25 Travel Essentials to Pack for Your Next Adventure

Packing cubes are a fantastic way to keep your belongings organized, especially if you plan to pack plenty of outfit options. And luckily, since Southwest’s bags fly free® policy allows you to bring two free checked bags (first and second checked bags, weight and size limits apply), you don’t have to worry about cramping your own style. If you feel like you need four pairs of pants for two days, that’s up to you.

Your future self will definitely thank you for separating your dirty socks from the clean extra pairs you packed and never wore.

There is no such thing as a perfect outfit to wear while traveling. You’re bound to be way too hot while you’re sprinting to your gate to make your flight on time and a little chilly while you sit on the plane. Do yourself a favor and bring a lightweight—but still cozy—sweater that you can easily put on or remove when you need it.

There’s nothing quite as devastating as having a holy grail skincare product confiscated while you’re going through security. Set yourself up for success by making sure all of your favorite liquid-based products are in the appropriate sized containers so you can bring them wherever your travels take you.

You don’t technically need a clear bag for your toiletries when traveling, but it can sure help speed up the process when you’re going through security.

You can never have too many phone chargers, especially if you plan to enjoy WiFi during your flight. Stick one in your carry-on. Throw another in your checked bag. The more the merrier!

After a long day of adventure, nothing kills the mood quite like having to plug in your phone at the opposite side of the room while you crash in bed. Having an extension cord on hand will allow you to keep your phone close no matter what the setup of your accommodation looks like.

Headphones are possibly the most useful travel essential. Whether you’re using them for inflight entertainment (Southwest offers free inflight entertainment for its Customers to enjoy, including movies, live TV, and custom TV series channels, and $8 WiFi available onboard its WiFi-equipped fleet), to pass time during a layover, or to listen to a podcast that will help you fall asleep, headphones always come in handy.

Be sure to download some entertainment, like a movie, a few episodes of your favorite show, or a podcast you’ve been hoping to catch up on, so you don’t need to worry about an Internet connection throughout your travels. (But rest assured: Southwest Rapid Rewards Cardholders with A-List Preferred status can enjoy free inflight WiFi!)

Traveling with a great book is a good way to help time fly by. You know you’ve picked a good one when you’re the last off the plane because you just have to finish a chapter before you reach into the overhead for your carry-on.

Between changing climates and air-conditioned spaces, travel can be rough on your skin. Don’t forget your favorite hydrating products so you can prevent dry skin.

No matter how comfy the bed is in your accommodations, it’s common to have a hard time falling asleep in an unfamiliar space. An eye mask can be super helpful when it’s time for bed.

From noisy hotel neighbors to chatty flight mates, you never know when you might need to drown out some noise.

Is there anything better than taking a bath in a fancy hotel room and sliding into a pair of your favorite slippers? No. There is not.

…Because you never know when you might need bandages, disposable gloves or a set of tweezers!

It’s incredibly easy to rely on your phone for all of your needs, but in the off chance something happens during your trip, it will be helpful to have a few key numbers and contacts saved in a safe place. (Such as a notecard in your wallet.)

This is definitely an item you won’t want to have to search around for on a rainy day. Be sure to check the TSA-approved size requirements when selecting which umbrella to pack.

Whether it’s a reusable shopping tote or a collapsible backpack, it never hurts to keep a spare bag while you’re traveling. (Especially if you end up taking home more things than you came with.)

It might not be a great idea to bring your favorite, most expensive pair while you’re traveling… but it’s always nice to bring a cool pair of sunglasses you’re excited about while you’re on the go.

Most places are pretty great about providing hand sanitizer these days, but it’s always good to be prepared when you’re on the move. Stock up on a few travel-sized bottles in your favorite scents to make sure you can stay germ-free wherever you go.

It never hurts to have a few extra face masks on hand. Plus, you can have a few choices for your various outfits.

When you’ve got a long day of running around ahead of you, it’s always nice to know you’ve got a backup deodorant in your bag.

It’s easy to get used to having hair elastics, bobby pins, and clips tucked away in the most convenient places at home, but don’t forget to pack a few when you’re hitting the road!

It’s always nice to have a product that can help freshen up your clothes, whether it’s a handy stain-remover in a stick or a dry clean in a can.

Use your Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card to purchase a reusable water bottle from Southwest The Store ahead of your trip, so you will definitely be well-hydrated on the plane.