Must-Have Travel Essentials (Plus Smart Substitutes If You Forget Something)

A crescent moon that is waxing is good luck for lovers and travelers.

Don’t Leave Without These Must-Have Travel Items

1. Swiss Army Knife. Depending on the model you choose, you’ll get scissors, tweezers, a toothpick, a corkscrew, a bottle opener, a can opener, a screwdriver, a ruler, a file, a magnifier, and a knife (make sure that this is in your checked luggage, not your carry-on).
2. Copies of medication and eyeglasses prescriptions.
3. Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses.
4. Sunglasses. Even in the winter.
5. Shower sandals. For icky shower stalls and to prevent athlete’s foot.
6. Address book with important phone numbers. Be sure to include numbers to call if your credit card or traveler’s checks are lost or stolen.
7. A book or music player.
8. A deck of cards. For rainy days and extended layovers.
9. Rain gear.
10. Sewing kit with safety pins. Don’t forget to bring the right color thread; four mini spools of white aren’t any good if your entire wardrobe is navy blue. Safety pins come in handy for torn hems, broken luggage straps, popped buttons, snapped swimsuit straps, and curtains that won’t stay closed.

Smart Travel Substitutions If You Forget Something

As you’re packing, consider bringing these five items, which make handy travel substitutions, too.

Baby Powder

• Substitute for deodorant
• Use as foot powder
• An emergency shampoo—brush the powder through your hair, and it will absorb some of the dirt and oil (cornstarch baby powder works best)

Beach wrap/sarong

• Substitute for a skirt
• Use as a beach towel or picnic blanket

Nail Brush

• Substitute for a laundry brush

T-shirt

• Use as a pillowcase at a summer house or cottage

Toothpaste

• Make a shoe polish; use it with a little water

Did we miss one of your must-have travel essentials? Share your go-to packing item in the comments and help fellow travelers stay prepared!