11 Unexpected Items You Should Always Pack for a Trip

Woman packing sunscreen

Are you packing ahead for another trip? If you repeatedly say, “What am I forgetting?” It’s high time to make a list of must-have items for the toiletries bag. Starting with this lifesaver:

Dryer Sheets

Cumberland, Rhode Island/ USA- March 31, 2019 a box of laundry dryer sheets being placed on top of a dryer with the rest of the laundry cleaning products.
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Bet you’re oblivious to the magic of dryer sheets. Pop them in your bag, as they can be used in multiple ways. Is your hair starting to frizz due to unexpected weather? Rub it smooth with the dryer sheet. Clothes in your luggage stink? Dryer sheets can help mask the odor.

Doorstop

Rubber stopper for a door. Selective focus.
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While it may seem unusual, a simple rubber doorstop can provide extra security in hotel rooms, especially if the lock seems unreliable. It can also be handy for propping doors open when you’re moving in and out with luggage. Plus, it takes up virtually no space in your luggage!

Binder Clips

Black binder clips on a yellow background.
Photo credit: Serhii Ivashchuk // Shutterstock.com

Now you must be wondering, “huh, what do these have any place in my luggage?”. Binder clips can be helpful when a suitcase rips as they keep it secure until you get home. Also, if you’re staying at a hotel, these binder clips will give you a little privacy by keeping curtains shut.

Ear Plugs

Beautiful young woman putting ear plug before sleep in bedroom, closeup
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Most people forget to take their earplugs when traveling, but have you considered why they are so important? Imagine a plane full of noisy passengers or a noisy hotel room neighbor—earplugs to the rescue!

Antibacterial Wipes

Coronavirus COVID-19 Prevention cleaning woman wiping doorknob with antibacterial disinfecting wipe for killing corona virus on touching surfaces or touching public bathroom handle with tissue.
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When you’re traveling, public spaces are booming with germs. And if you are a clean freak, a wet wipe will do you good. Clean toilet seats, basins, and every other surface, and don’t worry about disposal. Ah, no more worrying about dirty restrooms anymore.

Baby Powder

August 25, 2022, Brazil. In this photo illustration, a person uses Johnson Johnson baby powder on their hands. The company will suspend the sale of the product from 2023
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Baby Power, seriously? Yes! This small item can make a difference in your trip experience. If you are going out in summer, use this to prevent chafing. And if you spill food on your clothes, it can absorb the oils from your stained clothes. It even works as a dry shampoo for greasy hair. Whatever you do, don’t forget to bring the baby powder.

Nail Clipper And File

Nail Clipper And Filer
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A toiletry bag is incomplete without this nail combo. Getting a hang nail while traveling? Yikes, that sounds terrible.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Canvas bag, Cloth bags instead of plastic bags in shopping for the environment.
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A foldable reusable shopping bag takes up minimal space but can be a lifesaver when you need an extra bag for souvenirs, groceries, or separating dirty laundry.

Multitool or Swiss Army Knife

Samara, Russia - February 2021. Victorinox Spartan Swiss Army red folding knife isolated on white
Photo credit: Anton Starikov // Shutterstock.com

You never know when you might need a small tool for repairs, opening packages, or even preparing a quick meal. Just make sure to pack it in your checked luggage if you’re flying.

Ziplock Bags

Phoenix, Arizona, June 15, 2020: Ziploc Sandwich Bags
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These versatile bags can be used for storing snacks, keeping wet clothes separate from dry ones, organizing small items, or even as a makeshift waterproof phone case.

Microfiber Towel

Microfiber towel for fitness and outdoor walks.
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These towels are lightweight, compact, and dry quickly, making them perfect for travel. They’re great for unexpected rain, impromptu beach trips, or staying in hostels where towels might not be provided.

Packing Oops! 12 Items Travelers Often Leave Behind but Really Shouldn’t

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It’s common for travelers to forget a few essential items to bring that they regret later on. Recently on an online platform, people shared items they wish they hadn’t left behind. Let’s explore those must-have items that can enhance your travel experience.

Read more: Packing Oops! 12 Items Travelers Often Leave Behind but Really Shouldn’t

The Best Travel Clothes for Women: The Ultimate Guide for 2024

Woman traveler explores the ruins of the ancient Karnak temple in the city of Luxor in Egypt. Great row of columns with carved hieroglyph
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Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a month-long backpacking trip, having the right travel clothes can make all the difference. From wrinkle-free fabrics to convertible pieces, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs and preferences.

Read more: The Best Travel Clothes for Women: The Ultimate Guide for 2024

Pack Like a Pro: 10 Must-Know Travel Packing Hacks

Portrait of backpacker beauty asian traveler woman packing prepare stuff and outfit clothes in suitcases travel bag luggage for summer, holiday, weekend, tourist, journey, vacation trip at home.travel
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Traveling and packing clothes can be a pain if not done correctly. The bag is sometimes too heavy, the clothes are not enough, or they are over-packed. However, people can turn their packing nightmares into easy and exciting packing activities by following simple steps and hacks.

Read more: Pack Like a Pro: 10 Must-Know Travel Packing Hacks

The Best Travel Pants for Men: The Ultimate Guide for 2024

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Whether you’re embarking on an adventure-filled journey or simply hopping on a plane for a business trip, these pants will keep you looking sharp and feeling comfortable throughout your travels.

Read more: The Best Travel Pants for Men: The Ultimate Guide for 2024