It’s literally the 2nd of the year (Happy New Year Folks!) and my mind is already wandering to my next travel destination and the stories waiting to unfold. Years of exploring have taught me a crucial lesson about travel essentials: success lies in thoughtful preparation, not just stuffing a suitcase. Whether you’re planning city breaks, relaxing retreats, or off-the-beaten-path adventures, mastering your packing essentials can elevate an ordinary journey into something extraordinary.
I’ve spent countless hours perfecting my list of essentials for packing, understanding that these carefully selected items become more than just belongings—they’re reliable travel companions offering peace of mind at every turn. From must-have gadgets to versatile clothing, these travel essentials are game-changers that transform how you experience the world.
Drawing from my extensive experience, I’ve curated the ultimate collection of packing essentials that will revolutionise your travels through 2025 and beyond. These are the items that consistently prove their worth, ensuring you’re prepared for any situation while exploring. They’re the things that will have you nodding with satisfaction, thinking “This was absolutely worth bringing!”
Ready to discover the ultimate travel toolkit that will change how you pack forever?
Luggage
Let’s talk about the foundation of all travel essentials: reliable luggage. After countless trips and endless research, I’ve found my perfect match in BEIS, a brand that truly understands packing essentials. Now my luggage is a bit of an investment but after more than 18 months of continuous travel my luggage has held up to bashing and throwing (and God knows what else that do to our luggage back there!) My ride-or-die companion is the Sports Sling, which I lovingly call my “go bag” – it’s the MVP of my travel arsenal that keeps my most crucial essentials for packing within arm’s reach (more on my exact go-bag essentials here). Paired with the sexy Work Tote in black croc (perfect for looking polished while on the move because I’m really not a backpack babe), and the dynamic duo of the BEIS carry-on and medium roller, I’ve built a luggage system that works seamlessly together. These pieces aren’t just about looking good (though they absolutely do); they’re about intelligent design that anticipates travellers’ needs. From weekend getaways to extended adventures, this BEIS lineup has proven itself worthy of being the backbone of my travel essentials strategy, transforming how I approach packing for every journey.
Beis Sports Sling – Black
Let’s dive into my absolute favourite travel essential: the BEIS Sports Sling, which I’ve dubbed my “go bag.” This brilliantly designed bag ranks high in my packing essentials with its water-resistant exterior and thoughtful compartments. The padded sleeve fits my Kindle perfectly, while separate pockets keep essentials for packing organised – from passport and phone to chargers and earbuds. With adjustable straps for multiple wearing styles, a hidden back pocket for valuables, and a clever water bottle compartment, it transforms seamlessly from flight companion to day bag. It’s practical, versatile, and keeps everything accessible exactly when I need it. At £60, it’s an investment that’s proven its worth countless times over, keeping my must-haves secure and accessible through every adventure.
Beis Work Tote – Black Croc
The other cornerstone of my travel essentials? the BEIS Work Tote in black croc. This sophisticated bag is a masterclass in combining style with practical packing essentials. Crafted from textured vegan leather with a luxe croc-embossed finish, it’s both elegant and durable—perfect for everything from business trips to weekend getaways. What sets this among my essentials for packing is its incredibly thoughtful organisation: the padded laptop compartment keeps devices up to 16″ safe, whilst the removable zip pouch is brilliant for corralling smaller travel essentials. The bag’s generous interior features key-ring hooks and multiple pockets, ensuring everything from your water bottle to your charging cables has its designated spot. I particularly love the trolley sleeve that slides seamlessly over your luggage handle, making airport sprints sooo much more manageable. This tote isn’t just a bag—it’s a travel companion that transitions effortlessly from plane to meeting room to dinner, proving itself as one of the most versatile travel essentials in my collection.
