Must-Have Travel Items For 2025

2025 is going to be a big year for traveling! No matter whether you’re heading out on a weekend getaway or an international adventure, having the right gear can certainly add to the fun and efficiency of your trip.

As an avid traveler, I’ve logged dozens of trips—from volunteering for an English Immersion program in Spain to road-tripping through Iceland and hiking some of the most beautiful national parks right here in the United States. One of the most unforgettable experiences? An African safari. If you’re planning a similar adventure, be sure to check out my African Safari packing list for a detailed guide on what to bring.

I’ve tested countless travel gadgets, accessories, and packing strategies. Here are the essential travel items I personally rely on to make every trip smoother, more organized, and way more comfortable. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, these tried-and-true favorites are designed to help you pack smarter and travel better.

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In-Flight Essentials to Stay Comfortable & Organized

Airport chaos and long flights can be exhausting, but a few well-chosen items can make a world of difference. These tried-and-true essentials help make even the longest flights feel a bit more manageable—and a lot more enjoyable. Here is our list of must-have travel items for 2025!

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Planes and hotels can be noisy places! On one overnight flight, the two men seated behind me discovered they shared a passion for soccer. They proceeded to have an hours-long, animated discussion while everyone around them was trying to sleep. And what can be more annoying than listening to a stranger snoring through a flimsy hotel wall. Noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver for you and your sleep!

We love our Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones. You can use them to simply block out the noise around you, or to relax to your favorite music. I appreciate being able to plug the headphones into the plane’s entertainment system and watch a movie without cranking up the volume in order to drown out the sound of the airplane engine.

Moldable Ear Plugs

Ear plugs are a great lightweight alternative to headphones for drowning airplane engines, crying babies and distracting background noises.

I’ve gone through my fair share of earplugs over the years, but Mack’s Silicone Putty Earplugs are the clear winners in my book. They’re super flexible and can be reused several times—usually four or five nights—before I switch them out.

I’ve relied on them for sleeping on a plane, drowning out hotel hallway chaos, and even in a tented camp in Tanzania critters rustling around outside.

Since I have smaller ears, I prefer the child-size version—they fit more comfortably than standard ones. There’s nothing better than getting uninterrupted sleep!

Travel Pillow

Over the years, I’ve tested out all kinds of travel pillows, but I finally found one that actually lets me sleep on a plane- the Cabeau Travel Neck Pillow.

What really sets it apart, in my opinion, is the flat back design. Unlike bulkier options, it sits flush against the airplane seat, which helps keep your head aligned properly while you rest. The adjustable strap in the front is a game-changer too, preventing your head from snapping forward mid-snooze.

Another feature I like is the open neck area. Unlike other pillows that feel restrictive or tight, this one doesn’t trigger that claustrophobic feeling I sometimes get with other neck pillows.

Bonus: it comes with a set of earplugs and a compact travel bag that compresses the pillow down to about a quarter of its original size—perfect for packing light.

Reusable Water Bottle

One travel essential I make sure I have handy when heading to the airport is my Hydro Flask reusable water bottle. Made from insulated stainless steel, it keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours or hot for 12. Its leakproof Flex Straw Cap and durable, dishwasher safe design makes it ideal for travel.

The Hydro Flask fits easily into the cup holder in my car, as well as in the outside mesh pocket on my daypack. Best of all, it saves you from buying overpriced plastic water bottles at the airport—just refill after security and you’re good to go!

Packing Must-Haves for Any Destination

Anti-Theft Travel Purse

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned while traveling? You can’t be too careful with your belongings. Years ago in Las Vegas, someone managed to cut the strap of my purse while it was on my shoulder, and they disappeared with it before I even noticed. Since then, I never travel without an anti-theft purse. My go-to is the Travelon Small Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag.

This compact yet incredibly secure bag is now my everyday purse—not just for travel. It’s packed with safety features like an anti-cut strap, slash-resistant fabric, locking zippers, and RFID protection to guard your personal info from digital theft.

Despite its small size, it fits all the essentials—your passport, cell phone, reading glasses and more. It’s a relief to worry less about pickpockets!

TSA Approved Luggage Lock

It’s critically important to have a good luggage lock when you travel. It can deter thieves from rooting around in your suitcase, whether in the airport, on a bus or in your hotel room. We always travel with TSA approved luggage locks. TSA agents have a universal master key that fits into the bottom of all approved locks. They can get into your luggage for inspection without having to break your lock or cut into your suitcase in order to do it.

