Top 10 Travel Essentials (2024)

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Wheeled Suitcase / Backpack / Duffel Bag

Wheeled luggage has revolutionized travel. No more backaches and strained muscles! Today you can buy suitcases, backpacks and duffel bags with attached wheels, any of which can make transporting luggage easy, if not entirely effortless. If you are planning to hike or walk over rough surfaces, consider a buying a wheeled backpack or duffel bag so you can pick it up and carry it as necessary.

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Daypack / Tote Bag

You will need something to carry maps, snacks and water in while you explore. Keep your heavy wheeled bag in your hotel room and pack daily essentials in a daypack or tote. Daypacks, while not quite as stylish as tote bags, distribute the weight of your travel items more comfortably across your back and shoulders. If you have back, neck or shoulder issues, a daypack might be a better choice for you.

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Comfortable Shoes

Leave the high heels and beach sandals at home — unless, of course, you are going to the beach — and pack shoes you can really walk in. Be sure to break them in before your trip begins. Blisters can ruin a perfectly-planned vacation.

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Personal Toiletries / Medications / Glasses

These essential items vary from person to person. You will need to bring small, three-ounce (100 milliliter) bottles of liquids and gels if you are traveling by air and intend to pack your toiletries in your carry-on bag. Bring your medications in their original prescription bottles, not in a weekly pill organizer. If you normally use a pill organizer, pack it empty and set it up when you arrive at your destination. Remember to pack your glasses, especially if you are not sure you will be able to buy contact lens solution while on your trip.

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Money Belt

Don’t fool yourself —pickpockets are deft and quick, and they will relieve you of your money and passport before you know what has happened. Buy a money belt and use it wherever you go. Save your daypack and purse for items you can afford to replace, such as maps and water bottles.

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Rain Gear

Collapsible umbrellas, water-repellent jackets, ponchos and folding hats make all-weather travel bearable. Unless you are headed to Death Valley, you will probably need one or more of these items.

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Travel Alarm

You will want to know what time it is and when to wake up, especially if you are traveling with a tour group. Many people use the alarm functions on their watches or cell phones for this purpose. Others prefer a small, battery-powered travel alarm clock that is easy to see in the dark.

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Voltage Converter and Plug Adapters

If you are traveling overseas and use plug-in appliances or electronic equipment, you will definitely need plug adapters. Some hair dryers, travel irons, device chargers, laptops and cell phones are dual voltage, but others need a voltage converter.

Check the label on each item you plan to bring. If the labelsays “Input 100V-240V 50 / 60 Hz,” the item is dual voltage and only needs a plug adapter. If you do not see this information on your appliance or electronic device, never plug it directly into a foreign wall outlet. You must use a voltage converter to “step down” the 220-volt current. Without the voltage converter, your appliance will be destroyed.

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Map / Guidebook

Bring guidebooks and domestic maps with you. Do some research on map prices if you plan to travel overseas. In many cases, it is less expensive to buy local maps at your destination rather than in your local bookstore. You willneed to factor in the currency exchange rate when comparing map prices. Many tourist information offices will give you free maps of areas that are popular with visitors.

Many people tear out relevant guidebook chapters and carry only the pages they need. This approach saves weight, but it destroys the guidebook. Go on a trial outing with your daypack, carrying the entire guidebook, your camera, water and food. If your daypack is too heavy, you may want to disassemble your guidebook and leave most of the pages at home.

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Backup Documents

Make copies of your passport and ticket receipts and keep them in a safe place in your luggage. If your passport is stolen, having a copy on hand will speed up the replacement process. Leave a second copy of your passport with a family member back home. You may also want to bring copies of other documents, such as your credit card’s rental car insurance coverage information, depending on your travel plans. It is also a good idea to bring telephone numbers for your bank, credit card company and travel agent in case you need to contact them.