I just came back from my first real vacation in a long time– my first beach vacation in years. I love anything that makes my life easier, and while traveling, that’s a must. Another must is anything that keeps me organized (something I’m not so good at in regular life, but is super important for me when traveling).
Some of these items are for those of us who are chronically ill, some are for everyone. I’m sure there will be some items on this list though that you’ll find useful.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Travel Must-Haves
This was by far my best purchase. When I travel, a big problem I’ve noticed is the lack of wash cloths. I use a wash cloth for showers, but also to wash off my makeup at the end of the day. When I’m home, I typically use my Makeup Eraser, but when you don’t have a washing machine, you need something disposable. These were perfect, compact, and actually soft for my sensitive skin. They worked so well, these will be a must for every time I travel now in the future. I also need to get them to have at my boyfriend’s apartment, since he doesn’t have wash cloths either.
Took this photo so you could see the texture and quality.
I bought this to go on vacation because I was using multiple makeup bags that were freebees from buying makeup over the years. I wanted something larger that could still fit in a suitcase, and not have to use multiple bags for my makeup when I travel. This one was inexpensive, and fit the bill perfectly. It held up well to travel, and I’ll be using this all the time now. It fits quite a bit, and has a place for brushes, and a zippered pouch inside that I put my lipsticks and lip glosses in.
Travel makeup bag packed full. It held up very well.
Packing cubes have been my #1 travel item for years now. I bought these for both of my parents for Christmas several years back, and another set for my boyfriend for Christmas. They make packing so much easier, and it keeps you so organized while you travel. One cube for underwear, one for shirts, one for dresses, etc. Simple, but necessary now.
There are so many things you don’t think about when traveling, and a laundry bag is one of them. But when you’re away, and you have nowhere to put your dirty laundry, you realize how convenient things like this are. This one folds into a smaller bag, and expands when needed.
Admittedly, I don’t usually wear compression socks for my POTS. I know I should, but I haven’t found them all that useful for my symptoms, and there’s no way I could wear them in the summer with my heat intolerance. When I fly though, I know I need them, and I will wear them then. I have found them to be a little helpful when I fly. Maybe I just haven’t found the perfect pair yet, but a lot of them seem to irritate me, and it’s hard to wear them for many hours. These have a great rating, so I should try them out again.
A travel pillow is a must for airplane travel, and is even so useful in the car. This one is great because the cover is machine washable, which is so important to me. I get so grossed out by the fact that they’re traveling all over the place without being washed.
Depending how long you’re going away for, one of the most important things is a pill organizer. I’ve been using one for over a decade at this point, and they’re so useful when you’re on a number of different medications and supplements. This one is monthly, which is perfect when you’re traveling for a longer period of time.
Perfect for a weekly getaway, and has both AM and PM slots for pills. I love that it’s small enough to throw in my purse.
9. Portable Cell Phone Charger
I keep this in my bag at all times. My phone batteries never last long enough, and this portable charger has a couple of charges in it. I’ve had this one for almost 3 years and it still works like new.
10. Affordable Noise-Cancelling Headphones
I’m not one of those people who needs (or wants) headphones that cost hundreds of dollars. I just don’t see the need to pay that much. This one works well, and has great sound, and is a fraction of the price.
11. Belt Bag
A belt bag so I can carry as little as possible is key. The only problem is, I always need to carry water with me, because I’m constantly dehydrated. This doesn’t fit a full-size water bottle, but I’d rather carry one in my hand and have this around me than carry a heavy bag that will give me more chronic pain.
12. Quality Luggage
Hardside Samonsite luggage with spinning wheels– this is so important. I didn’t have spinning wheels on any of my luggage until a couple of years ago, and let me tell you, it makes all the difference. It is so hard for me to pull my luggage, and this makes it so much easier for me to handle.
I wish I knew about this earlier, because this would have come in handy so many times over the years! You put this around your tote bag or carry-on on top of your suitcase, and it secures it so it doesn’t slide around and fall off your suitcase as you’re wheeling it around. This is major! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve struggled with my carry-on bag.
14. Travel Blanket
I’m the type of person who always needs a blanket on them, winter or summer. I just can’t completely relax without one, and I definitely can’t sleep without one. This one is great, because it’s soft, and it folds into a pouch for easy packing.
Whenever I travel, the biggest problem is always enough plugs to plug in my chargers. Phone, Kindle, Apple Watch, Headphones/AirPods….. there’s so many things, and never enough outlets. This definitely solves that problem.
