Our Top Travel Essentials

Here are some of the most useful travel items, with specific product recommendations for connectivity, gear, comfort, and safety on your next trip. 

Electronics and connectivity

• eSIM: An eSIM plan offers data connectivity in your destination without needing a physical SIM card, often at a better rate than international roaming.
  • Ubigi: A good all-round option for both the US and Europe, Ubigi offers regional plans for multi-country trips and 5G access in many destinations.
  • Saily: If security is your priority, Saily offers a secure eSIM with a built-in VPN and ad-blocker.
• Backup battery: Crucial for keeping devices charged on the go.
  • Anker A1383 20000mAh Power Bank: Provides a high capacity and supports fast charging for multiple devices.
• Travel adapters: A universal adapter with multiple USB ports allows you to charge all your devices with a single item, saving space and hassle.
  • UGreen Nexode 65W GaN Travel Charger: This offers fast charging and includes interchangeable US, UK, and EU plugs.
• Portable sound bar: A travel-sized sound bar offers a significant audio upgrade for movies or music in your accommodation.
  • Creative Stage Air V2: A compact, portable option that offers both USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
• Spare phone: An inexpensive, unlocked phone can be useful as a backup or for a local SIM card in countries where you can’t get an eSIM. The Nokia 2660 Flip is a simple, durable, and reliable option.
• Apple AirTags: For Apple users, AirTags can be attached to luggage, wallets, or keys to track their location through the “Find My” app.
  • Eufy SmartTrack Link: A popular alternative that also works with Apple’s Find My app. 

• UGreen Nexode 65W GaN Travel Charger£39.99and more prices4.8(637)
• Creative Labs Stage Air V2£44.99and more prices4.6(899)
• Nokia 2660 Flip£64.99and more prices4.2(2K+)
• Eufy SmartTrack Link£49.97and more prices4.4(729)

Gear and apparel

• Secure rucksack: A durable and comfortable backpack with anti-theft features is essential for carrying your belongings.
  • SKYSPER Small Anti Theft Hiking Backpack: An 18L option with main compartment zipper locks and RFID-blocking pockets.
• Sunglasses: Polarised sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun’s glare, ideal for outdoor activities.
  • Ray-Ban RB2140 Wayfarer Sunglasses: A classic choice with reliable UV protection and polarised lenses.
• Sandals or slippers: Having comfortable, versatile footwear is essential for relaxing or short walks.
  • Craghoppers Men’s Locke Sandals: An outstanding, packable travel sandal.
  • Skechers Women’s GO WALK Flex Sandal: Features a cushioned footbed for comfort.
• Waist bag: A waist bag or fanny pack keeps important items like your passport and wallet secure and easily accessible.
  • Decathlon Travel Trekking Bum Bag: Features RFID-blocking technology for extra security against electronic theft.
• Dirty laundry bag: A dedicated bag for dirty clothes keeps them separate from clean items.
  • Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Laundry Sack: A lightweight option from a brand known for travel organisation products.
• Underwater phone case: For trips to tropical or beach destinations, a waterproof case protects your phone and lets you take photos underwater.
  • Lanhiem Diving Waterproof Phone Case: Universal fit for most smartphones, with a sealed design for underwater photo and video.
• Towels: Lightweight and quick-drying towels are ideal for travel.
  • Sea To Summit Pocket Towel: A tiny and fast-drying option.
  • Dock & Bay Quick Dry Beach Towel: A sand-resistant and quick-drying beach towel made from recycled plastic.
• Quality padlocks: For securing luggage, TSA-accepted padlocks allow airport security to inspect your bag without damaging the lock.
  • Decathlon TSA Keyed Padlock X2: A set of two TSA-certified padlocks. 

• SKYSPER Small Anti Theft Hiking Backpack, 18L RFID Packable Travel Daypack. Lightweight Foldable Rucksack for Walking Daytrip£18.03
• RAY BAN RB2140 WAYFARER SUNGLASSES£118.00and more prices4.7(9K+)
• Craghoppers Men’s Locke Sandals£40.00£50.00and more prices3.9(13)
• Skechers Women’s Slip-Ins Go Walk Flex Sandal£65.00and more prices4.5(206)

Health and safety

• Mosquito repellent: Essential for preventing bug bites in tropical areas.
  • Jungle Formula Insect Repellent Maximum Aerosol: Contains 50% DEET, suitable for high-risk areas.
• Anti-diarrhoea tablets: Medications like loperamide are essential for treating traveller’s diarrhoea.
  • Imodium Instants: A well-known brand of loperamide tablets available over the counter.
• Money transfer app: A digital money transfer service can offer better exchange rates and lower fees for international transactions than traditional banks.
  • Wise: A long-established service known for its transparent fees and use of the mid-market exchange rate.
• Toiletries: Pack travel-sized essentials in a durable wash bag.
  • BAGSMART Blast Hanging Toiletry Bag: A water-resistant hanging bag with dry-wet separation. 

• Jungle Formula Insect Repellent Maximum Aerosol£9.15and more prices4.6(139)
• BAGSMART Blast Hanging Toiletry Bag£30.0