This list has come about over our past couple years of heavy traveling. Most of these items we didn’t know we needed until we brought them on a trip or had forgotten to take them on a trip.

Cameras- If there’s one thing we can never forget when we travel, it’s our cameras. That’s probably why Thomas always checks about 5 times if all of the cameras are packed away safely before we depart. While we only use professional level cameras, we constantly receive questions from readers looking for camera recommendations before they head off on trips. We decided to test this camera for a week, recently, and it’s a great option for anyone wanting a high performing camera in a small package that doesn’t break the bank.

Travel Steamer- This is quite possibly the first or second thing we make sure gets put in our luggage when packing up. Our Rowenta travel steamer has dual voltage and can bust through the inevitable tough creases that come from packing and unpacking clothing.

Electric Adapters- When traveling internationally we bring enough outlet adapters for the two of us. We stay away from voltage converters and instead make sure any charger we have is dual voltage. We travel with 2-4 of these adapters which are nice because they also have USB outlets too.

Backup Charger- When we travel we spend a lot more time using our phones and not so much time near an outlet. Having a dead phone is risky. We have and love this Mophie Charger but we might upgrade to this newer slimmer option that holds even more charge.

T-Mobile SIM Card- For those of you that might have T-Mobile you’ll know that they have a nice international plan. We started traveling so much internationally that it was cheaper for us to buy unlocked iPhones and switchout sim cards between T-Mobile and AT&T rather than buying expensive AT&T international plans.

Face wash- When we travel we can expect to find adequate body lotion, body wash, shampoo and conditioner at the hotels we stay at but quality face wash is something we’ve never come across so we always make sure it’s in our bag. My First Aid Beauty Milk Oil Conditioning Cleanser is great because you don’t need water with it, with makes it easy to use while traveling. I also will use Simple’s Micellar Wipes as a quick refresh. 

Noise Canceling Headphones- My Bose headphones make airplane travel just a little bit more relaxing.

Band aids- There’s one thing that’s for certain, when we travel we spend a lot of time walking leading to blisters.

Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen- While traveling we don’t always feel our best. It has a lot of uses for more than just pain relief.

Water Bottle- Hydration is an important part of feeling good while traveling. It helps reduce jet lag. We bring our Camelbak water bottles (empty through security) and then fill them up in the airport. On the plane, the flight attendants are often happy to fill up your water bottle.

Swimsuit- I’ve forgotten a swimsuit on previous trips enough times to know, I should always have a swimsuit stashed in my luggage.

Goyard Tote- To follow carry on luggage rules your goal should be to have the biggest possible carry on bag and personal item (backpack or purse) while still being within the limits. I love this tote because it is the ideal size for a personal item, I can fit all of my items I need to access during the flight while even being able to fit another small purse inside it.