By Brian Dohrn | Dohrn Travels | Travel Must Haves
We all have that favorite item or items we love traveling with.
For me, every trip begins the same way—laying out all my gear and picking the items that always earn a spot on my trips.
After years of road trips, flights, cruises, and quick weekend escapes, I’ve found a handful of must-have travel essentials that actually make travel easier. These are practical items you’ll use daily, whether you’re exploring national parks, hopping on a plane, or relaxing on a warm-weather getaway.
If you’re looking for reliable travel gear that keeps your days running smooth—and helps you avoid those “I wish I packed that” moments—you’ll love this list. These are the travel must-haves I trust on every adventure.
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Table of Contents
- Quick Summary: My Top Travel Must Haves
- My Travel Must Haves: The Gear I Never Leave Home Without
- FAQs About Travel Must Haves
- Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Travel Must Haves for Your Next Trip
Quick Summary: My Top Travel Must Haves
A quick look at the travel must haves I pack for every trip: insulated drinkware for long travel days, collapsible gear for road trips, comfortable footwear, a durable backpack, reliable chargers, and lightweight layers. Each item solves a common travel problem and keeps your days running smoothly.
My Travel Must Haves: The Gear I Never Leave Home Without
Everyday Travel Must Haves for Life on the Go
Yeti Rambler Tumbler
This stainless steel tumbler is my daily go-to for keeping drinks at the perfect temperature. I’ve used it on early morning drives where my coffee stays warm for hours, no matter the bumps along the way.
Why travelers love it: It keeps drinks hot or cold for hours and works for everyday use too.
Get the Yeti Rambler Tumbler at REI
ThermoFlask 24-oz Water Bottle
This insulated bottle keeps water cold for hours and fits perfectly in backpack pockets or car cup holders. I choose the 24 oz over larger ones for easy portability on every trip.
Why travelers love it: Double-wall insulation keeps water cold for hours.
Get the ThermoFlask Water Bottle on Walmart
Microfiber Travel Towel
Microfiber towels are lightweight and easy to pack. They dry fast and folds tiny. I always pack one for beaches, hiking, or road trips.
Why travelers love it: Handy for beach days, unexpected spills, or workouts.
Shop Microfiber Towels at Bass Pro Shop
Columbia Soft-Shell Jacket
Even in summer, a light layer is worth packing for early mornings or unexpected wind. A soft-shell folds down tight and works for cool mornings or unexpected wind.
Why travelers love it: Lightweight warmth without taking up space.
Get a Soft-Shell Jacket at REI
Comfortable Footwear Must Haves for Traveling
Asics Walking Shoes
These are solid, comfortable shoes built for all the walking that comes with exploring new spots. I’ve worn them through airports and city streets, and they keep my feet happy without any blisters sneaking up.
Why travelers love it: Supportive, cushioned, and ideal for long travel days.
Grab Asics Walking Shoes
Teva Sandals
These are my go-to warm-weather sandals. Easy to pack, lightweight, and great for walking.
Why travelers love it: Perfect balance of comfort and durability on active trips.
Get Teva Sandals on Bass Pro Shop
Cushionaire Sandals
Cushionaire sandals travel with me when I want something easy to slip-on and that is comfortable for lounging.
Why travelers love it: They feel like Birkenstocks without the price tag.
Shop Cushionaire Sandals on Walmart
Must Have Travel Bags, Coolers & Packing Gear
Collapsible Backpack
A lightweight, foldable backpack that’s easy to stash in your luggage until you need it. We’ve packed it for hikes or beach days, and it quickly turned into our extra bag for farmers market finds on our last coastal detour.
Why travelers love it: Packs tiny but carries everything you need for a full day out.
Shop the Collapsible Backpack on Walmart
Targus Backpack
A reliable laptop backpack that’s been with me forever as a carry-on. It could use a bit more room, but it handles the essentials for work-on-the-road days without fuss.
Why travelers love it: A reliable all-purpose travel bag for flights and road trips.
Shop the Targus Backpack on Walmart
Collapsible Titan Cooler
This foldable cooler packs flat but holds plenty, keeping food and drinks cold all day. We loved it so much on our road trips that we grabbed a second one—it’s been a lifesaver for picnics or keeping groceries fresh en route.
Why travelers love it: It’s durable, surprisingly roomy, and perfect for road trips and outdoor adventures.
Buy the Collapsible Titan Cooler on Walmart
Expandable Packing Cubes
These make packing easier and keep everything organized. I use them for every trip.
Why travelers love it: They save space and keeps clothes from shifting.
Buy on Packing Cubes on REI
Tech Travel Must Haves I Always Pack
JBL Wired Earphones (3.5 mm)
Wired earphones with decent sound for flights or downtime. I’ve ditched airline freebies for these—they make movies or podcasts way more enjoyable without the tinny audio.
Why travelers love it: Consistent quality, no battery worries, and works on any seat-back screen.
Buy JBL Wired Earphones on Walmart
Phone Power Cable Charger
An extra charger cable that’s always in my bag for backups. I keep one in the car and pack another, just in case—it’s saved us on flights when outlets are scarce or a cord goes missing.
Why travelers love it: Saves the day if you lose a charger or need power in airports and rental cars.
Pick Up a Phone Charger Cable at Walmart
Ankers Portable Power Bank
Most of the time you’ll have access to an outlet, but you never really know what you’ll run into. That’s why I always carry a power bank—it removes the stress.
Why travelers love it: Fast charging with enough power for a full travel day.
Buy Power Bank at REI
FAQs About Travel Must Haves
What travel gear is worth packing for every trip?
Look for items that solve common travel problems—comfortable shoes, drinkware that keeps things hot or cold, chargers, layers, and compact bags. These are practical must haves for traveling that work on any type of trip.
What are the best travel gear for flights?
Bring a good pair of earphones, a refillable water bottle, a light jacket, and a portable charger. These make long flights more comfortable and convenient.
What travel must haves helps save space in your suitcase?
Collapsible gear, compression packing cubes, and microfiber towels are great space-savers. They pack down small but still do the job well.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Travel Must Haves for Your Next Trip
Travel becomes easier when you bring gear you trust. These travel must haves help me stay organized, comfortable, and ready for whatever the day brings. Pick a few favorites, or surprise someone who loves to travel.
Adventure Awaits. Book It!
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