Beis Carry-On Roller – Black
The BEIS Carry-On Roller in black stands out among my travel essentials, perfectly balancing style with functionality. This sleek 21″ suitcase has revolutionised my packing essentials with its durable polycarbonate shell and clever features. The built-in weight indicator prevents overweight surprises, while the compression system and water-resistant pocket make organisation effortless. With 360° wheels and TSA-approved locks, it’s a dream to navigate through airports. The expandable zipper offers extra space for holiday purchases (although be aware of those strict Asian airline weight limits!). Whether for weekend breaks or longer adventures, it’s proven one of my smartest essentials for packing investments.
Beis Medium Check-In Roller – Beige
Let’s round out my core travel essentials collection with the BEIS Medium Roller in beige (and you can’t miss it). When my packing essentials require more space than a carry-on can offer, this 26″ beauty is my go-to companion. Perfect for longer trips where essentials for packing need to include a more extensive wardrobe, this expandable suitcase combines style with serious functionality. The sophisticated beige polycarbonate shell isn’t just about looks—it’s designed to protect your travel essentials while being surprisingly lightweight. Like its smaller sibling, it’s packed with thoughtful features that elevate the packing experience: a built-in weight indicator to prevent overweight surprises, silky-smooth 360° wheels that make navigation effortless, and a TSA-approved lock for security. The interior is a masterclass in organisation, with compression straps, multiple compartments, and a water-resistant pocket for those potentially messy travel essentials. This medium roller represents the perfect balance of capacity and manoeuvrability, proving itself indispensable for those trips where carry-on simply won’t cut it.
Tech Travel Essentials
Apple AirTag (4 pack)
No travel essentials collection is complete without the clever addition of Apple AirTags to your packing essentials. I tuck these tiny tracking devices into each piece of my luggage, making them some of the most valuable essentials for packing in today’s unpredictable travel landscape. While I’ve been fortunate enough to never lose my luggage (touch wood!)—though I did once endure an anxiety-inducing two-hour wait at baggage claim in Vietnam — these small but mighty devices offer priceless peace of mind. They allow me to track my bags’ exact location through my iPhone, from check-in to carousel, making them an absolute must-have among my travel essentials. For a pack of 4 it will set you back £99, they’re a small price to pay for the security of knowing exactly where your belongings are at all times.
ATUMTEK 1.5m Tripod
Among my most-used travel essentials for content creation, the ATUMTEK 1.5m Tripod has proven itself invaluable. This compact powerhouse has revolutionised how I approach my packing essentials for photography and video work on the go. What makes it a standout among my essentials for packing is its incredibly versatile design—it collapses down so efficiently that it slots perfectly into my BEIS Work Tote, ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice. Whether I’m capturing content in airport terminals, city streets, or scenic viewpoints, its 1.5m reach and stable build ensure professional-looking shots every time. The ability to quickly transform it from a selfie stick to a full-height tripod makes it an absolute game-changer for solo travellers who create content. It’s one of those travel essentials that proves its worth on every journey, without taking up precious luggage space.
Belkin 8-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip
Here’s an unexpected but crucial addition to my travel essentials: the Belkin 8-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip. While it might seem like an unusual item among typical packing essentials, this powerhouse (pun intended!) has earned its permanent spot in my essentials for packing after a nerve-wracking incident in Bali where a power surge fried two of my travel adapters! I have to credit my friend Caroline from Travel Eat Slay for this genius tip—and I’ve never looked back! Beyond just providing multiple outlets, it’s a genuine safeguard for all your electronic travel essentials. The surge protection feature offers peace of mind when dealing with unpredictable international power supplies, whilst the multiple outlets mean I can charge all my devices simultaneously using just one travel adapter. Yes, it takes up a bit of space in my luggage, but after that Bali experience, I consider it non-negotiable among my travel essentials—protecting hundreds of pounds worth of electronics is well worth the real estate in my suitcase – and my peace of mind!
