When preparing for a trip, it can be overwhelming to know just what to bring. While certain items depend on the duration of your trip, there are some essentials every traveler needs to have. This outlines your must-haves in a range of prices that will suit the budget of any traveler.
First, before you purchase your travel necessities, you need something to carry them in. You may already have some luggage lying around, but it is important to consider the duration and purpose of your travels, as well as where you are headed, to make sure you get the luggage that suits your needs. In general, though, you must choose between three main categories.

Backpack

Backpacks are great for shorter trips or to use as a carry-on, especially if you’re bringing a laptop with you. They are also ideal if the location you’re headed to isn’t ideal for wheeled luggage—you don’t want to fight with hills or unpaved roads. Of course, backpacks are also a no-brainer if you’re, well, backpacking.
While backpacks to choose from are certainly in abundance, there are certain considerations you should make for one you’re using while traveling. Something lighter, like this backpack, means you can pack heavier items without worrying about exceeding an airline’s carry-on weight limit. Its smaller size also means it has a more modest price.
If you’re looking to spend a little more, this larger backpack features a lockable compartment. This is perfect for those traveling with laptops, tablets, or other valuable devices. If you’re unsure about the safety of where you’re traveling to—with some locations being known for pickpockets—this backpack can bring you peace of mind.
Versatility can also be important in luggage, and this higher price backpack certainly delivers. With several pockets and compartments, including ones for shoes and valuables, this luggage can also convert from a backpack to a duffel bag. This may be ideal for longer travels and stays, since it also features a laundry bag. Different options are available which include a variety of accessories, from toiletry bags to waist straps, making it ideal for the traveler who wants to cover all the bases.

Carry-on

Backpacks can be used as carry-on luggage, but for wheeled carry-on options, there is an endless variety. The key features you should look for in carry-on luggage are a light weight and sturdy wheels. You may also want to stray away from the standard black luggage look (unless you tie some bright ribbon on the handles to easily identify your bags at baggage claim).
This under $100 carry-on comes in a variety of colors. It boasts a lightweight design which means you can pack heavier items without worrying so much about exceeding any limits. The appearance of this luggage is pretty standard now, though, so if you’re looking for something with a little more character and don’t mind spending more, consider this vintage-inspired carry-on. Its zipper pulls fit TSA approved locks, perfect if you’re looking to keep your belongings safe.
For a higher budget, this carry-on is a great option. It is super lightweight (under five pounds) but also boasts an incredibly durable design. It should protect all your items, including laptops and other devices.

Checked Bag

While it is important to have a durable carry-on bag, it is even more essential that your checked bags are durable and secure. Whether they are stowed in the luggage section of a bus or plane, you shouldn’t be worrying if your belongings are getting tossed around or rifled through.
This lower price bag is great for those looking for luggage that locks. With a three-combination lock integrated into the zippers, it is a secure option that features a handle which locks at two different heights, making it great for travelers of any variety of heights.
If you want to spend a bit more, this bag may be a great option. It features eight wheels for better mobility and a fold-out compartment for storing a suit or other clothing items. This is a great option for those traveling for business or formal events—you don’t want to show up wearing wrinkles.
This pricier bag also features a flat compartment for storing clothing that you want to remain wrinkle-free. Its main compartment expands to fit more items and collapses again to keep them tight and secure. With a weight of about ten pounds, it is also surprisingly light for how much it can hold.

Once you get your luggage, it’s time to pack. It can be tricky to know exactly what to bring, but these items are must-haves. Pack these in your carry-on because you won’t want to be without them, whether you’re traveling by plane, train, bus, or car.
Eye Mask
If you’re looking to catch some rest on your journey but have difficulty falling asleep, an eye mask is essential. While it helps block out light and distractions around you, it tells other travelers that you are not to be bothered.
Different eye masks also come with different benefits, like cooling packs you can insert to reduce puffiness around your eyes or a hydrating fabric that moisturizes as you sleep (perfect for those whose skin dries out on a flight).
You can easily find a range of masks in a range of prices, usually dependent on the features and fabric the mask is made out of. Consider this if you’re looking for a low price eye mask. It is a great simple option for those who aren’t looking for anything excessive. This eye mask is great for those with a middle of the range budget while still wanting some luxury, since it is made of silk. But if you’re looking for the ultimate luxury, this pricier eye mask may be great for you as it features cashmere fabric.

Travel Pillow

While an eye mask is a great start for sleeping while traveling, you want to be comfy while you do it, too. A travel pillow is a packing staple. Even if you aren’t planning on catching some z’s, a travel pillow can make your journey more comfortable. Many travel pillows aren’t that traditional donut-esque shape anymore, though. Check out this versatile, mid-price range pillow that can be folded into different shapes and provides more support.
If you’re looking for the standard circular shape, though, this pillow is a great lower price option (and as an added bonus, it’s available in plenty of colors and patterns). If you’re looking for that same shape but also want a multitasker, this pillow becomes a jacket (and vice versa). Available in a women’s style, as well, this is a great option for someone who is looking to travel light and can spend a bit more.

Headphones

Travel shouldn’t be stressful, but if your fellow travelers aren’t the quiet types, you may want to pull out your headphones to relax. Springing for a noise-cancelling variety means that crying baby down the aisle won’t interrupt your podcast, audiobook, or music-listening experience.
Consider these lower price headphones that are lightweight and isolate noise. Because it connects to devices with a cord and not Bluetooth, you won’t have to worry about charging it, either. If you’re looking for something that can be a bit more portable, these mid-range headphones fold in, making them perfect for travelers. For those who don’t mind spending a bit more, these headphones boast a 15 hour battery life, great for long journeys.

Portable Charger

Since you’re using your devices with your new headphones, you risk draining their batteries. While some modes of transportation have charging outlets, you shouldn’t risk a dead device. A portable charger is a must have.
This charger is a discreet and cheaper option. It’s the size of a tube of lipstick and can provide a full charge to an iPhone 8 or an 80% charge to the Galaxy S8 and similar models. If you don’t mind paying a bit more and carrying something slightly heavier, this charger boasts it can charge devices several times over. While this charger is bulkier and pricier, it can charge several devices at once, even certain laptops. That may be a great option for those who still have to get work done while traveling.

While there is plenty more you’ll need depending on where you’re going and how long you’ll be there, these items are essential for any traveler. Hopefully, these suggestions give you some inspiration for your packing list and get you on your way to being ready for your travels.