Travelling is one of the most beautiful things you can do. Discovering new places, getting to know other cultures and making memories that will stay with you for years to come. But fair is fair: travelling well-prepared makes everything just that little bit more relaxed. Not by taking more stuff with you, but by making the right choices. In this blog, we share the essential items we always take with us when travelling. No superfluous gadgets, but travel essentials that really help you on your way, whether you are going on a short city break or planning a long round trip.
We always take these travel essentials with us
Travelling well-prepared starts with the right gear. During our travels, we have found that some travel essentials really make the difference between hassle and being relaxed on the road. In this overview, we share the items we don't want to miss ourselves.
1. A good backpack or backpack (your main base)
The first item that should not be missing from your packing list is a good backpack, but choose one that suits your trip. For day trips, a small rucksack is ideal, but if you are going on a longer trip, a comfortable backpack is indispensable. When choosing, pay attention not only to content, but especially to carrying comfort, adjustability and layout.
Tip: always try on a bag with weight in it and check that it fits your height and build well.
2. Packing cubes (and a separate shoe bag)
We can no longer imagine a trip without it, because with packing cubes really make packing easier. Dividing your clothes into different cubes keeps your suitcase or backpack organised, even if you often pack and unpack on the go. In addition, your clothes stay neater and you can find what you are looking for faster without having to turn everything upside down. A separate shoe bag is also no superfluous luxury, especially if your shoes are dusty, dirty or wet. This way, the rest of your stuff in a backpack or suitcase stays clean and fresh.
3. A hamam towel (lighter than a towel, at least as convenient)
A hamam towel is one of those travel essentials that you only realise how handy it is while travelling. Unlike a normal towel, a hamam towel is light, thin and folds up compactly. Ideal if you are travelling with a backpack or just want to save space in your suitcase. Besides, a hamam towel dries quickly and you can use it for all sorts of things: as a beach towel, picnic blanket or as a wrap.
4. A small portable music box on the go
A compact bluetooth box may not be a basic necessity, but it often makes travelling just that little bit cosier. In your hotel room, at sunset on the beach or during an evening playing games with people you met on the road.
5. A good reusable water bottle
Something that is fortunately becoming more common among travellers is a reusable water bottle instead of plastic bottles. A water bottle is therefore perhaps one of the most underrated items on this list. Especially in hot destinations, it is nice to always have water with you. Preferably choose an insulated bottle so that your water stays cool even if you are on the road all day. This not only saves money, but is also more sustainable than buying new plastic bottles all the time.
6. Reliable travel guides (offline always useful)
Yes, you can find everything online! But the internet is not always there when you need it. In fact, we have sometimes stood by the side of the road without internet and then that one restaurant (with that incomprehensible name) is suddenly quite hard to find anyway.
A good travel guide or offline Google maps maps with hotspots is therefore indispensable. Personally, we mainly use downloadable travel guides or Google maps maps for preparation and on the road as a backup. Convenient, reliable and always available.
7. Travel essentials to sleep better on the road
Sleeping on the road is never really ideal, but with a few small items you can make yourself a lot more comfortable. Good earplugs are no luxury in planes, buses or hotels with thin walls. A neck pillow helps during long travel days and a sleep mask is ideal if you want to sleep during the day or wake up early from the light. Add a warm jumper and a pair of socks and you are prepared for air conditioners that are turned on just a little too enthusiastically.
8. A power bank on the go
While travelling, there always comes a time when your phone is almost empty, just when it really isn't convenient. A power bank is therefore an indispensable item, especially during long travel days, road trips or boat rides. Choose one with enough capacity so you can charge your phone several times without stress.
9. Small travel games
Travelling does not consist only of highlights; sometimes it rains, you are delayed or you are just waiting somewhere in the evening. This is precisely when small games are ideal to have with you. They provide conviviality, break the ice with new travel companions and make waiting time a lot more fun. Read our blog 20x mini games for travelling and discover our favourites.
10. A drybag for water, beach and boat trips
A drybag is one of those items that you might not use every day, but that you are incredibly happy with as soon as you need it. During a boat trip, beach day or during a nasty rainstorm, it keeps your things dry and safe. Especially in tropical destinations, this is a real must-have.
11. World plug with multiple connections
After a long day of travel, you often only want one thing: to charge everything and then not have to deal with anything else. Phone, camera, power bank, e-reader... it all piles up faster than you think. A world plug that works in multiple countries and has multiple connections is then ideal. You don't have to choose which device to use first and you don't have to fiddle with separate adapters. The next morning you simply start a new day with full batteries.
Tip: South Africa uses several plug types (such as Type M, D and N). A standard world plug will therefore not always work. Check this in advance to avoid any surprises.
12. Flightbag: more than just in-plane protection
A flightbag initially seems especially useful to protect your backpack during a flight, and it is. Straps and handles stay together neatly and your bag is less likely to get damaged. In fact, many airlines expect you to pack your backpack this way.
