Welcome back to Life in Wanderlust! After a year-long hiatus, I’m thrilled to be writing again and sharing my latest adventures with you. I’m excited to reveal my top 17 updated travel essentials for 2024 in this post. These are the items I can’t live without on my journeys, and I know they’ll make your travels smoother and more enjoyable, too. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first big trip, this comprehensive list has something for everyone.
Don’t forget to follow me on TikTok and Instagram for more travel tips, behind-the-scenes moments, and delicious foodie adventures. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide of updated travel essentials for 2024!
Bose Headphones
First, I am constantly listening to music and cannot travel without my headphones. I know everyone has different tastes in headphone styles, but I love the over-the-ear variety. Even though it’s a splurge, these Bose over-the-ear headphones are fantastic. If you’re not on team over-the-ear, my husband has glowing reviews about the Bose in-ear earbuds. They’re just as good and take up much less space!
Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk
This is my newest addition to my travel necessities, perfect for when I’ll be seriously working while I travel. While I absolutely love my MacBook, if I’m on a work trip or a work-from-anywhere adventure and need my MacBook for more than a couple of hours, I bring this Logitech Casa Pop-Up desk with me. It’s great for your posture, which is important to me and incredibly compact. Everything—keyboard, stand, and mouse pad—fits into what looks like an adorable book. I cannot recommend this enough!
3-in-1 Charger
One of my top updated travel essentials for 2024 is the Wireless Charger for iPhone – a 3 in 1 Charging Station for Apple devices. This foldable magnetic Mag-Safe travel charging pad is incredibly compact, folding up into a little square. You can charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once, making it a game changer for anyone with all three devices. Gone are the days of carrying around multiple chargers and cords. Need I say more?
Hanging Toiletry Bag
The Hanging Toiletry Bag is a must-have for any traveler. It fits everything you need—from makeup and brushes to skincare essentials. Its clear design lets you see everything at a glance, making it easy to find what you need. Plus, it doesn’t take up precious counter space in cramped bathrooms since you can hang it. Compact, organized, and convenient, this toiletry bag is an essential companion for any journey.
Perfume Atomizer
Another must-have in my updated travel essentials for 2024 is the perfume atomizer. I think travel-size perfumes are such a rip-off, so spend the $5 or so and get yourself these atomizers. They’re life-changing! Not only do you save money, but you also save space in your travel bag or even your regular bag. They are so easy to use, incredibly affordable, and work perfectly. I always label mine and pop them in my travel bag, so I don’t even have to think about it when I travel.
Hotel Door Lock
Not to be a Debbie Downer, but safety is paramount, and these hotel door locks are essential for peace of mind. They allow you to truly secure your hotel room (or any door) and are incredibly easy to use. Speaking from over a decade of experience in hospitality, I can assure you it’s surprisingly easy to open a hotel door from the outside. Keep yourself and your family safe by always having one of these handy in your suitcase—better safe than sorry!
Magnetic Portable Charger
The Mag-Safe magnetic portable charger is a game-changer for iPhone users on the go. Its thin and compact design makes it easy to carry, and the magnetic feature eliminates the need for cords—simply snap it onto your iPhone to charge. Despite its slightly heavier weight, its impressive capability to charge the iPhone 15 Pro Plus three times over with just one battery charge is truly remarkable. Say goodbye to low battery anxiety and hello to uninterrupted adventures with this powerful portable charger.
Airfly
Another fantastic addition to my updated travel essentials for 2024 is the Airfly. This nifty little device allows you to use your own Bluetooth headphones with any in-flight entertainment system, avoiding the uncomfortable, often low-quality headphones provided by airlines. It’s easy to use and compact, making it perfect for travel. I highly recommend the Airfly for a more comfortable and personalized in-flight experience, allowing you to enjoy your entertainment with the headphones you love.
