Whether you’re headed on a weekend escape, a cross-country road trip, or your dream international adventure, packing smart makes a massive difference. These travel essentials are our tried-and-tested must-haves that help make every journey smoother, lighter, and more enjoyable.
Here’s our list of the top 12 essential travel accessories, with a few bonus items for our fellow over-packers and travel planners 😉 If you’d like to watch instead, click here.
1. A Good Travel Backpack
Your carry-on matters! A durable, comfortable travel backpack like those from Thule or Beis will keep your valuables close and your hands free. Look for something with padded straps, a laptop sleeve, and multiple compartments.
2. Power Bank
Nothing worse than your phone dying mid-journey. A reliable power bank (preferably 10,000mAh or more) is a must for flights, buses, and long road trips. Pro tip: Get one that can charge multiple devices at once! We really like the Samsung one, because it fast charges both Android and Apple and is usb-c.
3. Universal Travel Adapter
If you’re travelling internationally, a universal plug adapter is non-negotiable. Look for one with USB ports, surge protection, and support for multiple countries. You can get one at an airport, but we wouldn’t recommend waiting till then!
4. Travel Organiser/Tech Pouch
Keep your cables, chargers, USBs, memory cards, and documents all in one place with a compact travel organiser. It saves time (and sanity) at airport security or when searching your bag in the dark. My favourite thing is not needing to search for my boarding pass or passport at security.
5. Packing Cubes
Game-changer! These lightweight fabric cubes help you separate clothes by type, keep dirty clothes isolated, and maximise suitcase space. We never travel without them anymore.
6. Travel-Size Toiletries
Refillable, leak-proof bottles gives you cleaner bags and lighter travel. Plus, they’re airport-friendly. Throw them in a clear zip-up toiletry bag and you’re good to go. Now you won’t need to spend travel time without your favourite shampoo 😛
7. Reusable Water Bottle
Keep hydrated and skip the plastic. Opt for an insulated stainless steel bottle that keeps your water cool all day. Bonus: most airports and hotels have refill stations now, you save a lot of money too!
8. Travel Pillow
Nobody likes neck strains? A memory foam travel pillow makes flights and long car rides much more comfortable. Some even come with built-in hoods or eye masks to allow for easier sleep.
9. Noise-Cancelling Headphones 🎧
Crying babies? Loud neighbours in the seat next to you? Say no more. Whether you’re flying or working remotely, noise-cancelling headphones create your own little peaceful bubble.
10. Kindle or Book
Long layovers = the perfect excuse to finally get through your reading list. A Kindle or other e-reader is light, lasts forever on one charge, and saves space in your bag. A book is just as good, because you have wonderful entertainment regardless.
11. Essential Meds
Keep basics on hand: headache tablets, nausea meds, plasters, antihistamines, and anything else you may personally need. You never know when you’ll need them, and it saves you from searching in a new country.
12. The last travel essentials: Rain Jacket
Cape Town’s “four seasons in a day” reputation applies to lots of places. A compact umbrella or lightweight waterproof jacket is easy to pack and saves you from surprise showers.
These travel essentials have made our adventures smoother, lighter, and less stressful, and we’d recommend them whether you’re packing for a weekend in Tulbagh or flying halfway across the world.
Save this list for your next trip and let us know: what’s your can’t-travel-without item? Follow us @afor_adventures, check out our itineraries, or subscribe to our blog.