My travel handbag always comes in question when I travel with friends. I am not one for bulky bags especially for weekend getaways. If I am traveling on a long haul flight then having bulky handbag is a must. Even then I always substitute handbags for backpacks as I can pack more. Whilst in Milan & Venice recently I decided to take a picture of what is normally in my travel handbag. To fellow travelers let me know what you normally pack, like what are your constant items.
*Remember this post is about what goes in my handbag and not the backpack or hand luggage. I know airlines line EasyJet always insist on only one bag if you’ve not booked priority check-in or business. So what goes in my travel handbag is minimal so I can stash the handbag in my hand luggage when need be.*
What in my travel handbag
For me the items I am listing below are my constant and can not travel without them. I am sure we all have these minimum items when traveling.
Passport – dependent on where you going, this is a crucial document that should be had on you at all times. My mother always says, carry your passport but ensure at home you have copies of it incase something happens. I am always cautious with my passport even with friends, this is my document and no one else’s.
Wallet – Unless you’ve completed moved to using your apple or google pay then you will need cash. I am not big on traveling with cash but if going abroad then I carry some cash with me in the local currency of my destination. I carry as much as I need and not more, its important to know where and when you will need cash.
Lipstick and hand cream – not sure about you but for me these are a must. I was taught never to leave the house without lipstick so I never do. Also I have the dry skin so I always need to moisturise my hands, ashy looking skin aint cute.
Accessories – though not always I do love taking a few items with me. 90% of the time I will pack my sunglasses and jewelry. You never know when you might need them to spruce up an outfit so I always have them on me.
Gadgets
Phone and headphones – For obvious reasons but if not so obvious. I always carry my phone with me as 90% of the time I carry digital tickets and only one backup paper copy which is usually in the backpack. Obviously my phone is my everything, its my wallet, my secure documents, my map and my connection to the outside world. Headphones I need big time when traveling alone, especially on planes and public transport. But never when I am walking in a new place alone, I need to be alert.
Portable charge – dependent on the airline requirements for bags I usually have this in my backpack unless otherwise. It’s rare for me to not travel with my trusted portable charger and recently I purchased one on amazon and so far so good.
Connecting cables – I was recent sent some lovely connecting cables for the purpose of an honest review.
Not sure if my fellow iPhone users have been experiencing the death of the chargers, I sure am and was not impressed. In a space of 4 years I have gone through 4-5 charging cables and these are not cheap (£15 per cable) to replace. When an offer came through to try the multi coloured USB cables I was first one in the door. Not only are the cables colourful and pretty, I have enough for all my gadgets. Having recently purchased a portable charger capable of charging all my gadgets I was in charger heaven. It’s been really awesome using the cables, I have tried charging an iPhone and a tablet at the same time and it all worked just fine. If you don’t like colourful cables they have white/blue or just black. Currently they are on sale for £9.99 and offering a £3 if you buy two, plus you get a one year warrant for them.
Kiwi says
Great travel bag necessities. Passport is a must and I am naked without lipstick!
Chrissy Hme says
Lipstick and lotion go with me everywhere also. I have one of each already in each handbag so I don’t even have to switch.
Anosa says
I try and do the same but since I switch bags regularly, I carry a pouch that moves from bag to bag
polarbelle says
Those connecting cables are awesome!!! They would have saved me on many trips! And hand cream, oh yes, especially on an airplane with all that cold dry air. but oh em gee, those cables!
Anosa says
Hahahaha yep they are awesome them cables
Elizabeth says
Those connecting cables are genius! When we travel as a family we have to take such an array of cables to keep everyone plugged in. That would be so useful!
Anosa says
They absolutely are and I am grateful to have them
Annemarie LeBlanc says
I love the multi colored USB charging cables. I hate taking two or more charging cables with me when I travel. This one you featured is ideal for me!
Anosa says
Exactly, I am not a fan of packing multiple chargers but these USB cables sorts me out
Bonnie G says
Thanks for sharing what’s in your hand bag. I really love those connecting cables. I think I want to get some.
Anosa says
You’re most welcome these cables are so handy and reasonably priced
Rebecca Swenor says
These are all great things to have in a handbag when traveling. A portable charger is so import and one that can be used for more than just a phone etc. Thanks for sharing the information.
Anosa says
You’re most welcome, I am in love with my charging cables as I can charge so many gadgets at once
Sarah Tonner says
Handcream is a must have for me when I’m travelling and I love the body shop hand creams. If I’m going on a place, I always pack a change of underwear and clothes too – just incase my suitcase goes missing which thankfully, has never happen – yet!
