Travel experts have revealed the essential items they never travel without, offering practical advice for holidaymakers struggling with packing. A recent poll of 2,000 travellers found it takes an average of just over one hour and 40 minutes per trip deciding what to pack, with one in three (32%) admitting they find packing stressful and half leaving it until the last minute, according to a Stitch Fix survey.
Plug adaptors and antacids top the list
Gavin Lapidus, Company Director at eShores, said: "One thing I'll never travel without, 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."
Lapidus also advised packing antacids: "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's 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."
Small gadgets that make a big difference
Gemma Cromar, Head of Growth & Strategy at Gals Who Travel and former cabin crew, highlighted the value of a mini clothes steamer: "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 also recommended carabiners: "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."
Natasha Inglis, Client Experience Director at Good Business Travel, advised always carrying a change of clothes in hand luggage: "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 also suggested a long charging cable: "Hotel sockets are often far away from your bed, and airport gate seating is worse."
Inglis added: "Similarly, a portable power bank is one of those small items that can make a huge difference to your trip. 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."
Home comforts and practical hacks
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, explained her invention: "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."
Travel Blogger Jim Widder shared his practical tips: "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. 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."
