Ad | This article contains Amazon affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a qualifying purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There’s nothing quite like the excitement of booking a holiday, is there? The flights are booked, the countdown is on, and suddenly I’m imagining cocktails somewhere fabulous, hidden streets and new adventures. And then comes the packing. 😳 I’ve travelled halfway around the world on my own and wandered around cities for hours, usually exploring a little further than my feet would like. Yet somehow I still manage to convince myself I need approximately 47 outfits for a two-week trip! With Australia fast approaching, I’ve pulled together the things that genuinely make travelling easier: kit I personally use, current alternatives to old favourites, and a few extras I’ve chosen for my travel collection. Some things are worth splurging on; others just have to earn their space in my handbag.

Three Little Things That Go Everywhere With Me 💜

You don’t have to travel halfway around the world to appreciate clever gadgets. Three things rarely leave my small handbag: my Pebble power bank, mini tripod and portable fan. Whether I’m shopping, meeting friends for coffee, catching a train or setting off on a long-haul adventure, they come along.

My trusty Pebble power bank 🔋

My phone works overtime between taking photographs, navigating unfamiliar streets, messaging home and looking up restaurants. A Pebble power bank helps me avoid that dreaded 1% battery warning. It’s an everyday essential, not just a holiday purchase. If you’re flying, check the airline’s rules for power banks and carry them in cabin baggage.

Power banks: Veho Pebble Ministick power bank · NOBIS 65W portable charger (alternative)

My mini tripod: the gadget that does everything 📱

As someone who often travels solo, I love being able to get myself into the photograph for a change. But my mini tripod has a second job: it’s my portable TV stand! 😂 I prop my phone up to watch my favourite programmes on the train instead of holding it for the whole journey. A small gadget, but so useful.

Shop these picks: 4-in-1 phone selfie stick / mini tripod

My portable fan 🌬️

My little portable fan might sound like a luxury, but when I’m out shopping, at an event or exploring somewhere hot and humid, I’m always glad I packed it. And all three of these gadgets fit into a small handbag with ease.

Shop these picks: Portable fan

Shop my complete Travel Essentials collection

Pack Smarter, Not Harder 🧳

Because unpacking your entire suitcase just to find one pair of knickers isn’t exactly my idea of a relaxing holiday!

Packing cubes, toiletry bottles and cable organisers

Packing cubes help separate clothes and keep the suitcase from turning into a jumble sale. Reusable toiletry bottles are handy for shorter trips, provided you check your airports’ latest liquids rules. And a cable organiser saves me from travelling with what looks like a small electrical department: phone cables, camera chargers and headphones all fighting for space.

Another useful toiletry-bag option: Shop Wilkinson Sword Intuition travel razor. A compact option for packing light; check airline rules for razors if travelling with hand luggage only.

Shop these picks: Packing cubes · Travel toiletries bottle kit · Travel cable organiser

Microfibre towels and document organisers

A lightweight quick-drying towel is handy for beach days and outdoor adventures. A passport or document organiser keeps travel essentials together instead of forcing a frantic handbag rummage at the airport.

For keeping little valuables together: Shop Lolalet lavender travel jewellery case. The compact, velvet-lined design is a handy option for organising earrings, rings and necklaces while you travel. For valuable or sentimental jewellery, consider whether it’s safer to leave it at home.

Shop these picks: Travel towel · Travel document holder

Long-Haul Survival: Comfort and a Good Soundtrack 🎧

I love travelling. Trying to sleep sitting upright for hours? Not quite so much. A supportive neck pillow, soft sleep mask and earplugs can help make an economy journey a bit more comfortable.

Sony headphones: the only brand I’ll buy

When it comes to headphones, I’m definitely a Sony girl. I’ve tried several other brands at similar price points, but for me Sony consistently wins. I think they’re the budget-friendly masters of sound: the audio quality is outstanding for the money. After making those comparisons, Sony is the only headphone brand I’ll buy — whether I want headphones for music, a film on the train or a long-haul flight. I’ve included different Sony choices in my travel collection, from smaller earbuds to over-ear options. I wouldn’t assume the most expensive model is automatically right for everyone; I’d look at comfort, battery life and the features you’ll actually use.

Sony listening options: Sony over-ear headphones · Sony WF-C710N earbuds · Sony WF-C510 earbuds

Neck pillows, sleep masks and Loop earplugs

An eye mask helps when the cabin lights won’t cooperate, a neck pillow might save you from some very creative sleeping positions, and Loop earplugs are an option for those moments when the world feels a little too loud.

Shop these picks: Travel neck pillow · Travel eye mask · Loop earplugs

Browse my long-haul favourites

Luggage: Where I Splurge and Where I Save 🧳

There are plenty of travel essentials where I’m happy to save a few pennies. But for long-haul travel, I always reach for my trusty Antler suitcase. In my experience, the quality of the design and construction is worth the extra money. I want peace of mind that my case will survive the journey. Nobody wants to see their suitcase arrive on the baggage carousel ripped open, with their favourite knickers making a grand entrance for the entire airport to admire! 😂 That doesn’t mean I spend a fortune on every case. For staycations, weekend breaks and short-haul carry-on flights, I’m perfectly happy with cheaper luggage. I’ve included a premium Antler option alongside a budget-friendly alternative so you can choose what suits your journey. Always check the airline’s current baggage dimensions and weight limits.

