The 10 Essential Things To Pack For Your Next Trip (That Aren’t On Every Other List)

Travel Scarf

Not only stylish but also functional, it has a hidden pocket to hold your phone and money, if needed.  This also helps to keep me warm on drafty planes.

Headphones

The headphones on planes are gross and they even charge for them on certain airlines, so I always opt to bring my own.  This is the style I prefer because they help cancel any noises on planes or public transport and I don’t have to worry about them falling out when I move around (also good for running, hiking, dance-cleaning, etc)

Resistance Bands

Especially for long flights, it’s important to move every hour or so to prevent blood clots (and also to keep from going insane).  I usually bring 1-2  of my Chicmoda resistance bands so I can do some exercises in my seat (or in the aisles during downtime) if need be.  It’s also nice to have them to use in the hotel room or hostel because some might not have a gym and you don’t want to completely lose your gains, bruh!  Compression socks are also a good item to look into for long flights.

Tea Tree Oil

Did you know planes are one of the most germ-filled locations you’ll encounter when traveling?  I generally avoid the alcohol-based hand sanitizers due to the whole antibiotic resistance thing.  I’ve been using this Eden’s Garden Tea Tree Roll-On (it’s diluted with fractionated coconut oil) on my last few trips as a hand disinfectant when I’m not near a restroom to wash up.  Tea Tree Oil can also be used on minor cuts and scrapes, so it’s a trifecta of healing for travel (antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral)

Silvercillin Immune Support

Feel a scratchy throat or cold coming on?  Have airborne allergies?  This Silvercillin needs to be in your arsenal.  You spray it in your throat and the silver acts to combat harmful bacteria/viruses and boost your immune system.  Can also be used daily as a preventative measure.

Activated Charcoal Pills

Stomach issues from your body adjusting to new water and new time zones?  Had a great time and maybe a little too much sangria?  Food poisoning?   I’ve experienced all of these things on various trips, and have been so thankful to have my activated charcoal pills to help me calm my stomach and detox/adjust to new environments.

Multi-purpose Adapter

While a lot of the hotels are now providing their own adapters, if you’re staying in Airbnbs or hostels, you’ll definitely want to have an adapter to charge your devices.  For me, it was important to have one that works in Europe and Asia because those are the places I visit most.  This one has worked out well for me thus far since it’s universal.

Travel Water Bottle

My goal is to travel sustainably, so constantly buying bottled water is a no go (and gets to be too expensive).   I like this Nomader Collapsible water for how compact it becomes, making it perfect to fit in my purse if need be.  If you’re going on an active trip, be sure to check out 5 Must-Have Things To Carry When Trekking.

Protein

Protein is vital all the time, but especially on simple-carb laden travels, so these single-serve Vital Protein Collagen Peptides packets come with me to help me maintain my weight and not get too far off track on my nutrition while away from home.  You can mix with water, juice, smoothies, cereal, etc because there is no flavor.

Healthy Snacks

Although some countries are much more health-conscious than the US, most airports and airlines generally don’t offer nutritious or healthy snacks and meals, so I bring at least a few of my own along to supplement and make sure I’m not starving.  EPIC bars and LARABARs are my go-to snacks because of their clean ingredients.  Bonus tip: If you order a special dietary meal when you book your flight (gluten-free, Halal, vegetarian, etc), you’ll get your meal before all the other passengers!

What are your go-to items when you travel?  I’d love to hear about what has worked well for you!