JISULIFE Handheld Fan, 3 IN 1 Mini Hand Fan
Among my essential travel essentials, the JISULIFE Handheld Fan has become legendary – just ask anyone who travels with me! This 3-in-1 mini marvel ranks high in my packing essentials, alongside my BEIS Sports Sling. Essential for packing in any climate, it’s saved me countless times – from sticky underground stations to sweltering temples. It works as a handheld fan, desk fan, and emergency power bank, all in one compact design. Whether I’m in tropical destinations or unexpectedly warm European cities, I’m known as the one who always has a cooling breeze to share!
Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Cancelling Wireless Over-Ear
Among my most valued travel essentials, noise-cancelling headphones have transformed my long-haul experiences. These over-ear champions are essential for packing on any journey, creating a peaceful bubble amid chaos. The noise cancellation expertly drowns out everything from engine drone to chatty passengers, while clever features like speak-to-chat make crew interactions seamless. With 30-hour battery life and comfortable fit, they’re pricey at £380 but worth every penny for the sanctuary they provide.
Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB)
My Kindle Paperwhite has completely changed how I travel with books. Instead of lugging multiple paperbacks, I’ve got thousands of titles in one slim device. The glare-free display works everywhere – from bright beaches to dark plane cabins – and being waterproof means I can read poolside without worry. With great battery life and easy downloads, I’m never stuck without something to read. Plus, it takes up virtually no space in my bag! (did I mention it fits in my BEIS sports sling?!).
ARZOPA Portable Monitor, 15.6″ Portable Monitor with Kickstand
A recent addition to my travel setup that’s revolutionised how I work on the go is the ARZOPA Portable Monitor. This slim 15.6″ FHD display transforms any workspace into a dual-screen setup, making it perfect for digital nomads or anyone needing extra screen real estate while travelling. What makes it particularly travel-friendly is its lightweight design and protective case with built-in kickstand. The 1920×1080 resolution ensures crisp visuals whether I’m editing content, managing spreadsheets, or enjoying entertainment during downtime. It connects easily to laptops, phones, and gaming consoles via USB-C or HDMI, making it incredibly versatile. While it might seem like a luxury item, for those who work while travelling, it’s a game-changer that helps maintain productivity without sacrificing precious luggage space.
DJI Osmo Mobile 6
The newest addition to my travel essentials, the DJI Osmo Mobile 6, has revolutionised my mobile content creation. Among my packing essentials, this compact gimbal stabiliser transforms my iPhone into a professional filming setup, delivering buttery-smooth footage in any situation. What makes it stand out among essentials for packing are its intelligent features – from ActiveTrack 5.0 to the built-in extension rod for high-angle shots. The magnetic phone clamp and folding design make it perfectly portable, slipping easily into my BEIS Sports Sling. While it’s the newest member of my kit, it’s quickly becoming my most-used piece of gear!
2020 iPad 8th Gen
Another indispensable item in my travel essentials collection is my iPad 8th generation, which has transformed how I approach in-flight entertainment. When preparing my packing essentials for any trip, I always ensure I’ve downloaded a generous selection of shows from Netflix, Disney Plus, and Prime—a travel essential that’s saved me countless times during long flights with patchy or expensive WiFi. Among my essentials for packing, this versatile device earns its space not just as an entertainment hub, but also as a backup work device when needed. The generous screen size makes it perfect for binge-watching my favourite series during layovers or lazy holiday evenings, while the impressive battery life means I can enjoy multiple episodes without hunting for a power outlet. Pro tip: I always make sure to download more content than I think I’ll need—you never know when delays or long journeys might leave you grateful for that extra episode!
DJI Pocket 2 Creator Combo
The DJI Pocket 2 has become one of my essential travel essentials for content creation (and no, I haven’t jumped on the Osmo Pocket 3 bandwagon yet!). Among my packing essentials, this tiny stabilised camera delivers professional-looking footage while taking minimal space. Its 3-axis gimbal ensures buttery-smooth video in any situation, while 4K capability captures stunning detail. What makes it stand out among essentials for packing is its versatility—from quick vlogs to sweeping landscapes—and its pocket-sized design fits perfectly in my BEIS Sports Sling. For content creators valuing quality and portability, this little device is worth its weight in gold.
