A traveler planning international flights asked what gadgets are truly non-negotiable, starting a massive discussion with 314 comments about what's actually essential versus marketing hype. From noise-canceling headphones to portable bidets, experienced travelers revealed what they never travel without — and what they wish they'd left at home.
The original poster listed obvious essentials: noise-canceling headphones, a multitool (if allowed), and a travel adapter with USB-C ports. But the responses showed just how personal "essential" really is.
The Universal Essentials
Items mentioned repeatedly by experienced travelers:
Noise-canceling headphones: Nearly unanimous agreement. "The single best travel investment I ever made," one commenter wrote. Budget options like Anker Soundcore work well; you don't need AirPods Max.
Portable power bank: High-capacity banks (20,000+ mAh) that can charge phones multiple times. Critical for long flights and destinations with unreliable electricity.
Universal travel adapter with USB ports: "Get one with multiple USB ports so you're not hunting for adapters at 11 PM in your hotel."
Packable daypack: For carrying water, snacks, and purchases while exploring. Should compress into main luggage when not in use.
Microfiber towel: Quick-dry and compact. Useful for hostels with poor towel quality or beaches.
The Controversial Items
Gear that sparked debate:
Portable bidet: Some travelers swear by it. "I can't use toilet paper anymore after getting one." Others found it impractical and messy.
Travel pillows: Love-it-or-hate-it category. Some can't sleep without their neck pillow; others find them bulky and uncomfortable. Inflatable options offer a middle ground.
Water purification tablets or filtered bottles: Essential for some destinations (Southeast Asia, Central America, parts of Africa), overkill for Europe or Japan.
Packing cubes: Organizational enthusiasts love them; minimalists find them unnecessary weight. "I use plastic bags and they work fine."
E-readers: "Carrying 50 books in 200 grams changed how I travel." But they're only essential if you actually read regularly.
What Experienced Travelers Skip
Items people thought they needed but never used:
- Travel-sized everything: "Buy shampoo when you arrive. It's cheaper and you're not lugging liquids through security." - Specialty travel clothing: "I spent $200 on 'quick-dry travel pants' and they look ridiculous. Just bring normal clothes." - Portable clotheslines: "Every accommodation has a place to dry clothes. I never used mine once." - Translation devices: "Google Translate on your phone works better and you already own it."
The Philosophy
Multiple commenters emphasized a key principle: you can buy almost anything at your destination. Forgot sunscreen? Every country on Earth sells sunscreen. Need a phone charger? There's a convenience store.
One experienced traveler summarized: "The essentials are: passport, credit card, phone, and appropriate clothing. Everything else is either a comfort item or something you can acquire there. Pack for two scenarios: 'I'll be annoyed without this' vs 'I'll be unable to continue my trip without this.' Only the second category is truly essential."
According to REI's packing research, most travelers use only 60% of what they pack. The items left untouched are usually the "just in case" additions.
The Real Essential
The most upvoted comment: "The most essential thing is knowing yourself. If you're someone who can't function without coffee, bring a portable coffee setup. If you read for three hours daily, bring an e-reader. If you never exercise on vacation, skip the workout clothes. Pack for who you actually are, not who you imagine you'll become at 35,000 feet."