Compression Packing Cubes
These aren’t your typical packing cubes! Compression packing cubes are a game-changer for any traveler looking to maximize space and stay organized. These cubes not only help compress clothing and other items to fit more into your luggage, but they also keep everything neatly separated. Simply pack your clothes into the cubes, zip them up, and then compress them to reduce the volume—voila, more room in your suitcase! Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a weekend warrior, these packing cubes are a must-have for stress-free packing and efficient traveling.
Collapsible Water Bottle
Using a collapsible and reusable water bottle is great for the environment and your wallet—who wants to pay $8 for a bottle of water? This one, in particular, is my favorite because it rolls up easily to the size of a credit card, making it incredibly easy to store. It’s malleable, so it’s fairly easy to clean as well. Adding this to your travel gear saves space and money while promoting sustainability, a win-win for any traveler.
Steam Eye Mask
If you haven’t tried Japanese steam eye masks yet, you’re missing out! These products might be niche, but if you know, you know. Take my word for it and give them a try—the yuzu scent is my absolute favorite. I’ve been using these for decades, and they’re a staple in Japan. These cloth eye masks activate when opened, releasing soothing steam around your eye area for 30+ minutes. The experience feels amazing, and the relaxing yuzu scent puts me right to sleep or at least into deep relaxation mode. While they’re not just for travel, I always use them and cannot recommend them enough, especially for long-haul or red-eye flights.
Travel Bottles
I only started using these TSA-approved 3oz portable travel bottles because they came as a gift with a skincare purchase, but they’ve turned out to be a keeper! I would 100% buy these if anything happened to my free ones. Like with the perfume atomizer, don’t waste your money on travel-size products—they’re a rip-off! Fill these BPA-free, leak-proof, squeezable silicone containers with your own products to save money and be more earth-friendly. I always fill one with shampoo, two with conditioner, and one with lotion. This set even comes with a clear toiletry bag, making it perfect for all your travel needs.
Silicone Bottle Covers
Silicone bottle covers are an absolute game-changer for any traveler. They really do work! By placing these covers over your toiletries or anything that could spill, you ensure that any leaks are contained within the cover, keeping the rest of your belongings safe and dry. This set offers different sizes, so all your products are covered, no matter their dimensions. It’s a simple yet effective way to prevent spills and keep your travel essentials organized and mess-free.
Clear Bags for Shoes
I admit that you can reuse grocery bags for packing shoes, and if you do, more power to you! However, as someone who primarily uses reusable bags for groceries, I don’t have easy access to grocery bags. Investing in a set of clear bags for shoes was a one-and-done deal for me. It’s crucial to keep your shoes separate from your clothes for obvious reasons—shoes can get dirty. These clear bags are cheap, durable, and last forever, making them an essential addition to any traveler’s packing list.
Travel Size First Aid Kit
A travel-size Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kit is a must-have in your updated travel essentials for 2024. This compact kit includes all the basics you might need for minor injuries and emergencies, such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and gauze pads. It’s small enough to fit in your bag without taking up much space, yet comprehensive enough to provide peace of mind. Being prepared for the unexpected is always a good idea, and this first aid kit ensures you’re ready for anything on your travels. Plus, you can’t go wrong with only $2.30!
Cincha Bag Belt
I honestly didn’t think I needed anything like this, especially for the cost, but every time I traveled with a tote bag without a luggage pass-through pocket, I would end up frustrated as it constantly fell off my carry-on. This is where the Cincha Bag Belt comes in. It securely locks onto your carry-on handle, acting like a seatbelt for your tote bag. It might sound obvious, maybe even crazy, but you’ll thank me once you try it. While cheaper versions are out there, this is one of those times when investing in the original is worth it for the quality and peace of mind.
What do you think? I’m confident that these updated travel essentials for 2024 are sure to enhance your travel experience, whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional adventurer. From innovative gadgets like the Airfly to practical solutions like compression packing cubes, these items make packing and traveling a breeze. Don’t forget to stock up on these must-have products before your next journey to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip!
Did I miss anything you can’t live without? Share in the comments below!
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