.
