12 Last-Minute Travel Essentials You Can't Leave Without

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If you’re like me, you’ve scanned every Pinterest post dedicated to last-minute travel essentials for your trip. I feel you, I’ve been there.

In an effort to make sure we all have the last-minute travel essentials, I’ve compiled this list. May it help you transform your mindset and ease all of your last minute packing stressors!

There are 12 things you can NOT travel without. This list of last-minute travel essentials will take your stress away and leave you free to enjoy your trip!

1. Plug adaptors – I used this list to figure out which plug adapters I’d need. If you’re planning to go to many countries at one time, go through the list to determine which adapters you need. Hopefully, you can get by with only two or three different kinds! Or, go for a universal adapter that can fit many different plugs.

2. Portable charger – this is a lifesaver, both in New York City and abroad. I don’t go anywhere without it. With the Anker PowerCore 20100, I can get 6 or 7 full battery recharges before I need to charge the charger. Perfect for long days out!

3. Travel pillow – Having a travel pillow is key on long flights, but traditional ones can take up much-needed space in a carry-on, making for a stressful trip through the airport. Try a neck wrap like Trtl’s. Instead of a puffy pillow, the wrap has internal ribs for neck support.

4. Backpack – For when you’re out all day. In New York City, I go absolutely nowhere without my backpack. Often, I’m out and about at various activities throughout the entire day without time to run home. Keeping everything you need for the day in a backpack saves you time. Instead of running back to the hotel to refresh, you can continue embarking on the day’s adventures.

5. Crossbody purse – For when you’re out for a few hours, or only need to carry a few items.

6. Rain jacket/portable umb rella – No matter what the weather report says, be prepared. You just never know if the sky above you will change from cloudless blue to dark gray with rain.

7. Noise-canceling headphones – Although similar to earplugs, noise-canceling headphones perform their own important job. Drown out the world around you with your own entertainment.

8. Reusable bottle – It doesn’t matter if you get an insulated bottle or a collapsible pouch, it just matters that you have water with you. Personally, I take my 25 oz S’well with me everywhere.

9. Camera case – My DSLR is precious cargo, but camera bags can be clunky and too big to store in luggage. With this case, the body and lenses are safe from dust or damage without taking up too much space in my day bag.

10. Microfiber towel – For the beach. At your hostel. At a hotel. If you’re cold at night or on the plane you can use it as a blanket. Honestly, this might be my most utilized item.

11. Earplugs – Imagine this: it’s late. You’re exhausted after trekking through (insert here) ancient ruin all day. You are desperate for sleep. But, your lovely neighbors think tonight is the perfect night to throw that party. Cue the sweet silence from your earplugs.

12. Luggage locks – They have 2 uses! Of course, the first is to lock your checked luggage when you send it off on your flight. But, have you ever considered locking your backpack while out and about exploring? Depending on where you go in the world, pickpocketing is rampant. Locking your backpack is a preventative measure to ensure the safety of your valuables while out all day.

Is there something you absolutely can NOT travel without that I didn’t mention? Please let me know! What are your most important last-minute travel essentials?

Lyndsay