5 Carry On Essentials I Cant Travel Without
Ryan James5 Carry-On Essentials I Never Travel Without
I used to consider myself a bit of an expert when it came to packing for a holiday, when flying I always have and always will refuse to take anymore than carry-on baggage. But over the years, I’ve learned that a few small essentials can save me a whole lot of stress. Whether it’s losing my wallet on a night out, dealing with unwanted guests, or running out of battery at the worst time, these 5 small items have made my trips way smoother.
They barely take up any space, but they’ve saved me from some seriously frustrating situations.
1. A Portable Door Lock – Because Not Every Lock Can Be Trusted
I used to think hotel room locks were enough, until I stayed in a place where the cleaning staff let themselves in while I was still in bed. No knock, no warning. Just the sound of my door opening while I scrambled to figure out what was happening. It wasn’t a big deal in that moment, but it made me realise just how easy it is for someone to access your room. Whether it’s staff, a previous guest with an extra key, or just the wrong person at the wrong time.
That’s when I started carrying a portable door lock. It’s small enough to fit in my pocket but strong enough to keep anyone from unlocking the door from the outside, even with a key. Whether I’m in a hotel, an Airbnb, or a hostel, I can relax inside knowing nobody is going to just barge in.
2. A Credit Card-Sized Tracker – Save Yourself a Trip to the Consulate
Losing your wallet is stressful. Losing your wallet, passport, and hotel key all at once? That’s the last thing you want when trying to have a relaxing holiday.
I learned that lesson the hard way after a night out when I woke up to find my sling bag gone. What followed was a miserable morning at the consulate, trying to get an emergency passport while canceling all my cards. Ever since, I’ve kept a credit card-sized tracker inside my wallet, passport holder, and luggage tag. It connects to your phone easily via the Find My app and can even make a loud noise to help you locate it, which comes in handy even if you just misplace it in your room!
Now, if I misplace something, I can track it in seconds instead of retracing my steps in a panic. I haven’t had to visit a consulate since, and I’d like to keep it that way!
3. A Self-Sterilising Water Bottle – Because Buying Plastic Bottles Sucks
When you’re traveling somewhere with questionable tap water, buying bottled water constantly feels like the safest bet, but it’s also expensive and creates way too much plastic waste. I used to go through so many bottles on trips until I finally picked up a self-sterilising water bottle.
It uses UV light to kill bacteria, so I can refill it from just about anywhere without worrying. Plus, it’s USB-C rechargeable and keeps drinks hot or cold for hours. Now, instead of buying water every day, I just fill up one bottle and move on. It’s cheaper, better for the environment, and one less thing to worry about.
PureFlow - UV-C Self Cleaning Bottle
4. Noise-Canceling Earbuds – Because Silence is Underrated
If you’ve ever tried to sleep on a plane next to a crying baby, in a hostel dorm next to a snorer, or on an overnight train with someone blasting music, you know how valuable a little silence can be.
I used to think I could just power through, but after one too many sleepless nights, I finally got a pair of noise-canceling earbuds. Now, whether I’m blocking out airplane noise, tuning out chatter in a crowded café, or just trying to focus, I can actually enjoy some peace and quiet. If there’s one thing that’s made long travel days way more bearable, it’s this.
5. A Compact Power Bank – Because a Dead Phone is Never Fun
Getting lost in a new city is stressful enough. Getting lost with a dead phone? That’s a whole new level of disaster.
I once spent hours wandering around trying to find my way back to my hotel because I didn’t have a map, a working phone, or even the hotel’s address saved anywhere. Ever since, I never travel without a compact power bank. It’s small enough to fit in my pocket, but powerful enough to keep my phone charged all day.
It’s one of those things you don’t think about until you desperately need it, and by then, it’s already too late.
Final Thoughts
I try not to overpack, but these five things are non-negotiable for me now. They take up almost no space, but they’ve saved me from lost items, bad sleep, and a few situations I’d rather not relive.
What’s one travel essential you never leave without? Let me know, I might need to add it to my bag.