Home » Travel & Places » Travel Advice » Packing

Top Travel Essentials

Ranked #3,739 in Travel & Places, #115,361 overall | Donates to Squidoo Charity Fund

Whether You Are On Your First Trip Or You're A Seasoned Traveller | Essential Travel Items

If you are embarking on a journey there are some essential travel items that you will find indispensable. Whether it's two weeks at a trendy resort or six months travelling on a budget, there are some items you just shouldn't be without when you leave home. To ensure that you have the smoothest travel experience possible it is essential to plan for your trip. Some things are out of our control but ensuring that you have everything packed that you need will mean one less thing to worry about. Check off this list with me and see if you agree. Are these items on your Top Travel Essentials list?

Hawaiian Vintage Boxed Postcards Set of 10 - Hawaii Bound - Collection of Vintage Hawaiian Travel Posters

1. Bags, Suitcases, Backbacks

Getting the right luggage

Choosing the right luggage for your trip is essential for a number of reasons. If you are taking a tour with transfers it could well be fine to have the matching Louis Vuitton three piece luggage ensemble. Not so practical if you plan to trek and bus through India.



Don't buy these luggage sets if you don't want to draw attention to yourself!

Top Travel Essentials

Heys USA B702-4Pc. Set Landscape/Flowers Suitcase

Top Travel Essentials

Heys USA Luggage Britto Garden Hard Side 4 Piece Luggage Set

Top Travel Essentials

Heys Romero BRITTO Collection 4-Piece Heart Luggage Set


In some countries it can be prudent to travel with bags that don't attract a lot of attention. Before you decide what you'll pack, do your research on your intended destination and choose your luggage to fit your trip.



Top Travel Essentials

Osprey Farpoint 70 Travel Backpack

Top Travel Essentials

Quiksilver Men's Kelly Slater Travel Pack

Top Travel Essentials

Osprey Airporter LZ Duffle

Top Rated Compact Carry On Bag

Olympia American Airline Skyhawk 22 Inch Expandable Airline Carry-On

Top Travel EssentialsIf you travel light and want to avoid the baggage check-in and retrieval system, this is the bag for you.

Olympia American Airline Skyhawk 22 Inch Expandable Airline Carry-On

Amazon Price: (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $119.99

This bag is compact, light and easy to carry or pull along.

Le Sourire, Luggage Holiday Magazine, France, 1929

Le Sourire, Luggage Holiday Magazine, France, 1929

Buy This at Allposters.com

Grab A Great Deal on Luggage Sets

Loading

Just going for the weekend? Check out these Overnight Bags

2. Practical Clothing

The best clothes for travelling are not only comfortable, but also easy to wash and look OK without ironing. You can still look good with a traveller's wardrobe but you also need to be practical.

Top Travel Essentials

Hudson Men's Harper 5 Pocket Straight Chino Pant

Top Travel Essentials

Lucky Brand Men's Chino Pant-Paint Splatter Pant

Top Travel Essentials

Just A Cheap Shirt Men's Larry Chino Pants

Carhartt Men's Flannel Lined Washed Duck Dungaree

Essential Travel Items

Top Travel Essentials

Carhartt Men's Flannel Lined Washed Duck Dungaree

Amazon Price: (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $64.00

These pants are great if you're travelling in winter. With plenty of give around the seat, they're comfortable on long flights or bus trips. I can handwash them fairly easily and they don't look like a rag If they're not pressed.

Levi's Men's Core Cargo Short

A cargo short that sits low on the hip; loose fit in the seat and thigh; with bellowed side and back pockets; hits at the knee
Levi's Men's Core Cargo Short

Levi's Men's Core Cargo Short

Amazon Price: (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

Another loose-fitting item that is cool as well

Ladies Cape Kiwanda Cargo Short

This 100% cotton dobby stonewashed short is both cute and functional
Ladies Cape Kiwanda Cargo Short-160FOSSIL-4

Ladies Cape Kiwanda Cargo Short-160FOSSIL-4

Amazon Price: (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

Chicago For the Tourist
Buy at AllPosters.com

3. Comfortable Shoes

Whatever you do you absolutely must take a great pair of shoes for going out. And there is absolutely no way that you should leave home without something for sloughing about in the markets or on the beach. Once those are packed, don't forget the most important shoes of all - the comfy shoes. You'll be so sorry if you end up unable to wear your favourite heels because your feet are too swollen and sore after travelling!

