My 15 ultimate travel bag essentials

I have to say I’m quite the list maniac. I run out of post-its every few weeks and if I wouldn’t have a couple of lists awaiting my checking I’d go nuts!

This doesn’t mean I’m super organized… The reason I run out of post-its so often is because I leave my lists lying about everywhere (read: losing them), resulting in a lot of duplicates :)

So… of course I have a holiday checklist, and because of writing this blog post it’s now not only a boring textual list, but a visual one too! YAY!

Flat lay fifteen ultimate travel essentials

And here you have it: my 15 ultimate travel bag essentials!

Depending on the location/situation (airport, beach, city, dinner, hike etc.) I might leave out a few items. But this is the core business I think about when packing my travel bag:

1. CAMERA

A crucial ingredient for any memorable trip, at least for me it is :) I couldn’t do a day without taking pictures! I love this quote: “We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.”

2. CELLPHONE/SMARTPHONE

Aka my personal assistant. Helping me to connect, schedule, organise and gather several (travel) experiences and ideas.

3. LITTLE BAG

I always carry a little bag with me. Comes in handy when you’re a collector like me… You can gather seashells, beer corks, entry tickets, hotel cards and other memorabilia!

4. PAREO

A lovely multifunctional item I couldn’t do without. You can turn it into a dress, blanket, scarf, pillow, headband etc.

5. MONEY

It makes the world go round. If you don’t want to start trading goodies or doing the dishes, a little pocket-money is a good idea. ATMs or even electricity aren’t always around.

6. SUNGLASSES

For an instant holiday feeling! When you’re wearing these it means you’re outdoors and the sun is shining… excellent!

7. HAT

The cherry on the I-am-wearing-sunglasses-feeling-cake :)

8. SUNSCREEN

Just to make sure you can hop around in the sun at ease. I also use it as a on the go moisturizer.

9. CHARGERS

Because what’s the point of hauling all those electronics if you can’t use them, right?

10. NOTEBOOK

I like to have a little notebook around to write or draw about my thoughts, experiences, ideas, inspirations etc.

11. PEN

Kinda crucial when you’re carrying a notebook…

12. SNACKS

To prevent myself from becoming cranky when I’m hungry :) Need-food-now! Some fruit or nuts are easy to pack and… they don’t melt

13. ROPE

A small rope can be unexpectedly useful! For example to attach something to your bag, to deal with a broken zipper or as a makeshift clothes line.

14. FLIP FLOPS

Some lightweight slippers can really provide that wonderful “aaahhhh decompress!” feeling after a long flight, a hot hike or a sturdy walk about town.

15. JEWELS / NAIL POLISH

For the ladies: don’t forget your favorite jewels and a little bottle of nail polish for some on the road touch ups. And… apparently I now have 16 items… oh well :)

Have fun packing!

Do you have any other travel essentials I didn’t mention? Make sure to let me know!

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