Packing smart is one of the easiest ways to make travelling smoother, cheaper, and more enjoyable. The right gear can save space, reduce stress, and even prevent costly mistakes on the road. In this guide, we’re focusing on five tried-and-tested essentials that every traveller — from city break enthusiasts to seasoned backpackers — should consider adding to their packing list.
Each of these items has been chosen because it solves a real travel problem, takes up minimal space, and offers excellent value for money. The best part? They’re all available online, so you can order them well before your trip and tick “packing essentials” off your to-do list.
1. Packing Cubes
If you’ve ever opened your suitcase after a long journey and found your clothes in a crumpled heap, packing cubes will change your life. These lightweight fabric organisers divide your bag into neat sections, so you can separate tops from trousers, daywear from evening outfits, or clean clothes from laundry. It’s like having portable drawers inside your luggage.
The real magic of packing cubes is in how much space they save. Compression cubes, in particular, allow you to squeeze more into your bag without risking broken zips or exceeding airline baggage limits. They’re also a game-changer for multi-stop trips — instead of unpacking and repacking every time, you just lift out the cubes you need and drop them straight into a hotel drawer.
On the road, they make it much easier to find what you’re looking for. Need a fresh t-shirt? No need to dig through your entire bag — just grab the cube that contains them. It’s a simple addition that makes a huge difference.
Top Pick: Tripped Travel Gear Compression Packing Cubes (Amazon UK)
2. Portable Charger (10,000mAh+)
In 2025, our phones have become the ultimate travel multitool: they’re our maps, language translators, boarding passes, hotel keys, and cameras. That makes running out of battery more than an inconvenience — it can ruin your day. A portable charger ensures that you’re never left searching for an outlet in a crowded café or airport lounge.
When choosing a power bank, 10,000mAh is the sweet spot. It’s large enough to recharge most smartphones 2–3 times, yet still light enough to carry in your pocket or daypack. Look for one with fast charging capabilities so you can top up your phone in under an hour, and multiple USB ports if you travel with more than one device.
A reliable portable charger also gives you the freedom to explore without constantly thinking about your battery percentage. You can use your phone for navigation, stream music on long bus rides, or take hundreds of photos without worry.
Top Pick: Anker PowerCore Slim Power Bank (Amazon UK)
3. Reusable Water Bottle with Filter
Buying bottled water on the road is expensive, inconvenient, and terrible for the environment. A reusable water bottle solves all three problems — and if you choose one with a built-in filter, it can even make tap water safe to drink in destinations where it’s not normally recommended.
Filter bottles are particularly useful for adventurous travellers who spend time hiking, camping, or visiting remote areas. The built-in filtration system removes bacteria, microplastics, and other contaminants, allowing you to refill from taps, fountains, or even natural streams. That means fewer plastic bottles in landfills and more money in your pocket.
For air travel, a reusable bottle is invaluable. Fill it up after airport security to avoid paying £3–£4 for a tiny bottle of water before your flight. Plus, many filter bottles are designed to fit into standard cup holders and backpack side pockets, making them ideal for everyday use.
Top Pick: LifeStraw Go Filter Bottle (Amazon UK)
4. Universal Travel Adapter with USB Ports
If you’ve ever arrived in a new country and realised your charger doesn’t fit the local sockets, you’ll know how frustrating it is. A universal travel adapter solves this problem instantly, allowing you to plug in your devices in more than 150 countries with a single, compact device.
The best models include multiple USB ports (and sometimes USB-C) so you can charge several devices at once — perfect if you’re travelling with a phone, tablet, and camera. This means you can leave bulky chargers at home and just carry the cables you need. Some adapters also feature built-in surge protection, which is a lifesaver in places with unreliable electricity.
Investing in a good travel adapter is one of those small purchases that pays off for years. Instead of buying or borrowing a different plug for each trip, you have one reliable solution for anywhere you go.
Top Pick: EPICKA All-in-One Adapter (Amazon UK)
5. Tile Tracker or Apple AirTag
Lost luggage is one of the biggest frustrations of travel — but modern technology makes it much easier to avoid. A Tile tracker or Apple AirTag is a tiny device you can attach to your suitcase, backpack, or even your passport wallet. It connects to your phone via Bluetooth and, in the case of AirTags, Apple’s vast “Find My” network, allowing you to see its location almost anywhere in the world.
These trackers are particularly useful during air travel. You can see if your checked bag made it onto your flight, or if it’s still sitting in another airport. If an airline misplaces your luggage, you’ll have a much better chance of getting it back quickly because you can tell staff exactly where it is.
They’re also handy for everyday travel security — attach one to a daypack or camera bag in crowded areas, and you’ll get alerts if it’s moved away from you. Peace of mind in a device the size of a coin is worth far more than its small price tag.
Top Pick: Apple AirTag 4 Pack (Amazon UK)
✈️ Final Thoughts
Travel is unpredictable, but being prepared makes it far easier to enjoy the ride. Each of these five items solves a common travel frustration, takes up minimal space, and offers excellent value for money. Before your next trip, take a few minutes to add them to your packing list — your future self will thank you.