Packing for your next vacation can be a daunting task.  Whether you are going away for a weekend or taking a week-long trip, it can be stressful trying to remember what exactly you need to bring!  But it doesn’t have to be hard. If you make sure to take these top 10 travel essentials with you, you can be sure to stay healthy and enjoy your trip without breaking the bank.

Top 10 Travel Essentials Checklist

1. Clothes

Bring clothes that are lighter in weight and that you can layer if needed.  This will leave more space in your suitcase for other important items.  If you will be swimming, be sure to bring plastic bags to separate the dry clothes from the wet.

Bring some comfy shoes if you know you will be walking long distances.  And should you be traveling to the beach, don’t forget those flip-flops!  To get the most out of your suitcase space, this no-vacuum storage bag makes it easy to store lots of clothes and still have room for all your other travel essentials.

2. Important Electronics

Pack up all of your electronics you know you will need while you are out of town.  This may include a tablet or laptop (if you are planning on taking your work with you while you’re away), a camera for all the memories you will be making, your cell-phone, and an e-reader.

Bring all the necessary chargers and adapters you will need.  Want even more suitcase space?  Try out this waterproof electronics organizer to keep chords and devices safe and tucked away from all other items.

3. Healthy Snacks

Not only can you save a ton of money by taking healthy snacks and meals with you on road trips or flights, but you will feel so much better and have more energy to enjoy your trip if you choose to eat healthy throughout your journey.  That doesn’t mean don’t go out to try new restaurants while you are traveling (hell, I use vacation as an excuse to splurge on yummy food!), but be smart about how you prepare.

Instead of making 5 different stops along the way or spending way too much on airline food, pack foods like protein shakes, nuts, protein bars, or pretzels.  If you will be driving to your destination, you could even pack a cooler full of healthy meals or sweets like fruit.  This will balance out the cheat meals you have while enjoying your time away.  Your skin and body will thank you for it.

One of my favorite snacks to calm down my sweet tooth are these KIND bars.  They have so many flavors to choose from, and the ones I have tried did not disappoint!  I first discovered these bars at a music festival and immediately fell in love.  If you have not tried them yet, you are seriously missing out!

4. Water Bottle

A water bottle is one of those travel essentials that you don’t want to leave home without.  It’s important to drink a lot of water throughout the day, especially if you will be spending a lot of time in the sun or walking around.  You will also save yourself a lot of money when you avoid having to buy unreasonably priced bottles of water.

Make healthier choices by bringing powder packets or liquids such as Mio to add to your water.  This way you can switch up your drink flavors and avoid buying pop or juice.  This collapsible water bottle can help you stay hydrated while saving you space whether it’d be your suitcase, purse, or carry-on bag.

5. Toiletry Bag Necessities

Don’t leave home without all of your hygiene essentials.  This includes shampoo and conditioner, body wash, a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss, a hairbrush, hair ties and bobby pins, deodorant, and your travel-sized skin care regimen.

This skin care kit by Dermalogica will keep your skin glowing and clean all throughout your trip while saving you storage space.

6. SPF and After Sun Care

This is a must no matter where your trip takes you.  SPF should be worn rain or shine and reapplied every 2 hours.  If you know you will be hitting up the beach all day it may be a good idea to bring aloe vera gel just in case you or your travel buddies need it at the end of the day.

You should bring a sun hat as well as UV-resistant sunglasses to avoid sun damage to your skin.  If possible, try to sit under an umbrella or use an SPF of 50 to keep burns at bay.  I’m in love with these super cute, over-sized straw sun hats! You can pick from a variety of colors and match them with almost any outfit.

7. Chapstick, Lotion, and Hand Sanitizer

These are three staples to always keep in your travel bag.  They are also three items that are often forgotten until you need them.  And having to buy any of these items on vacation means paying more than you should have to for them.  Especially when you probably already have an assortment of each at home!

8. Travel Guides

If you are the type to plan out your vacation day-by-day, a travel guide can help you set up an itinerary.  Even if you see vacation as a time to be spontaneous, a travel guide is always good to have so you know all the fun activities that are available to you during your stay!

9. First Aid Kit and Feminine Hygiene

Safety first!  No matter where your journey takes you, keep a small first aid kit with you just in case you have to use it.  It’s a good idea to keep some feminine hygiene products with you as well.

10. Travel Journal and Pens

Always keep a notebook and some extra pens with you while you are traveling.  Even if you are not working on vacation, you never know what you will want to jot down during your trip.  It’s always a good idea to write down all the awesome memories and experiences you have while traveling!

Make sure you pack everything in this travel essential checklist and you are sure to have a great vacation!  What else do you always make sure to bring with you when you travel?  Let me know below!

Know someone traveling soon?  Share this post with them!