Top 5 Unlikely Travel Must-Haves

When it comes to packing for a trip, most people have their essentials—phone chargers, toiletries, maybe a favorite neck pillow—but some items are real travel game-changers despite being less obvious. After numerous trips and countless hours spent fine-tuning my packing list, I’ve landed on five surprising but indispensable travel companions that make each journey smoother, whether for business or pleasure!

Ziplock Bags: The Simple Solution for Every Situation

At first glance, a stack of Ziplock bags might seem like an odd thing to pack, but trust me, they’re a lifesaver in countless travel scenarios. These sturdy, transparent bags in various sizes are incredibly versatile, and once you start using them for travel, you won’t leave home without them. Here are just a few ways they can come in handy:

• Organizing toiletries: Instead of dealing with expensive toiletry bags, I can separate my liquids, creams, and other essentials in various sizes of Ziplock bags. If something leaks, it’s contained, protecting your clothes and electronics.
• Packing snacks: Ziplock bags are perfect for bringing along snacks for the journey, especially useful when traveling with kids. They can even help you save leftovers from your hotel breakfast for later in the day.
• Storing wet or dirty items: Whether it’s a damp swimsuit, dirty shoes, or a rain-soaked jacket, a gallon-sized Ziplock bag keeps everything separated and avoids getting the rest of your suitcase messy.
• Storing valuables in water-prone activities: If you’re headed somewhere with beaches or pools, keep your phone, passport, or cash in a Ziplock bag. They’re not fully waterproof, but they’ll protect against splashes, sand, and humidity.

Binder Clip: The Tiny Multi-Tool for Travelers

A binder clip might seem like an office supply, but it has countless uses on the road. Lightweight and hardly taking up any space, this little clip is incredibly useful for anyone looking to keep things organized while traveling. Here’s how I put it to work:

• Securing bags or pouches: Use a binder clip to hold together the zippers of small pouches or bags inside your suitcase to avoid things spilling out during transit.
• Keeping headphones and cords organized: Wrapping headphones, phone chargers, or other small cords in a binder clip prevents tangles and saves time. No more digging through your bag to untangle a mess of cords.
• Blocking hotel curtains: Ever had that frustrating gap between curtains that lets in light just as you’re trying to fall asleep? A binder clip will hold them shut, giving you a restful night without unwanted light pollution.
• Money clip or emergency chip clip: A binder clip works as a stand-in wallet for cash or cards when you’re packing light, or it can be used to seal up a bag of snacks for later.

Reusable Water Bottle: Staying Hydrated, Sustainably

A reusable water bottle is one of the best travel essentials for keeping you hydrated, saving money, and reducing waste. I never go anywhere without one, and here’s why:

• Convenience and cost-saving: If you’re flying, you can take an empty bottle through security and fill it up at a water station. You’ll have water on hand without needing to buy expensive bottles at the airport or at your destination.
• Reducing waste: By refilling your bottle throughout your trip, you’re helping the environment by reducing single-use plastic.
• Temperature control: Many reusable water bottles are insulated, so you can keep your drink cold or hot for hours, making it perfect for hot beach days or early morning hikes.
• Flexibility for multiple uses: A reusable bottle is great not only for water but also for carrying smoothies, iced coffee, or even rinsing off sand on beach trips in a pinch.

A Light and Foldable Tote: The Bag You’ll End Up Using Daily

A light, foldable tote bag has become a must-have for me on any trip. It barely takes up any room in your suitcase, but its usefulness is boundless:

• Extra space for souvenirs or shopping: Perfect for carrying items you pick up along the way, whether it’s a souvenir from a market or groceries for a day trip.
• Beach, gym, or laundry bag: This tote doubles as a beach bag for sandy items, a gym bag for workout clothes, or a laundry bag for dirty clothes that need to stay separated from your clean items.
• Stroller, catch-all bag: If you are taking a stroller with you and will be collapsing it regularly, a catch-all bag is a must. When it is time to fold up the stroller you can put everything that is inside and underneath in the bag, rather than having an arm full of things, plus a stroller to carry!
• Lightweight day bag: It’s ideal for a day of exploring when you don’t want to carry a heavy backpack. Simply throw in your essentials, and you’re ready to go.

Mini Power Strip: Essential for Tech-Savvy Travelers

Between phones, tablets, cameras, and maybe even a laptop, it’s easy to run out of outlets, especially in hotel rooms or cruise cabins with limited plugs. A mini power strip (especially one with USB ports) allows you to charge multiple devices at once, and here’s why it’s an essential travel companion:

• Multi-device charging: You can charge your phone, tablet, smartwatch, and more, all at once, which is especially helpful if you’re traveling with family or friends.
• Compact and lightweight: Most mini power strips are small and light, so they don’t take up much space and are easy to pack.
• Added convenience at airports and cafes: Outlets can be scarce in public areas, but with a power strip, you can share a single outlet with others, or even make friends by sharing the charging love!

Honorable Mention: Portable Bedside Fan for Cool Comfort

Though it may seem like a luxury, a portable bedside fan can actually be a lifesaver in certain situations. If you’re a light sleeper, sensitive to noise, or simply love having a bit of airflow at night, consider packing a small, portable fan.

• Perfect for stuffy hotel rooms or hot climates: Not all hotels have air conditioning, especially in more remote locations. A fan can be a small but effective way to cool down your sleeping area.
• White noise for better sleep: The fan’s hum can help drown out unfamiliar noises and provide a comforting white noise, especially helpful if you’re staying in a noisy area.
• Compact and USB-powered: Many portable fans are USB-powered, so they’re easy to plug into your mini power strip or even a power bank.

These unlikely travel essentials are the unsung heroes of my packing list. They may not seem like obvious choices, but each one plays a crucial role in making travel more comfortable, organized, and enjoyable. Try adding these to your travel bag next time you hit the road, and see how they enhance your travel experience!

Kelle Rhodes

New Egypt, NJ

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