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Don't Board Your Flight Without These Expert-Recommended Travel Essentials

Each year, our Deal Experts at Travelzoo log hundreds of thousands of miles flying between offices and participating in our Experience program, testing the same vacations booked by our 27 million subscribers worldwide.

Through countless trips, we've identified our favorite travel essentials—items we never leave home without and often buy in duplicates to keep in our carry-ons for peace of mind.

Discover our must-haves below. What's your indispensable travel item?

Personal Care Essentials

Don t Board Your Flight Without These Expert-Recommended Travel Essentials Barrie Kosberg, Los Angeles: “A big, cozy scarf—perfect for chilly flights and doubles as a neck pillow if it's chunky enough.” Lily Fu, Los Angeles: “Toothbrush in the carry-on bag!” Jodi Burns, Miami: “Extra hair ties!” Darlene Carenza, Miami: “As a new mom, wet wipes are always a smart choice.” Karl Klockars, Chicago: “Nail clippers—you never know when you'll need them abroad. I now check my packing list religiously to avoid buying more.” Andrew Young, New York: “An empty water bottle to fill after security.” Anna Heinemann, Chicago: “Extra Ziploc bags—they always come in handy!”

Tech Must-Haves (Beyond iPad, iPod, and Kindle)

Don t Board Your Flight Without These Expert-Recommended Travel Essentials

Photo from Flickr by Mighty Travels

Doug Kushla, Los Angeles: “Cell phone charging cord in carry-on—crucial if bags are lost or during layovers.” Josh Gershenson, Chicago: “Outlet covers for childproofing hotel rooms. Pair with a crib request for family travel.” Kelsey Rexroat, New York: “Screenshot Google Maps of your hotel or destination for offline navigation, even without Wi-Fi.” Hilary Solan, Chicago: “Small power strips in every travel bag—no more hunting for outlets in hotels.”

Other Essentials

Don t Board Your Flight Without These Expert-Recommended Travel Essentials

Photo from Flickr by Michael Lawton

Petra Goodman, Mountain View: “My sketchbook—I never travel without it.” Angela Shannon, Chicago: “In my suitcase's top pocket: corkscrew, small candle, earplugs, and spare socks. Open local wine, relax with ambiance, block noise, and avoid bare feet on hotel floors.”
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