Whether I’m going away for a long weekend or a few weeks on the road, the staples in my carry-on are always the same. Here are 11essential carry-on items that teens regret forgetting when going on a student travel program abroad.
11 Must-Have Travel Items
1. A sturdy backpack: I have more backpacks than I care to admit, but my favorite right now is the original Fjallraven Kanken. It’s waterproof and the perfect size to fit my computer, a change of clothes, and a good pair of headphones.
2. Decomposition Notebooks: I know I’m probably one of the only people who still love pen and paper, but Decomposition notebooks make my doodles and to-do lists next-level.
3. An inflatable travel pillow: One time I carried a huge travel pillow around Thailand for three weeks, and, well, I will never make that mistake again. Inflatable pillows FTW.
4. Amazon Paperwhite Kindle: With a few different Kindle options, the choice is up to you. I love the Paperwhite because it has a built-in light for nighttime reading, doesn’t glare when you’re on the beach, and is an entire library at your fingertips.
5. A Passport Document Holder: This is something I received as a gift and likely wouldn’t have purchased myself, but I love this one by Tumi. It holds my passport, phone, credit cards, and my boarding passes all in one place.
6. My Traveler Collective Keychain: This amazing keychain has small rings marked with all of the countries I’ve visited. Each time I look at it hanging on my backpack, I’m reminded of different memories and adventures.
7. A lightweight scarf: My favorite is a scarf I picked up eleven years ago in a market in Tanzania. To this day, it’s gone on every trip with me and can be a blanket, pillow, shoulder covering… You name it, this scarf is your answer.
8. An external battery pack: There’s nothing worse than getting on a flight and realizing the technology you were depending on to pass the time is dead.
9. My Polaroid Instant Printer: Most of my weekend trips are to visit family and friends, so I always pack my instant printer. The pictures are fun reminders, and it’s easy to share prints with anyone you meet along the way.
10. A deck of cards: Cards are one of my absolute favorite ways to pass time. They’re also a great way to meet new people while you’re traveling.
11. A sewing kit: I know this one might seem like something your grandma packs, but I swear by it. A sewing kit will have everything you need to get you out of a wardrobe malfunction on the road.
These are just a few of my favorite things. Comment below with any suggestions for fellow travelers.
Still deciding where to your travel must-haves will accompany you in 2026? Request a call from one of our global travel experts for help figuring out which Rustic Pathways program is right for you.
