If you travel often enough, you eventually realise something.
The things that make a trip easier are rarely the big things.
They’re the small items you almost didn’t pack – the shawl that becomes a blanket on a freezing flight, the snack you’re grateful for three hours into a delayed journey, the extension cord that suddenly becomes the most valuable thing in a hotel room with one plug point.
Over time, I’ve developed a travel packing list that strikes a balance between minimalism and practicality. I’m not one of those who travels with just a backpack carrying 3 T-shirts and 2 pants. However, I’m also not one of those who pack a suitcase full of things I’ll never use for hypothetical situations. You won’t find 3 hair-styling tools in my suitcase, plus creams and lotions for my 10-step skincare routine. They’re great for back home, but I can surely do without those on a trip.
Everything on this list has earned its place through actual travels – flights, trains, beaches, mountains, road trips, and the occasional Airbnb stay.
These are the things I pack because I’ve learned that they matter.
Here’s what I almost always travel with.
For the Flight (and Transit)
Let’s start with the flight essentials. Because airports and airplanes have a way of reminding you of everything you forgot.
Power bank
Your phone will die faster than you think when you’re navigating airports, scanning boarding passes, and watching downloaded shows.
Lozenges (like Halls or any hard candy)
This may sound strange, but I’ve been stuck next to an incessantly coughing passenger on flights more times than I can count. Offering them a lozenge has saved my sanity more than once.
N-95 mask
For obvious reasons. Airports and airplanes are enclosed spaces. And while I’m rarely sick (thank you, immune system), I have been next to sneezing and coughing passengers on flights more often than not.
A light jacket
Flights are either freezing or perfectly comfortable. Rarely anything in between, so a denim jacket or hoodie are must-haves.
Light shawl
This might be the most versatile thing I carry. Apart from warmth, I’ve used it to sit on beaches, grass, or dusty ground, placed it between myself and questionable bedsheets in cheap hotel rooms, and even used it as an extra layer while camping.
Sunscreen
Full disclosure: I haven’t been great about actually using sunscreen for years. But I carry it on every trip with the sincere intention of changing that.
Something to snack on
Pringles, mixed nuts, or literally anything. You may think you won’t be hungry. I guarantee you will wish you had carried a snack.
Face mist (if you have dry skin)
Cabin air can be brutal on skin. Or a sheet mask for when I reach my hotel room.
Reusable water bottle
Fill it up after security. Bottled water prices are borderline criminal, especially at airports. And plastic waste? We can do our bit on that front too.
Book or downloaded shows
Flights are unpredictable. Wi-Fi rarely works. Download something in advance, have a book on hand, or do what I do and carry your laptop so you can brainstorm, make notes, or blog.
Travel Documents & Must-Haves
Passport
The most obvious, yet also the most catastrophic thing to forget.
ID proof (Aadhaar recommended)
PAN cards may be used to enter airports, but they aren’t accepted as ID proof in many hotels. Apps like m-Aadhaar work in many cases.
Front-sling bag/fanny pack
Perfect for keeping documents, phone, and essentials accessible without digging through your bag.
Watch and sunglasses
Small things that make a big difference during travel days.
Torch/keychain flashlight
A surprisingly useful item when you’re navigating dark roads, power cuts, or poorly lit accommodations.
Work Essentials (Because Remote Work Happens)
If you’re someone who works while travelling, these are non-negotiable.
Laptop and charger
Phone and charger
Power bank
Notebook and pen
Ideas, reminders, travel notes – sometimes it’s still easier to write things down.
Earphones or AirPods
For flights, calls, music, or working from noisy cafés.
Skin, Hair & Personal Care
These are the basics that help me stay comfortable without carrying an entire bathroom.
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Hotels may provide them, but those single-use plastic toothbrushes aren’t great for the environment. I usually stay in Airbnbs anyway, where they’re rarely available.
Soap and shampoo
Sometimes in travel bottles or sachets.
Face creams
I usually carry two:
• A lighter one like Emolene
• A thicker one like Ponds
Different climates affect your skin differently. Sometimes, even humid places can leave your face dry, and vice versa.
Small bottle of body lotion
Lip balm
Vaseline petroleum jelly
For lips, dry skin, minor scrapes, or emergency skincare hacks.
Pimple patches
Tiny, but incredibly useful.
