17 Best Travel Essentials of 2023 |Tried and tested
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Why choose the best travel essentials?
Travelling can be a fantastic experience, but it can also be quite stressful(a lot stressful sometimes), especially when you have kids in tow. That’s why ensuring you have the best travel gear to make your journey smooth and stress-free is important. Whether backpacking through the mountains or lounging on a tropical beach, having the best travel gear can make all the difference.
Scrolling down, you’ll find a comprehensive list of general travel gear. Also, there is a separate blog post detailing the electronics we travel with, such as camera lenses and drones. It’s impressive how we manage to keep our gear minimal yet comprehensive.
Are you looking for the best travel entertainment and essentials when travelling with kids? Let’s get started.
What are the best travel essentials?
Here are our top picks for the best travel essentials to buy before travelling.
- Travel Insurance
- Portable fan
- Microfibre towel
- Compression Packing Cube
- Collapsible Water Bottle
- Wireless Transmitter
- Inflatable Travel Pillow
- Hanging Toiletry Bag
- Universal Travel Adapter
- Cable Organizer
- Kindle
- Passport holder/document organizer
- Travel First Aid Kit
- Travel Blanket
- Inflatable Foot Rest
- Portable Travel Clothesline
- LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
1.Travel Insurance
I know it is not tangible, but certainly one of the most important. As a frequent traveller, I highly recommend investing in travel insurance for any trip. Accidents and unexpected situations can happen anytime, and having travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection. Travel insurance can cover many situations, from lost luggage to medical emergencies abroad. Don’t let an unforeseen circumstance ruin your trip – make travel insurance your number one essential for any adventure. Safety Wing is our go-to insurance provider because they offer affordable rates and comprehensive coverage for any unexpected situation that may arise during your trip.
2.Portable fan
A portable fan can be a lifesaver when travelling to hot and humid destinations. The VersionTech Hand Held Fan is a top choice for its compact size and powerful performance. With a rechargeable battery, it can last up to 24 hours on a single charge. It also has three different speed settings and can fold up to 180 degrees. The other is a portable neck fan so that you can stay cool hands-free.
3.Microfibre towel
A microfibre towel is a must-have for any traveller. The Eono Microfibre Towel is lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack. It also dries quickly and is super absorbent, making it perfect for the beach, camping, or hiking.
4.Compression Packing Cube
A compression packing cube is a game-changer if you want to save your luggage space. The Cipway – 5 Set Compression Packing Cubes is a top choice for its durability and compression capabilities. It can compress your clothes by up to 80%, making it easy to fit everything you need in your suitcase.
My family`s second favourite is the hanging packing cubes. They save space in your luggage thanks to its durable traps and make unpacking and finding what you need a breeze when you can hang it up in your hotel room. Consider investing in both for your next adventure!
5.Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated while travelling is crucial, and having a reusable water bottle is an eco-friendly way to do it. The HYDAWAY Collapsible Water Bottle is an excellent choice for its compact size and durability. It’s made from food-grade silicone and only takes up a small space when not used, and believe me, you`ll need all the space you can get when you're travelling with kids with minimal gear.
6.Wireless Transmitter
A wireless transmitter is a must-have if you want to listen to your own music or watch movies on a long flight. The AirFly Pro Wireless Transmitter is a top choice for its easy setup and long battery life. It lets you connect two wireless headphones to any in-flight entertainment system or TV.
7.Travel Pillow
Getting a good night’s sleep while travelling can be challenging, but a good travel pillow can make all the difference. The Trtl Travel Pillow Plus is a top choice for its unique design and comfort. It wraps around your neck like a scarf and has a built-in support system to keep your head comfortable.
Another great option is an inflatable travel pillow. It can save a lot of space in your cabin bag. We had a Samsonite travel pillow for years, and because of the quality, we just recently changed it, so it was time to discover all the options on the market.
If you are the type of person who likes softer pillows you must check out this Samsonite 3-in-1 travel pillow. It can support the neck, body, lower back or foot. It is slightly bigger than the inflatable one but can be worth the extra space.