Diamond Dust Shoes, 1980 (Lilac, Blue, Green)




Diamond Dust Shoes, 1980 (Lilac, Blue, Green)
(26 in x 34 in)
(Andy Warhol : Art Print)


Buy at AllPosters.com

Minnetonka Women's Moosehide Fringed Kilty Moccasin

Tough as a bull moose, soft as kid leather!
Minnetonka Women's Moosehide Fringed Kilty Moccasin

Minnetonka Women's Moosehide Fringed Kilty Moccasin

Amazon Price: (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

Rockport Men's Prowalker Walking Shoe

Constructed with the Rockport patented Walk Platform, this shoe provides a wide base of support for the heel and a flexible forefoot to aid in the walking motion. The removable footbed is made of rubberized EVA cushioning that is durable. It also features a solid rubber outsole that grips a variety of surfaces, a lightweight fiberlon shank that provides midfoot support, and a full grain leather upper that is easy to clean.
Rockport Men's Prowalker Walking Shoe

Rockport Men's Prowalker Walking Shoe

Amazon Price: (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

Quote -

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." - St. Augustine

4. Personal Care

If you have a particular favourite haircare product or can only use a certain moisturizer, make sure to pack enough for your trip. Tracking these items down in a foreign country can be time consuming and expensive.

Silky Soft Hair Shampoo




Buy at AllPosters.com

Billy Jealousy Wanderlust Travel Kit

Contains:

* ILLICIT Pearlized Body Wash (2 oz)
* Fuzzy Logic Hair Strengthening Shampoo (2 oz)
* White Knight Gentle Daily Facial Cleanser (2 oz)
* Hydroplane Shave Cream (2 oz)
* Cool Medium Hair Gel (2 oz)
Could not locate item B0017ZXEIC. Please try again.Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.

Juice Beauty Organics to Travel Set

Product Features

* Organic Citrus & Aloe Body Wash (2oz)
* Organic Citrus & Aloe Hand & Body Lotion (2oz)
* Organic Citrus & Aloe Shampoo (2oz)
* Organic Citrus & Aloe Conditioner (2oz)
Juice Beauty Organics to Travel 1 set

Juice Beauty Organics to Travel 1 set

Amazon Price: (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

Juice Beauty has made a big splash with style-leaders and celebrities alike. Voted #1 Organic Brand by style.com and Most Wanted Cosmetic Product by Instyle.com, Juice Beauty counts Kate Hudson, Madonna, Cameron Diaz and Marsha Cross amongst its celebrity clientele.

New York Poster



New York, Fly TWA, c.1958





Buy at AllPosters.com

5. Camera

Whether this is your first trip or you go every year, you'll want to save those memories.

Paris




Buy at AllPosters.com

Canon PowerShot SX20IS

With a 20x wide-angle zoom, the 12.1-megapixel PowerShot SX20 IS offers intelligent, versatile shooting power. Switch to Smart Auto mode for effortlessly great results, or shoot stunning HD movies.
Canon PowerShot SX20IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-Inch Articulating LCD

Canon PowerShot SX20IS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-Inch Articulating LCD

Amazon Price: $469.99 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

Nikon Coolpix L100

The Coolpix L100 puts the power of a 15x telephoto zoom into a compact easy to use design. A wide variety of images can be captured with the Coolpix L100 from wide angle scenes (28mm) to telephoto (420mm). Ideal for family sports or travel photography the Coolpix L100 can shoot up to 30 consecutive pictures at 13 frames per second. The scene auto selector the Coolpix L100 automatically selects the appropriate scene mode for best results.
Nikon Coolpix L100 10 MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom

Nikon Coolpix L100 10 MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom

Amazon Price: $347.88 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

Flip UltraHD Camcorder

The Flip UltraHD Camcorder combines Flip Video's signature shoot-and-share simplicity with the power of vivid, vibrant HD video. Power on and press record to start capturing incredible HD video in seconds. When its time to share your video, use the flip-out USB arm to connect to any PC or Mac and launch built-in FlipShare editing and video-sharing software. Built-in FlipShare software lets you easily email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still photos from video, and even upload video to sharing sites likeYouTube and MySpace
Flip UltraHD Video Camera - Black, 8 GB, 2 Hours (2nd Generation)

Flip UltraHD Video Camera - Black, 8 GB, 2 Hours (2nd Generation)

Amazon Price: $239.00 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

6. Guides

If you are traveling to an unfamiliar destination it is very useful to have a guidebook with you. This can be an invaluable resource for anything from accommodation recommendations and where not to eat to tips on local customs and must-see sites in the area. Even if you are joining a tour, a guidebook can be a great source of background information to help you appreciate even more and get more value out of the sites being visited.

