Six Travel Staples I Can’t Imagine Leaving Behind

Early in my travels, I would carefully lay out clothes, accessories, computer and cables, books, and any other items I thought I might need abroad. Over time, some things rotated in and out of my suitcase. Yet a few essentials have stayed with me no matter where I’ve gone. Here are six travel staples I never leave home without:

1. Swiss Army Knife

I’ve carried a trusty Swiss Army knife since I was a teenager. It’s always one of the first items I pack in my checked bag when traveling overseas. But this isn’t just a knife—it’s a bottle opener, can opener, corkscrew, saw, scissors, key ring, and screwdriver all in one.

That knife has sliced French cheese, Italian salami, and Spanish apples. The scissors have cut tags, opened packages, and even freed a new bottle of shampoo from its plastic seal. On another trip, the corkscrew opened a bottle of wine for a rainy-day picnic in our hotel room.

Swiss Army knives are easy to find online or in hardware stores. Mine is a Victorinox, a company established in 1884 and still the most famous maker of its kind. I own the Spartan model, but the Original Swiss Army Climber offers even more versatility for the price.

2. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Headsets have evolved dramatically. Early on, I relied on foam earplugs to dull the sound of crying babies or the drone of engines. Today, noise-cancelling headphones create instant peace the moment I slip them on.

I favor Apple AirPods Max, which deliver blissful silence for reading or sleeping, and crisp sound for movies or audiobooks. A plus is hands-free Siri. Bose and Sony also make excellent options, so you can’t go wrong with any of these brands. Apple headphones are heavier than other brands but I love the audio performance and the stunning design. They sit comfortably on my head. Bettery life might be better with Bose. All three are expensive.

3. Extra Shoes

This might sound unusual, but I always pack spare shoes. Some people take one pair and that’s it for the trip.

Take my husband, a minimalist, who left for our three-week trip to Europe with only the shoes on his feet. A week in, he ripped the sole on one shoe while we were on a small Italian island with limited shops.

We spent the afternoon searching for replacements and eventually bought custom leather sandals from the only merchant who carried hubby’s extra-wide size. Lost time and a huge expense. Lesson learned: never pack just one of any essential.

4. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are my latest must-have. At first, I dismissed them as gimmicks, but now I can’t imagine traveling without them. They keep my suitcase neat and organized, and I know exactly where to find shorts, dresses, or workout gear. Plus, they save space by compressing clothes.

I use larger cubes for shirts and pants, midsize for undergarments and gym clothes, and small ones for accessories and toiletries. My clothes arrive wrinkle-free, and my toiletries stay intact.

Many sets include a shoe bag and laundry bag to separate dirty clothes. I’ve tried the Shacke Pak 5-set and Bagail 4-set compression cubes from Amazon—both durable and lightweight. Bagail’s extra zipper compresses clothes tightly, while Shacke Pak excels at organization. Patagonia also sells single cubes built to last a lifetime, though at about $50 each, they’re an investment.

5. Snacks

Flight delays happen, and food carts don’t always make it down the aisle. When you’re stuck circling in the air, hunger can feel endless.

My solution: pack light, non-perishable snacks. Almond flour crackers, PB&J sandwiches, nuts, seeds, turkey sticks and slices of hard cheese go in my carry-on. Gluten-free fig bars pack easily in a pocket or purse. I also stash instant coffee and dried fruit in my suitcase for those jetlagged mornings before cafés open. Skinny popcorn is another favorite that really packs light. Of course, don’t forget disinfecting wipes.

My mother once sat next to a businessman during a long delay. She pulled out her PB&J and chocolate bar, and he offered her $50 for half. Of course, she shared.

6. Sweater

Like Mother Nature, airplane cabins can be unpredictable. One minute you’re cozy and warm, the next you’re shivering from the cold. So I never board a plane without a light jacket or sweater, no matter what I’m wearing. I have a beloved jean jacket that is more for style than comfort. But on a six-hour trip across country I never took it off. That bit of fashionista was worth it’s weight in gold. Since then I fold up a light wool or cashmere sweater and stuff it into my carryon. It stays clean and wrinkle free and is easy to access in case I’m confronted with the notorious in-air glacial chill.

A Few Extras

This list is just the beginning. I often tuck in a book, even though I enjoy Audible and in-flight movies. Extra sunglasses find a place in my luggage because I’m picky about my shades. I sometimes bring melatonin, which isn’t sold in certain European countries. And, of course, air tags are in every suitcase, and extra chargers and international adapters to ensure easy connection. For sunny destinations, sunscreen and a hat are non-negotiable. For winter travel, a mini flashlight can prove indispensible.

✨ Travel teaches you what you can live without—and what you can’t. These essential staples have earned their permanent spot in my suitcase.

-Rose-