Embarking on a journey often presents the delicate balance of bringing what you need without lugging around unnecessary items. “7 Travel Essentials for Every Long Trip by The Travel Coaches” is designed to ease this challenge by highlighting must-have items for your extended travels. This guide ensures you pack smartly, covering everything from a convenient Scrubba Wash Bag for on-the-go laundry to a handy Battery Bank to keep your devices juiced up.
Included is a versatile list of essentials chosen with both practicality and efficiency in mind, like eco-friendly Shampoo Bars and secure Crossbody Bags. Each item has been selected to enhance your travel experience, ensuring comfort and convenience without overpacking. Be prepared for your next adventure with these tips and avoid the common pitfalls of travel packing.
Scrubba Wash Bag
Newer Addition to the Packing List
One of the standout additions we’ve made to our travel essentials is the Scrubba Wash Bag. This nifty little tool is a game-changer for those who frequently go on long trips. It wasn’t always part of our packing list, but we can’t imagine traveling without it now. If you’ve ever struggled with overpacking just to ensure you have enough clean clothes, the Scrubba Wash Bag is about to become your best travel buddy.
Helps Wash Clothes on the Go, Reducing Packing Volume
The beauty of the Scrubba Wash Bag lies in its ability to drastically reduce the volume of clothes you need to pack. You can now carry fewer outfits because washing them becomes a breeze on the go. No more hunting for laundromats or hand-washing in tiny hotel sinks—this wash bag lets you clean your clothes practically anywhere. Simply toss in your dirty items, add some water and soap, and you’re good to go.
Doubles as a Dirty Laundry Bag
In addition to its primary function, the Scrubba Wash Bag also doubles as a dirty laundry bag. This multifunctional aspect is fantastic. As you wear your clothes, you can stow the dirty ones in the bag. This keeps your clean clothes separate and organized, preventing the dreaded mingling of fresh and dirty laundry. It’s efficient and hygienic!
Simple to Use with Clear Instructions
One of the best aspects is its simplicity. Don’t worry about a complicated setup or remembering countless steps. The Wash Bag comes with easy-to-follow instructions printed right on it. Fill it with clothes and water up to the marked line, roll down the top, and clip it to seal. There’s even a deflate valve to expel excess air for efficient washing. Roll, scrub, rinse, and you’re done. It’s as straightforward as it gets!
Collapsible Water Bottle
Important for Staying Hydrated, Especially on Long Travel Days
Staying hydrated during your travels is key, but lugging around a bulky water bottle can be cumbersome. That’s why a collapsible water bottle is an excellent addition. It’s important to drink water regularly, especially during long travel days when your body can get dehydrated quickly. Whether you’re exploring a city or hiking a trail, having a water bottle handy is crucial.
Platypus Collapsible Water Bottle is Lightweight, Affordable, and Space-Saving
We particularly recommend the Platypus collapsible water bottle. This little marvel is lightweight and affordable, ticking all the boxes for a perfect travel companion. Once it’s empty, you can simply collapse it down to save precious space in your backpack or purse. It’s made from durable materials that won’t weigh you down, yet provide the flexibility you need. Trust us, it’s incredibly convenient!
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Shampoo Bar
Space-Saving and TSA-Friendly
Next up is a gem that we’ve come to adore—the shampoo bar. Unlike liquid shampoos, a shampoo bar won’t take up much space and isn’t subject to TSA’s liquid restrictions. This makes it a brilliant choice for both carry-on packing and for cutting down on bulky toiletries.
Lasts Long; Used Daily for Showers Post-Gym
One of the best features of a solid shampoo bar is its longevity. A single bar can last you months, even with regular use! We use it daily after workouts at the gym, and it’s still going strong. It’s a versatile and robust option that promises to keep your hair clean and fresh without frequent replacements.
Stored in a Matador Travel Soap Bag That Helps It Dry
Pair your shampoo bar with a Matador travel soap bag. This bag is designed with a special technology that allows the bar to dry out while inside it. No more soggy or melting bars—just fresh, dry shampoo ready to use. The bag is compact and easy to carry, making it the perfect storage solution.
Cross Body Bag/Money Belt
Keeps Important Documents Secure and Easily Accessible
Traveling with important documents and cash can be nerve-wracking. A crossbody bag or money belt offers peace of mind by keeping these essentials secure and close to your body. Whether it’s your passport, boarding passes, or credit cards, you’ll have everything you need within reach, reducing the risk of loss or theft.
Money Belt is Incognito, Resting Against the Body
For those who prefer a more discreet option, a money belt is ideal. It rests comfortably against your body and is easily concealed under your clothes, making it less visible to pickpockets. Despite its stealthy nature, it offers ample storage for essentials.