Venezia




Buy at AllPosters.com

Italy (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

Italy offers an extraordinary kaleidoscope of regions and experiences for all visitors. Packed with photographs, illustrations and maps the Eyewitness Travel to Italy has mapped out all of the remarkable flavors of Italy. Use this guide to help you decide where to stay, eat, relax, and shop. Every page in the Eyewitness Travel to Italy has pinpointed the highlights of each fascinating region.
Italy (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

Italy (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

Amazon Price: $10.00 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

Fodor's Costa Rica 2010

Costa Rica has become one of the most popular destinations for travelers seeking natural beauty, outdoor adventure and sun. It's no wonder. Little Costa Rica is endowed with a mosaic of natural landscapes that are packed with an amazing array of flora and fauna. This is also one of the easiest places in the world to experience the beauty and complexity of tropical nature.
Fodor's Costa Rica 2010 (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor's Costa Rica 2010 (Full-color Travel Guide)

by: Fodor's

Amazon Price: $6.97 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

The Rough Guide to Greece

Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to Greece, the ultimate handbook to the Greek mainland and islands - right down to the tiniest one-village outcrops. Flick through the full-colour section for an overview of all of Greece''s highlights, from Mount Pilio''s lush countryside and Prespa''s beautiful lakes to the fish market in Thessaloniki and the famous oracle site in Delphi. There are three full-colour sections: Greek cuisine, Wild Greece and Orthodox Festivals, hundreds of reviews of all the best places to eat, drink and sleep, for all budgets, plus practical tips on a wide range of activities, from bird-watching and windsurfing to hiking and cycling. The guide also takes a detailed look at the country''s history, culture, mythology and wildlife and comes complete with maps and plans for every region.
The Rough Guide to Greece 12 (Rough Guide Travel Guides)

The Rough Guide to Greece 12 (Rough Guide Travel Guides)

by: Marc Dubin, John Fisher, Nick Edwards, Geoff Garvey

Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

Quote -

"There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign." - Robert Louis Stevenson

7. Phrasebook

Traveling to countries where English is not widely spoken need not be difficult or stressful. With a little preparation and a willingness to try to communicate in the local language, rewarding travel experiences can still be enjoyed. It should be remembered that it is also polite to at least attempt a few words even if the rest of the language remains a mystery. Arming yourself with some simple every day phrases can go a long way in most situations.

Chamonix




Buy at AllPosters.com

French Phrasebook: and Audio CD

Phrasebook in hand, bus ticket secured, you discover the bus driver shares your passion for Monet and fromage. He invites you to meet his family over a long lunch - another language-inspired success.
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook: and Audio CD

Lonely Planet French Phrasebook: and Audio CD

by: Lonely Planet

Amazon Price: $7.02 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

Spanish Phrasebook: and Audio CD

'Hasta la vista, baby' is no way to address a Spanish police officer. 'Arriba, arriba' won't make the taxi go faster, and 'ay, carramba' won't grab a waiter's attention. Use this book to say what you really mean.
Lonely Planet Spanish Phrasebook: and Audio CD

Lonely Planet Spanish Phrasebook: and Audio CD

by: Lonely Planet

Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

Swahili (Lonely Planet Phrasebooks)

To pack for East Africa:
binoculars for spotting zebu
down jacket for the climb up Kilimanjaro
mosquito net for camping on the multi-day safari
this phrasebook for everything else
Swahili (Lonely Planet Phrasebooks)

Swahili (Lonely Planet Phrasebooks)

by: Martin Benjamin

Amazon Price: $3.90 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

8. Journal

There are many ways to record your journey and experiences. You could keep all your tickets to various places you visit such as museums, castles, ruins, sacred sites as well as a few coins and other momentos to scrapbook on your return. You might start a blog and upload all your photos as you go. One tried and tested method is to keep a journal. This is particularly useful if you are taking a long trip such as a backpacker journey. After a while individual places can become a bit of a blur, while experiences may stand out. In a journal you can keep track of other information as well such as daily budget, exchange rate, and people you've met.