For travelling light: Shop Taygeer 40 × 20 × 25 cm underseat cabin backpack. A practical option for short breaks and hand-luggage-only travel, but check your airline’s current personal-item size limits, including any restrictions on handles or overstuffed bags.

One more useful packing gadget: Shop GRIFEMA digital luggage scales (up to 50 kg). A quick weigh before leaving for the airport can help you avoid surprises at check-in; allow for scale variation and check your airline’s specific baggage allowance.

Luggage options: Antler suitcase · Amazon Essentials suitcase

Happy Adventures, Unhappy Feet! 🩹

My enthusiasm for discovering what’s around the next corner is considerably greater than my feet’s enthusiasm for walking. I can leave the hotel for a little wander and somehow cover miles before I notice. The blisters, sadly, always notice. A small first-aid kit is an absolute travel essential for me, and there’s one product where I don’t bother with cheaper substitutes: Compeed blister plasters. I’ve tried plenty of alternatives and, in my experience, Compeed works best. When your feet are threatening to go on strike, they’re worth the extra pennies! Comfortable, well-fitting shoes and dealing with rubbing early are important too.

My blister-plaster favourite: Shop Compeed mixed-size blister plasters (12-pack).

Shop these picks: Mini first aid kit

Cocktails, Cocktails… and Gaviscon! 🍹😂

Ah, the joys of getting older! My enthusiasm for a cheeky margarita doesn’t always match my stomach’s enthusiasm for it. So yes, Gaviscon has earned a place among my not-so-glamorous holiday essentials for occasional post-cocktail heartburn. It must be an age thing! Always follow the medicine’s directions, check the rules for taking medicines into your destination and speak to a pharmacist or GP if heartburn becomes frequent or persistent. A bottle of Gaviscon isn’t a reason to ignore your stomach’s warnings.

Travel-friendly option: I like the convenience of individual sachets — you can pop a couple in your handbag or travel bag instead of carrying a bottle. Shop Gaviscon Double Action sachets (48-pack). Check the ingredients and follow the directions for your own use.

Stay Hydrated, Stay Adventurous 💧

I’m the person who spots something interesting, takes a detour and suddenly realises I’m nowhere near the next café, shop or watering hole. And while I can survive a few hours without my next cocktail (just about), hydration is non-negotiable. A reusable water bottle comes exploring with me. I look for something lightweight, leakproof and easy to carry. Fill it before heading out, check whether local water is safe to drink, and take enough for the full route plus unexpected delays — especially in hot or remote locations.

Reusable bottle option: Shop insulated stainless-steel reusable water bottle. Check the size and weight to see whether it suits your day bag.

Another bottle option: Shop HartVale copper water bottle with handle. Choose based on capacity, ease of cleaning and the manufacturer’s care instructions.

A Few More Little Lifesavers 🌍

Sun protection for exploring: Shop e.l.f. Suntouchable SPF 50 face sunscreen stick. A compact option for your day bag. Apply generously and reapply as directed, especially after swimming or sweating; a sunscreen stick alone may not be enough for full-body protection.

For beach days and boat trips: Shop waterproof phone pouches (2-pack). They can help protect your phone from splashes and sand. Check your phone fits, inspect the seals and test the empty pouch before trusting it around water; avoid assuming it is safe for underwater photography.

Travel wipes are handy for unexpected messes. A small bottle of hand sanitiser is handy when soap and running water aren’t available; I still wash my hands whenever I can.

Travel hygiene find: Shop 50ml hand sanitiser gel (6-pack). Check the alcohol content and airline liquid rules when flying.

A small umbrella can save the day when the weather has other ideas. And for warm destinations, suitable insect repellent is worth planning ahead: where mosquito-borne illness is a concern, use evidence-based repellent rather than relying on bracelets alone.

Useful extras: Travel umbrella · Cotton bandana 6-pack · Mini wet wipes · Mosquito repellent bracelets (12-pack) · Jungle Formula 50% DEET insect repellent · TESSAN universal travel adaptor · Travel extension lead

Shop with Fi: My Complete Travel Collection 💜

Over the years I’ve learnt that the best travel essentials aren’t always the fanciest: sometimes it’s a little power bank, sometimes it’s a suitcase you trust, and sometimes it’s the packet of blister plasters that rescues your feet after one too many detours. I’ve gathered together the products I love, along with current alternatives to things I own and carefully chosen travel finds. Prices and availability may change; check the listing for up-to-date details. ✈️ SHOP FI’S COMPLETE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS ON AMAZON

Adventure Is Out There!

Solo travel has taught me that some of the best memories come from stepping outside your comfort zone and following your curiosity. A few handy essentials can help, but the real magic is in the adventure itself. I’ll be sharing more Australia preparations and travels soon. And speaking of adventures… More exploring. More adventures. More life. Gadabond. Something exciting is coming. 👀 What’s the one travel essential you absolutely couldn’t leave home without? I’d love to know! Happy travels! Fi x 💜 Life of a Crazy Mum — Turns out, there’s a lot of life after Mum.

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More from Shop with Fi 💜

If you enjoyed this one, there’s plenty more to explore in my Shop with Fi collection:

• The Creator’s Edit: My Home Office Must-Haves, Content Creation Essentials & Wishlist
• Shop with Fi: Is Amazon Prime Worth It for Shopping?