Travel Essentials - What’s Always In My Bags


Now that you know what I pack my things into, let’s talk about what actually goes inside those bags. 

Because a perfectly organised backpack means nothing if you forgot the one item that makes travelling 80% more comfortable. 

Controversial opinion - I don’t travel with a neck pillow or any dedicated “plane gadgets”. It takes unnecessary space I can use later for treats and gifts.

For the Plane, Train & Long Bus Journeys.

The essentials: 

  • Sony noise cancelling headphones (with spare cable - saves battery and avoids bluetooth drama) 

  • A large scarf + a hoodie (basically my travel blanket system) 

  • Blundstones Boots (simply the best)

  • Tablet with downloaded films/series

  • My kobo (the real MVP) 

That’s it. No inflatable contraptions, no clip-on cup holders, no travel hammocks.

Just things I’ll actually use during the trip.

For Sleep (or Just Quiet) 

Loop earplugs. 

They solve all of it: planes, thin hotel walls, overly enthusiastic street traffic 

Inside My Everyday Bag

This is my roaming-around kit: cafes, wandering, long walks, solo dinners. 

  • Small earphones (quick and convenient) 

  • Kobo - the best travel companion, especially when eating alone

  • Passport size travel journal (I use a Traveler’s Notebook - doubles as a card wallet) 

  • Small coin purse 

    (do not, under any circumstances, forget your wallet or coin purse when going abroad… I learned this the hard way) 

  • A small essential pouch (paracetamol, stomach pills, inhaler, tissues, plasters)

  • Tote bag (snacks and shopping appear unexpectedly) 

  • Reusable water bottle when tap water is safe

  • Electric hand fan - perfect for a 1am human sardine situation at a bts station in a hot country. 

(My phone is usually kept in a pocket on my body instead of my bag (yes it’s a bad habit)

Basically: hydration, entertainment, and the ability to impulsively buy pastries. 

In My Suitcase / Rucksack

Nothing fancy here, just the system that prevents travel chaos. 

  • About a week’s worth of clothes (I always check for laundry access instead of overpacking)

  • Extra underwear (you know why…) 

  • Plastic bags for dirty laundry and shoes 

  • Spare glasses - future you will be extremely grateful

Simple, predictable, stress-free. 

Now for my suitcase. Nothing scary or unexpected. A week’s worth of clothes (I check for laundry service/washing machine availability in the hotel I stay at or for nearby laundromat). Don’t forget to overpack underwear cause you never know what might happen. 

An old plastic bag for dirty laundry and one to pack shoes 

Spare glasses cause you don’t want to find yourself without glasses should something happen to your main pair or contacts. 


My packing style has slowly shifted over the years from “what if I need this?” to “what will I realistically use?”

The goal isn’t to pack less but to pack smarter. 

Comfortable transport, quiet sleep, easy days, and zero rummaging through your bag at the worst possible moment. 

And if I still forget something occasionally ? 

That’s just part of travelling.