Things to Pack in Your Travel Backpack

Going on a trip? Let's get you packed up!

With the world fully opened up for exploration once again, we Kiwis have been busy making up for lost time. 

Whether you’re heading out of town, across the country, or to a different country altogether, a well-packed backpack can make all the difference to your trip. You don’t want to leave anything out, but you also don’t want to be weighed down by ‘stuff’....  and it can be tricky to get the balance just right!

We’ve created the ultimate list of travel essentials so you can pack like a pro and just focus on having fun! Here are our top tips for travel packing.

A travel pillow

Let’s face it: the seats in most planes, trains, and buses just aren’t designed for comfort. And if you’re stuck in that seat for a few hours or more, your neck and back can really feel it. 

A travel pillow is a must-have for supporting your upper body during a long trip - especially if you need to snooze. It can also double as lumbar support (or a cushion for your laptop!)

Memory foam pillows are ideal because they conform to the shape of your head and neck, helping to maintain proper spinal alignment. The Globite Deluxe memory foam neck pillow is super lightweight and compact, and has a soft velour cover you can snuggle into. It also has a handy pocket for earphones (or treats!).

An eye mask

The bright lights of a flight cabin can make sleep feel impossible. An eye mask can help block out light, allowing you to sleep more soundly when you settle back for a few zzz’s. This is a great way to maintain your normal circadian rhythm and can help minimize the impact of jet lag when you’re in different time zones. Eye masks also provide a sense of privacy and personal space, especially in shared travel settings, such as aeroplanes and hostels. The Globite Eye Mask has a soft fleece-backed eye shade and comes with bonus ear plugs, so you’ll be all set for a snooze. 

Sippers or bottles

Maintaining your fluid intake is even more important when travelling. Dry cabin air and limited access to water can leave you dehydrated and exhausted - which isn’t helpful when you arrive at a new place and need to navigate an unfamiliar environment!

Drinking plenty of water throughout your journey will help your body adjust to temperature variations and altitude changes more effectively (as well as preventing unpleasant digestive issues like constipation). 

Carry a compact reusable drink bottle like the Parrs Metal Drink Bottle and refill it regularly. The funky Parrs range is lightweight and slim enough to fit into any bag, and it’ll help you arrive at your destination in good shape. You’ll also be saving money on those overpriced airport beverages! And don’t forget the kids! They need to hydrate regularly, too. Grab an ergonomic b.box sipper bottle - easy to refill and perfect for little hands. 

Books or magazines

Battery-free entertainment is one of the oldest backpack packing tips. A good book or magazine will be a lifesaver in situations when you can’t charge your device (or at least while you’re charging it!). 

Non-electronic reading material also frees you from having to search for a USB outlet or dig out cables and travel adapters. You can also gift the book or magazine to someone else once you’ve finished with it, which leaves more space in your pack for shopping!

Travel adapter and charger

Electronic devices and appliances are part of our everyday lives now, and they’re impossible to part with while travelling. Be sure to pack everything you need to use them en route and at your destination. 

If you’re heading out of New Zealand, you may need a travel adapter for the country you’re arriving in. Voltage and plug configurations vary between Europe, the USA, UK, and Asian countries. Save yourself the stress of trying to figure out which adapter you’ll need when you arrive by packing a universal travel adapter. The Globite Multi Travel Adaptor comes with plugs for us in Australia, Europe, the USA, or UK. It’s super portable and allows you to charge your phone, tablet, and camera all at once! Bargain Chemist also stocks travel adaptors for everywhere else that Kiwis choose to roam: South and North America, Africa, India, and other parts of Asia. 

Travel toiletries 

Travel-sized toiletries take up minimal space in your luggage and weigh much less than regular sized toiletries, which can help you avoid those nasty excess baggage fees. They’re also small enough to meet Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations (under 100ml) and designed to travel in a bag without leaking.  

Bargain Chemist stocks a wide range of travel-sized toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturiser, toothpaste, and more. Alternatively, you can decant your current products into handy travel-sized containers, like the Globite 7 Piece Travel Kit. These nifty little bottles are fully reusable and just the right size for carry-on regulations, so there’s no fear of your toiletries being left behind. It’s also an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing the mini versions of your favourite products. 

Packing cubes

This wouldn’t be a packing guide if we didn’t mention packing cubes!

Packing cubes are zip-up pouches that help you separate different types of clothing so that your pack is neat and organised. This 3-piece set means you can assign a different colour to each set of clothes, so you can quickly access specific items without all that rummaging around! 

Packing cubes also allow you to utilize every inch of available space in your luggage. When you arrive at your accommodation, simply remove the packing cubes from your luggage and place them in drawers or on shelves for easy access to your belongings.

You can find even more travel accessories and other helpful items in-store and online at Bargain Chemist. Check out our whole range of essentials here and set off with everything you’ll need. Happy travels!