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A 17-item travel essentials checklist

Get down to brass tacks and pack what’s really necessary on your next adventure with our travel essentials checklist

Written by
Jasmine Dilmanian
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Does your old packing list need an overhaul? We’re happy to help. When packing for a holiday whether big or small, it’s hard to know where to begin. Between taking care of yourself and your belongings, the checklist items might seem endless. Passport, travel pillow, pint-sized toiletries, sunnies… Keep the confusion at bay with our top tips: we’ve rounded up a list of 17 absolutely essential and really awesome items that will help you stay organized, on the grid, clean, safe and entertained on your travels. From luggage to laundry bags, we’ve searched high and low to find the travel mainstays that will make your voyage all the more pleasant year after year. So all you have to decide, is where to?

Stylish travel essentials for your next getaway

Headstrong

1. Headstrong

The Trtl neck “pillow” is one of those rare travel finds that won’t leave your carry-on. Part-scarf, part-neck rest, this is the sleek and lightweight answer to bulky neck pillows.

$29.99 on amazon.com

Wash ‘n go

2. Wash ‘n go

All of your hair and skin must-haves are taken care of in this pretty rainbow Essential Kit from Malin + Goetz. From cleanser to moisturizer, this one has got you covered.

$32 on malinandgoetz.com

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Euro treasure

3. Euro treasure

Your old passport will never look more divine than in this Longchamp sumptuous leather case with beautiful stitching and monochromatic Longchamp logo lining.

$70 on bloomingdales.com

About face

4. About face

Whether you’re hitting the slopes or headed for the sand, your face should be shielded from the sun. This TSA-friendly SPF 50 stick from Bare Republic will do the trick.

$9.99 at target.com

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Making waves

5. Making waves

Bose is the name in sound. Skip the clunky larger over-ear versions and take on these lightweight lifesavers for some awesome sounds to get you through any long journey, or a day at the beach.

$249 at ebags.com

Contain yourself

6. Contain yourself

The flamingo-printed Bloom cosmetics pouch from Italian maker Furla is beyond fabulous. Keep your most important goods on-hand with this fun, leather-trimmed case.

$88 on bloomingdales.com

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Stating the obvious

7. Stating the obvious

This straightforward drawstring laundry bag is practically designed and holds up to two loads of laundry. Toss it into the machine along with your clothes when you arrive home!

$5.99 on Bedbathandbeyond.com

Learn to adapt

8. Learn to adapt

The nifty Flight 001 4-in-1 adapter system is cleverly color-coded and will allow you to plug in properly in just about any country. You’ll never need another one.

$25 on amazon.com

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Everything's in order

9. Everything's in order

You won’t realize packing cubes are a necessity until you use them, and then you’ll swear by them. These are explicitly labeled, so even the messiest won’t screw up packing.

$59.99 on containerstore.com

Over the shoulder

10. Over the shoulder

Pragmatism meets style in this duffel bag with a chambray accent pocket from Herschel Supply Co. This one is made from sturdy canvas and will serve you well from a camp site to a five-star hotel.

$65 on selfridges.com

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You spin me right ‘round

11. You spin me right ‘round

This carry-on suitcase, a tiny spinner, is ideal for the overhead compartment of the next plane you’ll be on. It’s TSA-friendly, sleek, lightweight, and easy on the wallet.

$104.99 on ebags.com

12. Tropical travel

Have a great time looking for your bag at the luggage carousel knowing you’ve jazzed it up with this cheeky pineapple luggage tag. There’s no missing it.

$28 on target.com

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13. Très bon

Lebon French toothpaste is compact, organic, cruelty-free, eco-friendly, and has a tube that’s easy on the eyes. Add it to your packing list, stat!

$12 on jcrew.com

Just like a pill

14. Just like a pill

This is a pill box to go, and an avant-garde one at that. Store your medicine in this pill-shaped container and check this item off your list.

$4.99-$7.99 on containerstore.com

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Screening process

15. Screening process

Save yourself from having to schlep a big book on your trip and consolidate all of your reading onto the slim, light, and glare-free Kobo Aura e-reader.

$119.99 on kobobooks.com

16. Freshen up

Jao makes the best-smelling and softest-feeling hand sanitizer on the market. This multitasking spray is made with lavender and essential oils – a far cry from the rubbing alcohol scent you’re used to.

$10 on anthropologie.com

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Silly putty

17. Silly putty

Add texture to short or long hair and ward off humidity on-the-go with Fatboy’s perfect putty, a paste that comes in a sleek, TSA-friendly container.

$21 on urbanoutfitters.com

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