Travel Essentials I Never Leave Without

Whether I’m catching a sunrise in Bali, hopping trains through Europe, or finding quiet corners to stretch and reset, I never travel without a few key essentials. These are the compact, clever, and calming items that make me feel prepared no matter where I land — and yes, they fit easily in my carry-on.

Here’s my personal list of travel must-haves, perfect for anyone who wants to feel safe, light, and grounded while exploring the world.

Portable Door Lock

Extra peace of mind in hotels or Airbnbs — this compact lock adds instant security from the inside.

$13

Apple AirTag

Track your luggage, backpack, or keys effortlessly with this tiny GPS-enabled tag — no more lost items.

$90

Compact Personal Safety Alarm

A pocket-sized alarm with a loud siren to deter threats and draw attention in emergencies.

$22

Mobile Phone Tripod Stand

Perfect for solo travellers — capture stable photos, videos, or join virtual calls hands-free.

$18

1. Fast-Absorbing Travel Towel That Doubles as a Yoga Mat

This towel has been a game-changer. It’s super absorbent, dries quickly (ideal for humid climates), and rolls up light. But what do I love most? It’s just grippy enough to double as a yoga mat when I want to move or exercise outdoors. No more slipping on tile floors or skipping my stretches.

👉 Check it out here

2. Universal Travel Adapter (Multi-Country)

Forget digging through a pouch of random plugs. This adapter works in over 150 countries — from European hostels to Southeast Asian cafes. It has USB ports too, so I can charge my phone, Kindle, and camera at the same time.

👉 Check it out here

3. Compact Personal Safety Alarm

I always recommend this to solo travelers. It’s a small, keychain-size device that emits a loud alarm when activated. It gives me peace of mind when walking at night or arriving at unfamiliar places. Hopefully I’ll never need it — but I’m glad it’s there.

👉 Check it out here

4. Portable Door Lock for Hotel or Hostel Rooms

This little tool creates an extra layer of security from inside your room — no tools or screws needed. It works especially well in hostels or older hotels without internal locks. I sleep so much better knowing I have that added protection.

👉 Check it out here

5. Salt of the Earth Crystal Deodorant (Solid & Eco-Friendly)

I discovered this while living in Brazil, and it’s been a game-changer ever since. The Salt of the Earth Classic Deodorant is a natural crystal stick made from potassium alum — a mineral salt that prevents odour without blocking your pores. It’s fragrance-free, long-lasting, and completely plastic-free when you go for the refillable version. Because it’s solid, you don’t have to worry about liquid restrictions when flying — perfect for minimalist, eco-conscious travel.

👉 Check it out here

Final Tip:

Pack smart, not heavy. Every item I bring has to serve more than one purpose — and bring a little more ease or calm to my journey.

Let me know in the comments if you want a downloadable checklist — or if you have any essentials I should try!

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Explore More Travel Inspiration

If you enjoyed this list, you’ll love what else I’ve put together:

• 🛍️ My Favourite Travel Brands

These are the brands I actually use and trust — from budget-friendly accommodation services to free tour guide sites experiences.

• 🧰 My Favourite Travel Tools

Everything I rely on to make travel smoother, lighter, and more fun. Think apps, gear, and personal hacks.

I’ve curated these with care based on what truly helps me move through the world more freely. I hope they help you too