15 Travel Essentials You'll Wish You Packed Sooner
Struggle at baggage collection trying to spot your plain ol' suitcase? Time for an upgrade. These durable cases can become completely your own with CASETiFY's personalisation options. Throw your initials (or name) over a funky background and switch up the colour combos to fit your style. They're available in carry-on or checked bag sizes.Buy it from CASETiFY for $773+.
This COSRX snail mucin all-in-one gel moisturiser which will keep your skin hydrated and soft even when moving through drying climates, different weather zones and the dreaded long haul flight.
Promising review: "I have oily skin and I use this as a night moisturiser with my serums. I wake up with soft skin, no oil or residue. It has no smell. It has a bit of a stickiness that disappears quickly because it sinks straight into the skin. If, like me, you don't kill the snails who eat your plants, then they owe you this in return. A great skin product. And you use such a small amount that it lasts a long time." — CMM1984Buy it from Amazon Australia for $24.
This Marie Kondo-approved tech organising pouch that'll keep your loose cables, SD cards, charging bricks and power banks all in the one place.
As someone that's editing videos, vlogging or using tech constantly while overseas (or at home), I'm always worried about bringing the right cables, where I put my SD cards and if I have the right outlets for the place that I'm visiting. This pouch has so many nooks in assorted sizes to store everything that I could need, tech-wise, for a trip. It can fit headphones, big charging outlets, multiple cable stacks and more — all in the one place. Less incidents of frantically hunting for random cables in my suitcase at 11pm. Buy it from Orbitkey for $109.90.
This 20-pack of reusable zip-loc bags that can separately store smaller items you don't want to lose or get wet.
One of the worst things is losing something with sentimental value on a trip. So, before you take your favourite jewellery off and throw them loosely into your bag on a beach day — chuck them in one of these instead. Pack your hair ties, mini shampoo bottles, retainer and more in its own pouch for easy organisation on your holiday. Buy a 20-pack from Amazon Australia for $25.78.
This cult-loved OUAI ultra dry shampoo that'll be your scalp's bestie through the sweatier holidays, absorbing more oil without leaving any residue — making your hair the best accessory on your outfit.
OUAI's brought back their beloved Super Dry Shampoo and I thought you should know. As a sweaty scalp girly that can't wash her hair everyday (#naturaloils), making sure my hair, at least, looks clean is really important when going out on hotter days. It adds an extra element of looking ~put together~. This spray doesn't leave any whitecast on your hair and leaves it looking and smelling fresh. Buy it from Sephora Australia for $29+.
This Packable Bag from UNIQLO in collaboration with designer Anya Hindmarch that's equal parts adorable bag-charm and helpful reusable tote.
How many times have you found yourself in need of an extra bag — at the airport or even while out and about on adventures? This adorable compact pouch opens to reveal a bag big enough to fit A3 size paper, plus you can store your smaller essentials in the charm itself for each access. Clip it to your belt-loop, your bag or anywhere else that requires cute functionality. Buy it from UNIQLO for $19.90.
This Owala insulated bottle that has two drinking modes and incredible insulation, keeping your bevvies cold for up to 24 hours.
Make sure you don't leave your hydration habits at home when you're on holiday. Fill this up on the plane or before heading out on your adventure so you always have cold water on hand. You can swig it or sip it depending on how you're feeling. Buy it from Amazon Australia for $69.36.
This e-reader that will turn your brain into its own plane entertainment system (especially, if you decided to opt for a cheaper flight).
Catch up on your 'Want to Read' list ASAP with this Kobo e-reader that you can bring anywhere. It can easily slip into a purse or big pocket. Plus it's waterproof for poolside (or bubble bath) reading and can also connect to bluetooth headphones so you can listen to audiobooks, too!Buy it from Kobo for $249.95.
This full-padded toiletry bag that will keep your skincare, fragrances and dental care safe while you're on the move.
