As a frequent traveler, I know having a small, yet well-stocked purse is essential while exploring new destinations. Whether I’m going on a day trip, weekend getaway, or a grand adventure, there are certain items that I always want to have on hand. Besides the obvious phone, keys, and wallet, here are seven things that I always have in my purse while traveling:
1. Portable Charger
Everyone relies on smartphones for everything while traveling. A portable charger is a must-have item in your purse to ensure your phone stays charged throughout the day. I recommend the Anker portable charger, which can charge my iPhone 13 from 0-100% twice before recharging. Genius tip: buy a short iPhone cable that stays attached to it so you’re not lost without a cable or trying to navigate while fussing with long wires.
2. Hair Clip
Does anyone else get panicky when they get too hot and need their hair up like absolutely right now?? That’s why it’s essential to always carry a hair clip in my purse. Last year, a flight attendant on our way home from Paris had the cutest pearl claw clip in her hair that I had to ask her where it was from. She was so sweet and told me exactly what they were from Amazon, and I’ve been obsessed with mine ever since. I prefer to travel with claw clips over ponytails on days we’re exploring new places because if I ever want to take my hair back down, my hairstyle isn’t destroyed with the dreadful ponytail bump in my hair.
3. Travel-size Tissues
Whether I need to clean up a spill, wipe my nose, or turn a tiny train tray table into a usable snack table, travel-size tissues are a lifesaver while traveling. The Kleenex On-the-Go Slim Packs virtually occupy no room in even the smallest purses.
4. Wet Wipes
Along the lines of hygiene, I highly recommend bringing wet wipes if your purse size allows it. Wet Ones can save you from gross table tops, questionable train seats, messy spills, and nasty germs. Remember, we’re trying to catch flights, not fevers!
5. Tinted Lip Balm
Travel’s tough on your skin – lips included. I hate to waste both purse and brain space by trying to remember to both hydrate and look presentable (I am a southern lady, after all), so this Covergirl tinted lip balm is the perfect two-in-one combination for adding both hydration and a little bit of color on my lips. The color is just vibrant enough without being too splashy. If you ever see me with rouged lips, it’s probably this chapstick!
6. Brush-On Sunscreen
Protecting our skin from the sun is always important, but it’s absolutely vital to remember and re-apply while traveling, especially while spending more time outdoors. In order to be able to re-apply mid-day without ruining my makeup, I swear by powder-based travel-size sunscreen like the Colorscience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder. It’s easy to apply, doesn’t feel gritty, and provides long-lasting sun protection.
7. Medications
While I always bring enough medicine to last my entire trip, I like to have a tiny bottle of essential medications like Excedrin, Ibuprofen, and non-drowsy Dramamine in my purse. Nothing will ruin a perfectly planned day like a migraine, pain, or sickness from either too much sun, wine, or boating (or on a great day – all of the above!), so it’s important to always have a little bit of whichever medicine is essential to you on hand. It’s silly, but I put a couple of pills of each medication I commonly reach for in a little salad dressing container that fits easily in any size purse, so I don’t have to carry three little bottles.
