Everyone packs too much. At the end of every trip, my husband and I go through everything we packed and keep score of which items were actually worth taking. We dock points for anything that never left the bag. It's brutal, but it's turned me into a ruthless packer.
It’s also made me realize that there are a handful of items that always make the cut on absolutely every trip.
On a recent episode of Smart Travel from NerdWallet, my co-host Meghan Coyle and I emptied our bags on camera (yes, you can watch us on Spotify!), and we each shared our seven must-pack travel items. Here’s why we swear by these 14 items, and where you can grab your own.
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Sally's picks: The backpack-only traveler's kit
I’m a diehard backpack-only traveler, so my list leans toward compact, multipurpose gear.
1. Peak Design Travel Backpack (40L)
I like this 40-liter backpack for its clever trick: the front pouch zips completely off, transforming it into a separate, smaller daypack.
That means one bag does double duty as both my carry-on bag that fits everything and my everyday bag once I’m there, so I never have to pack (or carry) two backpacks.
2. Packing cubes
Packing cubes keep clothes compressed and contained, and make it easy to separate clean from dirty laundry, or to divide climate-specific outfits (say, cold-weather gear from beachwear) into their own cubes on multicity trips. Plus, when you open your tightly packed bag, your clothes won't spill everywhere.
There are expensive, designer packing cubes out there, but the Amazon Essentials brand will do just fine.
3. Universal power adapter
Rather than juggling multiple country-specific plugs, I travel with a single universal adapter that includes multiple plug types. It sometimes costs a bit more up front than a single-country adapter, but it’s so much easier to keep track of just one adapter rather than several. The specific model I have isn’t sold anymore, but there are still plenty of good options to choose from.
4. A spare tote or grocery bag
No need to buy anything special here! I just toss an old grocery tote in my suitcase. This becomes the catch-all for muddy shoes, snacks, souvenirs or overflow items on the way home. If the bag gets dirty or ripped, I won't feel bad tossing it.
5. Ziploc bags, assorted sizes
Gallon and sandwich-sized bags handle everything from a wet swimsuit to snuck-out cookies from the airport lounge. I always pack a couple in a variety of sizes.
6. Owala water bottle
It’s easy to forget to drink water while traveling, but it’s especially important on flights and in hot destinations. I love my Owala water bottle because its two-step locking lid makes spills pretty much impossible.
7. Melatonin
For fighting time-zone changes or a noisy hotel air conditioner, I put a handful of melatonin gummies in a sandwich bag and leave them in my bag in case I need them. (I usually do).
Meghan's picks: The always-prepared traveler's kit
Meghan's list focuses on staying comfortable, caffeinated and prepared for the unexpected.
1. Anti-theft crossbody bag
Meghan's crossbody bag has a hook that clips onto the zipper pull so it can't be opened on the sly. Plus, the fabric is slash-resistant and blocks digital theft.
2. USB charging cords and a power bank
Instead of a universal adapter, Meghan relies on simple USB cords that plug into the USB ports already built into most airline seats, hotel rooms and cruise cabins.
When she’s not near a USB port or electrical outlet, Meghan keeps her devices charged with a portable power bank. She likes one that has the cords built-in, so she doesn’t have to carry around extra cords to connect the power bank to her phone.
3. Blueland laundry detergent tablets
For trips longer than about a week, Meghan packs Blueland laundry detergent tablets. They're dissolvable, and unlike liquid pods, they won't leak or explode in your suitcase. She uses them to do a load or two at a local laundromat instead of hauling multiple weeks' worth of clothes.
4. Individual drink packets (coffee, chai, matcha, electrolytes)
Meghan travels with a stash of instant drink packets, including coffee and electrolyte mixes. I’m onboard with this idea. I love Copper Cow’s single-serve pour over packets; they’re way better than any sad hotel coffee.
5. Protein bars
Meghan always keeps a high-protein snack on hand for long tarmac waits. (She seems to get particularly unlucky with these.)
As a competitive powerlifter and fitness instructor myself, I support her commitment to protein! Quest bars have some of the highest protein-to-calorie ratios of any bar. But if we’re going off taste alone, I’ve lately been obsessed with Built Puff bars.
6. Instant cup of noodles
I'm a big fan of Meghan’s budget-airline hack: Bring your own cup of noodles and ask for free hot water instead of paying for so-so airplane food. Many airlines will oblige, particularly if they already have hot water for their drink service.
7. A deck of cards
They’re light, cheap and screen-free. And when you're all out of conversation topics, they're a great way to pass time with travel companions.
Want more travel and money tips like these?
This packing list is just one episode of Smart Travel from NerdWallet, the podcast where we break down how to get more out of every trip — from maximizing credit card points and airline miles to real-time travel news and packing strategy.
Subscribe and listen here. Or, search for "Smart Travel" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcast app of choice. You can also watch full video episodes (and see these items for yourself!) on Spotify, and follow along on Instagram and TikTok.
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