10 Best Vacation Essentials to Pack for Your 2024 Travels

After spending the last 10 years of my life traveling, I’ve definitely had some amazing and some not so great experiences. This is why it’s important to know ahead of time the best vacation essentials when traveling this year. 

For some of these items I’ve provided Amazon links to ensure that you can easily add them to your cart! 

Vacation Essential #1:  Packing Cubes / Compression Cubes 

Buy Here: https://a.co/d/cumVxFc

Price: $16.99

One of my first purchases when I first began traveling were packing cubes! Packing cubes allow you to shove as many clothes as you can (rolling is probably better) into a smaller cube/ compartment in order to save space in your bag. 

My friends laughed and thought I did used them because of my type A organization addicted personality, however the cubes proved to be a major space saver. All I need is a few packing cubes and I can get at most a weeks worth of clothing and shoes into my carry on bag. This can save you time and money if you can get your clothes in a cube and can avoid a larger checked back! 

Since then I’ve graduated to an even better find: travel compression bags! If you remember in the early 2000s there were so many commercials about those storage bags that you can vacuum the air out of to compress. This is the same idea, but you don’t need the vacuum. You just roll it up and the air is pushed out of the end. This has been a game changer in my recent travel adventures. Especially now that I’ve been shopping a lot more on vacation. 

Buy Here: https://a.co/d/jbYUCZG

Price: $15.99

Vacation Essential #2:  Door Alarms & Locks

If you’re like me you love the occasional solo adventure, however it’s important to be on the safe side. One of my latest vacation packing essentials has been a door alarm and/or lock. If you’re a heavy sleeper this will be especially helpful. 

Here’s a great set that will provide you with both a lock for the door and alarm in case the lock gets broken.

Buy Here: https://a.co/d/eJkMlTH

Price: $10.65

No one wants to assume that the country or city their going to is dangerous, however sometimes it’s smart to be safe, especially if you’re alone!

Vacation Essential #3:  Waterproof Fanny Pack

There’s been so many times where I’ve traveled and gone to the beach, but didn’t go into the water because I was scared to leave my phone/hotel key/money at the beach alone. When it’s happened while I was with friends we’d have to switch off who would stay by the belongings. a  waterproof fanny pack would’ve saved me most of those times (as long as I wasn’t too bothered by having my shorts or shirt stolen). 

Buy Here: https://a.co/d/1mtNTRw

Price: $14.95

I bought this waterproof fanny pack for my solo trip to Costa RIca and was able to go in the water with my phone, hotel key, and credit card inside! I was a little paranoid and put everything in another plastic bag as well, but everything came out super dry. I was able to swim as long as I wanted and had no issues. Easily one of the top vacation packing essentials! 

Vacation Essential #4:  Travel Plug Converter

If you plan on being a globe trotter one of the best vacation essentials is a plug converter that you can use anywhere! I bought one years ago and it has been my best friend ever since! From Kenya to all over Europe and South America, this travel adapter has been super handy.

https://a.co/d/h9v2XCX

These days many come with a surge protector as well so I highly recommend splurging a little because it is definitely worth the price. And it’s something that you’ll hopefully buy once and never need again! 

Vacation Essential #5:  Portable Charger 

To continue with the tech theme, another great buy for your next vacation is a portable charger. I’m super late to the game with this one, but it has actually become a staple in my everyday life as well. If you’re spending the day walking around Rome or even if you’re on a plane with no outlets, the portable charge is a game changer. 

Buy Here: https://a.co/d/0UJD0NV

Price: $19.99

Don’t get the input chargers, I find those to be annoying since you have to also bring your charger. The one I have linked here also has other plug types so you can charge multiple devices like an iphone, android, or mini fan all at once! I also appreciate the display screen so that you know when it’s time for another recharge.

Vacation Essential #6:  Travel Size Toiletry Bottles

If you’re not interested in checking your bag you’ll need to transfer your liquids to travel sized bottles. Of course you could go to target and pick up a bunch of the minis, but here’s my favorite: 

Buy Here: https://a.co/d/4LCz3IL

Price: $9.99

The bottles are all different sizes for different purposes (like tiny containers for eye cream) and it all fits together in a bag. I prefer the bag because you can shove other things in like a mini toothpaste! 

Vacation Essential #7:  Digital Luggage Scale

For the over packers, one of my favorite vacation essentials is the digital luggage scale. Airlines can charge an additional $50-$100 for overweight luggage. Additionally, if you’re traveling within another country their luggage weights can be even lower than the usual 50 lbs. Have a digital luggage scale can be super handy! 

Buy Here: https://a.co/d/9MkXXyM

Price: $10.99

Vacation Essential #8:  Reusable Water Bottle with Filter  

If you’re someone like me and sometimes hate the way water tastes in different places, a bottle with a filter attached can be a great addition to your baggage. One note though, be careful about drinking tap water in different countries. Be sure to research if that water is safe to drink! 

Buy Here: https://a.co/d/aeDhFSB

Price: $22.99

Vacation Essential #9:  Earplugs

Noisy airplanes or hostel roommates can make it hard to sleep, which is why I highly recommend a sleep mask and earplugs when you’re on vacation. During my first experience in a hostel I had a snoring roommate and I couldn’t sleep for the entire night! I definitely would’ve appreciated having these with me.

Buy Here: https://a.co/d/5W8nfip

Price: $27.99

Vacation Essential #10: Mini First Aid Kit 

For my last vacation packing essential I have to recommend a mini first aid kit. You never know what could happen to it’s important to be safe rather than sorry. They’re great for traveling with kids or just your clumsy friend who’s bound to get hurt! 

Buy Here: https://a.co/d/3JUQwrf

Price: $15.99

In a Nutshell

When traveling it’s important to have some of these basic travel packing essentials. Preparing in advance can make your travels go a lot smoother.

Of course these aren’t all of the things you could bring. Comment below and tell me what you always pack on your trips! 

Interested in getting some more advice from a Travel Advisor? Click Below for more information!