Travel Must-Haves I Swear By (2026 Edition)

After way too many overpacked suitcases and last-minute Target runs, I have finally narrowed down the travel essentials I actually use. From cruises to Hawaii and quick weekend getaways, these are the items I bring on every trip.

These are my tried and true travel must-haves that make flying easier, packing lighter, and vacations smoother.

Carry On Essentials:

• Compression Sleeve:

  • After my breast cancer surgery, I had to fly to Illinois and Hawaii. To reduce the risk of lymphedema and minimize fluid buildup, I was instructed to wear a compression sleeve. How annoying?? I thought, how am I going to fly to Hawaii with this tight thing around my arm? I found a great one that didn’t roll down and was actually comfortable to wear. I did have to try two sizes. If you are a fellow breastie, this is the one to buy!

    Link: https://amzn.to/4kYa4HO

• Lighted makeup mirror:

  • Any time I travel I always bring this lighted makeup mirror. Hotels seem to be getting increasingly dark, and there is never good lighting to put on your makeup.

    Link: https://amzn.to/3PadbAz

• Carry-on Bag:

  • Last Thanksgiving, I bought myself the Beis luggage in green. The carry-on bag that goes with the luggage is a game-changer! It fits so well and attaches to the luggage handle.

    Pro tip: Beis has its largest sale over Thanksgiving (Black Friday). Grab your set then!

    Link: https://beistravel.com/products/the-mini-weekender-in-olive

Packing Organization favorites

• Packing cubes:

  • I used these packing cubes when traveling to Boston for the weekend, and they saved so much space in my luggage:

    Link: https://amzn.to/4cSOen4

• Travel jewelry case:

  • I am a big jewelry fan and I often bring a lot of options. This travel case was great and ensured to it kept my jewelry organized. It was slim and didn’t take up too much room:

    Link: https://amzn.to/3NaTSXi

• Toiletry Organizer:

  • I used this as my toiletry organizer for Hawaii. It can also double as your makeup case.

    Link: https://amzn.to/4sdnIct

• Toothbrush cover

  • At home, I use an electric toothbrush, and on long trips, I bring it with me. For shorter trips, I have a regular toothbrush I bring (it’s honestly usually the free one I get at the dentist). I throw my toothbrush in with the rest of my toiletries and use this cover to keep it clean:

    Link: https://amzn.to/4aTMTKc

Flight Comfort Must-Haves

• Neck pillow

  • On my overnight flight to Hawaii to this was a must. It looks really uncomfortable, but it works!

    Link: https://amzn.to/4rNakfA

• Eye mask

  • Another must-have on long flights. My seat on the flight to Maui was right near the kitchen; this mask blocked out all the light. I use it at home too!

    Link: https://amzn.to/4skHL93

• Travel blanket

  • Unless you are in first class, they often do not give out blankets anymore, or they run out by the time they get to you! I brought this one to Hawaii

    Link: https://amzn.to/3OKFmWI

Beach and Cruise Favorites:

• Portable fan:

  • This may seem excessive, but I bring a portable fan on my cruises. Especially when we are traveling to the Caribbean. I love this one because it is packable and adjustable.

    Link: https://amzn.to/40E3zAC

• Waterproof phone case:

  • If you are a fellow millennial, you remember the disposable cameras we would buy from Walgreens that went underwater? I always have my phone way too close to the pool, trying to get pictures of my family. This waterproof phone case kept my phone dry on Utopia of the Seas.

    Link: https://amzn.to/4u3WnLy

• Magnetic hooks:

  • I spoke about these in my Utopia of the Seas blog post. The walls of the cruise staterooms are all magnetic. These are great to attach to the wall and hang hats and bathing suits!

    Link: https://amzn.to/3OJMPoW

Tech I never fly without:

• Airfly:

  • This little gadget helped me connect my AirPods to the airplane TV so I could watch movies wirelessly on my flight to Hawaii

    Link: https://amzn.to/4l01593

• Portable charger:

  • I always keep this in my carry-on because between boarding passes, photos, and travel apps, my phone battery never survives a travel day.

    Link: https://amzn.to/4bibtpm

• Kindle

  • I love my Kindle! I use this not only on trips but in everyday life. How else could I finish ACOTAR?

    Link: https://amzn.to/4bgAKAi

• Travel adaptor:

  • This is a must for international trips, so I can change everything without worrying about outlet differences or voltage issues.

    Link: https://amzn.to/46BpE6t

• Apple Air tags:

  • I don’t travel without these! I have had my baggage lost before, and being able to track my luggage in real time makes travel less stressful for me.

Link: https://amzn.to/4crRNAJ

Note: *This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only share products I genuinely love and would and have used myself.