Whether you’re heading to Europe for the trip of a lifetime or planning a quick U.S. getaway, the right travel essentials can make your entire experience smoother, lighter, and way less stressful.
After traveling quite a bit over the years with my family and our podcast listener travel club, I’ve realized it’s usually the little things that make the biggest difference… like remembering to download shows before your flight, packing a portable charger, or bringing a packable hat that doesn’t get crushed in your suitcase!
I rounded up some of my favorite travel must-haves — including the items I personally keep reaching for — on my Amazon storefront. From travel outfits and AirTags to European voltage hair tools and organization hacks, these are the things that help make traveling easier and more enjoyable.
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Europe Travel Tips You’ll Be SO Glad You Knew Before You Go
1. Download Shows, Movies & Playlists Before Your Flight
This sounds obvious… until you’re on the plane with spotty WiFi and nothing downloaded. 😂
Before any trip, especially international travel, download:
- Netflix shows or movies
- Spotify playlists or podcasts
- Audiobooks
- Google Maps offline maps
This is especially helpful on long flights, train rides through Europe, or when you’re using limited data overseas.
2. Bring a Portable Charger Everywhere
Your phone works overtime while traveling:
- GPS
- Photos/videos
- Boarding passes
- Translation apps
- Restaurant searches
- Maps
A portable charger is one of those travel essentials you don’t realize you need until your battery hits 3% in the middle of a city you don’t know.
3. AirTags = Peace of Mind
If you’re checking luggage… we use our AirTags.
It’s just a peace of mind this for us… They make it SO much easier to track your suitcase during flights and layovers. You can see if your luggage actually made it onto the plane (which weirdly lowers travel anxiety a lot).
I also love using them for:
- backpacks
- passports bags
- carry-ons
4. European Voltage Hair Tools Matter
One thing many people forget before traveling to Europe: voltage differences.
A regular curling iron or straightener from the U.S. may not work correctly overseas… every time I’ve taken mine, I’ve ruined it… even with an adapter. Some can overheat or stop working completely.
That’s why a European voltage curling iron or dual-voltage hair tool is such a smart thing to pack. This year I’m packing this one to London and Paris!!
5. Packable Hats Are Worth It
If you’re going somewhere sunny… This is a great packable hat UPF50+
They’re perfect for:
- beach days
- sightseeing
- sunny walking tours
- pool days
- bad hair travel days 😂
And they take up way less room than you’d think.
6. Have great walking shoes!
On all of our trips we end up doing a lot of walking… epspecially in Europe. These are one of my favorite pairs because they’re so comfortable and they’re white so they match with everthing. I can wear them with jeans, shorts, or dresses/skirts. I walked all over Greece last year in these…
7. Wear Comfortable Travel Outfits
This sounds simple, but comfortable airport outfits make SUCH a difference on long travel days.
I usually look for:
- wrinkle-resistant pieces
- comfy matching sets
- layers for cold planes
- shoes that slip on easily at TSA
Bonus if the outfit still looks cute after sitting on a plane for 8 hours. This is an example of something I like to wear for long travel days. And then I love packing dresses for warm climate destinations.
8. Don’t Forget a Small Crossbody Bag
Especially in Europe, a lightweight crossbody bag is so convenient for walking around cities all day. I love this simple one and have used it on many trips. Matches with almost everything too!
I prefer ones with:
- zipper closures
- adjustable straps
- enough room for essentials without feeling bulky
9. A Simple Medicine & Comfort Kit Helps SO Much
It’s always throw a few basics in my carry-on:
- Advil/Tylenol
- Band-Aids
- motion sickness meds
- electrolytes
- lip balm
- hand sanitizer
- wipes
Nothing fancy… but when you need something while traveling, you’ll be glad you packed it.
10. Screenshot Important Information
Even if you think you’ll have service, screenshot:
- hotel confirmations
- tickets
- directions
- travel itinerary
- passport copy
- train information
It’s one of those “hopefully you never need it” travel tips that can save you major stress.
My Favorite Travel Must-Haves
I linked all my favorite travel finds…. including Europe travel essentials, travel outfits, organizers, AirTags, beauty tools, and more on my Amazon storefront here:
Find All My Favorites for Travel Here
Final Thought
Travel doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable.
Some of the best moments happen when things don’t go exactly according to plan… but being prepared definitely makes the journey a whole lot easier. Like finding some cool restaurants off the main strip… or just stroll through and talk to the locals. Don’t get me wrong I love a plan too… But leave yourself open to spotting new things too!
Whether you’re hopping on a plane to Europe or taking a weekend trip closer to home, I hope these travel tips help make your next adventure smoother, lighter, and way more fun.
And PS…. Bring a Journal to Document the Trip
This is one of those things people rarely think about…
Travel days go by fast, and it’s amazing how many little moments you forget once you’re back home. Bringing a small journal gives you a place to write down:
- funny moments
- favorite restaurants
- things you learned
- memories from each day
- little details you never want to forget
You don’t have to write pages and pages either. Even a few sentences each night can become something really special to look back on later. 💛
It’s also a nice way to slow down for a minute during busy trips and actually soak it all in.
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