This post contains affiliate links (some but not all) to some of my favorite items. I may receive a small commission if you use my link to make any purchases. This is just an FYI and don’t worry – I use every single item in this post and all reviews are my own.

Christmas is right around the corner and if you’re still looking for the perfect gift for that friend or family traveler, look no further. I’ve been thinking of compiling this list for a while. This list is useful for anyone who generally enjoys being organized while on the road. Here is my short but essential must have item list whenever I travel.

1. EZ Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are the gift that keep on giving because you don’t just have to use them while you’re traveling. We use the smallest cube in the set for my son’s toiletries and the smallest cube in another set for my own. They keep us organized at home as well as on the road.

I know that you can get packing cubes from anywhere but I especially love the cubes from EZ Packing because they’re clear and I can see exactly what’s inside of them. The starter set is super affordable and includes 4 sizes from extra small to large which gives me plenty of options depending on the length of my trip. These cubes allow me to pack for myself and my kids all in one suitcase allowing me to consolidate the number of bags we have hence making my life that much easier.

2. iFly Luggage

I like my luggage to look good and iFly Luggage looks GOOD. We have the silver and rose gold carryons as well as the large size in silver and get so many compliments around the airport. Not that I need compliments on my luggage but it feels good to have nice things, right?

I can also attest to their customer service as they are super responsive to any questions or comments you may have. These luggage is a must have item for every traveler.

3. Dr. Bonner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer Spray

One of my famous friends in my head on social media recommended this instead of the traditional gel hand sanitizers and I absolutely love it. You can either buy it from the above link or right from Amazon. I keep one in purse and another one in my baby backpack. Solomon loves getting his hands sprayed every so often and the Lavender scent is just lovely.

I can feel germs sometimes (at least I think I can) so hand sanitizer is a must when I travel, no matter how far I’m going.

4. Reusable Water Bottle

I bought a Klean Kanteen water bottle about a year ago and it quickly became one of my favorite things. I drink a lot of water so I always have some with me. But in an effort to lessen my footprint and do better by the Earth, I stopped carrying a plastic water bottle. Even the plastic reusable bottle didn’t last me as long as I felt it should have and for that reason, I was on the hunt for a metal bottle. They are super easy to clean, don’t ever get those weird smells, and keep my water colder longer.

With hydration stations quickly becoming the norm, it’s easy to make a reusable water bottle one of my must have items and also cut down on single use plastic.

5. Priority Pass Membership

2019 marked the first year that I had any sort of access to airport lounges and let me tell you, I am never looking back. A perk of one of my credit cards is a Priority Pass membership which allows me to enter thousands of airport lounges around the world even though I’m not flying in a premium cabin. Lounge access is invaluable when it comes to comfort and the difference between waiting at the gate and waiting in a comfortable, usually quiet lounge is huge.

If you travel even just a couple of times a year, the yearly membership more than makes up for it when you consider the availability of free food alone lol. Yes, I went there. I’m the person going to the lounge for the free food.

Bonus items for family travelers:

6. Ergobaby Carrier

I will never not suggest that families carry their babies when on the go. Unless your child is too heavy or there is some other physically restricting reason that you cannot carry your baby, it just makes too much sense to have an ergobaby carrier.

Carrying your baby allows for a completely hands-free experience and it has made our lives so much easier. Do yourself a favor and make the small investment. Solomon has outgrown his but we have already started using our ergobaby with our newborn.

7. Summer Infant Stroller

Specifically, the Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller is the perfect and lightweight stroller everyday use. I can unfold it with one hand (and a foot) while holding Solomon’s hand with my other hand and it folds up even easier for either the trunk or overhead compartment. We love this particular stroller so much that we actually forgot ours on our way to the airport to go to Switzerland this summer and stopped at Target to get another one. We searched the Target website for a store between home and the airport that had our stroller (it was too late to turn back). True story. We love this stroller and so will you.

What else would you add to this list? I’m always looking for new items that will make my time away from home easier. Recommend your favorites in the comments!