Nail cutter and Tweezers
Electric shaver / razor + shaving cream – I added this one for the men reading this.
Waxing strips
Nail polish, remover, and cotton
Deodorant
I also take along a pocket vial of perfume for touch-ups during a long day out and about.
Sanitary pads
Even if you only carry 2–3, they’ll tide you over until you can buy more. I’ve been stuck in those emergencies without having one on hand way too often, and now I have a couple in every suitcase I own.
Clothing Basics
I try to keep clothing simple and practical. So apart from my travel outfits, a jacket, and nightwear, I carry:
Underwear and bras
A pair of slippers
1 pair of socks for every 2 days of travel
A pouch with versatile accessories
A few earrings, necklaces, or bracelets that can elevate basic outfits.
A bandana or balaclava
Walking shoes and one versatile pair of ballerinas
Small Things That Make Travel Easier
These are the items that seem minor but can save you a lot of trouble.
Extension cord / multi-plug adapter
Many hotel rooms or Airbnbs have just one inconveniently located plug point. I also have to charge multiple things at once, and this is a lifesaver.
Pack of tissues
A big pack – for toilet paper backup, for runny noses, for cleaning spills, wiping dust and sweat,
Wet wipes
Plastic bag
For sandy clothes, wet swimsuits, stained laundry, or anything you don’t want touching the rest of your luggage.
Medication
Crocin, Dolo, some motion sickness pills, a Band-Aid or two, Dipsalic cream for cuts and scrapes, and Electral or Electrolyte powder as I get sunstroke/dehydration very quickly. This also helps
Things I Carry for the Journey (and the People I Meet)
Travel is often about the unexpected people who make your trip memorable.
A pack of Goan cashew seeds
I almost always carry a couple of packets from Goa. They make great small gifts – whether for an Airbnb host, a helpful taxi driver, a new friend, or someone who helped you out of a tricky situation.
A simple gesture of gratitude goes a long way in making travel more pleasant – and sometimes safer. No matter where you’re from, carry a local sweet, pack of biscuits, or a treat from your part of the world. As an Airbnb host myself, when guests bring me a pack of laddoos or their favourite snacks, a late checkout is definitely on the cards for them.
Dog treats for street dogs
I try to carry single-ingredient dog treats for the stray dogs I inevitably befriend along the way. Not biscuits like Parle-G – actual dog treats. It’s a small thing, but it makes me happy.
For the Beach
Swimsuit and a Sarong/Cover-up
Even if you think you might not swim. Trust me – you’ll regret not carrying it.
Heading to the Mountains or Remote Areas
If the trip involves colder climates or remote destinations, I add a few extras.
Thermals and a thick puffer jacket
Woollen socks
Gloves
Reusable fork/spoon
Reusable metal straw
Slightly Random (But Surprisingly Useful)
Tea or coffee sachets + milk powder
Perfect for early mornings in remote stays.
Insulated travel mug
For coffee, tea, or just keeping water warm.
A small pack of washing soap
Great for when you book an Airbnb with a washing machine for a long stay, or even to wash something quickly in a hotel bathroom. You can purchase this anywhere, there’s no need to carry it along, but I have a couple in some of my bags.
A SIM Ejector Pin
Small, but annoying if you don’t have one. P.S. Ladies, you can use the back of your earring if you don’t have one. You’r welcome!
For Those Over 30 (You’ll Understand)
A small pack of hair dye
Just enough to touch up roots if they suddenly become visible in photos.
A balaclava
Keeps your ears and head warm in colder climates.
Things I Wish I Had (But Never Actually Pack)
A neck pillow
I’m always tempted to buy one before a flight. But carrying it around for an entire trip just to use it for a couple of hours during transit never quite feels worth it.
Maybe someday.
Like My Packing List?
Packing lists evolve slowly – usually after one too many “I wish I had brought that” moments.
Over the years, mine has become a mix of practical essentials, small comforts, and a few slightly quirky items that make travel smoother or kinder.
None of these things are luxury add-on. And none of them are dead weight in my suitcase.
Every single item on this list has proven its worth at least once. Truth be told, I’ve actually written this blog post as a checklist for my own travel, because even though I know I need to pack all of these things, I still forget a couple.
What’s one thing you carry that you think I should include in my packing list?