Also check out this stuffable travel pillow: https://shopcosycollection.com/
8.Hanging Toiletry Bag
Keeping your toiletries organized and easily accessible can be a challenge when travelling. Any of the Narwey hangig toiletry bags is a great choice for its compact size and convenient hanging hook. It has multiple compartments to keep your toiletries separate and organized.You can choose from medium and large sizes.
Check out size Medium:https://travelwiththegates.com/hanging-toiletry-bag-medium
Check out size Large:https://travelwiththegates.com/hanging-toiletry-bag
Another great design: https://travelwiththegates.com/toiletry-bag
9.Universal Travel Adapter
A universal travel adapter is a must when travelling to different countries. The TESSAN Plug Adapter Worldwide is a top choice for its compatibility with over 224 countries. It also has multiple USB ports, making it easy to charge all your devices simultaneously.
10.Cable Organizer
I highly recommend investing in UGREEN Cable Organizers to keep your cables and chargers organized. With multiple compartments, it’s easy to keep everything separate and easy to find. The organizers are also compact and lightweight, making them perfect for traveling. My personal favorites include the hard case organizer, which even allows for storage of an action camera or hard drive alongside your cables, and the large tech pouch, which is perfect for organizing all your cables and SD cards. Trust me, these organizers will make your life so much easier!
11.Kindle
If you’re an avid reader, a Kindle is a must-have for any trip. The Kindle Paperwhite is a top choice for its compact size and long battery life. It’s also waterproof, making it perfect for the beach or pool.
12.Passport holder/document organizer
When it comes to travelling with your family, organization is vital. A family passport holder and document organizer is a must-have item for any trip. Not only does it keep all of your important documents, like passports, tickets, and boarding passes, in one place, but it also helps to prevent them from getting lost or damaged. Plus, with multiple compartments and pockets, it’s easy to keep everything organized and easily accessible.
13.Travel First Aid Kit
Travelling is an exciting experience, but it can also be unpredictable. Accidents can happen anytime and anywhere, from minor cuts and scrapes to more severe injuries. That’s why it’s essential to prepare yourself for any unforeseen circumstances by bringing a travel first aid kit with you on your trip.
14.Travel blanket
When it comes to travelling, a travel blanket is definitely an essential item. It can provide warmth and comfort during long flights or road trips and even double as a pillow or cushion if needed. Plus, it’s easy to pack and only takes up a little space in your luggage. Remember to bring one on your next trip! Many brands are on the market in different sizes and materials. Still, our favourite is, hands down, the Cocoon CoolMax Blanket with its quick-drying, breathable and easy-care material. It is handy and lightweight, and compact.
Check out these other great blankets as well:
https://travelwiththegates.com/travel-blanket-pillow
https://travelwiththegates.com/travel-blanket-pillow
https://travelwiththegates.com/compact-travel-blanket
15.Inflatable Foot Rest
An inflatable footrest is a great way to keep your child’s feet elevated and comfortable during long flights or car rides. We love that you can extend the plane seat with this, and your little one can use it as a bed for sleeping. It’s easy to inflate and deflate and takes up minimal space in your luggage. Check with the airline you’re travelling with to see if you can actually inflate it onboard. Sometimes the written rules say no, but on the plane, they let you use it.
16.Portable Travel Clothesline
It’s such a simple thing, but it makes a big difference in the convenience and organization of my trip. With a travel clothesline, I can easily hang up my wet swimsuits, towels, and other garments that need to air dry. Plus, it takes up very little space in my luggage and is lightweight, so it’s not a hassle to bring along. It’s a small item that has a big impact on my travel experience.
17.LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
We all know it is essential to stay hydrated and have access to clean drinking water. One item that can help with this is the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter. This compact and lightweight device allows you to safely drink water from streams, lakes, and other natural sources without worrying about contaminants. It’s perfect for camping trips or backpacking adventures and can also be helpful in emergencies. I always keep something like this with me because you never know when you need it.