We purchased three digit combination locks so that we wouldn’t have to worry about keeping track of a physical key. We highly recommend them, as long as you don’t forget your combination! They’re great for both carry-on and checked suitcases, backpacks, briefcases and even gym lockers.

Apple Air Tags

High on our list of must-have travel items are our Apple AirTags—a game-changer when it comes to keeping track of your belongings. About the size of a quarter, this tiny device uses a secure Bluetooth signal that connects to the Find My app on your iPhone, helping you locate items in seconds.

Air Tags can help you find everyday items like your keys or wallet when you’ve misplaced them. If your missing item is nearby, your iPhone can lead you straight to it.

For us, the Air Tag has become a travel essential. You can slip it right into your passport holder to help you keep track of this important document.

If your suitcase gets delayed or rerouted, you’ll be able to see its exact location—making that trip to the lost luggage desk way less stressful. Pair it with a keyring holder to clip it securely inside your bag, and you’re set!

TravelWise Packing Cubes

Packing for a trip became much more efficient once we invested in a set of packing cubes. Packing cubes are like drawers for your luggage! They are zip containers that organize your belongings and fit right inside your suitcase. They help compress clothing, therefore saving space in your luggage. They also keep clothing from shifting around during transit, resulting in fewer wrinkles.

Packing cubes also help you stay organized once you’ve reached your destination. Separating similar items into cubes keeps you from having to rummage through your entire suitcase when looking for a particular item. The cubes can go right into a drawer without unpacking. The zippers that go around the top of the cube make it convenient to access your items.

I love my five-piece set by TravelWise. The mesh design allows you to easily see what’s inside. Not only does it make it easy for you to locate your favorite pair of shorts, it helps security travel agents check out your luggage without pawing through all of your loose clothing.

Must-Have Travel Electronics & Accessories

Universal Power Adapter

Having a reliable travel adapter plug is essential on international trips. Different countries have different types of outlets and voltages, and without the right adapter, you won’t be able to charge your cell phone, laptop, or camera. A good universal adapter can keep you connected, powered up, and stress-free.

The Bestek Universal Travel Adapter has a direct US plug and four adapters. It can be used throughout Europe, Asia, South America and Africa.

Electronics Cable Organizer

Tired of tangled-up cords misplaced chargers? Me, too. My carry-on usually includes my cell phone, laptop, cameras, and noise cancelling headphones. Naturally, they all come with chargers, power cords, batteries and memory cards. My system of organizing my electronics with rubber bands long ago became outdated!

Add a little organization to your travels with a BAGSMART Electronic Organizer. Its small size makes it portable, and it can easily be thrown into a backpack or carry-on luggage. The bag is made of water-repellent nylon for extra protection and is available in a variety of colors.

There are elastic loops for holding cables, computer mouse, and pens, a mesh zippered pocket, and 5 elasticized mesh segments to hold smaller items such as batteries, flash drives, and memory cards.

Portable Charger

There’s nothing more frustrating than having your camera or cell phone die just as you happen upon the perfect photo op. Carrying a portable charger while traveling will guarantee that your phone, camera, and other devices are powered throughout the day.

The Miady Portable Charger allows you to charge your mobile devices without having to be tethered to a plug socket.

Olympus Tough T-7 Camera

Wanting to upgrade from your cell phone camera to a more professional one, but don’t to deal with the weight of a DSL camera? (or the sticker price!) Check out the compact, travel-friendly Olympus ToughTG7. It’s a rugged, waterproof camera that gets sharp images while being incredibly easy to use.

This little camera has accompanied me into the Amazon rainforest, through the towers of La Sagrada Familia in Spain, and braved the rides at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It’s been covered with dust on an African safari, and survived tumbling from my paddleboard into Florida’s intercoastal waterway with no ill effects.

It’s a great lightweight camera both for beginners and more advanced photographers. You can get great photos just by keeping it in the automatic setting and using it as a point-and shoot camera. There are many other shooting modes to choose from, including manual aperture settings, microscope close-ups, landscape scenery, nightscapes, indoor portraits, underwater modes and high-speed movies.

Like all Olympus cameras, there are a ton of great interchangeable lenses available for the TG-7.

