20 Things You Should Always Travel With

Don’t you just hate travelling somewhere and discovering you need something you either forgot to pack or didn’t think you’d need? Me too! And after years of travelling, I’ve put together a list of things I always travel with. You don’t need all of these things for every trip — but any of them can come in very handy in a pinch.

/travel/photos/20-things-you-should-always-travel-with/ 16934

Getty Images

1 / 20

1. Unlocked Phone

A phone that works on any network is not only useful, it's a great way to save on roaming charges. Simply pick up a local SIM card and add some pay-as-you-go minutes and data. You'll have a local number and no big phone bill when you get home.

Want more insider secrets? Check out 20 things airlines don't tell you.

David J. Fred/Wikimedia Commons

2 / 20

2. Parachute Cord (Paracord)

Parachute cord or paracord is quite useful. Use it to tie something down, hold a broken suitcase together, put up a makeshift laundry line… even use it as an emergency belt. You can buy a short length of cord or for a few dollars more buy a bracelet version that you can wear on your wrist.

You may also like: 20 items you should always pack in your carry-on (or just bring on board).

Getty Images

3 / 20

3. Duct Tape

From a ripped raincoat to a broken handle, duct tape can fix a lot of things when you travel. If space is a concern, buy a small roll or wrap several inches around a Popsicle stick or a pencil.

You may also like: 20 travel booking myths - busted!

Wikimedia Commons

4 / 20

4. US Dollars

You should always carry emergency cash with you. If you're outside of Canada, it should be US currency as you can exchange it anywhere. Carry smaller notes, so you don't have to worry about getting the right change back.

Speaking of cash, don't miss 20 clever travel hacks that will save you cash.

TheArmadillo/Wikimedia Commons

5 / 20

5. Mugging Wallet

Going somewhere with a high crime rate? Carry a decoy wallet. Stick a couple of expired credit cards and a few bucks worth of the local currency in it. Keep your money/credit cards hidden elsewhere on you. If you get robbed, the thief doesn't get much.

To stay as safe as possible, read up on the 19 most dangerous things you're doing when travelling.

Getty Images

6 / 20

6. Water Bottle

Carrying your own water bottle means never having to buy bottled water, which is one of the 20 biggest rip-offs at the airport. If you're flying, you can fill it up on the other side of security — and have plenty to drink on the plane.

Alan Levine/Flickr

7 / 20

7. Plug Adapters

If you're travelling abroad, make sure you have the proper plug adapters for your gadgets. In most cases, you don't have to worry about voltage converters as today's electronics work on different power systems.

You may also like: 20 of the best travel bargains for 2017.

NMarkRoberts/Wikimedia Commons

8 / 20

8. Reusable Shopping Bag

A reusable shopping bag is not only good for the environment, it's handy when you're out shopping or to carry things on a day trip. Another option is a small, collapsible backpack.

Dreaming of your next getaway? Check out 13 of the world's best destinations for solo travellers.

Wies/Wikimedia Commons

9 / 20

9. Notebook and Pen

You might not be a big note taker, but a pen and pad are useful for jotting down directions, making to-do lists and writing down contact info. And you'll be a hero on the plane when the customs forms come around.

Being prepared is just one of the top 10 travel tips to lower your anxiety.

Getty Images

10 / 20

10. Earplugs

There's nothing worse than trying to sleep in a noisy environment. When you're travelling, you roll the dice every time you check into a new hotel. A pair of earplugs can turn a bad night into one full of restful bliss. They're also handy when flying, drowning out the roar of the aircraft's engines — and that screaming baby sitting a few rows away.

Find you're always bored on a plane? Do these 20 things.

Getty Images

11 / 20

11. A Book

You may think your phone, tablet or e-book reader will be all you need for entertainment. But what happens when the batteries die? A book doesn't need to be recharged and is always ready to entertain.

You may also like: 20 of the most beautiful cities in Canada.

Andrew Toskin/Flickr

12 / 20

12. Pen Knife

A pen knife is useful for all sorts of things: opening bottles, cutting up food and even tightening a loose screw. You can get a fancy model with scissors and tweezers or just opt for the simple, cheaper versions. Remember though, it has to go into your checked baggage.

On the flip side, here are 10 things travellers always pack but never use.

ProjectManhattan/Wikimedia Commons

13 / 20

13. First Aid Kit

If you're travelling to a remote area, it's a good idea to pack a simple first aid kit. You can buy one off the shelf or make your own. It should contain things like bandages, pain medication, and anti-bacterial ointment. You can customize it for your destination.

Want more travel tips? Check out 35 things most people don't know about flying.

Getty Images

14 / 20

14. Zipper Storage Bags

Zipper storage bags are very convenient when travelling. You can use them to hold your various liquids and creams — so they don't leak all over your clothes. They're also great for wet clothes, organizing cables and keeping curious bugs out of your snacks.

Just don't bring smelly food, or you may become one of the types of people nobody wants to fly with.

Getty Images

15 / 20

15. Baby Wipes

Baby wipes are great for cleaning up those little spills and helping to get stains out of clothes. If you buy sanitizing wipes, you can use them to clean suspect surfaces of germs (like the seat-back tray on your plane).

Romi Chiorean/Flickr

16 / 20

16. Sewing Kit

A small sewing kit can come to the rescue if you need to sew on a button, fix a hem or, in an emergency, close a wound.

Simon Laird/Wikimedia Commons

17 / 20

17. Flip Flops

There can be all kinds of nasty things lurking on the floor, especially in public places. Even the shower in your hotel room may not be as clean as it looks. If you want to keep your feet clean, pack a cheap pair of flip flops. You can even give them away before you return home.

Vik Approved/Flickr

18 / 20

18. Dry Bag

Dry bags are flexible waterproof bags that can protect your sensitive electronics from the rain or from falling into the water. They can also be used to wash clothes. Simply toss in your dirty clothes, add some water and soap and then shake. Remove the clothes, rinse and hang to dry.

Joe Loong/Flickr

19 / 20

19. Headlamp

Yes, you'll look like a miner. But a headlamp can come in handy if the power is out and you need to do things with your hands. They're great for camping, too.

Michael Cote/Flickr

20 / 20

20. Coffee and a Coffee Press

If you absolutely need a cup of coffee in the morning, my advice is to carry some ground coffee and a portable coffee press. As long as you can find hot water, you're guaranteed a decent cup of Joe. If you're worried about finding hot water, you can always carry a small immersion heater.