DJI Mini 2 SE Fly More Combo
Among my most exciting travel essentials is my DJI Mavic Mini drone (though if you’re buying now, opt for the DJI Mini 2 SE Fly More Combo!). This lightweight marvel is a crucial part of my packing essentials for content creation, weighing under 250g—perfect for international travel regulations. What makes it stand out among essentials for packing is its incredible portability; it folds to smartphone size yet captures extraordinary aerial footage. The Fly More Combo includes all travel essentials: extra batteries, spare propellers, and a protective case. While my original Mini serves me well, the Mini 2 SE offers the same portability with enhanced features.
Tessan Universal Travel Adapter
After THAT power surge in Bali, the Tessan Universal Travel Adapter has become one of my most valued travel essentials—so much so that I now carry two! This compact powerhouse stands out among my packing essentials with its clever design: three USB ports and a universal socket working in over 150 countries. These essentials for packing are absolute lifesavers, charging multiple devices simultaneously while taking minimal space. Having a backup has proven invaluable for hotel room setups or sharing with travel companions. At £20 each, they’re a small investment for huge peace of mind, especially after experiencing fried adapters abroad!
Comfort and Convenience
BOTTLE BOTTLE Insulated Water Bottle
Let’s dive into some more crucial travel essentials, starting with my BOTTLE BOTTLE Insulated Water Bottle. This 700ml stainless steel companion has revolutionised how I stay hydrated while travelling. Among my packing essentials, it’s a sustainable solution that keeps drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours—perfect for everything from long-haul flights to day trips. The leak-proof design means I never worry about spills in my bag, making it one of those travel essentials I truly can’t live without.
Kitsch 100% Satin Pillowcase
The Kitsch 100% Satin Pillowcase is another game-changer among my essentials for packing. While hotel pillowcases can be hit or miss, this silky smooth solution helps maintain my hair and skin care routine while travelling. It takes up minimal space in my luggage but makes a massive difference to how I feel each morning, preventing those dreaded travel-induced bad hair days and sleep creases.
Compression Socks
HOT GIRLS WEAR COMPRESSION SOCKS! So when it comes to travel essentials for long-haul comfort, compression socks are non-negotiable. These circulation-boosting wonders help prevent swollen ankles and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis during lengthy flights. I once used some not so great compression socks on a 20 hour flight to Buenos aires and suffered the consequences. While they might not be the most glamorous among my packing essentials, they’re crucial for maintaining comfort and health during extended periods of travel.
Travel Memory Foam Pillow
Completing my comfort-focused essentials for packing is my Memory Foam Travel Pillow. This ergonomic wonder provides crucial neck support during those long flights, or even impromptu airport naps. While it might seem bulky compared to other travel essentials, the comfort it provides makes it worth every inch of space in my carry-on. The washable cover means it stays fresh trip after trip, while its memory foam construction ensures I can actually get some rest while travelling upright.
Clothing
Teva Hurricane Drift, Sandal
As an ex-fashion editor, I never thought Teva Hurricane Drift sandals would become essential travel essentials – they’re hardly catwalk material! However, these admittedly ugly yet brilliant shoes have become non-negotiable packing essentials through sheer practicality. Perfect for beach days, questionable shower floors, and hiking different terrains, these lightweight, waterproof essentials for packing are worth the style sacrifice. They might not be cute, but they’re so essential you can make them work – after all, you can make anything work if you have to!
Quick Dry Towel
My quick-dry towel is one of those items that proves its worth on every trip. Ultra-compact and lightweight, it takes up minimal space in my luggage yet delivers maximum functionality. Whether I’m freshening up during a long layover, hitting the beach, or staying at a hotel, (because let’s be honest, you never know when those towels were last cleaned!) this fast-drying wonder comes in handy more often than you’d expect. The best part? It dries incredibly quickly, meaning no damp, musty smells in your suitcase, and it’s always ready for your next adventure. Despite its slim profile, it’s surprisingly absorbent – making it perfect for impromptu swims or unexpected rain showers.
