Must-Need Products for Your Next Trip

Traveling is exciting, but if you don't take the right products, it can be stressful. When you travel, you should have a list of the essentials you must take. Whether you're backpacking in Europe or enjoying time at the beach, there are a few things you should never leave behind. Here are the must-need products for your next trip. 

Headphones or Earbuds

When traveling, you'll spend a lot of time in public, so you don't want to listen to music that might disturb anyone. So whether you're on a plane, train, or bus, you'll enjoy having headphones or earbuds to keep you occupied while you listen to your favorite podcast, music, or language-learning app. 

Having noise-canceling headphones can also be helpful if you want some peace in loud public areas or you're simply trying to focus on finding your way through the city. 

Packing Cubes

If you tend to pack a lot of stuff for your trips, consider using packing cubes of different sizes that make it easier to pack and organize the different items you need for your travels. Cubes can help you stay more organized and know where everything is so nothing will get lost, and you won't have to spend too much time looking for anything because you'll already know where it is.

Different Shoes

Different travels and activities require different footwear. Always bring your most comfortable pair of sneakers if you plan on hiking or walking around. However, depending on where you're going and what you plan on doing, you may want something a little more stylish. Aim to bring at least two pairs of shoes when you travel so you always have something to wear and won't have to purchase new shoes while you're away. 

Baby Wipes

You may not always have time to shower or freshen up when traveling. If you're spending a lot of time on planes, trains, or buses, or you're always on the go, consider bringing baby wipes with you wherever you go so you can freshen up in public spaces. Of course, baby wipes are no alternative to a shower, so you should try to bathe regularly once you get to your destination. 

Hair Products

Depending on where you're staying, your hotel, hostel, or rental might offer free shampoo and conditioner. However, they aren’t usually the best products for your hair, so you should try to bring your own hair products whenever possible. If you’re doing any hair treatments, such as hair loss products, you’ll want to either stow them away in a checked bag or ensure they’re no more than 100 milliliters.  Remember, there are limits to what you can bring in a carry-on bag on planes, so check with TSA before packing your hair care essentials to ensure you'll be able to take them with you. If you can't, you can purchase your own bottles and fill them before leaving to ensure you're never without your favorite products. 

Battery Pack 

If you're traveling alone, you never want to be without a phone. A USB battery pack can ensure your phone is always charged wherever you go. Unfortunately, many people think their phone batteries will last all day, but if your phone dies and you can't find a public place to charge it, you could get lost without a reliable GPS. A USB battery pack is essential if you rely on your phone to help you get back to your hotel or around the city.

Your Wallet

You'd be surprised how many people forget their wallets in their hotels when going out on the town during their vacations. Never leave your hotel without your wallet because you'll need it to purchase souvenirs and get food, and you may need it in an emergency. For example, you should always keep your health insurance card in your wallet so that someone at a hospital or doctor's office can find it if something happens to you. Of course, you should always keep your ID and cash on you. 

An Airplane Pillow

If you have a long flight ahead, try to get some sleep on the plane. However, if you've ever tried to fall asleep on a plane, you know how difficult it can be, especially if you don't have a pillow. An airplane pillow should allow you to doze off no matter where you are. Several types of airplane pillows are available to choose from, but we recommend one that's most comfortable for you. Also, depending on how you sleep, you may need something that supports your head or neck or something you can use on your friend's shoulder if they let you take a nap next to them.

A Water Bottle

You should always have access to clean water, no matter where you are. Whether you're stuck at the airport due to a delayed flight or you're wandering around a new town, you must stay hydrated. Taking a reusable water bottle with you and filling it up wherever you go can prevent you from overspending on bottled water at a local shop, and most water bottles should fit in your travel bag. 

An Eye Mask

If you're traveling out of the country, your sleep schedule may need some time to adjust. You may need a midday nap while you're away and even when you get back. An eye mask can help you get the sleep you need no matter the time of day by blocking out light. It can also be essential if you're sleeping at the airport while waiting for your flight. 

A Backpack 

Carrying a backpack may be easier than carrying another type of bag or relying on your pockets to carry all your stuff. Additionally, since backpacks offer tons of space, you can shop for all your souvenirs in one trip without worrying about carrying tons of bags in your hands. 

Depending on your trip, you may also use a backpack as your carry-on bag to help you save on the costs of checking luggage. 

Final Thoughts

When traveling, there are a few products you'll need no matter where you go. The essentials above are a few ideas to help you get started. However, you should always make a list of your must-have products to ensure nothing gets left behind. 

Megan Isola

Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends.