Karine Laudort It’s that time again… Whilst Summer is when many are heading off to a new destination for some holiday fun, many people travel all year round. From backpackers on a winter adventure to travelling families escaping the chilly weather and opting for a warmer setting, to remote workers setting off for a work-cation, travel never stops and it is inevitable!
Whilst it may be all fun and games booking your trip, what becomes difficult is finding the must-have items you may not need at home but you will definitely need away. That’s why I’ve put together this super handy travel essential guide, so you can find those much-needed items before you are off on your trip. Whether you are off on a stay-cation or soon to be travelling for a cheeky workcation, this guide has everything you could possibly need (or imagine!)
Must-Have Gadgets
Steamery
One of the worst things about travelling is having to iron all of your clothes before you leave or at the destination. With the Steamery Cirrus 3 Handheld steamer, you can avoid all those pesky ironing jobs and steam your clothes with ease, whilst you’re on the go. The portable handheld steamer is effective and easy to use; Simply, pack the steamer with the rest of your items and forget the back ache (and headache) you get from standing over an ironing board tirelessly.
The Steamery Cirrus 3 steamer is a hybrid between an iron and a steamer, making it 100x easier to get your clothes looking crisp in no time. This steamer leaves your clothes wrinkle-free and pristine whilst also reducing bad smells and killing all lingering bacteria, making it the perfect alternative to over-washing.
Really, if you like to travel stress-free, buying this steamer will be a no-brainer. It really does revolutionise the way you feel and dress; Whether at home or on the road.
NETGEAR
When you are on the go, especially abroad or in rural areas, one thing that may be tricky is finding signal or wifi spots to help you stay connected with the digital world. Many people, like myself, like to continue working whilst on the go- Not only does it make us more productive but as a remote worker, I find it helpful knowing I can switch on my laptop to bring ideas to life whenever I want.
The Nighthawk M1 4g Mobile router fits perfectly in your pocket and allows you to connect to the internet without risking your data on public wifis and helps you to avoid hanging your arm in awkward positions to find the right spot for connectivity. The router has superfast mobile broadband to deliver excellent download speeds and can connect up to 20 wifi devices on the go- hassle-free!
With a simple but effective start-up, you can simply power on and connect instantly. Whether you are off on a camping trip in a desolate setting or just heading for a week away in the sun, this mobile router will save you from missing out on the digital world and from pesky roaming fees- An absolute must-have for the avid traveller.
Phillips LED Makeup Desk Mirror
As someone who is constantly on the go, most of the time I end up having very little to no time beforehand to get ready, which leads me to do my makeup on the train. This LED Makeup Desk Mirror is an absolute lifesaver when it comes to travelling. The Phillips LED mirror is lightweight, efficient and effective; With the option of cool and warm light tones to choose from and having advanced eye comfort technology so it doesn’t strain your eyes (like most lights do), this portable mirror really is a god-sent.
Easily rechargeable via the USB port, the mirror can be charged and used on the go, hassle-free. I feel, in particular, travelling makeup artists will find this product useful; Constantly on the go, not working from a set workspace, may lead to not having things you may need for the job.
Even if you aren’t a makeup artist, this LED mirror will still be your new best friend! Say Bye-Bye to using your camera mirror to do your makeup and say hello to your new favourite item!
WiZ Connected
Now, this next product may not be something you’d expect to need whilst on your travels. However, as someone who has visited rural countries where sometimes electrical problems can happen i.e blackouts, I know that this product will be super useful in those cases. Even for those who like backpacking and camping, this light will definitely be useful.
The WiZ Luminaire Mobile Light is a super efficient and lightweight light that is easily controlled via their app; You can just connect it to the app, turn it on and then you are able to control the brightness, colour and dynamic light modes, with just a click of a button. Even if you do not travel that much, this can also be used at home as a night lamp or book light; Especially if you do not like using your electricity that much, this product allows you to gain light without the fuss of heightened electricity bills.
CLCKR
What’s worse than having to find something to lean your phone on whilst on a long plane and train journey? As an avid traveller myself, I have found it difficult to keep up to date with my latest binge-watch due to not having somewhere for my phone to stand and have even found myself with an achy arm after holding my phone to my ear for hours. CLCKR has a range of amazing phone cases and universal phone grips that help you avoid this.
CLCKR’s creations allow you to use your device hand-free in numerous different modes; Portrait, Landscape and Conference. Each mode is handy depending on what you need If you want to catch up on your youtube subscriptions or a series, Landscape is the one to help you. Perhaps, if you want to scroll through Twitter or jump on a quick facetime, Portrait is perfect and maybe you’ve got a quick meeting in 10? Conference mode is ideal! Not to forget that the grip can also double up as a carry strap which allows you to have a stronghold of your device.
CLCKR’s phone cases and grip stands really are the travel must-have you want and need for your next voyage.
STMGoods
The one thing that gets on my nerves whilst travelling is having to bring loads of wires and plugs along with me to ensure my devices stay charged. Well, that is a thing of the past, as with the STMGoods Chargetree Swing, you can avoid having to untangle loads of wires as this unit is able to charge 3 of your devices at once.
Despite being a Samsung user, I know this product would be most useful for those with an iPhone, Airpods and Apple Watch. Especially travelling overseas and having to buy multiple adapters so you can charge all of your electrical devices at once, the ChargeTree swing makes this 10x easier for the modern-day traveller that’s always on the go.
If you are someone who is always looking for a spot to charge your phone or battling to untangle a bunch of wires, this product is for you. Thank me later- It’s the ultimate gamechanger.
Planet Buddies
When you’re travelling with a little one, your main mission is to make sure they’re happy and settled down on your journeys, Especially on long-haul flights and train trips, they can get really restless, so that is when you need to make sure you’ve got something that will keep them entertained all the way through.
These Wireless headphones from Planet Buddies really are the best invention for kids yet. When you’re travelling, you are more than likely to put on a film to pass time but you also need to consider others around you. That’s why Planet Buddies have created these super cute wireless headphones for kids so that they can watch a movie, or play a game without the hassle of the volume being too loud for others.
Available in 3 different colours and animals, these headphones also have safe audio levels and soft, flexible ear pads, as well as a built-in microphone for your little one to enjoy. As they are wireless, they are tangle-free, making them easier to put on without stress. Not to forget that they are also foldable, making them perfect to squeeze into your bag with limited space.
Must-Have Miscellaneous
Cheeky Wipes
We all know that wipes are a huge environmental problem. With many baby wipes stating to be ‘biodegradable’, we know that this isn’t true at all. From blocking up sewers to then eventually landing in the ocean, we know that wipes don’t disintegrate so why do we still constantly use them?
Cheeky Wipes are a great product to have whilst on the go. They can be used as average hand and face wipes, but also as an alternative to average baby wipes and toilet paper. Most kits include super soft microfibre clothes, a wipe dispenser and either essential oil or their wet and wipe spray. Especially when you’re travelling on public transport, this would be a great option to have if you don’t particularly like hand sanitisers and how they dry out your skin.
Cheeky Wipes are efficient and effective- If you are looking to slowly move over to eco-friendly products then these are for you. I can vouch and say that you will not go back.
Elastoplast
For those unexpected accidents, Elastoplast has an eco-friendly alternative to patch up cuts and effectively “patches up” the world. We don’t realise the small things we use that affect our environment. From plastic straws to wipes, all of these products ultimately go to landfill and end up causing co2 emissions to increase.
Especially on your travels, these accidents can happen at any given time so why not be extra- prepared with these awesome “Green & Protect” plasters from Elastoplast? Elastoplast is the number one wound healing and wound care expert in the UK and they are constantly releasing innovative products to help deal with the minor inconveniences of life. As someone who has always used Elastoplast, I’m even happier that they have brought out an eco-friendly alternative!
Whilst it is great to think that accidents can’t happen, that doesn’t make these accidents unavoidable so to be prepared, why not grab these eco-friendly plasters? With extra strong adhesion and comfortability, these plasters save you from the pain of rushing to a pharmacy in an area you’re not familiar with and also allow you to continue on with your day without bother.
Even if you don’t think accidents can happen, it’s better to be safe than sorry- Stock up now!
The environment will thank you later!
DenTek
We all know that the worst can happen unexpectedly and what’s worse than losing a filling, crown or cap whilst on holiday? One thing is you definitely want to avoid paying oversea dental fees, so what is out there to help you minimalise the damage?
DenTek has created a super easy-to-use and short-term solution to your dental troubles. We all know that fillings and crowns can come off in just one bite, so the DenTek Temparin Max Tooth Repair Kit is exactly what you need to get to avoid an uncomfortable and unappealing smile on your trips. You just have to identify where the cavity is, clean the area, using the spade tool gently place the Temparin and wait a short amount of time for it to set in place.
When your teeth are compromised away from home, there is only one solution to help fix it temporarily; DenTek’s repair kit.
Poo Pourri
Now, this next product is here to save you from the embarrassment of using toilets in public. We all know that one dodgy dinner or coffee can make your stomach turn for the worst; We’ve all been there. So why don’t more people know about this tiny but effective spray that can help you avoid the walk of shame out of the cubicle stalls?
Poo Pourri’s Before-You-Go is the ultimate must-have that you need in your bag. Whether you’re on a long train journey up north or are just looking for a handy product to have, Poo Pourri is right for you. With tons of different scents; Original Citrus and Lavender Sage to name a few, the Before-You-Go spray makes travelling stress and hassle-free. Simply pop your spray in your bag and you’ll be prepared for the least expected.
Simply spray the toilet “Before-You-Go” and you can avoid smelling up the train toilets and the awkward walk back to your seat- An absolute life-saver.
Loop Earplugs
One of the biggest pet peeves of all time is being stuck on an airplane, train or even bus, with loads of overbearing noises, that become extremely overwhelming. Especially when you struggle to focus or you want to get some sleep, this can take a turn for the worst, leaving you irritated, angry and overwhelmed. That’s why the Loop Experience Ear plugs are the best. Being a useful noise cancellation tool and also a contemporary fashion statement, the loop experience earplugs allow you to still be fashionable whilst wanting to get some quiet time from the loud and fast-paced world around you.
The Loop Experience earplugs don’t stop you from hearing; It just lowers the volume. Using an acoustic channel and mesh to filter the soundwaves, you can hear speech perfectly fine, just not as loud. So even if you still want to listen to the buzzing world around you, you can! Say bye-bye to excruciating headaches and say hello to the new world of peace and quiet! Maybe noise sensitivity isn’t a cause for concern for you, then these earplugs double up as a statement accessory piece which will definitely make people wow!
I also find that these earplugs would also be particularly useful if you do not like the squeaky and harsh noises of the underground; I know I don’t!
Noble Isle
Available at their online store or at Liberty London
In light of the recent pandemic and now the monkeypox epidemic, one thing that is at risk when travelling is our health. We spent months masked up and drenching ourselves in hand sanitiser but germs and bacteria are still everywhere so why have we stopped?
Noble Isle has brought out a luxurious and gorgeous-smelling hand sanitiser range that not only smells amazing but also leaves your hands smooth and not dried out! Their 75% alcohol range is vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, 100% recyclable and suitable for all skin types.
Their elegant range of hand sanitisers has scents that are really long-lasting and that don’t leave a nasty, sticky residue on your hands. This hand sanitiser really changes the game. What more could you want from a hand sanitiser?
Curaprox
If you are looking for something to spice up your teeth routine then Curaprox has the ultimate toothpaste selection in a range of different flavours. One thing that I dislike is sticking to the same old toothpaste, and this range of pastes, in particular, makes it easier to switch it up depending on your mood!
This taster kit has 6 different, delicious flavours; Grapefruit & Bergamot, Peach & Apricot, Watermelon, Gin Tonic & Persimmon, Blackberry & Licorice and Apple & Aloe. With no micro-plastics, SLS or triclosan, you can clean your teeth with ease knowing there aren’t any harsh additives in the mix.
If you are going to be travelling soon and like to try new things (whilst also keeping your pearly whites bright) then the Curaprox pack is perfect for you!
Buzzing Beauty and Skincare
Silver Guard
Available in Black and Orange, and Grey and Pink
When you are travelling, one of the top necessities you need is your trusty makeup/wash bag to store all your must-have products in. However, we know that bags can cling to dirt, bacteria and all that nasty stuff you don’t want on your products. Well, this is now a thing of the past- The antimicrobial beauty and washbag from Silver Guard will be your new best friend; Harnessing IONIC+’s silver technology which works against harbouring bacteria and viruses, including COVID19.
There was one thing that the pandemic taught us and it was that bacteria is everywhere. Especially when it comes down to makeup brushes or face cleansing tools, you definitely do not want them to be sitting in bacteria and viruses, for you to then put them on your face- You can say this anti-microbial makeup bag is your key to clear skin! Without any use of chemicals and nanotechnology, this bag really changes the game for when you are on the go.
Say goodbye to having to clean out your wash bag and say hello to your new favourite!
Upcircle
One thing about being on the go all the time and travelling frequently is that your skin can be compromised. UpCircle’s range of ethical and cruelty-free skincare is perfect for those who want to keep their skin glowing on the go!
Starting off with their incredible Face Toner; For someone who has multiple different steps in their skincare routine, I am always looking out for products that help simplify it. UpCircle’s Hydrating Face Toner is supplemented with hyaluronic acid and BHA salicylic acid that helps hydrate and cleanse the skin. Unlike other toners I’ve used in the past, this one comes with a spray nozzle which makes it easier to apply and perfect for travelling; You can either spritz your face or spray onto a cotton pad and pat your face after cleansing and it leaves your face feeling refreshed and glowy. Made with camomile extract and mandarin fruit water, this toner leaves my skin feeling rejuvenated and plump. However, this product does have a prominent scent which I am not too fond of. Despite this, that doesn’t stop me from using this on a daily basis!
Next up is their Face Serum. With added coffee extract and Vitamin C, it is perfect for giving your skin that extra TLC and boost it needs, especially after long-haul flights and constant travelling. This multi-award-winning serum is suitable for all skin types and is jam-packed full of jojoba, sea buckthorn and rosehip oils that help nourish and soothe the skin whilst helping to fade scarring and spots. This dermatologically tested serum is perfect for keeping your skin healthy and hydrated, locking in moisture without leaving your skin sticky and without any residue. Ideal for after those long, draining nights.
Following on to UpCircle’s SPF 25 Mineral Sunscreen, a holy grail for those looking for a non-chemical solution to protecting their skin whilst soaking up the sun! This broad-spectrum mineral formula that is reef safe and tested on all skin tones, is an absolute must-have for when you’re travelling. As someone with a darker skin tone, we’ve been told to avoid mineral sunscreens as they can leave a nasty grey cast on the skin. However, this sunscreen easily melts on the skin. Containing zinc and titanium oxide, this sunscreen works by creating a physical barrier against UVA and UVB rays. I found that the consistency was velvety and wasn’t heavy on the skin, like most sunscreens, and had a delicate, lavender scent to it which was pleasant. It also has calming ingredients like vitamin E, sunflower oil and aloe vera, which seemed to help soothe the skin whilst in direct sunlight. Overall, I’d highly recommend it if you’re after a non-chemical solution to your skincare.
