The 10 Travel Essentials I’d Re-Buy If I Had to Start Over

Over the years I’ve tested a lot of travel gear. Some items end up collecting dust, while others earn a permanent spot in my bag.

But I started wondering: if all my travel gear disappeared tomorrow, which items would I replace right away?

What’s the true core list of travel products that actually make every trip smoother, lighter, and more comfortable?

Here are the 10 travel essentials I’d re-buy in a heartbeat.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission. I only share information about things I know, love and trust!

Quick List: My 10 Travel Must-Haves

If you’re here from my video and just want the list, here it is! Click the links to shop each item:

1. Liquids Pouches

Forget bulky travel bottles.

These reusable liquid pouches are my go-to because:

They only take up as much space as you fill.
As you use product, they shrink down.
You can pack more variety without wasting space.

For me, that means I can bring shampoo, conditioner, hair serum, sunscreen, and face creams without cramming in a lineup of hard bottles.

2. Hanging Toiletry Kit

Tiny hotel sinks and toiletries don’t mix well.

That’s why I swear by a hanging toiletry kit.

I rotate between two styles:

One with multiple compartments (Tripped pouch) that also comes with two liquids bags.
Another with one big open section that can hang or sit on a counter.

Both keep everything visible and organized, and the key is they hang (which is a must, especially in small European hotel room bathrooms).

3. Slippers (or Flight Slippers)

Hotel carpets aren’t exactly confidence-inspiring.

That’s why I always pack a lightweight pair of slippers or slides.

They’re hygienic, cozy, and instantly make any hotel room feel homier.

For long flights, I’ll bring washable travel slippers with their own little pouch.

Comfy on the plane, then fresh and clean for the hotel.

4. Compression Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are non-negotiable, and lately I’ve been using the Epicka Tripcozy line.

These are different because:

They zip open all the way around (no more awkward stuffing).
They’re sturdy enough for compression (even if you overpack).
They have an anti-bacterial lining + breathable mesh tops.

That last part is huge for me. I often pack by outfit or trip segment, which means some cubes stay zipped for days.

Breathable mesh keeps everything fresh.

They come in sets of four or six with different sizes, so you can configure them however you like.

👉 Check them out here and enter this code for a 20% discount → EPICKA20OFF

5. Quality Travel Clothes

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I love merino wool clothing. It’s breathable, lightweight, odor-resistant, and dries in hours.

With just three merino t-shirts, I can travel for three weeks just by washing them in the sink when needed and rotating them.

It saves space, stress, and overpacking headaches.

👉I personally wear Unbound Merino, but there are other options out there depending on your budget.

6. Universal Charging Station & Adapter

I love my Epicka Pulse 45W travel adapter + charging hub.

It’s both a universal adapter (works in 200+ countries) and a 5-port charger in one. Just slide the pins to fit the outlet.

So if you’re traveling to multiple countries (who use different outlets) on the same trip – this is the only adapter you need.

(It’s not a voltage converter though, so make sure your devices support dual voltage – e.g., phones and computers are usually fine).

I love it because I can charge my phone, earbuds, camera, and power bank all at once — no hunting for multiple plugs.

Which is great when you’re in a small hotel room or traveling with your partner, you only need one adapter between the 2 of you.

⚡ Grab the adapter here!

7. Power Bank (with a Short Cord)

There’s nothing worse than your phone dying mid-adventure.

A power bank has saved me countless times.

My tip? Bring a short charging cable with it.

When you’re sitting in a café topping up your phone, you won’t have to wrangle a long cable across the table.

8. Noise-Cancelling Earbuds

Bulky headphones are nice for flights, but not for packing light.

Noise-cancelling earbuds win because they’re compact and versatile.

Not only do they block out plane noise, but they’re also discreet for listening to Google Maps directions in a new city (no need to pull your phone out in public).

I like my purple ones (pictured above) because the case has a built-in phone holder where I can place my phone to watch movies (instead of packing an extra item).