Packing Essentials
What I actually use as a full-time international traveler that makes my life easier on the road.
Some links on this page marked with * are affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you purchase at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use. Thank you for supporting Traveling Berri!
I've been traveling full-time for over a year, across 58 countries and six continents. Safe to say I've packed and unpacked my bags more times than I can count, and I've learned the hard way what's worth bringing and what's just extra weight.
This isn't a list of things that sound good in theory. Every single item here is something I personally travel with and would recommend without hesitation. Whether you're taking your first international trip or your fiftieth, these are the packing essentials that actually earn their place in my bag.
Portable Charger*
Dead phone battery in a foreign city with no map, no translation app, and no way to contact anyone is a special kind of stress. A portable charger is non-negotiable for travel, and this one is my favorite I've ever used. It has all the cables and plugs built right in (USB-C, Lightning, and a wall plug) so I don't need to carry anything extra. It's about the size of a regular iPhone, fits easily into a purse or day bag, and charges fast. Simple, compact, and genuinely useful every single day.
Eye Mask*
I've slept on overnight trains, a million flights, and in hotels with curtains that do essentially nothing. A good eye mask is one of those things you don't realize you need until you have one and then can't imagine traveling without it. This one is made of silk, which means it doesn't mess up my eyelashes or flatten my eyebrows, and it has full coverage so no light sneaks in from the sides. Works just as well for naps on planes as it does for a full night of sleep somewhere with bad window treatments.
Travel Neck Pillow*
Most travel neck pillows are either too firm, too soft, or take up half your carry-on when you're not using them. This one solves all three problems. It's inflatable so you can adjust exactly how firm or soft you want it. And when you're done with it, it deflates and packs down small so it doesn’t take up much room in your carry-on. For any long-haul or overnight transportation, this is worth having.
Jewelry Organizer*
I used to keep my jewelry stuffed into little pouches and zip-lock bags, which gave me tangled necklaces, lost earring backs, and general chaos every time I needed something. This organizer has dedicated spots for everything (rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets) is lightly padded to protect what's inside, and folds up into a compact case that fits easily in a bag. A small upgrade that makes a real difference.
Kindle E-Reader*
I read a lot more since I started traveling with a Kindle. Carrying physical books was never realistic for long-term travel, and the Kindle solves that completely. Thousands of books in something lighter than a paperback, with a battery that lasts weeks. If you're a reader and you don't have one yet, this is the one to get.
Vacuum Seal Packing Bags*
These are a game-changer if you're trying to pack bulky items like sweaters, hoodies, or jackets. The bags come with a small rechargeable pump that sucks all the air out, compressing everything down to a fraction of its original size. You can fit significantly more in your luggage than you thought possible. One important note: being able to pack more means more weight. Always weigh your bag before flying.
Luggage Scale*
Speaking of weight, a luggage scale is essential if you fly regularly, especially on budget airlines where overweight bag fees can be brutal. This one is small, accurate, and takes the guesswork out of whether your bag is going to cost you extra at the airport. Pair it with the vacuum seal bags above, and you'll always know exactly where you stand before you leave for the airport.
Packing Cubes*
If you've never used packing cubes, think of them as dresser drawers for your suitcase. Each cube can hold a category of clothing or an outfit, depending on how you organize it, and it all stays sorted and easy to find no matter how many times you've opened and closed your bag. No more digging through a pile of clothes to find one thing. Once you travel with packing cubes you will never go back.
Travel Mirror*
I've stayed in a lot of places with terrible lighting and mirrors that weren't designed with makeup in mind. This travel mirror fixes that problem completely. It packs small, has built-in adjustable lighting so you can see what you're actually doing, and comes with a small magnifying mirror for detailed work. This makes doing your makeup and taking care of your skin so much easier.
Luggage Tags*
A good luggage tag does two things: helps you identify your bag quickly at the baggage carousel, and helps get it back to you if it gets lost. I love the design of these and they've made spotting my bag in a sea of suitcases significantly easier. Simple, practical, and worth having before your next flight.
Waterproof Phone Case*
Most waterproof phone options are those awkward zip-lock style bags that are clunky to use and don't fit your phone properly. This one is different. It's designed to actually fit your phone like a real case, is fully waterproof, and comes with a hand strap so you're not dropping it in the water. Perfect for snorkeling, boat trips, beach days, or anywhere else you want to capture photos without risking your phone. This is the one I bring every time I'm near water.
Universal Plug Adapter*
Every country has different outlets. Some use Type A, some Type C, some Type G, and if you show up without the right adapter, your devices aren't charging. A universal adapter takes care of all of it in one compact plug. One important note: always check the voltage requirements for your destination in addition to the socket type, as some countries use 220V instead of the US standard 110V, which can damage certain devices without a voltage converter.
Handheld Mini Electric Fan*
This one feels like a luxury until you're in a hot, humid city with no air conditioning and you realize it's a necessity. Small, rechargeable, and powerful enough to actually make a difference when the heat gets relentless. I've used mine everywhere from Cartagena to Puerto Escondido, and it goes in my day bag every time I'm somewhere hot. Takes up almost no space and the battery lasts a long time.
Some links on this page marked with * are affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you purchase at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use. Thank you for supporting Traveling Berri!