What to Pack: Travel Essentials

Ever wonder what travel experts pack in their suitcases? Our staff members log thousands of in-flight miles each year as they travel around the world — and they have definitely picked up a few packing tips and tricks along the way. Below, find our staff picks for top travel essentials.

Travel Essentials From the Andrew Harper Staff

"I print off multiple copies of my itinerary and place them into my individual baggage pieces – if something is ever lost or misplaced, it's easy to track me down. Also, after long flights (or during them), I find Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes to be extremely refreshing. They're also great after a day of hiking or touring a city on foot."

— Anna, Managing Web Editor

"A Kindle Paperwhite loaded with different books. A portable USB battery charger is a must, too."

— Scott, Senior Designer

"This may sound incredibly nerdy, but I have been using a Victorinox concealed security pouch for over a decade and love it. I keep all my important documents, some cash and other practical items (eyedrops, moisturizer, etc.) in it. It makes going through security a breeze. On the plane, since I don't have to put it away, everything I need is easily accessible. While traveling, if I am carrying large amounts of cash, I can wear it under clothes to avoid pickpockets in crowded tourist areas. At home, it holds all my travel documents in one place so I never misplace them."

— Gizem, Web Designer

"I always keep a makeup bag for the plane that I never unpack and keep in my carry-on. It contains an eye mask, ear plugs, lip balm, toothbrush, toothpaste, two caffeinated and decaffeinated tea bags (airline tea is terrible!), Aleve, sleeping pills, caffeine pills, socks and earbuds."

— Meta, General Manager

"Evian water spray for hydrating my face, moisturizer, chapstick, Sony headphones, a Lepow charger for my gadgets, my Global Entry card, books on my Kindle and a few movies."

— Lorelei, Chief Operating Officer

"An extra iPhone charger, a Brookstone neck pillow and my Bose noise canceling headphones. Also, I always make sure to pack versatile base layers, like leggings and tank tops, which make it simple to adapt outfits for any type weather."

— Emily, Marketing Director

Also Stashed in Our Carry-ons

• Podcasts that we should listen to but never seem to, like interesting TEDTalks
• Foreign currency
• A spare $100 in small bills
• Travel camera (we like the Cannon Powershot S100)
• Lightweight rain jacket
• First aid kit with Tums and band-aids

What are your travel essentials? Let us know in the comments below.