Moving swiftly on to their eco-friendly alternative, UpCircle’s Hemp and Cotton Makeup pads. As someone who is always on the lookout for products to help cut my waste down, I was pleasantly surprised when I found that they have a sustainable alternative to cotton pads and makeup wipes. The Hemp and Cotton reusable pads for UpCircle are a fabulous way to remove dirt and impurities from your face. Coming with a mesh bag to wash and store them in, these makeup pads make it super easy to stick with your skincare routine whilst also caring for the environment. Despite having 3 layers of material, these cotton pads are super soft and are really easy to clean. These are an absolute need if you are an eco-warrior!
Last but not least, is the Tube Squeezer Key. When on holiday, it is like heartbreak knowing that your favourite product is down to the very last bit. Instead of gripping and pressing tubes to get the last bit of your fave cream out, you can easily get out the last of the product without the hassle. It can be used on metal and plastic tubes and isn’t limited to your skincare products! Perhaps you are looking to cook your favourite dish and the puree is all out, just whip out your trusty tube squeezer key and you’ll be back to making your favourite food in no time.
Also not to forget, that all products are available in travel size so if you don’t want to splurge straight away or you are tight on luggage space, this may be a better option for you!
RINGANA
Whether you are on a business trip, a weekend away or a sunny beach holiday, one thing that we all struggle with is making sure all of our liquids are in a clear bag and are under a certain amount. We’ve all been there- Standing in the corner at security trying to squeeze your toiletries into one tiny plastic bag… It’s not worth the stress!
RINGANA have the ultimate solution for you, combining all your must-have toiletries into one bag. RINGANA’s Travel Set comes in 3 different tones; Fair, Medium and Rich, as well as also offering an option for men too. The set includes 3 sample boxes containing a range of mini-size products; 1 FRESH Sample Box Face, 1 FRESH Sample Box Body, 1 FRESH Sample Box Wash and the travel RINGANA wash bag. Each box has everything you could possibly imagine. the Face Box contains a mini cleanser, tonic, cream and anti-wrinkle serum, which are all essentials for when you’re on the go. The Body Box includes their body milk, foot balm and hand balm and the Wash Box has body wash, shampoo, cleansing foam, deodorant and tooth oil.
One thing I particularly loved about this travel set is that you have options to pick from depending on your skin tone. As I’m someone with dark skin, I found that some products can leave a nasty white cast and so having skin tone variables is a smart move. I found that their body wash and body milk is very luxurious and left my skin feeling nourished and moisturised. As this set is particularly for those with dry skin, it definitely helped with keeping my skin hydrated and smooth. Not to forget that most of their products are fragrance-free, making them perfect for those with sensitive skin.
If you are after a quick fix to make your trip to the airport hassle-free or you want to treat yourself to some luxurious goodies, then RINGANA’s travel set is what you are looking for.
Pharmaceris
One product we cannot forget about is Pharmaceris’ S Spectrum Protect Broad Spectrum Sun Protection Cream in SPF50+. This suncream is perfect for those who are always on the go and have sensitive skin as it is specifically designed for those who have delicate skin and that may be more susceptible to reacting to the sun. If you have sensitive, dry or reactive skin that is prone to allergies or hyperpigmentation, then this product is for you.
With advanced filters that protect against UVB, UVA, HEV and Infrared light, you can rely on this sunscreen to protect you against all of the most harmful rays. It also has a lovely lightweight feel to it and it instantly melts into the skin, not leaving a nasty sticky feel to the skin, which is a big no for me. Pharmaceris’ sun protection cream is also water-resistant, making it easy to continue having fun without constant re-application (though it is still advised!)
Suitable for adults, children and babies from 6 months old, your whole family can be protected from the sun without the hassle of buying multiple sunscreens and not only does it protect, but it helps nourish and hydrate the skin. Though I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone with darker skin, I can definitely vouch for it being a lightweight formula, with ultimate protection that is suitable for sensitive skin and those who love a beach day!
