Our Favorite Travel Essentials

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Apple EarPods with USB-C
If you’re an iPhone user, you may already have AirPods — and so do we. But we still consider a wired backup pair of EarPods essential.

Bluetooth pairing issues, dead batteries, or a forgotten charging case can quickly turn into an annoyance on a long travel day. Wired EarPods are simple, reliable, and always work. They’re especially useful for flights, podcasts, airport calls, or watching downloaded content without worrying about connectivity.

Portable Power Bank
A dead phone during a long travel day is more than inconvenient — it can derail boarding passes, directions, confirmations, and communication.

This particular power bank is a favorite because of its compact size and built-in cord, which means one less thing to remember. It charges the power bank itself and your devices. We’ve tried wireless power banks before and had them fail at the worst possible times — this one has been far more dependable.

Apple AirTag (4-Pack)
We keep AirTags everywhere: checked bags, carry-ons, backpacks, purses, and even wallets.

They’re rarely needed — but when you think something is misplaced, or a bag doesn’t show up where (or when) expected, the peace of mind is huge. Being able to check location instantly removes a lot of unnecessary stress.

CR2032 Lithium Batteries
AirTags, luggage trackers, and other small travel electronics rely on CR2032 batteries.

Tossing a few extras in your bag avoids dead trackers at the worst possible moment — especially when you’re traveling internationally or cruising and replacements aren’t easy to find.

Apple Watch & USB-C Multi-Charging Cable
This compact cable lets you charge an Apple Watch plus two USB-C devices at the same time.

It’s not designed for fast charging, but it’s perfect for overnight charging when speed matters less than convenience. One cable instead of three keeps bedside clutter to a minimum.

5′ Extension Cord with Outlets, USB-A & USB-C Ports
Hotel rooms and cruise cabins never seem to have outlets where you actually need them.

This extension cord gives us plenty of flexibility and charging options without needing multiple adapters. It’s non-surge, making it cruise-compliant, and works just as well in hotels — especially older properties with limited outlets.

TSA Luggage Locks (6-Pack)
We use these far beyond just suitcases.

They work well on backpacks, purses, carry-ons, and even zippers that don’t quite line up perfectly. The flexibility and ease of use make them a staple for us — especially when traveling with multiple bags.

Travel Pill Organizers (4-Pack)
These organizers provide plenty of room to carry a little bit of everything you might need on a trip — daily meds, supplements, or just-in-case items.

They’re compact, easy to keep organized mentally, and far more practical than bringing multiple bottles.

If you’re specifically planning a cruise, we go deeper in our Cruise Packing Essentials We Actually Use guide, where we break down everything we bring onboard and why.

Every item here does at least one of the following:

• Makes travel more efficient
• Reduces stress during long or unpredictable days
• Improves comfort without adding bulk

If something doesn’t clearly improve the experience, we don’t pack it.

This list works whether we’re:

• Flying with points
• Staying in hotels
• Cruising
• Or juggling long airport days and connections