Secrets of a Seasoned Traveler: 9 Essential Packing Tips
Gain an edge in travel savvy with essential packing tips shared by seasoned professionals. This article offers practical advice from experts who have mastered the art of efficient and effective journey preparation. Discover smart solutions to common travel challenges that will streamline your next adventure.
- Pack a Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Use a Multi-Outlet Adapter with USB Ports
- Bring a Versatile Long Scarf or Sarong
- Carry Ginger Candies for Seasickness
- Include a Multi-Use Neck Gaiter
- Always Pack Versatile Duct Tape
- Don’t Forget Earplugs for Noisy Nights
- Travel with a Good Notebook
- Keep Digital Copies of Travel Documents
Pack a Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector
When traveling, especially internationally to all-inclusive resorts, I have recently started including a portable carbon monoxide detector in my travel bag. In the news recently, we’ve seen numerous incidents where people have passed away from carbon monoxide poisoning, particularly while visiting the Caribbean at all-inclusive resorts. As a travel advisor, I have updated all of my all-inclusive packing lists to include a battery-operated portable carbon monoxide detector. Since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, detecting it without such a device is nearly impossible. For peace of mind and safety, I recommend that everyone include one in their travel bags!
Breatta Schmadeke
Travel Advisor
Use a Multi-Outlet Adapter with USB Ports
One travel essential I always tuck into my bag is a compact multi-outlet adapter with USB ports. It’s something many might overlook, but it has become incredibly valuable on my travels. You see, hotel rooms, airport lounges, and even rental accommodations often seem to have a shortage of accessible power outlets. When you’re juggling a phone, laptop, camera, and maybe even noise-canceling headphones, finding enough places to charge everything can become a daily mini-stressor.
This little gadget is a game-changer. It allows me to plug multiple devices in at once, often turning a single wall socket into a charging hub. Plus, the built-in USB ports mean I don’t have to carry a collection of bulky wall chargers. It simplifies the charging process, saves valuable time, and ensures I can always keep my essential devices powered up and ready to go, no matter where my adventures take me. It’s a small item that offers a surprising amount of convenience and peace of mind.
Bruce Fisher
Owner, Hawaii Aloha Travel
Bring a Versatile Long Scarf or Sarong
I always take a long scarf or a sarong because traveling through airspace is chilly, even when going to warm destinations. Not only does it function as a blanket, but I can also use it as a beach cover-up, a towel for removing sand or water from my feet, and a pillow on my flight home.
Tanya Taylor
Travel Expert, Travels & Treasures
Carry Ginger Candies for Seasickness
One travel essential I always pack that most people don’t think of is ginger candies. Since I’m on boats all the time and go on cruises, they’ve become a must-have for me. They’re great for soothing your stomach and helping with seasickness, especially on days when the water gets a little choppy. Even if I’m feeling fine, I always have some on hand for anyone who might need a little help settling their stomach. Simple, tasty, and super helpful–definitely something I don’t leave home without!
Christopher Farley
Owner, Flippin’ Awesome Adventures
Include a Multi-Use Neck Gaiter
One travel essential I always pack is a buff (multi-use neck gaiter). Many travelers overlook it, but it’s one of the most practical items, especially in the Himalayas. I’ve used it for protection against sun, wind, and dust–sometimes even as a quick face cover in colder regions. Over the years, I’ve seen many of our clients at Nepal Hiking Team grateful they packed one–or wishing they had. It’s lightweight, takes up no space, and comes in handy in all kinds of unexpected ways. For trekking in the mountains, it’s one of those simple items that makes a big difference.
Balaram Thapa
Co-Founder/ Head of Marketing & Sales, Nepal Hiking Team
Always Pack Versatile Duct Tape
One travel essential that I’ve found indispensable is a roll of duct tape. It’s surprisingly versatile and has come to the rescue during many of my trips. For instance, it’s perfect for quick fixes like mending a torn backpack, sealing food packages to keep them fresh, or even temporarily fixing a broken suitcase handle. On a camping trip in the Rockies, duct tape even served as a temporary patch for a ripped tent, keeping the water out during an unexpected downpour.
The value of duct tape goes beyond just emergency repairs. It’s also been useful for child-proofing hotel rooms by covering electrical outlets or securing drawers. This might not be the first thing you think of packing, but its multifunctional uses make it an essential tool in my travel kit. Remembering to bring items that have multiple uses not only saves space but also ensures that you’re prepared for various unexpected situations.
Alex Cornici
Writer, Insuranks
Don’t Forget Earplugs for Noisy Nights
I always take earplugs when I’m traveling. They’re small, easy to pack along with toiletries, and can save the night if you get a hotel with noisy neighbors. A small but mighty item.
Jessica James
CEO, Past Lane Travels
Travel with a Good Notebook
I never travel abroad without a good notebook. It might sound old-fashioned, but there’s something about having a physical place to jot down thoughts, sketch ideas, or map out concepts that a phone or laptop just can’t replace. Ideas often come at unexpected moments, whether it’s while sitting in an airport lounge, exploring a new city, or having a conversation that sparks something novel. A notebook allows me to capture those thoughts without distractions.
Beyond work, it becomes a personal record of the trip. I’ll write down interesting materials I encounter, design details that stand out, or even just small moments that I want to remember. There’s a certain clarity that comes with putting pen to paper, and I’ve found that some of my best ideas start as rough sketches or notes in the margins of a travel journal.
Of course, there are practical items I always carry too, like my passport, a reliable travel adapter, and a sturdy bag, but the notebook is the one thing I’d miss if I didn’t have it. It’s not just about work. It’s a space to slow down, take in the experience, and document thoughts in a way that feels more intentional.
Erwin Gutenkunst
President and Owner, Neolithic Materials
Keep Digital Copies of Travel Documents
One travel essential that many people forget to pack is a digital copy of their visa and travel documents. While most travelers focus on packing clothes, toiletries, and electronics, having a well-organized digital folder with scanned copies of your passport, visa, and other essential documents can save you from unexpected problems.
For example, I once had a friend who traveled to El Salvador and realized at the airport that he had misplaced his printed e-visa. Fortunately, he had a digital copy saved on his phone, which allowed him to go through immigration without issues. This is why I always recommend applying for e-visas through trusted online platforms and keeping a digital copy on your phone and cloud storage. It’s a small habit that can make a big difference in ensuring a smooth travel experience.
Claudio Zafferel
El Salvador E-Visa Soluciones, Migraciony Extranjeria