Diary




Diary - Norman Rockwell
(21.125 in x 26 in)
(Giclee Print)
Buy at AllPosters.com

The Spirit of Flight Journal

The force that powers movement of wind and air, the Spirit of Flight is personified as a luminous goddess surrounded by dynamic elements from nature. Enjoy this beautiful, oversized journal from critically acclaimed fantasy artist Josephine Wall. This detailed image from one of her best known works of art has been debossed and treated with gold foil highlights to create a one of a kind journal. 192 lined pages. 7-1/4'' wide x 9'' high.
The Spirit of Flight Journal (Notebook, Diary) (Oversized Journal) (Journals)

The Spirit of Flight Journal (Notebook, Diary) (Oversized Journal) (Journals)

by: Peter Pauper Press

Amazon Price: $9.44 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

Enlightenment Journal

Enveloped in a design reproduced from the hand-tooled leather cover of a 17th-century Bible, this journal will inspire your own enlightenment. Embossed, gold foil pattern. 192 lined pages, 7-1/4 wide x 9 high. Hardcover book lies flat for ease of use.
Enlightenment Journal (Notebook, Diary) (Guided Journals Series)

Enlightenment Journal (Notebook, Diary) (Guided Journals Series)

by: Peter Pauper Press

Amazon Price: $9.51 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

Voyages: A Travel Journal

A travel journal. With suede-textured spine, wire-o binding, and stunning cover photo, this elegant journal is just the right size to take along on a trip. Quotations by well-known travelers, scattered throughout the book, will guide you as you write about your own journey. Beautifully drawn maps add to the richness of the journal. Wire-o binding lies flat. 160 lined pages; hardcover; elastic-band place holder; 6-1/4'' wide x 8-1/4'' high.
Voyages: A Travel Journal (Notebook, Diary) (Suedel Journals)

Voyages: A Travel Journal (Notebook, Diary) (Suedel Journals)

by: Evelyn Loeb

Amazon Price: $8.09 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

9. Address Book

Essential Travel Items

Yes, I know! You don't need an address book because you've got your mobile phone and everyone's phone number is in there. OK. But just what if you do want to send Nana a postcard? Or Uncle Ralph a birthday present? Or you meet a couple in a hostel in Santorini who you hit it off with straight away and they invite you to join them for Christmas in the Italian Alps? It could also serve as a backup in case you lose your mobile phone.

Top Travel Essentials

Little Black Book of Addresses (Address Book)

Top Travel Essentials

Acadian Tapestry Address Book (Address Books)

Top Travel Essentials

Norman Rockwell Address Book (Gift Line)

London and New York Telephone


London and New York Telephone Art Print
Simone, Lucciano
7.75 in. x 9.75 in.
Buy at AllPosters.com

Quote -

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain

A Great Way To Make International Calls

Pingo...the last calling card you'll ever need!

Save on long distance and international calls from your home, business, or mobile phone with your Pingo calling card!

Using Pingo phone cards is simple! You purchase calling time with your credit card, and set up your own unique Personal Identification Number (PIN). Pingo provides a convenient toll-free access number (1-888-YO-PINGO). Then you're ready to start using Pingo and saving on long distance calls!

PingoMobile routinely saves customers 90% or more on international calls from mobile phones, even compared to international cellular plans. And, PingoMobile works with any phone carrier!

Pingo offer international access in 200 plus countries, so Pingo customers can save on calls from those countries. Plus, you can share your Pingo account with friends and family in those countries.



Pingo

Love This Lens?

If you would like to rate this lens, then you can do so here (Squidoo members only)

This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.

Add this to your lens »

Did I miss anything?

It always happens. You're halfway out the door and realise you've forgotten.... what?

Need a New Bag? Get up to 70% Off Top Brands at eBags!

  • itraveldotnet May 25, 2012 @ 11:26 am | delete
    where's the travel pillow? Guidebooks are really nice and handy to have, I buy them beforehand because when I'm in the country everyone wants to charge way to much for them.
  • aesta1 Oct 1, 2011 @ 9:30 pm | delete
    Adaptors and chargers are must bring for me as well as my Kindle. With stiff airline restrictions, one has to really be choosy but you can get almost anything now in many cities.
  • WorldVisionary Jan 31, 2011 @ 9:59 pm | delete
    Really nice picks! Blessed by a Squid Angel
  • WindyWinters Dec 12, 2009 @ 12:55 am | delete
    Wonderful List of Travel Accessories! Happy Holidays!
  • bethd821 Dec 11, 2009 @ 10:12 pm | delete
    Great travel accessories. I have the Canon PowerShot camera you listed. I love it. Great pictures. 5*
  • Load More
Show All

A Bit About Me

Loading

Tap Into The Travel Knowledge Of The Rocketmoms

A Wealth Of Combined Knowledge and Experience

Loading

by

ElleDeeEsse

Hi there. Well since you've come to my bio page you naturally would like to know a bit about me, so let's see. My name is Lynne. I am Australian, married... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

Featured Lenses 

Loading

Related Tags