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Packing used to be one of the more stressful parts of travelling for me — either overpacking and lugging it around, or forgetting something and paying airport prices to replace it. Over time I’ve settled on the items that genuinely earn their space, whatever the trip. Here are the 25 that make it into my suitcase every time.
A Reliable Carry-On Backpack
Sits at the premium end, but the compartments and Ryanair-compliant dimensions make it worth it for anyone travelling often. View product
Portable power bank
A dead phone when you need your boarding pass is not a situation worth risking.
Universal travel adaptor
Multiple USB ports, one adaptor, no more airport-shop replacements.
Reusable water bottle
Cuts down on plastic and solves the “why is airport water so expensive” problem in one go.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones
A genuine investment, not an impulse buy. Comfortable enough for a full long-haul flight, durable enough to survive being thrown in hand luggage repeatedly. View product
Travel Wallet
One place for cards, cash, and travel insurance details, so you’re not searching three bags at check-in.
Luggage Tracker
Peace of mind on any flight where you’re checking a bag.
Sleep mask and earplugs
Non-negotiable for overnight flights and hotels you can’t control the noise in.
Passport holder
Small thing, but it keeps documents where you actually need them at border control.
Compact umbrella
Takes up almost no space and has saved more trips than I can count.
Compression socks
Makes a real difference on longer flights, more than people expect before trying them.
Travel-sized toiletry kit
Keeps security lines quick and everything airline-compliant.
Packing Cubes
Genuinely changed how I pack. Compact, durable, and you stop unpacking the entire case to find one thing. View product
Portable Luggage Scale
Has saved me from excess baggage charges more times than I’d like to admit.
E-Reader
Same reasoning as the summer list — an entire library, no added weight. View product
Mini First Aid Kit
Plasters, pain relief, the basics. Small enough that there’s no excuse not to carry it.
Hand sanitiser
The item you don’t think about until you need it.
Offline maps app
Downloaded before every trip, non-negotiable once you’ve been caught without signal once.
Travel journal
Some of my favourite memories from any trip are the ones I actually wrote down at the time.
Copies of important documents
Passport, insurance, reservations — stored both digitally and as a hard copy, kept separately from the originals.
Portable Phone Stand
Useful for films, video calls, or just following an itinerary hands-free. View product
That’s genuinely everything — no filler items just to hit a round number.
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