I’ve been travelling for over 25 years now, and one thing that’s remained constant is my approach to packing. I’ve honed it down to a precise set of essentials that I take with me every time I leave.

These essentials have evolved over the years, but I’ve managed to distill them down to a bare minimum of seven items that I know I need and will use on every journey. Some other items may be tailored to specific trips, but these seven are my constant companions.

The Seven Essentials

  • Passport wallet
  • Eye mask
  • Ear plugs
  • Melatonin
  • Power board and adapter
  • Power bank
  • Noise-cancelling headphones

Each of these items has been carefully selected for its utility and practicality. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Passport wallet

A passport wallet is a simple but essential item. It provides a secure place to store your passport, as well as other important documents like bank cards, ID cards, and travel insurance details. Mine isn’t fancy, but it gets the job done.

Eye mask

I have a bit of a confession to make: I’m a light sleeper. I can’t sleep when there’s too much light, and I often find myself struggling to get a good night’s rest on planes, trains, and in hotel rooms with dodgy curtains. That’s where an eye mask comes in. I don’t have a particular brand or style, but as long as it’s made from thick material and doesn’t press down too much on my eyes, I’m happy.

Ear plugs

Ear plugs are another essential item that I never travel without. They’re not just for sleeping on planes, but also for hotels that lack great soundproofing. A simple pair of foam earplugs can make a huge difference to the quality of sleep you get while travelling.

Melatonin

For me, melatonin is a secret weapon in the fight against jet lag. It’s a naturally occurring compound that helps regulate your sleep cycle. I take it for three nights after I arrive at a new destination, and it’s been a game-changer. My hot tip: buy the stronger tablets online, rather than the weaker ones available in Australia.

Power board and adapter

A power board and adapter are simple but essential items. You always need power when you’re travelling, for laptops, phones, power banks, headphones, cameras, and even watches. My four-plug power board has a USB port, and my universal power adapter ensures that I can use it in any country.

Power bank

A power bank is another must-have item for me. Some airlines are getting stricter about using power banks in the air, but I still carry one, especially on long-haul flights. It gives me peace of mind to know that I can charge my phone and laptop while walking around the airport during short layovers.

Noise-cancelling headphones

Noise-cancelling headphones are a luxury item, but they’re one that I thoroughly enjoy. I love music, and I want it to sound good. I also love cancelling out the noise of aircraft, trains, and buses moving, as well as blocking out the sound of kids screaming and adults chatting. And, I like watching movies on the plane and actually being able to hear them.

Three Travel Items I Never Pack

  • Travel pillow
  • Camera
  • Branded travel wear

Of course, not every item on my list is a must-have. There are a few exceptions, and I’ve found that these three items are often unnecessary.

Firstly, I’ve never been a fan of travel pillows. I’ve tried a few different types, but I’ve never found one that’s more comfortable than just flipping out the side panels on my aeroplane seat and resting my head there.

Secondly, I’ve switched to a mirrorless Fujifilm camera with a single 30mm lens. I used to travel with a bulky Canon DSLR, but it was too heavy and annoying. Now, I just travel with my iPhone, and the photos I take are often better than the ones I’d take with a dedicated camera.

Lastly, I’ve found that branded travel wear is often unnecessary. I have a North Face rain jacket and a pair of zip-off pants that I use occasionally for hiking trips, but for everyday travel, I stick to normal clothes.

There you have it – my seven essentials and three travel items I never pack.