As I am preparing for my next travel adventure, I’ve been thinking about the items that I want to take with me.  For me there are some absolute travel essentials regardless of where I am going.  Here are the 5 things I never leave home without.

1. Lightweight Luggage

If your suitcase, carry-on bag is heavy before you even put anything in it, imagine what it will be like dragging it around full of your stuff.  I also recommend that it has spinner wheels to make it easy to steer.  Anything that you can wheel along without the weight being borne by you is a good idea.  Travel is exhausting enough without dragging extra weight around.

Hot Tip:  Make sure any luggage you check in and don’t have with you in the cabin is a hard case.  Not convinced?  Look how easy it is to break into zippered luggage without a trace using only a PEN.  Check it out here. I use an American Tourister which I love, similar to these.

2. Noise cancelling headphones

Headphones are probably one of my most important travel items and noise cancelling is the only way to go.  I’ve used both the large over the ear and in the ear headphones and it really comes down to personal preference.  I find over the ear more comfortable but they do tend to get in the way.

When I was in LA waiting to catch a connecting flight someone tried to open a door they shouldn’t which made one of those annoying beeping alarms go off.  As the lounge was already packed and kids were screaming the noise was awful.  I, however, managed to sit serenely through it as my headphones blocked out most of the noise and I was playing a rain app (you could listen to whatever works for you).  Plus once you have them you really realise just how noisy the plane is.  They make a huge difference to the quality of your trip.

I use these Bose ones and I wouldn’t travel without them.

3. Slippers

This is one you don’t usually see on a list but honestly, they are a must for me.  Forget questionable cleanliness of the hotel floor for me the key is on the plane.  I don’t find it especially relaxing wearing my shoes for 23 plus hours (everywhere is a REALLY long way from Australia).  So I whip them off as soon as I get on the plane.  I don’t really want to walk around in my socks however so I make sure I have a pair of slippers.  Best are a pair of inexpensive slip-ons – like the kind you usually get in a hotel.  Actually, that’s usually what I keep them for.  They serve their purpose and it doesn’t matter if I lose them.  Plus they take up very little space.

Now obviously all that standing in line just to get on the plane, especially if you have come from somewhere warm there is the smell factor to contend with and you don’t want to impose your feet smell on the whole plane, that’s just rude.  So bring a small deodorizer and a plastic bag to put your shoes in until you are ready to put them back on again.  It’s only polite.

4. Pashmina or scarf

I always get cold on the plane so I find something additional useful.  Though the main use for me is as a neck support.  Now I know that many people use those u-shaped pillows (and wear them even when they aren’t on a plane) but I don’t find them supportive and I’ve tried them all.  So I take my scarf and fold it into a shape that supports the back of my neck.  They are also useful for covering any unfortunate food accidents.

5.  Zip Lock Plastic bags

Seriously the most useful thing ever.  Ensure your makeup or shampoo doesn’t leak.  I use them to put my bottles to get through security checks.  The small ones are good for storing small items that are easily lost like jewellery.   You can put washing, your smelly shoes, your not quite dry undies.  Anything.

What are your must-have travel items?  Let me know in the comments below.

*Disclaimer – this post contains affiliate links to products I use and love.  It won’t cost you extra but I might get a small commission if you purchase.