Look, I used to be that person who packed everything “just in case.” A hair straightener I never used. Three different adapters that didn’t fit anything. Shoes I wore exactly once.
After traveling the past few years, I’ve gotten ruthless about what actually deserves space in my carry-on. These five things have proven themselves over and over not because some influencer told me to buy them, but because they solved real problems I kept running into.
1. Packing Cubes (Yes, They’re Worth the Hype)
I’ll be honest, I rolled my eyes at packing cubes for years. They seemed like an unnecessary extra step. Then I watched my friend unpack her entire suitcase in 30 seconds while I was still digging for a clean shirt at the bottom of my bag, and I caved.
Game. Changer.
These things are especially clutch if you’re doing laundry mid-trip (which, let’s be real, you probably are). I use one cube for tops, one for bottoms, and a smaller one for underwear and socks. When you’re hopping between three cities in a week, being able just to pull out the cube you need instead of destroying your entire bag is chef’s kiss.ngs are especially clutch if you’re doing laundry mid-trip (which, let’s be real, you probably are). I use one cube for tops, one for bottoms, and a smaller one for underwear and socks. When you’re hopping between three cities in a week, being able to just pull out the cube you need instead of destroying your entire bag is chef’s kiss.
I use the BAGAIL 10 Set Packing Cubes, which now come in different sizes, allowing you to mix and match based on your trip length. The cream color makes it easy to spot everything in your bag.
- PREMIUM FABRIC: Smooth Nylon Fabric Protects Your Clothes from Wrinkles and Stains; High Performance Feature Makes Sure …
- VISIBLE MESH: Soft and Visible Mesh can not only Protect Your Delicate Clothes from Wrinkes and Odors,but can also Help …
- SPACE SAVING: Separating Your Different Clothes with Packing Cubes of Multiple Sizes and Vivid Color Options Available; …
2. A European Travel Adapter (Don’t Cheap Out on This)
I’ve probably bought four different adapters over the years because I kept going for the cheapest option, and they kept breaking or not fitting properly.
Here’s what I wish someone had told me: get the VINTAR 2 Pack European Plug Adapter. It’s specifically designed for Type C outlets (which covers most of Europe: Italy, Greece, Spain, France, etc.), and the best part? Each adapter has 2 AC outlets AND 4 USB ports (including USB-C). You can literally charge your phone, laptop, camera, and tablet all at once without needing a power strip.
Quick heads up: scroll down on the product page to check the compatibility list, Type C works for most European countries, but there are a few exceptions (like the UK and Ireland use different plugs). Better to double-check before you go than deal with dead devices on day one.
3. Travel Neck Pillow for Long Flights
Okay, confession time: I used to think neck pillows were dorky. Then I took a bus from Porto to Faro, tried to sleep without one, and arrived feeling like I’d been in a wrestling match.
The cheap inflatable ones from the airport? They deflate halfway through your flight. The weird U-shaped ones? Your head just falls forward anyway.
After some trial and error, I finally invested in the Proglobe Orthopedic Neck Pillow. It’s memory foam (so it actually supports your neck properly), and it comes with a complete travel kit, 3D eye mask, earplugs, and a mesh bag to keep it all together. The contoured design is way better than those weird U-shaped ones where your head just falls forward anyway.
- Proglobe essential neck pillow – crafted to provide reliable comfort while resting, traveling, or sleeping. Suitable for…
- Adjustable size with velcro – experience ultimate comfort with our memory foam neck pillow that conforms to your neck an…
- Great portability – the neck pillow is compact and lightweight and rolls effortlessly into compact form and is really ai…
4. Hanging Toiletry Bag for Small Bathrooms
This might sound boring, but hear me out. European bathrooms are… cozy. As in, there’s barely counter space for a toothbrush, let alone your entire skincare routine.
A hanging toiletry bag changed my life. You just hook it over the shower rod or towel rack, and suddenly you can actually access your stuff without playing Tetris on a tiny sink ledge.
I use the Everfun Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag, now it’s has a leakproof compartment (lifesaver for liquids), plus it works as both a makeup organizer and a full toiletry kit. Under $30 and has held up through tons of trips.
- Water Resistant Design: The Everfun toiletry bag has a water resistant exterior and leakproof compartments to protect yo…
- Zipper Closure: The bag features a two-way zipper closure for quick and easy access to your items.
- Spacious Capacity: With 12 compartments and a capacity of 8 liters, the Everfun bag is large enough to store all your to…
5. Portable Charger for Europe (One That Actually Works)
There’s nothing quite like the panic of watching your phone hit 5% when you’re trying to navigate a foreign train station and figure out if you’re on the right platform.
I learned this the hard way in Paris when my phone died right as I was pulling up my hotel confirmation. Had to find a café, order an overpriced coffee I didn’t want, and wait 30 minutes just to get enough juice to find my accommodation.
Now I never leave without my INIU Power Bank (the 10000mAh one). It’s slim, one of the thinnest I’ve found and can charge my phone multiple times. Bonus: it has USB-C in and out, so it works with pretty much everything, plus it charges super fast with that triple 3A output.
Pro tip: charge it fully the night before you leave. Sounds obvious, but I’ve definitely forgotten more than once.
- From INIU–the SAFE Fast Charge Pro: Experience the safest charging with over 38 million global users. At INIU, we use o…
- Industry First-Seen High-Density TinyCell: INIU’s latest 10,000mAh power bank features the market’s first high-density c…
- Charge iPhone 16 to 60% in 25 Mins: Equipped with a powerful integrated 45W chip. It charges an iPhone 15 to 60% in just…
Final Thoughts
None of these things are sexy or Instagram-worthy, but they make travel so much less annoying. And honestly? That’s the whole point. Pack smarter, not harder. Your future self (and your back) will thank you. If you’re planning your first European trip, check out my 10 Days in Portugal Itinerary for the full breakdown of where to go and what to actually do once you get there.