Packing Organisation
Beis Passport & Luggage Tag Set in Maple
Among my favourite travel essentials, the BEIS Passport & Luggage Tag Set combines style with practical packing essentials. This sophisticated set has become one of those essentials for packing I won’t journey without. The passport holder keeps vital documents organized, while the matching luggage tag with a privacy flap makes bags instantly identifiable. The included clear travel liquids bag elevates security checks beyond those flimsy airport-provided options. These thoughtful touches (including the ever-present pen!) transform my travel essentials from functional to sophisticated.
Compression Packing Cubes
Among my most transformative travel essentials, compression packing cubes have revolutionised my packing strategy. These space-saving wizards are essential for packing, turning suitcase chaos into a perfectly organised system. What makes them standout essentials for packing is their dual functionality – they compress clothes for extra space while keeping everything meticulously organised. I use different sized cubes for categories: tops, bottoms, underwear, and a dedicated BEIS dirt bag for laundry. Whether I’m packing for a weekend break or month-long adventure, these travel essentials keep everything compact and organised throughout my journey.
Mesh Portable Travel Bags
Among my essential travel essentials, mesh portable travel bags have transformed how I organise my personal item and carry-on. While compression cubes dominate my packing essentials for checked luggage, these transparent mesh organisers are perfect essentials for packing items needing quick access. Their see-through design makes locating tech accessories, adapters, toiletries, and in-flight necessities a breeze. The breathable mesh means everything is visible at a glance, making them particularly useful in my BEIS Work Tote and carry-on. Once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever travelled without them!
Cable Organiser
The cable organiser might seem simple among travel essentials, but it’s prevented countless moments of frustration. No more tangled chargers or lost adapters—everything has its designated spot, making it easy to locate exactly what I need when I need it. It’s one of those packing essentials that proves its worth on every single trip.
Ted Baker Travel Wallet
Among my most stylish travel essentials, the Ted Baker Travelz Wallet perfectly balances luxury with practicality. This sophisticated organiser has revolutionised how I handle my packing, particularly travel documents and currencies. What makes it stand out among essentials for packing is its thoughtful design – dedicated spaces for passport, boarding passes, cards, and different currencies, all secured with a reliable zip-around closure. It’s one of those travel essentials that not only keeps everything beautifully organised but adds a touch of elegance to the travel experience, making you feel put-together even during the most hectic journeys.
Health & Safety and Misc.
Hand Sanitiser, Disinfectant wipes, & First Aid Kit
Among my essential travel essentials, my health and safety trio has become non-negotiable. A reliable hand sanitiser is always within easy reach in my packing essentials, while disinfectant wipes tackle those questionable surfaces – from airplane tray tables (because let’s face it, planes are FILTHY!) to hotel room remotes. My compact first aid kit rounds out these essentials for packing, equipped with plasters, pain relievers, and blister patches for those just-in-case moments. This trio takes minimal space but offers maximum peace of mind, letting me focus on adventures rather than worrying about the what-ifs.
Kitsch Body Soap Bar Bag
The Kitsch Body Wash Bar Bag has earned its place among my travel essentials by revolutionising how I pack toiletries. This clever mesh bag is one of those smart packing essentials that supports sustainable travel by eliminating the need for plastic bottles. The quick-drying design and breathable mesh with secure drawstring closure make it a practical addition to my essentials for packing, preventing soggy soap disasters while keeping bars fresh. Perfect for hanging in hotel showers, it’s a small but mighty travel essential that proves eco-friendly solutions can be both practical and effective.
Digital Products
Finally, while not physical items, my Amazon Audible and Kindle Unlimited subscriptions are vital travel essentials for entertainment. These digital companions ensure I always have access to my fave books and new reading and listening material, perfect for those long journeys or literally whilst tackling everyday days. They’re the kind of essentials for packing that don’t take up any physical space but add immense value to every trip.
