My “Must Have” Travel Essentials

There are some things you bring with you on every trip you go on, no matter where in the world it is. My travel essentials are my go to, important, staple items that always travel with me! 

I have traveled to some pretty unique places like Iceland, Greece, and Banff. Gone on road trips close to home like Acadia, Sunday River and Vermont. And spent lots of time on islands like Turks and Caicos, St. Lucia and St. Croix. I have a handful of items that have traveled with me to all of these places! 

Here, I’m going to share with you my most important travel essentials! I hope this helps you for your next trip, no matter where it is in the world. Let’s get into it-

My “Must Have” Travel Essentials:

When it’s time to pack for a trip, my mind always goes to my essentials to start off. Here they are broken down by category: 

Taking amazing photos is one of my favorite parts about traveling! I want to document all of the beautiful sights I’m going to see. Here is what I always bring with me to do so:

• DSLR camera: I bring my Canon EOS Rebel T6 and it always works great!  
• DSLR memory cards + charger 
• Film camera: I like to bring my Pentax K1000 35mm film camera (easy to use)
• 35mm film
• Instax camera 
• Instax film
• GoPro: I have the GoPro MAX and love it!
• GoPro accessories, batteries, chargers, memory cards 
• Phone charger 
• Portable charger 
• Headphones

Make sure to pack your personal item! Something that I always bring with me is either a backpack or tote bag to carry with me at all times. There are also specific organizers I use to help pack my clothes, jewelry and more. Smaller bags (crossbody & fanny pack) are great for travel when you’re on the go. Here’s what I bring:

• Backpack or tote bag: something you are comfortable carrying around all day. I usually carry a tote bag for island vacations and a backpack for all other types. 
• Packing cubes- these make packing easy and organized
• Packing organizers- these make packing easy and organized 
• Jewelry case 
• Wire case (headphones and phone charger) 
• Fanny pack 
• Crossbody bag 
• Dirty laundry bag

Your toiletry bag is a necessity on all trips! Here’s what I always have in mine:

• Shampoo 
• Conditioner 
• Toothbrush 
• Toothpaste 
• Floss 
• Body wash 
• Lufa 
• Body lotion 
• Moisturizer 
• Face sunscreen 
• Face wipes 
• Makeup
• Tweezers 
• Nail file 
• Nail clippers 
• Medicine 
• Bandaids 

All of the random things that come along with me on every trip. Items that are very important, don’t forget these!

• Wallet: Credit cards, debit card, drivers license, cash, insurance card + passport if traveling out of the country. 
• Sunglasses
• Book 
• 1 change of clothes incase your checked bag doesn’t make it to your destination 
• Snacks: granola bars, dry fruit, nuts, chocolate 
• Reusable water bottle 
• Hat (baseball cap, sun hat or beanie depending on trip) 
• Pens + paper 
• Gum

All and all, those are my travel essentials! Whatever trip I have that’s coming up and it’s time to pack, these are the essentials I always set aside first. 

I have traveled my fair share over the years. With my experience, I have found this list of essentials to be helpful. If you are someone who likes adventure and photography I think it will be helpful for you as well! 

Thanks for being here! I hope this list was of assistance to you. Do you have any travel essentials that I missed on my list? If so, tell me about yours in the comments below!

Be sure to follow along on Instagram to see all of my travel content!

Happy travels!