Have you ever gone on a trip and realized you forgot something you really needed? Of course, you have! It always seems to happen when it’s most inconvenient to run out and buy it, too.
Whenever we travel, I try to think about the things we use at home that might be hard to find or inconvenient to replace while we’re away. Hotels have the basics, but they don’t always have the little things that make traveling easier.
I’ve gotten into the habit of keeping certain travel essentials together so I can grab them when I’m packing. It saves time, and hopefully, it saves me from another one of those “I wish I had remembered that!” moments.
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If you’re getting ready for a vacation, weekend getaway, or road trip, here are 10 often-forgotten things to pack that can make your travels a little easier.
1. A Small First Aid Kit
First aid supplies are one of those things you don’t think about until you need them.
We’ve both had those little cuts on our fingers that weren’t serious but were annoying enough to need a bandage. And, naturally, we didn’t have any with us!
Now I keep a small first aid kit in a baggie so it’s easy to toss into a suitcase. Mine includes adhesive bandages, cloth medical tape, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, and a small container of petroleum jelly.
You don’t need to pack an entire pharmacy, but having a few basic supplies can save you a trip to the store when all you want to do is get back to enjoying your vacation.
Packing tip: Keep your first aid supplies together in one small pouch so you can find what you need quickly. You can also buy a travel first aid kit to put in your carry on. For more involved trips, consider adding any personal medications and other essentials you’ll need.
2. Scissors, Tweezers, and Other Small Grooming Tools
Why is it that you never seem to need scissors until you don’t have them?
Whether you’re opening packaging, trimming a loose thread, or dealing with a small clothing emergency, scissors can come in handy. Tweezers, safety pins, and a nail file are also useful items to have along.
I keep these little odds and ends together in a separate bag, so they don’t get lost at the bottom of my suitcase. It’s a small thing, but keeping these items together means you won’t have to search through your entire suitcase when you need them.
If you’re flying, remember that some grooming tools and scissors may be restricted in carry-on luggage. Pack items in your checked bag when appropriate and check current security rules before you leave.
3. A Laundry Bag for Dirty Clothes
A laundry bag might not sound exciting, but it’s one of those travel items that makes life easier.
I found a mesh laundry bag that can be washed, so when we get home, I can toss it in the washing machine with the dirty clothes. No sorting through the suitcase to figure out what needs washing and what can go back in the closet. It also helps keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones while we’re traveling.
The best part is that a lightweight laundry bag takes up very little room in your suitcase. If you’re traveling for more than a couple of days, it’s especially handy.
4. Travel-Size Stain Remover
It never fails. Someone spills a drink, drops food on their shirt, or discovers a mystery spot on their favorite outfit. That’s why I think travel-size stain remover is worth packing.
When you’re away from home, you may not have easy access to a washing machine, and you probably don’t want to spend time searching for laundry supplies. Having a small stain remover handy can help you treat a spill before it sets.
It’s especially useful if you’re packing light and plan to wear some outfits more than once.
Just make sure the product is suitable for the fabric, and follow its directions. A little preparation can save you from having to retire an outfit for the rest of your trip.
5. A Travel Lint Roller
I always seem to pack something that attracts lint, fuzz, or pet hair. A lint roller is one of those items I don’t think about until I need it.
It’s not necessarily something you’ll use every day, but when you do need it, you’ll be glad you packed it. A travel-size lint roller takes up very little space and can freshen up an outfit before dinner, a show, or a special occasion.
If you’re bringing dark clothing, you’ll appreciate having one even more. Nothing ruins a nice black shirt quite like discovering it’s covered in little bits of fuzz right before you head out.
6. An Eyeglass Case
If you wear glasses, don’t forget your eyeglass case!
This is one of those things I tend to forget because I don’t always use a case at home. But when we’re traveling, it’s nice to have a designated place to keep my glasses instead of setting them down somewhere and wondering where I left them.
A sturdy case can also help protect your glasses from getting scratched or crushed in your luggage. And don’t forget your sunglasses. If you wear prescription sunglasses or have a favorite pair you want to protect, pack a case for those, too.
