Want to live your best – and easiest – travel life? Hostelworld’s Senior Copywriter, Jenny, has been to 48 countries and is a self-proclaimed packing and trip prep pro
Here are the things she never travels without…
Credit: Photo by Anete Lūsiņa on Unsplash
An eSIM
I’ve only recently started using eSIMs, but OMG are they a game-changer! My UK mobile data provider has a pretty generous overseas roaming package, but it doesn’t extend to Morocco and Singapore, both of which I went to recently. Considering how much I use maps (zero sense of direction), the chat function in the Hostelworld app (I know I *have* to fly the Hostelworld flag but I genuinely do use it!) and Instagram (highlight reels = core memories) when I’m out travelling, it was a no-brainer to spend a few pounds on an eSIM. It was beyond useful having access to everything as usual, and I’d highly recommend them 
Get 10% off an Airalo eSIM with code HOSTEL10
An *actually* decent maps app
Google Maps has its perks, and most of the time it works pretty well. However, if you tend to walk a lot – whether that’s exploring a city or getting out into nature – definitely download Organic Maps before you go. It’s free, works offline, and knows all the shortcuts! 
A portable phone charger
We’re all so reliant on our phones these days that running out of battery essentially classifies as an emergency. Do yourself a favour and buy a power bank that has lots of juice – at least 2 charges, more if possible (especially if there are multiple USB ports and more than one of you will be using it, or if you won’t necessarily have access to a plug point every night to charge it) 
Good to know: if you’re flying, power banks must be carried in hand luggage due to fire risk. Some airlines impose limits on Wh capacity, so double check before you buy and bring onboard. Some airlines, like Scoot and Singapore Airlines among others, are banning the use of power banks onboard from 1 April 2025 (you can still pack them, you just can’t use them in-flight).
Laundry colour catchers
Colour catchers are white sheets that you put in the laundry with your clothes to stop colour bleeding. This is SO handy if you have a mix of whites and colours but don’t want to spend money or time on running two separate loads 
Noise-cancelling headphones
And earplugs for dorms obvs, although some hostels provide them for free. But seriously, I could never go back to life before noise-cancelling headphones, especially when I fly. There’s nothing better than drowning out the sound of roaring engines and bawling babies and enjoying a nice quiet journey. Protect your peace! 
Compression packing cubes
When you cba to pay for checked baggage? Compression packing cubes. These have extra zips to smoosh everything down, and don’t crumple your clothes like vacuum sealed bags (you’d also need to pack a pump for these to suck all the air out).
A neck pillow – with a twist
I highly recommend buying one of these – not just for the comfort aspect if you’ve got a long plane/train/bus journey but because they double up as extra luggage space. Buy one with a zip, remove the foam and stuff it with t-shirts instead 
Sure, you’ll have to carry it around with you but for me, it’s worth it (although I live in fear of forgetting it and losing half my wardrobe!).
Bonus hand luggage hack: I’ve found that I can get away with taking a backpack, neck pillow AND a bum bag onto flights, even with budget airlines. Bum bags are easy to hide under a jumper and are great for things like your phone, passport, boarding passes etc
A microfibre towel
Free hostel towels are always the goal, but if not, microfibre towels are where it’s at. They’re lightweight, compact, quick-drying, and easy to shake sand off. PLUS, they double up as a curtain if your bunk doesn’t have one!
Zip-lock wet bags
If you’re going somewhere beachy or on any kind of water-based adventure, waterproof bags for your swimmers are all kinds of useful to stop the contents of your suitcase or backpack getting damp. Next time you order a swimwear haul from Shein, don’t throw the bags away – keep them on standby for your next trip 