ARRAN Sense of Scotland
ARRAN Sense of Scotland has a gorgeous range of shower gels, lotions and shampoos but what makes it even better is that they have ranges that are travel sizes!
The scent that stood out to me the most was their Glenashdale Discovery Set. Glenashdale has a captivating citrus scent; Combining grapefruit, lemon, bergamot and green leaf aromas to create the perfect, uplifting smell that will not only make you feel refreshed but you will smell refreshed too!
ARRAN’s Discovery Set entails of a 30ml Bath & Shower Gel, Shampoo, Body Lotion and soap, making it perfect for your travels; Whether it is a short-haul trip, a holiday or a weekend away, this set fits easily in your carry-on and will be your go-to when away from home!
SkinChemists
If you are constantly on the move, you can be susceptible to forgetting important things and especially when you have a long list of skincare products to use, it can get really irritating having to haul all of these products along your journey with you. Whilst it may not be your whole skincare routine in one tub, the Skin Chemists Wrinkle Killer Daily Face Cream Duo in both SPF 30 and 50, really helps you to avoid forgetting the most important things… like sun protection!
This duo helps to protect your face from harmful UV rays and also leaves your skin beautifully soft and ready for the day. With both chemical and mineral formulas combined into one, this duo aims to protect against the broad solar spectrum and whilst it protects against UVB radiation, it also protects from the entire UV spectrum, which we all know causes premature ageing of the skin.
With a lightweight and nourishing formula, you can just apply the cream in the morning and re-apply when necessary, without the product leaving a horrid residue. One thing for certain is that with this product, you’ll be protecting your skin from sun damage and also premature ageing. Think of the cream as a two-in-one skin saviour!
Fashion Faves
ONES Trainers
When you are constantly on your feet, comfort is key. We’ve all been there when we’ve worn some uncomfortable flats to the airport and instantly regretted it. That’s why it is better to be prepared with these fabulous trainers from ONES, which provide ultimate support and comfort for days when you are on the go.
Whilst they aren’t a fashion statement, I can say for sure they make up for this by being one of the most comfortable shoes EVER. With memory-foamed soles and premium soft neoprene uppers, these trainers make you feel like you’re walking on a cloud. Not only are they unisex, but they are super easy to throw on and lace up.
Available in black and white, the Cooksley Trainers from ONES are ultimately one of the best shoes for comfort on the market. A super versatile shoe that is easily thrown on without the fuss of ruining your outfit and are perfect for long walks, runs and your journeys!
PrimaBerry
Available in 3 different tones; La Terra, Azzurro and Passione
Last but not least are your new favourite sunglasses from PrimaBerry. Their range of unisex sunglasses made by Italian artists using premium Mazzucchelli cellulose acetate are not only gorgeous when worn but are really good quality overall. PrimaBerry is a sustainable online store where travel meets fashion. Taking inspiration from their travels and places they have visited, they have created ever-growing collections of clothing and accessories for everyone to enjoy.
Inspired by their travels to Italy, these stunning glasses are available in 3 different designs and colours; La Terra (tortoiseshell), Azzurro (sky blue) and Passione (red.) When you’re travelling (even in cold climates), the sun follows you everywhere so it’s always good to have a pair of sunglasses at hand. The sunglasses from PrimaBerry are a great place to start as not only are they fashionable but they add sophistication to any look, whilst protecting your eyes and the environment!
If you are looking for sunglasses that are sustainable, versatile and stylish, then PrimaBerry is the place to go.
Whether you are planning a quick trip abroad, or you’re off on a weekend away, you know where to come to. Wherever you’re travelling, you need to make sure you have everything you need for the trip ahead so before you head off on your adventure, make sure to re-visit our super-savvy guide for all of your travel must-haves. From Phillip’s LED Mirror to Silver Guard’s antimicrobial makeup bag, there are so many products you may not have realised you would need. Either way, we hope this guide has helped you plan ahead and be super prepared!
Safe travels!
