After many years of travel through Europe, we have tried everything from Airbnbs to boutique hotels in MykonosYou can’t rely on the basics for your entire journey. I’ve been stuck on a dead battery when there was no outlet to be found. hotel safes I’ve sat on 10-hour flights without working in-flight entertainment and had a door that wouldn’t lock. Even simple things, like having a working steam iron in the hotel room, have let me down at the worst of times.
Now, I’m always prepared for the worst. Whether I’m headed to a major city or a relaxed beach town, I always bring a few travel M.V.P.s that save me when things don’t go as planned—like a portable charger, universal adapter, travel-size toiletry bottlesA, and compact steamer. No matter where I am going, these small essentials make my trip run smoothly. Below I’ve rounded up some of the smart swaps for Europe and beyond that I recommend. Prices start at just $7.
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Do not rely on a outlet
Do: Take a portable charger
You can’t count on outlets working during long flights or layovers. This is especially true if the aircraft you are in is older or if there are limited charging stations at an airport (I have been there). A portable charger This is essential in order to power your phone, tablet, headphones and other electronic devices during the flight. Bonus: It’s a great tool to use while exploring or using maps.
Charmast portable charger with built-in cables
Amazon
Iniu Portable Charger
Amazon
You shouldn’t rely on the hotel toiletries
Bring your own travel size products
Hotel shampoo and conditioner are hit or miss—and if you’re staying in an Airbnb, there may be nothing provided at all. Bring your own travel-sized products to keep your hair and skin happy when you’re abroad. The following are some of the best travel-size hair and skin care products. TSA-friendly bottles These bottles are lightweight, easy to refill and leak-proof. You can easily pack your favorite shampoo, bodywash and lotion.
Morfone 16-pack travel bottle set
Amazon
Mrsdry Travel Containers 4-pack
Amazon
Do not rely on foreign outlets
Bring universal adapters or converters
Outlet shapes vary widely across Europe, and most U.S. plugs won’t fit—so bringing a universal travel adapter This is an absolute must. You can plug your devices into this charger in any country in Europe (and beyond). It has USB ports built in so that you can charge more than one device at the same time.
Here’s the problem: while newer iPhones, iPads and Apple products use USB-C cables for charging, many hotel or airport USB ports overseas still accept USB A. This is where a tiny USB-C cable comes in. Type-A to Type-C converter comes in handy—it lets you plug your newer cables into older ports, just in case.
Tessan Universal Travel Adapter
Amazon
Satechi Type A to Type C Adapter Converter
Amazon
Do not rely on the hotel safe
Do: Bring your portable safe
Hotel safes can be unreliable or, in some cases, nonexistent—especially in older or budget accommodations. A hotel safe can be ineffective or even non-existent, especially for older accommodations and budget hotels. portable safe Adds peace of mind when it comes to jewelry, passports or cash. Some models are designed to lock onto a wall or fixture, like a bedframe. They’re a great option for traveling.
DocSafe Portable Safety
Amazon
SentrySafe Mini Portable Safe
Amazon
Hotel steamers are not the only option.
Bring a portable Steamer
European hotels don’t always provide irons or steamers, and if they do they are often bulky. The irons and steamers in European hotels are often bulky or outdated. compact steamer Fits easily into your carry-on bag and prevents wrinkles on linen dresses, button downs and pants. Both models are easy to use and lightweight.
Nesugar G3 Travel Steamer
Amazon
Jack & Rose Travel Steamer
Amazon
Do not rely on Wi-Fi or in-flight entertainment
Do: Bring a Tablet
The screens in the air are notoriously unreliable or, worse still, completely non-functional. Wi-Fi is not reliable, especially on international flights. An overview of the main points. Amazon Fire tablet Downloading shows, books, or movies in advance can make a difference between a boring, long flight and a relaxing, enjoyable one. If the wifi in your hotel is not working, or is not available, you can bring your own laptop. a portable hotspot You can always stay connected
Amazon Fire HD Tablet
Amazon
Simo Portable Hotspot
Amazon
Do not rely on the bathroom counter space
Do: Bring space saving items
In many European hotels, the bathrooms are tiny with barely enough space to place a toothbrush. A hanging toiletry bag Keeps all your products in order and out of the sink. a sink cover This creates a surface that is clean to apply makeup or skincare. They are both essentials for traveling with several people or staying in an area that is limited.
Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Bag
Amazon
Lebilif Makeup Sink Cover
Amazon
Do not: Rely solely on quiet flights
Do: Bring earplugs that block out noise
Crying babies, chatty seatsmates, or engine noises can all make sleeping on planes Nearly impossible. Reusable earplugs These headphones block noise without being uncomfortable and are perfect for noisy hotels or hostels. Both options come with cases and multiple sizes of tips to ensure the perfect fit.
Loop Quiet 2 Earplugs
Amazon
Bigood Noise-canceling Earplugs
Amazon
Do not rely on airline luggage tracking
Do: Use AirTags and AirTag holders
Even the most seasoned travelers can fall victim to lost luggage or misplaced passports—and relying on airline apps often isn’t enough. This is where Apple AirTags Come on in. I always keep one in my bag. checked bag It’s so that I can track the flight in real time, even if the airline “doesn’t know” where it is. I also keep another item in a separate place. a passport holder so I always know where my most important item is—whether I’m out exploring or rushing through the airport.
Apple AirTag
Amazon
Goaus Passport Holder
Amazon
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