Promising review: "It's versatile and I have a couple of them — sometimes it's my makeup bag, sometimes it's for all my hair products. The removable pouch is great and comes in handy when I travel e.g. to put wet swimmers in when I'm on the go! It's also got a nice luxe feel and I feel like a proper adult when I use it." — Sohan JudgeBuy it from July for $95.
This handy pillow that'll keep your neck in the right position when you travel — which means less sore muscles to worry about when you wake up!
Promising review: "I took this neck pillow on the longest flight I've ever been on (10 hours to South Korea). Let me tell you — the moment I put this on, I've never, in my life, fallen asleep faster on a plane. It's perfectly padded and if you're a messy sleeper like myself, the straps that can be fastened onto the seat are a game changer. Despite how cushioned it is, it's perfectly compact and fits easily into my carry on. This is now a non-negotiable travel item for me for sure, no matter the length of the flight or which class I'm in." — Bernice CorralBuy it from Amazon Australia for $38 (RRP $65.99).
This adorable passport holder keeps your passport, cards and any document easily in reach.
Consolidate your passport, cards and documents when you're travelling. It has RFID protection so no one can scan your details with electromagnetic fields. Plus you can store multiple cards, cash and receipts. This also has personalisation available to make it completely your own. Buy it from kikki.K for $45.99.
This handheld tuuuuuuurbo fan is the gust of fresh air you need on a stinkin' hot day in the sun.
Promising review: "This fan works really well, even the lowest setting is quite strong. The battery life is great, I can leave it running for hours. I like that it's bladeless, so it doesn't get caught on anything. My only gripe is that even on the lowest setting, it is quite audible, but at the price I bought it for and considering its size and power, it's bearable." — HoneyBuy it from Amazon Australia for $17.99.
This Age Defence SPF 50+ by Skinstitut, which makes it easy to stay protected when you're out all day sightseeing, hiking or beach-hopping.
Long days outside can take a toll on your skin — but this broad-spectrum SPF has you covered. The lightweight formula is designed for everyday use — and it seriously comes through when you're on the move. It blends in easily (no white cast), hydrates without clogging pores, and uses advanced UV filters like Tinosorb S & M to protect your skin from sun damage. It's also packed with Vitamin B3 to strengthen your skin barrier and help minimise UV-triggered pigmentation. Great for beach holidays, hitting theme parks — or anywhere you're spending time outdoors — this one does the work of multiple products in a single step.Buy it from Mecca for $58.
This super handy universal powerpack that you can bring to over 150 countries.
NGL this design is pure genius, when plugged into an outlet you can charge a device and power bank all at the same time. You can also detach the power bank that allows you to charge your phone, camera or tablets wirelessly. It includes AU, EU, UK and US wall outlets so you don't have to buy new ones for each country. Buy it from Snap for $189.95.
And finally, this cheap-as-chips dry bag that'll help you separate dirty and wet clothes from the rest of your stuff.
It's easy to forget but never a bad thing to pack — bringing a dry bag along for your trip separates your items easily. Whether it's keeping dirty clothes away from clean ones, moving electronics away from potential explosives (creams and lotions) or packing wet items, it's super handy to bring along. Buy it from Kmart Australia for $9.
