5 Things I Never Travel Without
And why you shouldn't either
Beyond the obvious items like a phone and wallet, there are five crucial things that I never travel without. All of the products I recommend here I personally use and love, and I am sure you will, too.
1. My Passport
Whether I’m traveling domestically or not, I always bring my passport. Why? It serves as a secondary form of ID, just in case you need to visit a notary or something, and it can be a lifesaver if you misplace your license.
I learned this lesson the hard way once when I had flown from New Hampshire to Florida and my license wound up inside a hollow core door. Long story. And, no, it wasn’t my fault. Mostly.
Thankfully, the establishment was able to have the door disassembled the next day and I got my ID back with mere hours to spare before my flight home.
Another reason to always carry your passport is a bit bleak, but in today’s world, we must be prepared for anything. You never know when an emergency situation will arise, and leaving the country is your safest option.
Double down on this idea when you travel internationally and bring multiple photocopies of your passport, as well as copies of your birth certificate.
Source: Coco Rossi, Amazon
I highly recommend getting an RFID Passport Wallet like the one I have, pictured above, from Coco Rossi, which is large enough for your passport, boarding pass, and can also serve as your wallet, all while keeping your personal information safe. Plus, it’s super cute, which is obviously the best part. At the time of this publication, it will only set you back $9.99!
2. An Anti-Theft Foldable Backpack
Source: Travelon, Amazon
I cannot stress enough how obsessed I am with this bag! Typically, I use this as my personal item when I am flying, but if I don’t, it folds up into a tiny little pouch making it super easy to pack in my luggage. This bag fits my laptop, my stainless steel water bottle, a sweatshirt (since I’m always cold), and all of my important travel things.
What truly makes this bag great, is all of the anti-theft precautions, detailed above, which gives me peace of mind so, I can enjoy my vacation.
3. My SIC Bottle
Source: Seriously Ice Cold, Amazon
Okay, so I alluded to this one in #2, but it really is important enough to mention twice. This company is based in Jacksonville, FL, which has been my home base since 2017. When I first encountered their products a few years ago, I loved them so much that I became one of their resellers. The 27 oz bottle is my absolute favorite. Forget traveling, I never go anywhere without it.
Source: Seriously Ice Cold, Amazon
This bottle will still have ice in it twenty-four hours after filling, and the built-in carabiner has proven incredibly useful on numerous occasions (like when I clip it to my Stand-Up Paddle Board). It is narrow enough to fit in cup holders and the side pocket on my backpack, plus it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
When traveling, having this with me means I always have access to water, so when I get thirsty in the middle of the night I don’t have to buy the hotel room water bottle that costs $12 and a kidney. Before I go to my room, I have a bartender fill it with ice and water. Same goes for the mornings before I head out on excursions.
Bonus Tip: If you’re traveling to a resort with a beach or swim-up bar, I highly recommend bringing this 16 oz wine tumbler. Not only will it keep the ice from melting in the sun and watering down your drink, but it will prevent the salt or chlorinated water from destroying your cocktail.
4. A Portable Charger
Source: Mregb Store, Amazon
When you decide you don’t need to hire a guide to take you hiking up Mount Katahdin, but then you see a moose, follow it off the trail, and end up lost, you’ll really need your cell phone. But when you dig it out of your pack, you’ll realize that it is on its final five percent from roaming in and out of service all morning, and you’re going to want to panic. But wait! You have your portable power bank.
Source: Mregb Store, Amazon
Whether you get stranded on a mountain, or you inadvertently spend too much time scrolling through Instagram during your layover only to realize you won’t have enough battery to order an Uber once you land, one of these can save your day. I may or may not be speaking from experience on both of these accounts…
This portable charger is fantastic in emergency situations. In the event that you forgot to charge it, this power bank has a solar power option. Additionally, it features a flashlight and is waterproof and shockproof.
5. A Foldable Tripod
Source: TODI Store, Amazon
If you’re like me, you love taking photos while you travel. If you’re also like me and have short arms (or not) then this selfie stick/foldable tripod will be a game changer. It has two functions. One, nestle your phone into the holder, then extend it out and snap a photo. Two, set it up like a tripod to fit more into the frame.
Source: TODI Store, Amazon
Compatible with Android and Apple, this device comes with a detachable wireless remote, so you can easily snap photos without having to set a timer or reach up awkwardly to hit the button. It folds up compactly and fits easily into my travel backpack or purse. The phone holder rotates 360° and tilts 180° to capture the perfect angle, plus there is an integrated mount to add a light for even better picture quality.
What items are on your travel must-have list? Let us know in the comments!
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