If there’s one thing we know, it’s how to make travel easy—and a big part of making a trip fun and stress-free is in knowing what to pack! Some of our favourite travel companions include must-have apps to help you navigate new places, essential gear to make packing a breeze, and easily overlooked items you simply cannot go without.
No matter where you’re headed, having these items on hand is sure to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Read on and send this list to anyone who might be looking for a gift idea for you; they’ll appreciate the opportunity to support your adventure!
Read Anywhere, Anytime: e-Reader
Take your TBR with you everywhere you go with an eReader like a Kobo, perfect for long flights and train rides. The best part? With apps like Overdrive and Libby, you can connect to your local library, including the Toronto Public Library, to borrow books for free, on the go! Be sure to download a few books before your trip to ensure you have reading material even without Wi-Fi (a French-English dictionary could come in handy, perhaps?). And be ambitious—their built-in dictionary makes it easy to look up any challenging words.
Achieve Peak Comfort: Neck Pillow
Settling in for a long flight or bus trip gets a lot cozier when you bring a neck pillow along for the ride. Select an ergonomic design that provides excellent support and consider one with a clip or Velcro closure so you can attach it to the outside of your backpack to save space inside.
Move to Your Own Beat: Ear Buds
Whether you want to stream your favourite playlist or are looking for some quiet time after a busy day, wireless earbuds are a must. Noise-cancelling earbuds are particularly great for helping you focus or relax in noisy environments like airports, buses or shared hotel rooms. Compact and easy to carry with no cords to untangle or trip you up, wireless earbuds are perfect for any travel scenario.
Take Charge: Portable Power Bank
Keep your devices charged and ready for all those travel photos and navigation needs with a portable power bank. Choose one with multiple USB ports so you can charge all your devices at once, and get in the habit of plugging in your bank at night so you’re set for each new day of adventure. You’ll never have to worry about your phone dying during a crucial moment, like navigating a new city or capturing a beautiful sunset.
Be Adaptable: Travel Adapter
Speaking of chargers, if you’re travelling internationally, a travel adapter is essential. Look for a universal adapter that works in multiple countries and includes USB ports for multiple devices so you can charge all your gadgets with one compact converter.
Go Hands-Free: Belt Bag/Backpack
Stay organized and keep your essentials close with a stylish belt bag and/or a reliable backpack. A beltbag is great for daily essentials like your phone and wallet while out on excursions, while a backpack is handy for holding larger items like a water bottle and snacks (and layers for chilly evenings). When choosing a backpack, we recommend something with lots of pockets—large and small, interior and exterior—and comfortable straps in case you’re wearing it all day.
Dry in a Flash: Quick Dry Towel
Dive into any adventure on your trip knowing you’ve got a quick-dry microfiber towel tucked into your bag. These lightweight, easy-to-pack towels are perfect for beach days, camping, or spontaneous swims and can be hung up to dry even when you’re short on time.
Capture Every Moment: Cloud Memory Storage
Make sure you have enough memory on your smartphone to capture your trip, and don’t forget to back up your photos! Cloud services like Google Photos or Apple iCloud are great for automatically backing up your pictures, freeing up space on your phone and ensuring your memories are safe.
Stay Hydrated: Reusable Water Bottle
Reduce plastic waste, save money, and reach your hydration goals all at the same time by refilling your bottle instead of buying bottled water. Vacuum insulated bottles are great for keeping your drinks cold or hot for extended periods and choosing one with a handle will save you the hassle of having to throw it in your bag—and the risk of it spilling inside!
Spot Your Bag: Luggage Tag
Ensure your luggage is easily identifiable with a sturdy luggage tag. Choose a bright colour or unique design to make your bag stand out on the carousel. If you’re travelling with us, ask your Tour Consultant about getting one of our easy to spot luggage tags!
Stay Connected: e-SIM
An e-SIM is a game-changer for international travel, so you can stay connected without the hassle of swapping SIM cards. Research e-SIM providers that offer affordable data plans for your destination and seamlessly switch between countries without needing a physical SIM card.
Be Prepared: Pen
Though easily overlooked, having a pen tucked into your bag means you always have what you need to sign customs documents, make notes on the go, or write postcards to send home.
Go Confidently and Explore: Downloadable maps
Download maps ahead of time with an app like Maps.me, so you’re never lost even without cell service. This app allows you to navigate offline, saving you from potential roaming charges and ensuring you can always find your way even in new or unfamiliar destinations. Plus, you can drop pins ahead of time for important locations like your hotel, meet-up spot, or that restaurant you simply HAVE to try before you leave.
It’s in the Bag: Waterproof Toiletry Kit
Reduce weight and volume, minimize waste, and ensure spills are contained with a waterproof toiletry bag and small reusable containers (make sure they’re under 100mL if they’ll be in your carry-on). Reusable silicone travel bottles are great for your liquids to avoid leaks and spills while making it easy to get out every drop of your products.
Stay Dry: Lightweight Rain Jacket
Don’t let wet weather get in the way of a great day on tour. Stay dry and comfortable with a lightweight, waterproof rain jacket that is packable and protects you and your clothes from rain and heavy winds.
Pack Like a Pro: Packing Cubes
Keep your luggage organized and make packing and unpacking a breeze with packing cubes. These dividers are great for keeping like items together, or for being able to find exactly what you’re looking for at a moment’s notice. Expert tip: Roll your clothes before placing them in the cubes to save even more space.
We hope this list of essential items helps make packing for your next adventure a stress-free one. But more important than what you take on your trip is what you bring home: memories of a lifetime, a broader worldview, and a sense of achievement for getting out of your comfort zone!
(And leaving a little room in your luggage to bring home keepsakes is never a bad idea. 😉)