Packing tip: Keep your everyday glasses somewhere easy to reach, especially if you need them to read signs, navigate an airport, or find your way around an unfamiliar place.
7. An Extra Memory Card
If you love taking pictures when you travel, an extra memory card can be a lifesaver.
I take lots of photos, especially when I’m visiting somewhere new. The last thing I want is to run out of storage just when I find a view or attraction I want to photograph. I’ve also had new memory cards that didn’t work properly, so having a backup was especially helpful.
If you use a camera that takes removable memory cards, pack an extra one in a small protective case. It’s an easy item to overlook, but it can save you some frustration.
Of course, if you mostly take pictures with your phone, check your available storage before leaving and make sure your photos are backed up as appropriate. There’s nothing worse than having to stop taking pictures because you didn’t prepare for all the great things you wanted to capture.
8. Slippers or Flip-Flops
This is another item I used to forget all the time. I’ve gotten better about remembering it, but slippers or flip-flops are still worth mentioning.
Slippers are great for walking around your hotel room, especially if you don’t want to walk barefoot on the floor.
Flip-flops can also be useful for a quick trip down to the lobby, walking around your room, or navigating certain shared facilities where appropriate footwear is needed. They don’t take up much room, and you may appreciate having something comfortable to slip on after a long day of sightseeing.
Just remember that flip-flops aren’t the best choice for every situation. If you’re heading out for a long walk or exploring a destination with uneven ground, pack proper walking shoes, too.
9. A Safe Way to Access Your Passwords
Have you ever opened an app or website while traveling, only to discover that you need to log in again? It’s especially frustrating when you’re away from home and can’t remember the password.
I know I’ve run into this problem. Different websites have different password requirements, so remembering them all can be difficult. Before a trip, make sure you can securely access the passwords you may need for important accounts, such as email, banking, airline reservations, and travel apps.
A reputable password manager is a good option because it can keep your login information organized and accessible when you need it. Make sure you know how to unlock it and have a secure recovery method available before leaving home. If you use two-factor authentication, think about how you’ll receive verification codes while traveling, particularly if you’ll be out of cellular range or traveling internationally.
I used to keep a coded list of passwords, but these days, a secure password manager is a better choice than carrying a written list that could be lost or stolen. A little preparation at home can save you a lot of frustration when you need to access an account on the road.
10. Extra-Long Charging Cords
This may be one of the most useful things to remember when packing electronics.
Have you ever checked into a hotel room and discovered that the only convenient outlet is six or eight feet from the bed? Suddenly, the charging cable that works perfectly at home isn’t long enough.
I like to charge my phone overnight but keep it close enough to reach when my alarm goes off. I’m not particularly interested in walking across the room first thing in the morning just to turn it off! An extra-long charging cord gives you more flexibility when outlets aren’t where you’d like them to be.
Before your trip, check which charging cables your devices use and pack the right ones. If you’re bringing several electronics, a suitable multi-port charger or compact power strip may also be useful, provided the accommodation allows it.
And don’t forget to pack the wall adapter. A charging cable isn’t much help if you can’t plug it in!
Final Thoughts: Don’t Forget These Travel Essentials
There are plenty of things to remember when you’re packing for a trip, and it’s easy to overlook the small stuff.
These are some of the items I’ve learned to keep together because they’re useful when traveling and inconvenient to replace when I forget them. A little first aid kit, a laundry bag, a lint roller, or an extra charging cable might not be the most exciting things you’ll pack, but they can make your trip a whole lot easier.
Of course, everyone has their own list of travel essentials. What you need will depend on where you’re going, how long you’ll be away, and what you plan to do.
My best advice? Keep a small collection of your frequently forgotten items together and check it before each trip. You can even save this list and use it as a reminder when you’re packing.
We love sharing the tips and information we’ve learned along the way to help you find your next adventure. Hopefully, these ideas help you spend less time worrying about what you forgot and more time enjoying the trip! We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have lots of fun and make many memories.