Anosa says
Oh absolutely I do that too in my hand luggage the purse I keep free of bulk items except for these mentioned
Stella Kashmoney says
I like my gadgets close by too. Especially my phone, chargers and Kindle.
Anosa says
Always, as bloggers we need them more than the average person
michele d says
I’m like you, my gadgets are a must for me too. Especially my phone charger.
Anosa says
Absolutely
Jacqui @FlightsFancyMom says
A charger is a staple in any handbag anymore it seems! We’re always on our phones, so I always have a charger everywhere. My car, my desk at work, living room, bedroom.
Anosa says
Yep same here, I rely too much on my phone not to have a charger with me
Ana De Jesus says
My chargers always break too and it is a pain. These cables would be perfect on the go.
Anosa says
I don’t know what’s wrong with the iPhone cables but anyway these are awesome and they charge well
Pam W says
This looks a lot like my travel bag too. Those connecting cables are really cool, I might need to pick some up.
Anosa says
Yeah I am loving my new connecting cables
Lyndsey O'Halloran says
I love the look of those cables. They look so handy
Anosa says
They are so handy it’s awesome
Gwen Mulholland says
When I travel, I always cut down on what I keep in my purse. I also store it in my carry-on when needed. A charger is always a must.
Anosa says
Same here, I prefer to keep my handbag light
Ickle Pickle says
Very minimalist! My bag is usually bursting at the seams. I love those charging cables. Kaz x
Anosa says
Thank you I try. I too am loving these cables
Bill S says
I always have to have extra chargers with me!! Love this, I knew we had a lot of snacks in my wife’s bag when we went to Ireland.
Anosa says
Hahaha I pack some snacks too but I’m proper hand luggage and not the handbag if I can help it
Anna Brown says
I yearn for the day my travel handbag is so light! Having kids means my travel handbag is full of snacks, nappies and crayons!
Anosa says
I can only imagine luv
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
This is a great list of travel essential. Those connecting cables look so neat. WHat a smart way to ensure you have the right cable on hand.
Anosa says
Exactly my thinking I loved them as soon as they were sent to me
Joanna says
We’ve recently been on holiday and I had all these in my hand luggage I forgot lip balm nn way and regretted it as my lips ended up being so dry.
Anosa says
Awe bless I am sure you are caring for them now but I always like carry hand and lip products
Jayne says
How funky are those cables! I think I need those in my life!
I have to try and cut my crap down from the kitchen sink to just the bare necessities, when I take my handbag out. I carry way to much rubbish in my bag 🙂 x
Anosa says
Hahahaha yep we almost always carry our kitchen sinks with us lol
T-Nicole Johnson says
Great post! The multi colored USB connector looks like a great investment. I’m sure it comes in handy.
Anosa says
It sure does and thanks
Franc Ramon says
I need the multi port connector. It’s perfect for me since I have several phones. It’s also nice that you only have a few items in your bag.
Anosa says
I am the same, I have a couple of different phones and gadgets so the charger comes in handy
Amy says
The cables sound like a really good idea – and super handy! Perfect for travelling.
Anosa says
Yep really supper handy
Sarah Bailey says
OK those cables are such an amazing idea! I may just have to get myself a few I think thank you.
Anosa says
You should they are so useful
gaynycdad says
Those cables are gorgeous! And yes, necessary. We all have iPhones, but my battery chargers and my son’s iPod all have different ports. So I never know which one I will need, but I always need more than one!
Anosa says
I know the feeling my dad and I have iPhones but different chargers which is annoying when I visit them without my normal charger
Talya Stone says
Wow you are so organised. I have most of these things in my travel bag plus a bajillion other things I really don’t need to have in there too! I love the look of that Body Shop handcream must check it out!
Anosa says
Hahaha a took a while to come down to these items but you just need to know your constants
Ali says
Wow that Jastek looks amazing. I always travel with hand cream as well. Traveling can be so dry. Its important to be prepared!
Anosa says
Oh so true, it’s important to be prepared
Alli Smith says
I don’t like bulky handbags when traveling and I try my best not to overstuff my handbag. I love the idea of the multi-colored USB cables and a portable charger.
Anosa says
I try not to overstuff my handbag too and yes thes cables have become a must for me
Fi Ni Neachtain says
Those are all really great travel essentials. Those hand creams from The Body Shop are amazing, I use the hemp one and it’s a miracle worker.
Anosa says
Yes I love body shop hand creams but not tried the hemp