Travel Essentials I Actually Use (From a Nurse & Former Girl Scout)

My Packing Philosophy

Travel essentials aren’t just things I pack—they’re the tried-and-true items I’ve reached for over years of travel as a nurse, former Girl Scout, and chronic over-preparer.

First I was a Girl Scout. Then I became a nurse. Looking back, I can’t think of better preparation for becoming an over-prepared traveler. 😊

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when those two personality traits combine, the answer is that I carry enough supplies to survive a minor inconvenience in three different countries.

Over the years I’ve learned that being prepared doesn’t mean packing everything you own. It means carrying a handful of things that help you stay comfortable, solve small problems before they become big ones, and enjoy the journey a little more.

My packing philosophy is simple:

Hope for the best.
Prepare for the worst.
Leave room for snacks.

Whether I’m boarding a long-haul flight, wandering a European city, or heading out on a hike, these are the travel essentials I reach for again and again.

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After hundreds of flights, road trips, hikes, and more hotel stays than I can count, these are the items that have earned a permanent place in my suitcase.

Phase 1: Prepare for the Worst (The Survival & First-Aid Essentials)

As a nurse, I’ve seen what happens when you aren’t prepared. These are the non-negotiables that live in my first-aid and emergency stash.

• Aleve Pain Relief Naproxen Sodium Caplets Because walking 20,000 steps on cobblestones will make your joints protest. One dose of these long-lasting caplets keeps you moving all day.
• doTERRA On Guard Sanitizing Mist Nurses know exactly what lives on airplane tray tables. This is my favorite sanitizer because it smells amazing, fits in any pocket, and doesn’t dry your hands to sandpaper.
• LMNT Zero Sugar Electrolytes (Raspberry Salt) Dehydration is the ultimate vacation-ruiner, leading straight to headaches and jet lag fatigue. These salty little lifesavers are perfect for flight days or sweaty hikes.
• totes Titan Portable Travel Umbrella I’ve been caught in enough European downpours to know that hotel umbrellas are almost never around when you need them. A Girl Scout is always prepared for rain. This umbrella is actually windproof, meaning it won’t embarrass you by flipping inside out the moment a gust of wind hits.
• VRURC 10000mAh Portable Charger A dead phone in a foreign country is a genuine emergency. This is my absolute favorite power bank because the cords are built right into it—no tangled cable nests in your bag.
• CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 (Sheer Tint) Mineral protection to shield your skin from UV rays, with a sheer tint that makes you look awake and dewy, even if you just got off a red-eye flight.
  
  

Phase 2: Overprepared Utility Gear (The “Three Different Countries” Kit)

The smart, space-saving tools that keep you organized and ready for minor infrastructure inconveniences.

• travel inspira Digital Luggage Scale After buying a few too many local ceramics and olive oils, I’ve learned this little scale pays for itself. Avoid surprise overweight baggage fees by weighing your suitcase before you leave the hotel. Weigh your bags at the hotel and save your hard-earned money for local bakeries.
• NTONPOWER 20W Travel Power Strip Hotel rooms and cruise cabins never have enough outlets. This flat-plug strip turns one sad, hidden wall outlet into a multi-device charging station.
• HydraPak Flux Collapsible Water Bottle This is pure packing genius. It stands upright like a sturdy bottle when full, but rolls up to the size of a pack of gum once empty to breeze through TSA security.
• 4Monster Packable Hiking Daypack An ultra-lightweight backpack that folds down into a tiny wallet-sized pouch. Keep it in your pocket for unexpected market hauls or spontaneous detours.
• podoru MagSafe 5000mAh Battery Pack For those days when you are taking a million photos and need a quick, cordless magnetic charge on the back of your phone.
• PopSockets MagSafe Phone Wallet with Grip Consolidate your life. This keeps your ID, hotel key, and transit card securely on the back of your phone with a handy grip to prevent accidental drops.
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Phase 3: Travel Essentials for Comfort & Self-Care

You can’t explore if you’re covered in blisters and running on zero sleep. These are the comfort items that keep me clean, happy, and light on my feet.

Dreame Pocket Pro Hair Dryer Never trust hotel hair dryers. This folds down incredibly small and is dual-voltage, so you won’t blow a fuse in a foreign country.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelettes Liquid limits are a headache, so I always opt for solid wipes. These bypass the TSA liquids bag and melt away stubborn waterproof mascara and plane grime.

Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneakers The most comfortable walking shoes I’ve found so far next to my Hoka’s. Zero break-in time, no blisters, excellent arch support for bunions, and stylish enough to wear with dresses.

Birkenstock Women’s Mayari Sandals When your feet need a break from sneakers, these cork sandals offer amazing orthotic support to prevent knee and ankle pain.

2-Pack Merino Wool Tank Tops The ultimate minimalist packing secret. Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant and moisture-wicking, meaning you can wear them multiple times without washing them.

Final Thoughts

These travel essentials have earned a permanent place in my suitcase because they help me spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the journey. Travel has taught me that things rarely go exactly as planned. Flights get delayed, rain showers appears out of nowhere, and sometimes the hotel hair dryer gives up before you even finish one side. I’ve learned that being prepared isn’t about expecting the worst—it’s about solving little problems quickly so you can get back to enjoying the adventure.

That’s why I pack for peace of mind. It means I can spend less time worrying about the little things and more time soaking in the places I’m blessed enough to visit.

If you enjoy traveling at a slower pace, you might also enjoy my article, Learning to Slow Down in Sicily, where I share the trip that completely changed how I travel.

I’d love to hear from you—what’s the one travel essential that never leaves your suitcase? Let me know in the comments. I’m always looking for another great recommendation.