Travel experts have revealed the essential items they never leave home without, offering advice for a smoother and more enjoyable trip. A recent poll of 2,000 holidaymakers found that travellers spend an average of just over one hour and 40 minutes per journey deciding what to wear and packing essentials. One in three (32%) admit they find the task nerve-wracking, while half delay it until the last minute, according to research by Stitch Fix.
Plug adaptors and antacids
Gavin Lapidus, Company Director at eShores, said: "One thing I'll never travel without though, is a travel plug adaptor – just make sure it's suitable for the country you're visiting. We travel with so many electrical items nowadays it's essential, and something a lot of people forget. Firstly, you need it to charge your phone and we use them for everything these days, from boarding passes and hotel bookings to maps, restaurant recommendations and taking photographs. We also travel with electric toothbrushes, smartwatches, laptops and tablets, to name just a few things. It's a small item, but one that can save a lot of unnecessary stress when you're travelling."
He added: "Also I often struggle with heartburn when I'm on holiday because I eat foods I'm not used to, often eating more and at different times to usual. Due to this, I always pack plenty of antacids, so it's always worth considering if there are any medications you may need. It's important though to check the rules of the country you're visiting as some medications may not be allowed."
Steamers and carabiners
Gemma Cromar, Head of Growth & Strategy at Gals Who Travel and former cabin crew, said: "A mini clothes steamer is one of my must-haves because clothes can become creased after being packed tightly into a suitcase, and I'd rather take a few outfits than pack extra clothes just in case. It helps me get more wear out of what I bring."
She added: "Carabiners are another travel essential. They're brilliant for hanging wet swimsuits or towels from a beach bag, balcony or backpack, rather than leaving everything damp inside your luggage. They're also useful for attaching items to your bag when you're trying to make the most of limited luggage space. They're tiny, lightweight and take up virtually no room."
Hand luggage essentials and power banks
Natasha Inglis, Client Experience Director at Good Business Travel, said: "I always take one change of clothes in my hand luggage, as well as essentials such as medication, chargers and a toothbrush. If a checked bag is delayed or lost, you can still turn up prepared rather than spending the first day shopping for a shirt. Business travellers learn this quickly, and it's easy to overlook on a leisure trip."
She added: "I'd also add a long charging cable, ideally around two metres. Hotel sockets are often far away from your bed, and airport gate seating is worse." She also recommended a portable power bank, saying: "Whether you're using your phone for boarding passes, navigating an unfamiliar city, translating a menu or checking public transport, running out of battery at the wrong moment can quickly become stressful. Charge it before you leave and keep it somewhere accessible rather than buried at the bottom of your suitcase."
Entertainment and leak protection
Meredith Thomas, Owner and Lead Travel Writer at Two Packs And A Pup, said: "On the other hand, something we'll never travel without is actually our Amazon Fire Stick. Particularly for longer trips, being able to unwind with your favorite show is such a comforting treat. The Fire Stick (or Roku) is small and light, an easy addition that can make your hotel room feel like a home away from home."
Lisa Lane, Founder of LeakLocks Toiletry Skins, said: "What I NEVER travel without: Leak protection for my toiletries! After years of frequent business travel and dealing with shampoo, conditioner, and lotion leaking all over my clothes, I decided there had to be a better solution. I ultimately invented LeakLocks Toiletry Skins, reusable sleeves that stretch over toiletry bottles to help prevent leaks caused by changes in air pressure during flights."
Jim Widder, Travel Blogger at Travelwidstom, said: "A plastic trash bag is a must for dirty clothes. It can be reused on the trip if you do laundry. I also always take a shoe bag. Shoes get dirty and so it keeps them off clean clothes." He added: "Detergent sheets are a must since I do laundry when I travel. They don't take up hardly any room and they work great. A refillable water bottle always goes with me on a trip. Traveling can make you dehydrated so having a bottle that you can fill up all the time comes in handy."
