Travel Essentials

When going on your dream trip, it is important to have your essentials at the ready! Some people can wing it and bring any last minute items in their bags, but for me, I love to keep a list on hand of what I would need for my travels. For people that need a bit more organization to their trip, here is a list of essentials you will need to keep you prepared for your voyage.

Some Things You May Need:

Real ID or Passport: Recently they have been pushing the need to have a REAL ID that meets federal security standards. They are state-issued, and you can tell it is a Real ID by checking to see if it has a black or gold star in the upper right corner of the card. (ABC News, 2025.) If you do not have an updated ID to match these requirements, you can still use a passport if you have one. These prove who you are and are highly important to your travels.
Ticket: If you are traveling by plane, it is important that you secure your tickets as soon as possible. Make sure to always check in the day before, to make sure getting through ticketing is as painless as can be. Some airlines even let you have a digital e-ticket.
Cell Phone and Power Bank/Charger: Having your cell phone is essential as it can be your lifeline to your loved ones, your tickets, or when you have an emergency. Keep track of this item as it can help save you some time in translating, looking for directions, or calling an Uber. Always bring a power bank or charger to keep your phone stocked full of battery life.
Clothes: You will definitely need clothes for your trip! They are essential in keeping prepared for the type of weather your trip may entail. So for cool weather, pack a jacket, boots, pants, and long-sleeved shirts. For those super sunny and hot locations, pack light, airy clothes. Things like shorts, tank tops, sandals, sunglasses, and don’t forget the swimsuit! For moderate temperatures, get a bit of both types of clothes in layers, that way if it gets warmer you can take off the top layers. T-shirts, capris pants, or longer shorts, light sweater, tennis shoes, ect.
Comfortable Shoes: While traveling, it is a good idea to wear comfortable shoes as they will start to hurt your feet the longer you wear them. A good hack is to wear your heavier more comfy shoes while you travel as it saves on space and weight in your suitcase. If you like sandals, I recommend you pack a pair if you’re traveling somewhere warm. Boots or warmer shoes for cooler destinations are great.
Money/Cards: Now, it is important that you have both money and your cards with you. You never know what may come up, so it is good to be prepared just in case. Take the amount that you would need and expect to spend around $50-$100 per day. Make the adjustments for that. Bring at least 2 cards, a debit and credit card. Somethings are easier paid through card, or you have an emergency so save them for those times!
Toiletries/Makeup: Pack any hygienic essentials you may need. Things like a toothbrush and toothpaste, comb/brush, hair products/tools, towel, razors, shampoo and conditioner, scrubber, face wash/makeup remover, skin products, makeup, ect. Keep in mind of all the liquid and weight limits for these products. Do your research!
Ipad/Book/Laptop: You will need something to help distract you while you make your way to your destination. A book is a good option as it doesn’t need to be charged and it could take awhile to finish reading. Make sure to bring a bookmark and book light just incase! Another alternative is an iPad, tablet, or gaming device as these are purely for entertainment and can help kill the time. Lastly, if you are working or may need access to a computer, bring a laptop along. This is perfect for work travels, or keeping track of things online.
Headphones/Earplugs: Sometimes you need to get away from it all and listen to some music. Bring some headphones to do so, or cancel out any of the noise around you. You can also bring some earplugs, if you would prefer a quieter experience.
First Aid Kit: This is essential as accidents or emergencies can pop up at anytime! Keep one that you made yourself, or a TSA approved bag! Things like gauze, bandaids, alcohol wipes, ect.
Water Bottle: Pack a water bottle for the trip as it is best to stay hydrated, even while traveling. Search for the guidelines on what is acceptable through TSA.
Travel Pillow: A travel pillow is always nice for those naps you may want to take to re-energize you on your trip.
Snacks: You may get hungry on your trip, so it’s great to pack a few snacks through the airport or on the plane itself! Make sure to check the ingredients if your are allergic to certain things. In that case, make sure to bring your EPI pen! A plane is an enclosed space, that will not stop for a decent amount of time, so keep that in mind when deciding what to eat.

Be prepared for your journey so that you can focus on the fun parts of the trip, and not shelling out more money on things you forgot! The less you have to worry about that, the more time you can enjoy your time on your trip!

References: What to know about REAL ID. (2025, January 16). ABC News. Retrieved January 16, 2025, from https://abcnews.go.com/US/real-id-what-to-know/story?id=117632671#:~:text=REAL%20ID%20is%20an%20effort,%2C%20Dec.%2020%2C%202024.