15+ Must-Have Travel Essentials According to Someone Who Used to Travel for a Living

Lay your packing woes to rest. Shop my must-have travel essentials that will make your life so much easier (thank me later).

By Alexa Vazquez Dec 02, 2025 11:00 PMTags
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The hardest part of any trip is packing. Whether for pleasure or business, it's always the part I dread the most.

But after years of monthly travels for work, I became a total packing pro. Now, I pack efficiently, without forgetting any of the essentials that make my travels smoother.

Chances are, there are a few of my must-haves missing from your packing list. If you want to de-stress packing and travel altogether, you need to stock up on the essentials I can't travel without, as someone who used to travel for a living. 

Some of these travel hacks have the celebrity seal of approval from Paige DeSorbo, Ciara Miller, Melissa Gorga, and Kyle Richards.

Avoid overweight baggage fees with an electric luggage scale, keep your phone at full charge with portable power banks, keep airplane acne at bay with pimple patches, and be prepared for emergencies with a travel-size first aid kit.

Lay your packing woes to rest. Shop my must-have travel essentials that will make your life so much easier (thank me later).

BAGAIL 8 Set Packing Cubes

My life changed for the better when I discovered packing cubes, which keep your suitcase so organized. This eight-piece set includes various sizes, like a laundry bag and shoe bag.

Of this pick, Melissa Gorga said, "You have no idea how much more space you will get in your luggage if you use these things. It's insane. 

Xnewcable Multi-Charging Cable Cord

Traveling means you're going to need a bunch of different cords for your phones, wireless chargers, cameras, and more. This gadget combines all your cord needs into one place. It includes four different cables, including an Apple Watch charger.

bytaoqipet Electronic Organizer Pouch

Prevent crossed wires (literally) with this handy travel case organizer. It's got plenty of space for all your tech needs, including earbuds, charging cubes, and cords of all sorts.

Holii Travel Pill Organizer

This 7-day pill organizer is the perfect way to keep up with your vitamins and medication while traveling. 

aonidi Portable Charger with Built-in Cables

This slim and sleek power bank can charge virtually any device at an impressively quick rate. It has two built-in cords as well as outlets for others, plus plugs right into the wall to charge its battery. 

grace & stella Pimple Patches

If like me you experience breakouts when you fly, you absolutely need to keep these pimple patches on hand. Made with tea tree and salicylic acid, these hydrocolloid patches will significantly diminish the size of blemishes over night.

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iWALK Portable Charger

A portable phone charger is a no-brainer, but the reason this one is great because it doesn't require any extra cables since it pops directly into your phone's (or AirPods') charging port. It's compact, lightweight, and rechargeable, plus it comes in six colors.

Muslish 21 Pack Travel Bottles for Toiletries

Even if I'm checking a bag, I still like to transfer toiletries in larger bottles into TSA-friendly bottles like these. This 21-piece set includes four leak-proof silicone bottles, four spray bottles, toothbrush covers, and cream jars for skincare, all stored in a zippered pouch.

MLVOC Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Whether you're traveling by train, plane, or car, a travel pillow is a must-have if you're trying to take a nap. This memory foam one has contoured support that reviewers love, which is why it's garnered over 22,300 5-star reviews. As an added bonus, it comes with a carrying case, ear plugs, and a sleeping mask.

grace & stella Under Eye Mask Variety Pack

These individually packaged under eye masks will help to de-puff skin after long flights and early mornings. A best-seller, these under eye masks are packed with moisturizing niacinamide and hyaluronic acid and deliver a cooling sensation that feels so soothing. No wonder they have 14,600+ 5-star ratings and recommended by celebs like Paige DeSorbo, Lisa Rinna, and Madison LeCroy.

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Touchland Body and Hand Mist Essentials

You'll be encountering a lot of germs on your travels, which is why it's essential that you travel with hand sanitizer. Not only are these from Touchland aesthetically pleasing with a fine mist that won't leave your hands sticky. This one even comes with a hair and body mist.

Nyosye Reusable Gel Lint Roller

This tiny but mighty lint roller is ideal for travel since it doesn't take up a lot of space (you can even toss it in your purse) and is reusable. Just pop out the sticky ball, rinse it under water, and it's good as new.

BAGSMART Toiletry Bag

Rather than stuffing all your toiletries into a bulky makeup bag, try this best-selling organizer that folds open to reveal tons of zippered compartments. The best part is that it can be hung on a towel hook for easy access. It's a favorite of Kyle's.

Etekcity Luggage Scale

Spare yourself the anxiety of showing up to the airport and having to pay extra for an overweight bag with this luggage scale. It clips onto your luggage and provides an instant weight read so you know if you need to remove a few items (or have space for a few added items). This scale comes recommended by Ciara.

300 Piece Portable First Aid Kit

From blisters to unexpected injuries, this first aid kit has got you covered. The compact box includes band-aids of different sizes, gauze and tape, alcohol wipes, Neosporin, and Tylenol.

Beauty Glow Travel Razor Set

You'll love how small and convenient this portable razor is. It comes with its own carrying case and several five-blade refills.

Hoowu Sleep Eye Mask

If there's any chance of me getting some shuteye on a plane or in a hotel room, it's because I have a sleep mask on me. This satin mask has plush padding and an adjustable strap for a perfect fit that won't squish your eyes or slide off.

BAGSMART Travel Jewelry Organizer

Tossing all of your jewelry into a bag won't just make it hard to find what you're looking for but it will make everything tangled. This folding jewelry organizer solves the problem, with designated spaces for necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. And since it's flat, it doesn't take up much space. It comes in 11 colors and two sizes.

8 stocking stuffers that are genius for travelers.

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