Cross Body Bags Offer More Space and are Hard to Pickpocket
On the other hand, crossbody bags are excellent for those needing more space. They are designed to be worn across your body, making them harder for pickpockets to access. These bags can hold more than just your documents—they are spacious enough for small gadgets, snacks, and other travel necessities, all while providing that extra layer of security.
Travel Credit Card
Offers Free Airport Lounge Access Improving Travel Experience
Long travel days often mean extended layovers. A travel credit card that offers free airport lounge access can significantly improve your experience. Imagine relaxing in a comfortable lounge with complimentary snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi, rather than enduring the hustle and bustle of busy airport terminals.
Venture X from Capital One Recommended
We recommend the Venture X card from Capital One. It stands out for its comprehensive travel benefits, which include access to a wide range of airport lounges globally. You’ll find this card revolutionizes the way you transit through airports, providing a haven of comfort wherever you go.
Provides Access to Priority Pass Lounges
One of the biggest perks of the Venture X card is its access to Priority Pass lounges. These lounges are available in numerous international airports, offering a stress-free environment to rest, recharge, and even get some work done. It’s an excellent way to elevate your travel experience without breaking the bank.
Day Pack
Useful for Carrying Essentials Like Phone, Water, and Layers on Excursions
Embarking on a daily adventure requires a reliable day pack. This bag is essential for carrying your everyday items like your phone, water bottle, snacks, and extra layers. It ensures you have everything you need close at hand without the burden of lugging around a heavy backpack.
REI Flash 18 Bag Recommended for Its Packability and Durability
For shorter excursions, we recommend the REI Flash 18 bag. It is known for its packability and durability, making it a favorite among travelers. This bag is lightweight and can be compressed into a small size when not in use, perfect for stowing away in your main luggage. Despite its small footprint, it offers substantial storage and is built to withstand the rigors of travel.
For Longer Adventures, Using a Larger Dry Pack Like the Seine 31L
For those embarking on longer or more demanding adventures, a larger dry pack such as the Seine 31L is an excellent choice. These packs are designed to handle more equipment and come with waterproof features, ensuring your belongings stay dry in various conditions. They are perfect for more extensive hikes or multi-day trips where you need to carry additional gear.
Battery Bank
Essential for Keeping Phone, Camera, and Other Gadgets Charged
In today’s tech-driven world, keeping your devices charged is critical. A reliable battery bank ensures your phone, camera, and other essential gadgets remain powered up, no matter how long your journey. This is especially important when you know you’ll be away from power outlets for extended periods.
Anker Battery Bank Recommended for Its Reliability and Capacity for Multiple Charges
We highly recommend the Anker battery bank. Known for its reliability and high capacity, this battery bank can charge multiple devices several times over. It’s a travel essential that offers peace of mind, knowing you’ll always have a backup power source available.
Tips for Scoring Flight Deals
Use Fare Comparison Websites
Scoring flight deals can make a huge difference in your travel budget. Using fare comparison websites is a great way to start. These sites compile fares from various airlines, allowing you to compare prices and schedules easily. Be sure to check multiple platforms as offerings can vary.
Sign Up for Alert Services
Another effective strategy is to sign up for flight alert services. These notifications will inform you of price drops, special deals, and limited-time offers, ensuring you never miss out on a great opportunity. Services like these can save you a significant amount of money over time.
Be Flexible with Travel Dates
Flexibility can be your greatest asset when searching for flight deals. If your schedule allows, try being open to flying on different days or even seasons. Typically, mid-week flights and off-season travel yield the best savings. Clear your calendar and keep an open mind, and you might find yourself with an unbeatable deal.
Recommended Related Travel Products and Videos
Highlight Travel Gear Reviewed in Previous Videos
We’ve covered a range of travel gear in our previous videos that complement the essentials discussed here. From packing cubes and portable coffee makers to travel pillows and noise-canceling headphones, make sure to check out our earlier reviews for a more rounded packing list.
Link to Follow-Up Content on Packing Tips
For those who find packing to be a daunting task, we have plenty of follow-up content dedicated to packing tips. These videos can provide additional guidance on how to efficiently organize your luggage, utilize packing cubes, and ensure you don’t forget any must-have items.
Suggesting Partnerships for Special Deals
We’ve also partnered with several brands to bring you special deals and discounts on select travel products. Keep an eye out for these partnerships, as they can provide significant savings and enhance your travel experience with high-quality gear.
Conclusion
We hope these travel essentials and tips help make your next long trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We’d love to hear from you—what are your travel essentials? Share your must-have items in the comments so we can all learn from each other’s experiences.
For more helpful content, don’t miss our related video on items we no longer pack. It’s filled with insights that might help you refine your own packing list further. Happy travels!