Because One Is Never Enough
Packing is a skill: you want to strike that perfect balance between bringing everything you might need and not checking in a bag that weighs as much as you do. Most travelers have a solid system down, whether that's a detailed checklist or throwing items in last-minute. Whatever your method, one mistake you don't want to make is accidentally only bringing one of something when you really need two or 20. You never know what can happen when you travel, after all, so it's always better to be safe than sorry. From underwear to contact lenses, here are 20 things worth packing extra.
1. Underwear
If there's one item on this list that should need zero convincing, it's underwear. Pack more than you think you'll ever need, and then add one more just for good measure. Accidents happen, laundry days get skipped, and there's truly no worse feeling than doing the mental math on day four of a trip and realizing you're running short. An extra pair or two takes up almost no space and saves you from a situation that nobody wants to be in.
2. Socks
Socks have a mysterious tendency to disappear on trips, whether they're left behind at hotel security checkpoints, lost in the depths of a laundry bag, or simply worn out faster than expected from all the extra walking. A damp or blistered pair can derail an otherwise great day of sightseeing, so having a fresh backup ready to go is always a smart call. Toss in at least two extra pairs beyond what you've planned for, and your feet will thank you.
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3. Charging Cables
Charging cables are one of those items you might think you'll be fine bringing just one, until you come face to face with a frayed or broken cable at the worst possible moment. Electronics stores aren't always easy to find, and replacement cables can be surprisingly expensive when you're buying out of desperation or in a touristy area. Pack a spare for your most essential devices, keep it in your carry-on, and you'll never have to worry about losing power at the worst possible time.
4. Shoes
Bringing a backup pair of shoes might sound like overkill until you're on day two of a trip with a broken sandal strap or footwear that isn't quite suitable for the weather. Different days also call for different footwear, and having an extra pair means you're covered whether plans shift unexpectedly or your primary shoes start causing blisters. Even a compact, foldable flat or a versatile sneaker can serve as a reliable backup without taking up too much room in your bag.
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5. A Small Suitcase
Sure, you're bringing a large suitcase already that holds all your stuff, but you should still bring an empty carry-on with you if possible. You might not think you'll need it depending on your itinerary and where you're going, but you probably will. Even if it doesn't end up coming in handy, you can always use it for other means, like lowering the weight of your main luggage.
6. Reusable Shopping Bags
A foldable reusable bag takes up almost no space in your luggage, and you'll be surprised how quickly you find yourself needing one on a trip. From impromptu market hauls to separating dirty laundry from clean clothes, a spare bag becomes one of the most versatile items you packed. Bring two or more; you'll wonder how you ever traveled without them.
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7. Slippers
We've already suggested bringing an extra pair of shoes, but you should also make sure to pack some slippers as well. If possible, take two pairs with you; that way, you won't be stuck reusing the same one if they end up unexpectedly dirty or wet. You can even bring a pair you can wear on the plane!
8. A Portable Power Bank
Even with your charging cables in order, a dead phone is a real possibility when you're out exploring all day with GPS, camera, and apps running constantly. A portable power bank is a travel staple, but a second smaller one as a backup ensures you're never left scrambling when the first one runs out mid-day. Just make sure to adhere to any strict airline rules when packing.
9. Adapters
You're likely traveling to a country where the plug type is different. Instead of only bringing one adapter, which is never enough no matter how you spin it, remember to pack at least two with you. It's also better to get a voltage converter (if you need one) before you fly, rather than purchasing one at a foreign destination. It should go without saying as well that it's best to pack more than one charging brick!
10. Medication
Whether it's prescription medication, allergy tablets, or just a trusty pack of pain relievers, running out of any of it while traveling is a headache you don't want to deal with. Pharmacies abroad may not carry your specific brand or formulation, and language barriers can make the whole experience far more complicated than it needs to be. Pack more than you think you'll need, split it between your carry-on and checked luggage just in case, and keep yourself covered for the full duration of the trip.
11. Towels
Hotel towels aren't always guaranteed, especially if you're staying in hostels, vacation rentals, or doing any kind of outdoor travel where you're going beach or pool hopping. Even if they're provided, bringing your own is much more hygienic. Pack an extra just in case you need another for a different use, like for your hair or face or as a beach towel.
12. Sunscreen
Sunscreen runs out faster than most people expect, particularly when you're reapplying properly throughout a full day outdoors. Buying more at your destination isn't always easy, either; prices can be steep, familiar SPF levels aren't always available, and some formulations just don't work as well on your skin. Starting your trip with a backup tube means you'll never have to ration it or risk a sunburn because you were trying to make a half-empty bottle last.
13. A Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do while traveling, especially when you're walking more than usual or dealing with a change in climate. A reusable water bottle is worth packing a spare of, just to make sure you're bringing enough liquids along. Having two also means one can be left at the accommodation filled and ready while you head out with the other.
14. Bandaids
A small first aid kit is one of those things you pack and hope never to use, but having a backup supply of bandages, antiseptic wipes, and blister patches can make a real difference mid-trip. Items like plasters and gauze tend to get used up quickly if you're doing a lot of hiking or outdoor activities, and restocking isn't always easy depending on where you are. It takes up very little space to throw in a few extra supplies, and you'll feel much better knowing you're prepared for the unexpected.
15. Contact Lenses
If you have bi-weekly lenses, you might think a two-week trip only warrants one pair. But not so fast—contact lenses are notoriously known to dry out, split, or warp, and you definitely don't want to be going without them for the rest of your trip. To err on the safer side, bring a second backup pair with you.
16. A Light Jacket
Even if you're traveling somewhere warm, air conditioning on planes, trains, and in restaurants can get surprisingly cold, and a light layer makes all the difference when temperatures shift unexpectedly in the evening. Packing a second lightweight layer gives you options and also works as a backup if your primary jacket gets wet or needs a wash. A thin packable jacket or an oversized cardigan can serve double duty as a blanket on long flights, too.
17. An Extra Tote or Day Bag
A spare tote or lightweight day bag is one of those additions to your packing list that earns its place every single trip. It's useful for everything from carrying snacks and souvenirs on a day out to keeping wet swimwear separate on the way back from the beach. If your main bag gets overfull or needs to go in for a quick repair, you'll be glad you had a backup ready to take over without missing a beat.
18. Earbuds or Headphones
Lost earbuds are one of the most common travel complaints, and the timing is always terrible, like right before a long flight or a bus journey through the middle of nowhere. To combat this, bring your noise-cancelling headphones for the plane, plus a basic wired set just in case your battery runs out or your ears start feeling uncomfortable by hour three. Consider it a small investment in your own sanity for the duration of the trip.
19. A Set of Basics
We're not going to say underwear again (although you really should bring more than you think you'll need), but you know what else you should pack extra? Your basics: a plain t-shirt, a layering undershirt, a longsleeve, and a pair of shorts or pants. Being so versatile, you might be surprised how often you'll end up reaching for them during your trip. Plus, they can even double up as pajamas!
20. Snacks
Travel days are unpredictable, and there will almost always come a moment when you're hungrier than expected and further from food options than you'd like. Packing a few extra snacks, like a couple of protein bars, some trail mix, or a handful of individually wrapped treats, is an easy way to avoid that feeling peckish at the worst possible moments. They're also handy for long layovers, delayed trains, or when the in-flight meals just aren't cutting it.
