Let’s be honest, packing for a trip is an art. You think you have everything covered, only to realize halfway through your journey that you forgot something. Something that could have made your trip smoother and more comfortable.
It could be a gadget that saves you from a dead phone or an organizer that keeps your suitcase tidy. Or some other tiny, random item that turns an uncomfortable trip into a smooth one.
Sure, we all remember to pack the obvious essentials like clothes, chargers, and toiletries. But there are game-changing travel items out there we don’t even know exist! And once you try them, there is no going back. You will simply never want to travel without them again.
Excited to know what we are talking about? Here are 7 underrated travel must-haves that will make your next trip so much better.
1. Retractable Multi-Charging Cable
We’ve all been there when our phone decides to die in the middle of a busy travel day. To top it off, you realize you forgot to pack the right charging cable. The Digital Economy Report 2024 shows that the average number of devices a person owned was 3.6 in 2023.
For a family or a group of three or more, that’s a lot of devices. With all the gadgets we carry, having a retractable multi-charging cable can save you a lot of this hassle.
Rather than carrying around multiple charging cords for each device, this dandy item helps you consolidate everything into one. Plus, its retractable design means no more tangling in your bag. Sounds pretty good, right?
2. Filtered Water Bottle / Water Filter
It can be a travel nightmare when you’re in a new city and the tap water isn’t safe to drink. Local water can be contaminated by chemicals and toxins, potentially ruining not only your trip but also your long-term health.
TorHoerman Law informs that chemicals like the PFAS have been linked to certain cancers, and immune system and liver damage. And one way these chemicals reach us is through our drinking water.
For example, military bases, airports, and industrial sites use firefighting foam containing PFAS, which often contaminates the water supplies nearby. This has already impacted many lives, resulting in legal suits against the manufacturers of the foam.
These cases aim to hold the manufacturers responsible for exposing individuals to such health risks. The AFFF lawsuit settlement amounts could be anywhere between $75,000 to $500,000, granted as compensation for the damages caused.
This is only one of the many examples that remind us to be cautious of which food and water we consume. Filtered water bottles and portable water filters are game-changing carry-ons reducing the risks involved in drinking tap water.
3. Pocket-Sized Travel Bidet
Ever traveled to a place where bidets are common, and you wished you could take one with you? Well, now you can! A pocket-sized travel bidet is a portable version of the bathroom luxury, making hygiene on the go easier and more effective.
There are even more important reasons to carry a bidet while traveling. Number one, bidets have a lower negative environmental impact than toilet paper. Number two, bidet usage leads to significantly lower microbial contamination than toilet paper usage.
Hygiene is much more important than we often realize. And we have to accept that traditional toilet paper doesn’t always do the trick. A travel bidet offers a clean solution while also helping you stay eco-friendly.
4. Travel Shoe Bags
Absolutely nobody wants dirty shoes mixed with clean clothes. If you’ve ever had to deal with dirty shoes touching clean clothes, you know how frustrating it can get.
Other than being an organizational nightmare, it is also a health hazard. Studies have shown that shoes tend to have millions of bacteria on them. Some common examples are MRSA (a life-threatening superbug), E. coli (bacteria living in our colon), and C. diff (bacterium causing life-threatening diarrhea and other infections.)
This is where travel shoe bags come in handy. These bags keep your shoes separate from your clothes, protecting your fresh footwear and outfits from dirt, odor, and bacteria.
5. Travel Pillow with Hood
Sleeping on a plane or in transit can be super annoying. No matter how many pillows you try, it always feels like you’re still nodding off with your head at weird angles. Not to mention, one night of broken or no sleep can cause more problems than you’d like.
Sleep deprivation can lead to a dysfunctioning nervous system, reduced immunity, hormonal fluctuation, and more. This is why you need a travel pillow with a hood. It provides just the neck support you need, allowing you to rest and enjoy the travel ahead.
6. Pocket Blanket
Whether you’re at a park, on the beach, or just relaxing outdoors, having a pocket blanket can be a lifesaver. It’s small, lightweight, and folds up into a compact pouch, making it easy to stash in your bag or even your pocket. Need a place to sit anywhere and anytime during the trip? The pocket blanket has got you covered.
So there you have it! These travel items might not be on your packing list right now, but they are about to be. From keeping your phone charged to ensuring you stay hydrated, these little gadgets and accessories make a world of difference when you’re on the go.
The best part? They’re all easy to pack and can help you travel smarter, cleaner, and more comfortably. To take your journey to the next level, pack these items next time you are set to explore the world. By the end of your trip, you will wonder how you ever traveled without them!
