As someone who constantly has to double-check if their passport is in their bag, because I swear it grew legs and walked away, I know how nerve-wracking it can be to prepare for a trip and feel like you’re definitely forgetting something. Here’s a checklist of must-have items to keep in your personal bag so everything important is with you at all times and easily reachable.

Top 5 Travel Essentials You Should Never Forget:

1. Passport: You don’t need a fancy passport holder. Honestly, I find them more stressful, it’s just another thing to open, close, and fish through. I prefer keeping it in an easily accessible compartment.
2. Boarding Pass: Always have your boarding pass and any necessary visas with you (printed or downloaded on your phone) and keep them together with your passport at all times.
3. Wallet: Pack your ID, and bring some cash in the currency of your destination (your bank can help with that). I use a compact wallet that makes it super easy to slide out cards and grab cash without zippers jamming or bills ripping. 
4. Phone Charger + Portable Charger: Your phone is everything: maps, translator, boarding pass, directions, everything. Always bring a portable charger. I use a small one that fits right into my bag without weighing me down.
5. Medications: Advil, Tylenol, Tums, personal prescriptions—whatever you regularly use, keep a stash in your personal bag. A mini first aid kit is never a bad idea either. You never know when you’ll need something!

What I Keep in My Personal Bag

• Adapter, make sure you have the right plug for the country you’re visiting.
• Mini Digital Camera (Because: memories.)
• Headphones, I literally can’t go anywhere without them.
• Neck Pillow. Yes, it dangles off my backpack. No, I don’t care. It saves me on long flights.
• Sleep Mask and Earplug, helps me sleep anywhere, anytime.
• Journal, because I like to jot down everything I do so I’ll never forget the small moments.
• Emergency Outfit:
  • Leggings
  • T-shirt
  • Socks & underwear
• Hand Sanitizer
• Mini Toiletries
  • Toothpaste & toothbrush
  • Brush
  • Skincare essentials
  • Shampoo & conditioner

Pro Tip: If you like to read, consider getting a Kindle. It saves space and weight. I’m seriously thinking of getting one!

Packing Hacks & Travel Tools I Swear By: 

• Electronics Organizer to keep all my cords, chargers, and adapters in one place. 
• Travel Bottles: I use some from CVS, but Amazon has great options too.
  • Cadence Travel Containers – I don’t own them yet, but I dream of the day. They’re chic, magnetic, and leak-proof. 
• Adapter and Portable are from Anker brand
• Makeup Pouch: My sister gifted me a personalized one from Etsy and it fits everything. 
• Jewelry Organizer: I use a mini zippered pouch that keeps all my jewelry tangle-free and safe