My Favorite Travel Must-Haves (I Wish I’d Thought of Sooner!)

June 18, 2026 ● Diana Herron

We all have those “Why didn’t I think of this sooner?!” moments when traveling. For me, it came while trying to pack fragile souvenirs into an already full suitcase. But now I’ve cracked the code—and I’m sharing not only that trick but a few other items that always make it into my suitcase.

Whether you’re a seasoned jet-setter or just planning your next getaway, here are four simple things I always bring that make my travels smoother, safer, and more memorable.

1. A Travel Journal That Tells My Story

I’ve been keeping a trip journal for years, and I’m currently on my fifth one—filled with memories from ten different adventures. I always choose smaller, soft-sided journals (about 5” x 8”) that can easily tuck into my backpack, no matter how full it gets.

Some entries are long and detailed; others are quick bullet points depending on how tired I am. But no matter what, I make a note of where we went, what we ate, what we saw, what we bought—and yes, even what went wrong.

These journals have become a great reference point for future trips and helping friends plan theirs. For example, on a recent river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, we stopped in Cologne, Germany. I made sure to jot down not only the stunning sights but also our amazing lunch at the Früh Brauhaus—bratwurst, cabbage, fried potatoes, and of course, the city’s signature Kölsch beer served in chilled, narrow glasses on a round tray called a crown. (And yes, the beer keeps coming until you cover your glass with a coaster!) I’m already dreaming about going back.

2. An Empty Toiletry Bag (Or Two)

We all bring toiletry bags filled with our must-haves, but I always pack an extra empty one—sometimes two. I have a whole drawer of them at home, and there’s one sturdy, squishable bag I keep bringing on every trip. It’s about 4.5 inches deep and 9 inches long, with thicker sides that provide a little structure, which makes it perfect for…

Souvenirs! You do have to plan ahead and leave space in your luggage for it on the return trip, but this little trick comes in handy when you need to separate and protect your new treasures.

3. Bubble Wrap and Padded Envelopes—A Game Changer!

This is the trick I wish I had thought of years ago. Since I do a fair amount of online shopping, I now save the bubble wrap and padded mailing envelopes everything comes in—and pack them flat in my suitcase.

They’re incredibly handy for wrapping fragile items like glass bottles, jars, or delicate ornaments. On my recent trip, we visited Melk Abbey and the storybook town of Krems an der Donau in Austria—known for its apricot products, like Marillenschnaps (apricot brandy). After indulging in a few tastings (cheers!), I left with a small bottle of local whiskey, apricot vinegar, apricot oil, and a jar of honey from the abbey gift shop.

Each item got its own wrapping treatment: first bubble wrap, then a padded envelope, then placed inside an empty toiletry bag with socks for extra padding. That bag then went into the center of my suitcase surrounded by clothes. Everything made it home perfectly intact.

4. Packing Cubes: My Organizational Obsession

Packing cubes have changed the game for me. I now organize everything by type: pants in one, tops in another, sweaters in a third. Not only does this keep my suitcase neat, but I genuinely believe I can fit more this way (which… let’s be honest… is both a blessing and a curse).

Before my Amsterdam to Budapest river cruise, I knew souvenirs would take priority over new clothes, so I made room accordingly. But on a recent trip to Paris? Let’s just say two gorgeous coats and a couple of tops came home with me—and thankfully, my husband had room in his suitcase.

Till Next Time… Happy Travels!

What are your must-pack travel essentials? Drop a comment and let’s swap tips!