Here is a list of nine essential items that will make your travel experience so much better!

One

There is nothing worse than trying to relax on an airplane, but you can’t because there are two men talking loudly behind you, a baby crying in front of you, or god-forbid (this has happened to me) a couple talking across you!   On an airplane, headphones (or maybe even noise-cancelling headphones) are a MUST HAVE and are worth the investment.  I personally purchased a pair of rose gold Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones (but any headphones become noise-cancelling for me the second I take out my hearing aids #deafgirlsolutions). I also considered the highly recommended Sony Noise-Cancelling Headphones linked below.
Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones
Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones

Two

A good portable charger goes a long way when you are traveling, whether it is a short trip or a long trip.  Some airports still don’t have widely accessible charging stations, leaving you about to board a plane with a dead phone, iPad or Kindle.  After tons of research, I settled on the Anker Portable Charger, which holds a charge FOREVER and can charge two devices at once.  It also has high-speed charging and comes at the low price of $49.99.  I compared to some chargers available in stores such as Target and I easily would have paid the same price for a charger that had 1/3-1/2 the capabilities of this bad boy.
Anker Portable Charger

Three

One of the larger investments that I made before beginning this rotation with work was the new 9.7-inch 128GB in gold (obviously).  This allows me enough space to download some games and movie/TV apps such as Netflix and Prime Video.  On both of those apps, I can save down episodes of my favorite shows or new movies to watch through the flights and while I am waiting in the airport.
iPad

Four

As much as I love watching TV, I also love reading, so I also must have my Kindle on me at all times, which is filled with about 40 downloaded books that I haven’t read yet.  I have the Kindle Paperwhite, which is great because the screen is backlit (but I can also still use it when I’m sitting on the beach in the sun).  Also, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you have access to the Amazon First Reads each month, where you can download a book for free.  I also use BookBub, where I have created a wish list of books that I want to read, and I receive an email if the Kindle book goes on sale (think $1.99 or $2.99 instead of $12.99 or $14.99).
Kindle Paperwhite

Five

I don’t sleep well on airplanes EVER, even with liquid help or sleeping medicine, but for some of the late-night flights or the long flights, you just need to try to rest and close your eyes.  I found this pillow, which is one of the most ridiculous looking things that I have ever seen, but it really helps to support your neck when you are trying to catch a few zzz’s on the plane.  It does feel like you’re putting yourself in a neck brace, but whenever I’ve used it, my neck feels so much better at the end of the flight than I would have with one of the little loop pillows.
Trtl Travel Pillow

Six

If you haven’t caught on, I like to watch TV and movies a lot to relax.  I was tired on watching my shows on my iPad when I am in the hotel room and have a giant TV sitting in front of me, so I invested in an Amazon FireStick TV (not a huge investment and you can often get them on sale if you track the prices).  I paid $29.99 by purchasing during the Father’s Day sale this year, and it might be the best $30 ever spent.  I have access to Netflix and Hulu, both of which I subscribe to, as well as other network apps.  You can also download the Spotify app for music.  Definitely a must-have for those extended stays in the hotel.
FireStick TV

Seven

As a female traveling alone, sometimes you may end up in a situation that is less than ideal – whether you are in a not-so-great part of town or have a strange person following you.  I discovered this anti-alarm keychain (there are tons and tons of options on Amazon).  It’s just a little device, but if you pull the alarm off the keychain, it let’s out a fire-truck volume alarm that doesn’t stop until you put the device back onto the keychain.  I tested it and IT. IS. LOUD.  It will definitely scare away any unwanted contact.
Anti-Attack Alarm Keychain

Eight

I stumbled across this packable backpack when I was planning my trip to Australia, but it’s one of my favorite purchases that I’ve made relating to travel.  It folds up into just a small pack that is maybe 3 x 4.5 inches and is super lightweight.  It’s great to have if you decide to do some activity that you need a bag, but might not want to bring a purse (such as a hiking trip).  It can also come in handy if you made a couple of purchases and all of a sudden, your suitcase is overweight or you need a little extra bag space to carry on with you.  It’s easy to fold up and throw in your bag to have just in case!
Zomake Packable Backpack

Nine

This last item is something that I absolutely, positively will not travel without, especially for a business trip!  The Joy Mangano My Little Steamer Go Mini has been my life saver when it comes to looking fresh for the client.  I pack so many clothes into my bags that there is just no way to avoid wrinkles and creases.  This steamer is small and lightweight, so I throw it right into my checked bag for every trip.  I never have to iron, as I just hang my clothes and use this steamer to freshen each outfit up for the day.  It is my biggest must-have to make my life easier, while also helping make me presentable for work.  Highly recommended for each and every trip!
Joy Mangano My Little Steamer Go Mini
So what do you think?  Did I give you any new ideas for your next trip?  Which travel essential do you always have with you that isn’t on my list?