Always Pack These Essentials in Your Suitcase, Says a Travel Editor

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  • EXPLORE FURTHER: As a female solo traveler, an affordable travel essential under £20 ‘is indispensable for every woman.’

I was never good at packing – the idea of choosing what to put in my suitcase would make me extremely anxious.

However, as the deputy travel editor at MailOnline, I frequently find myself traveling the world.

Over just the past month, I have lodged at the Radisson Blu Royal in Copenhagen, Pikes Ibiza, the Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa in Salcombe, Devon, and a newly opened hotel.
Virgin Hotel in Shoreditch
.

And later this year, I will make two trips to Switzerland.
Eurovision
next week and the
Women’s World Cup
In July — along with Croatia and Amsterdam,
Italy
and the Caribbean.

This nomadic life has forced me to refine my luggage contents and perfect my packing checklist.

Here, I’ve listed everything crucial that I pack for each journey.

The list includes multiple
space-saving gadgets
that serve as two different things
Amazon products
I utilize this for ensuring quality rest during lengthy transcontinental trips and dawn departures.

You’ll surely want to pack your bags like mine the next time you go on vacation…


INSTRIF 17-Pack Silicone Travel Bottle Set

This travel bottle collection has completely transformed my experience of flying with just carry-on luggage.

The transparent case compliant with TSA regulations includes 17 various-sized containers for transferring all your skincare products like lotions and potions, complete with an integrated funnel.

It includes a brush for cleaning, along with waterproof stickers to ensure you don’t confuse your shampoo with your moisturizer!

£9.99
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OGIO RISE Backpack

I always ensure I carry a backpack when traveling for holidays, just in case of any action-packed excursions.

This OGIO bag is just the right size and features numerous compartments, with stretchy side pockets designed for your water bottle and umbrella (just in case!). It also includes a discreet zipper pocket upfront for all your essential items.

It includes a dedicated area for your laptop, along with ample room to accommodate an extra set of clothing and footwear.

£89
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STACKERS Cosmetics and Jewelry Pouch

I have typically been someone who packs numerous individual containers and pouches inside my luggage—a jewelry case, a makeup bag, a toiletry kit, and so forth.

However, this clever 2-in-1 bag from STACKERS has solved everything.

It accommodates all of my makeup and comes with an integrated jewelry compartment at the base, ensuring my necklaces stay organized and untangled.

£55
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MyHalos Completely Opaque Sleep Mask

Originally purchased this blackout eye mask for a long-haul flight, but now I find myself using it every night before bedtime as it significantly improves my quality of sleep.

Created to avoid putting pressure on your eyes, this 3D sleep mask is ideal for individuals with sensitive eyes or those who have lash extensions.

Crafted with high-quality memory foam and lightweight, breathable fabric, this provides exceptional comfort along with effective light blockage.

£9.99
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Philips 3000 Series Portable Steamer

I dislike ironing and I’m definitely not a tidy packer — but my world turned around when I found out about steamers.

This model from Philips is just right for fitting into your luggage and can be folded compactly, thus not taking up much space at all.

£31.99
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Universal Travel Adapter

A travel adapter is essential when traveling overseas, and I make sure to keep this particular one packed in my suitcase to ensure I don’t overlook it.

This adapter works with various socket types globally and includes three USB ports along with a dedicated slot for USB-C cables, allowing you to simultaneously charge up to five distinct devices.

£11.99
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DOCK & BAY Rapid Drying Beach Towel

I’ve never liked how hotel towels at the beach become soaking wet and covered in sand.

However, nowadays I bring my own beach towel from DOCK & BAY when going on vacation.

It’s quick-drying, never gets sandy and also comes in a little pouch so doesn’t take up much room in the suitcase.

I really like this tropical pattern as well!

£21-50
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mdlondon BLOW Hair Dryer

Although this hairdryer might come with a higher price tag, it’s completely worthwhile to bring along in your luggage instead of depending on the subpar options provided by hotels.

Although it isn’t designed primarily for travel, this item’s compact size of only 360 grams makes it highly portable, and it delivers performance comparable to most models currently available.

It’s also really quiet!

£199
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JBL Charge 5

A Bluetooth speaker is must-have gear for me whenever I travel, along with a portable charger—particularly since I rely on my phone to capture numerous videos and photos.

Remarkably, this device from JBL serves dual purposes: it functions as a speaker and also comes equipped with a 7,500mAh power bank.

While it may not be the quickest for charging your phone, the audio quality from the speaker is outstanding—exactly as you’d anticipate from JBL.

£119.99
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UGREEN Bluetooth Adapter

The complimentary headphones provided on flights are almost always of lower quality compared to my AirPods.

However, since they lack Bluetooth functionality, you can’t use them to stream movies during lengthy flights.

This Bluetooth transmitter resolves that issue by just plugging into the AUX port.

The best part is that it can connect to two devices simultaneously. So now, when my partner and I want to enjoy the same movie during a flight, we don’t have to struggle with syncing playback anymore!

£12.99
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Tile Mate by Life360

All through my life, people have said I’d ‘lose my head if it wasn’t attached’. I’ve had instances where I left my suitcase on the train, my passport at the airport, and my wallet at the pub.

I’d truly be at a loss without Tile Mates; I’ve put them on my keychain and even added one to my suitcase.
Bluetooth trackers are perfect for forgetful individuals and provide an added layer of security when traveling alone, allowing friends and family to track your location.

£27.99
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trtl Travel Pillow

For years, I remained highly doubtful about TRTL pillows due to images of people appearing somewhat awkward while using them during flights.

However, I have become an official fan – these things are incredibly comfortable, and along with my eyeshade, I can now get some shut-eye during flights without needing a window seat.

£45.99
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Portable Foot Hammock

Standing at 5’1″, my legs are quite short, making it difficult for me to reach both the footrest and even more so the floor when seated on an airplane.

This foldable foot hammock attaches to the front tray table, making it considerably simpler to relax comfortably—even in economy class.

It also includes a small pouch, which can easily be packed into any suitcase or backpack.

£4.99
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YETI 18oz (532ml) Bottle

Wherever I go, I carry a water bottle with me so that I won’t constantly have to request small cups of water from the cabin crew during my flights.

This particular item from YETI ensures my drink stays icy cold throughout the entire day, particularly when I start off by adding some cubes of ice before heading out.

£30
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MAC IN A SAC Collaborative Jacket

The issue with moving from chilly and gloomy UK to warm and sunny locations is having to include an oversized coat in your luggage without ever using it during your stay at the hotel.

However, Mac in a Sac provides the solution – featuring insulated jackets that can be compressed into a small pouch.

I own the Synergy jacket in ivory, and it’s incredibly warm and simple to compress for packing.

£59.99
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Klearlook Multi-Function 4-in-1 Adjustable Phone Stand

The most disappointing aspect of short-haul flights is the absence of screens, making it tiresome to have to keep your phone handy for watching an entire film.

Thankfully, this phone stand – which works with all phones – can mount onto luggage handles or tray tables with a clamp.

It can effortlessly spin 360 degrees, which allows me to utilize it for hands-free video calls while I wait at the airport.

£9.99
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Loop Switch 2

Earplugs are essential for catching some shut-eye during your flight – and Loop Switch 2 earbuds are ideal for continuous use, offering three distinct volume settings.

This indicates that I can utilize them for napping during flights, and also wear them at nightclubs in Ibiza to prevent hearing loss.

The earplugs have been released in a stunning new McClaren Papaya color (as shown), following their collaboration with the racewear label.

£59.95
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