Smart Toiletries: Minimize Liquids & Maximize Space

Lubricating Eye Drops

Long travel days—whether you’re navigating dry climates, spending time outdoors, or just dealing with the recycled air on planes—can really take a toll on your eyes. Dust, sun, and dry cabin air can all lead to irritation and discomfort, so it’s smart to pack some lubricating eye drops.

I was introduced to Refresh Optive Advanced Lubricant Eye Drops by a fellow traveler, and they’ve been a staple in my travel kit ever since. They feel more hydrating and refreshing than the standard drops I used to carry.

While I normally try to avoid single-use items, these small, individual vials are incredibly convenient on the go—perfect for tossing in a daypack or personal item, and super handy during long days of sightseeing or outdoor adventures.

Wet Wipes

I carry a travel pack of wet wipes in my carry-on. True confession: I’m that person who wipes off the arms rest, seat belt, air vents and tray tables before taking my seat on the plane.

It’s also great to have wet wipes in your day pack when you’re out and about, and there have been occasions where I’ve been happy to have them in my hotel room.

I really like Dude Wipes, which are made with eucalyptus and mint. While they are designed to be flushable bathroom wipes, they also double as great hand wipes. And yes, there were a couple of instances while on safari where I did utilize them as toilet wipes!

Insect Repellent

Heading to a destination where mosquitos and other biting insects might be a problem? A good insect repellent containing DEET is a must, especially in areas where malaria an issue. Concentrations of DEET higher than 30% aren’t necessary. While a higher concentration may affect how long the repellent lasts, it doesn’t offer more protection from bites and therefore isn’t worth the added toxicity of higher dosages.

Carrying liquids can be tricky on airplanes. Avoid this hassle by carrying Insect Repellent Wipes.

Bonus Items You’ll Be Glad You Packed

Foldable Sun Hat

My go-to travel hat is the foldable Foldable Furtalk Straw Sunhat. It’s lightweight, has a generously wide brim, and offers UPF 50 sun protection—perfect for long days outdoors. What makes it a standout is how easily it packs: just fold it into your suitcase, and it springs right back into shape.

Mine came in handy on a Caribbean cruise, an African Safari, and while hiking in Bryce and Zion National Parks. It’s also great for gardening when I’m at home.

Laundry Detergent Sheets

Anybody out there who loves spending time in the laundromat while on vacation? Nope. Not us. That’s why we always plan on washing a few items in our hotel sink.

I love these Earth Breeze Eco Friendly Detergent sheets because they are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.

We like to carry a Ziplock bag to assist in the dissolving process. We put a laundry sheet into the Ziplock, add some water and shake it a bit before dumping it into the sink. Another great tip is to carry the pack in a dry Ziplock along with moisture control beads you get when purchasing new shoes or vitamins. This helps you keep the pack from getting wet, which can result in all of the sheets dissolving.

Travel Clothesline

Now that you’ve got some freshly washed undergarments or a bathing suit wet from a swim, the question becomes how to dry them. We found our answer in an easily portable travel clothesline.

Our is an older model with adjustable Velcro loops on the ends that makes it easy to attach to shower heads, doorknobs or even hotel window latches. We have had occasions where we’ve looped one end over the shower head and have nothing to attach the second loop to. This issue has been addressed with newer models that comes with both hooks and suction cups at the ends. It makes it easy to wash clothes out at night and have them dry by morning!

First Aid Essentials For Staying Safe On The Go

While quick getaways close to home might not require much more than a few band-aids, international adventures and remote destinations call for a bit more preparation. A compact, well-stocked first aid kit can be a true lifesaver when you’re far from familiar pharmacies. You never know when you’re going to decide you need something in the middle of the night!

Here is my go-list of first aid essentials:

• Imodium for traveler’s diarrhea in countries where it is advised you don’t drink the water.
• Neosporin or other antibiotic cream for cuts or scratches
• Cortisone cream for insect bites
• Benadryl or other antihistamine
• Pain reliever such as aspirin, Advil (Ibuprofen) or Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
• Decongestant
• Band-Aids in various sizes
• Alcohol Wipes
• Insect repellent depending upon your destination
• Motion sickness or altitude sickness medication if these issues apply to you

Ready to Take Off?

Travel can be unpredictable, but with the right gear, you can take a lot of the stress out of the experience. These essential travel items have saved our sleep, our sanity, and more than a little suitcase space. If you’re looking to upgrade your travel game, we hope these tried-and-true favorites help you hit the road (or skies) with confidence and ease. Safe travels!