What we discovered later: such a flight bag is surprisingly handy on the road too. During multi-day treks, we used it to leave stuff behind at our accommodation and during our tour of Sri Lanka was ideal for completely shutting down our backpack when we were away from the tuktuk for a while.
13. Locks: small, but super handy
A few locks in your luggage can give you a lot of peace of mind. Not only for locking your bag during a flight, but also in accommodations where you'd rather not leave everything open. TSA locks are practical for airports, but we always take a lock with a long cable as well. It fits through almost everything: zips, luggage racks or lockers. It is no guarantee against everything, but it makes you feel more comfortable on the road.
14. A cotton bag for on-the-go
A simple cotton bag belongs in our luggage as standard. It weighs almost nothing, takes up hardly any space and always comes in handy. For a beach day, a quick errand or while walking around a town. It is one of those travel essentials you only miss when you don't have it with you.
15. A compact first aid bag
Hopefully you will never need it, but a small first aid bag is nice to have with you. A plaster, some bandages or painkillers are no luxury on the road. We always put in a strip of paracetamol, diarrhoea inhibitors and other medication as standard, so that everything is in one place. Better to bring it back unused than to miss it when you need it.
Additional travel tips that are going to help you prepare
Besides the essential travel essentials, there are a few practical choices that will make your trip a lot easier. These are not must-haves you have to buy, but tips that will help you travel smarter and more relaxed.
1. Choose the right clothes and shoes
Of course, what you pack depends on your destination and plans, but one thing applies everywhere: comfortable shoes and clothing are not a luxury. Whether you do a lot of walking, explore cities, grab a beach day or hop on a scooter, shoes or clothes that are uncomfortable are simply not going to be worn. So choose shoes and clothes that are easy to match, dry quickly and suit the climate and activities you will be doing. In other words, you really don't need all those dresses or blouses. Taking less with you and combining more cleverly almost always works better than packing extra items “just to be sure”.
2. Visit good outdoor shops
Do you want to go backpacken, make cool hikes or go wild camping? Then it might be useful to get advice on certain products in a dedicated outdoor shop when preparing your trip. Beaver is a shop specialising in outdoor and travel equipment. You will find all kinds of different high-quality products here. You will find backpacks, travel guides, clothing and shoes, among others. Moreover, they have expert staff who can advise you on the best products for your specific needs and travel plans.
3. Smart packing: overview in your bag, peace in your head
Anyone who travels regularly knows how frustrating it can be to turn your whole bag upside down every day. That is why packing cubes or vacuum bags are really ideal as far as we are concerned. They keep your luggage organised, save space and allow you to see at a glance what's where.
Especially during round trips or when you often change accommodation, this makes packing a lot clearer. No idea what to bring on your next trip? Download our free packing lists!
Read also: Why travel insurance is important! Discover these 6 reasons
Read also: First time backpacking? Here’s what you need to know
Frequently asked questions about essential travel items
1. What are real must-haves for travelling?
A comfortable backpack, good shoes, organised luggage (packing cubes), a power bank, travel documents and a basic first aid-set-are indispensable as far as we are concerned.
2. Which travel items weigh little and can I easily carry?
A world plug, reusable water bottle, digitally stored documents and a small lock will make your trip a lot easier without extra weight.
3. How do I avoid carrying too much?
Lay out everything and see what you really use. Choose only the things you use every day or clothes you can easily combine.
4. What travel essentials are essential for a weekend getaway?
For a weekend or short trip, it's all about convenience and overview. Consider a compact backpack or weekend bag, comfortable shoes, a few well-matched items of clothing and a small toiletry bag. A power bank and a world plug are also handy, especially if you are travelling a lot. You don't need to take much with you, as long as you choose items that are really necessary and take up little space. For inspiration, check out our packing list for a city break
5. Where can I buy travel essentials in the Netherlands?
Travel essentials can be bought in many places, from outdoor shops to specialised travel shops. Our advice: look mainly for quality and durability rather than the lowest price. Cheap travel accessories often break down faster or work less pleasantly, so you still have to buy new ones. Rather buy less, but better, which will benefit you most on the road.
6. Which travel accessories make flying more comfortable?
Long flights become a lot more pleasant with a few simple accessories. Think good earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, a neck pillow that supports your head and a sleeping mask against bright cabin light. Warm socks or a jumper are not a luxury either, as the air conditioning in planes is often cold. With these basics, you will arrive at your destination a lot more rested.
7. What travel essentials are useful for a backpack holiday?
On a backpack trip, it's all about practical packing and flexibility. A good backpack with a comfortable carrying system is the basis, supplemented by packing cubes for overview. Furthermore, a power bank, flight bag, reusable water bottle, locks and a small first aid set are handy to carry as standard. Opt for lightweight and multifunctional gear, so you don't have to carry a lot unnecessarily.
We hope these tips will help you make your trip just a little more relaxed, organised and fun. Whether you are taking a short trip or planning a long one, good preparation is half the battle. Do you have any questions or a fun addition of your own? Feel free to drop us a line at Instagram or mail to [email protected].
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