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27 Travel Items To Buy If Luggage Is About To Burst
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This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). From classic amusement parks, Victorian promenades and medieval harbours to independent shops, Michelin-approved restaurants and stunning wildlife, there's a seaside activity to suit every taste. Find your perfect day trip here — all within a two-hour train ride from London. 1. Deal, Kent Forget amusement parks, arcades or bright pier lights, Deal is a quaint, quiet town a 20-minute drive away from Dover's tourist crowds. A chocolate-box town with an independent high street and a popular Saturday morning market, this is a peaceful seaside getaway for those seeking a tranquil break. Though you can get your seaside fish and chips fix from well-reputed Sea View or The Fryer Tuck, the ingredients for a perfect seafront picnic are on offer at Arno & Co Grocer, which serves homemade sandwiches, salads and cake, plus interesting deli fare. For Michelin-recommended dining, head to Frog and Scot for a French bistro-inspired menu. 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For more entertainment and shopping, head to Folkestone Creative Quarter, brimming with galleries and performance spaces, including Quarterhouse, which hosts live music, comedy, plays and film screenings. Once you've had your fill of the cultural side, walk along the beautiful clifftop promenade, The Leas, for aerial coastal views. How to get there: Trains from St Pancras take around an hour and cost £15-20, one way. 3. Southend-on-Sea, Essex For a quintessential seaside day of rides, sand, rock and ice cream, plus the world's longest pier, this is your destination. As you stroll or take the train down the 1.33-mile pier, resist the soft serves in favour of a towering sundae from Tomassi's. For elevated cafe food close by, go to Oliver's on the Beach. And when the sun starts to dip below the horizon, take to the skies for an unconventional view of the sunset, riding one of Adventure Island's roller coasters. In summer, this park is open until 10.30pm, so you can keep spinning long after sundown. How to get there: Trains depart from Liverpool Street and Fenchurch Street and take just over an hour. Single tickets cost £10. With plenty of history to discover, Hastings is perfect for anyone who doesn't want to spend all day on the sand. Photograph by oversnap, Getty Images 4. Hastings, East Sussex Dripping in history, Hastings is perfect for anyone who doesn't want to spend all day on the sand. Soak up both 1066 history — reliving the Battle of Hastings between the French and the English — and sea views at Hastings' hilltop castle. If the manual ascent seems over-exerting, the West Hill Lift will carry you up. Be sure to also ride the East Hill Cliff Railway — the UK's steepest funicular, for sweeping views over the town. Back at sea level, wander through the Old Town exploring its quirky independent shops and 'twittens', a labyrinth of narrow passages connecting winding streets. 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To get closer still to the briny waters, take a boat trip into the North Sea where seal sightings are the norm. How to get there: Take the train from Liverpool Street, changing at Thorp-le-Soken, for £15-20. It takes around 95 minutes. Mermaid Street is the most famous spot for photographs but, if crowds gather, Watchbell Lane or The Mint are equally photogenic. Photograph by jenifoto, Getty Images 6. Rye, Sussex Technically, Rye is a former seaside town as the water is in constant retreat. But fear not, the sea is only two miles from the town and reachable on foot and by bus. Unlike most British harbours, Rye's was fortified during the Napoleonic Wars, and you can discover the town's long history in Rye Castle Museum. Back in the picturesque town, take time to explore the winding cobbled streets and wonky half-timbered houses. Mermaid Street is the most famous spot for photographs but, if crowds gather, Watchbell Lane or The Mint are equally photogenic. The Fig is a steadfast local favourite for imaginative food, think halloumi and harissa over fish and chips. Though if a hankering for this seaside classic persists, Marino's is considered the best fish and chip shop in town. Independent shops are everywhere but Ethel Loves Me and Rye Pottery offer local creations. How to get there: Take the 66-minute train (with one change at Ashford) from St Pancras for £20, one way. The stunning Indio-Islamic architecture of Brighton's Royal Pavillion makes you forget you're in the UK. Photograph by Allan Baxter, Getty Images 7. Brighton, Sussex A seaside classic that needs little introduction, Brighton has everything from a traditional pier and pebble beach to bustling nightlife and top-class dining to offer, warranting a longer break. The Lanes is a must-see: North Laine is a hub of unique shops, while The Lanes Food Quarter overflows with food options all in one place, perfect for the indecisive. Alternatively, take a picnic into the Royal Pavillion's gardens to see the stunning Indo-Islamic architecture which, on a hot day, makes you forget you're in the UK. Tours of the inside are also available. If you like swimming but don't fancy the chilly, salty waters, take a dip in the heated Sea Lanes pool before drying off and sampling Brighton's nightlife. There's an overwhelming choice, so take a cocktail tour with a local expert to find the best spots. How to get there: Trains run from Victoria and Blackfriars, taking just over an hour for as little as £8, one way. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
