Ideal for a little piece of home, no matter how far you roam…
‘Creature comforts’. ‘Travelling’?!
For many, these two phrases just don’t sit right together, the first seemingly endangering the freehweelin’, anything goes, mainlining ayahuasca and sleeping-out-under-the-stars mentality of the second.
But those who truly travel know that a few essential items actually facilitate a more spontaneous, enjoyable experience, giving anchor and foundation to exploration.
There are, of course, the travel essentials that everyone needs – a sturdy suitcase or compartmental backpack, clean underwear and your passport. But we’re not here to talk about those today.
Instead, we’re considering those extra items that, whilst not completely necessary, will make your trip better in pretty much every way. These are the creature comforts every traveller needs to bring with them, providing a sense of familiarity in unfamiliar surroundings, easing pangs of homesickness and just making your travels so much more comfortable. It’s that simple.
Pillowcases
According to research, one of the first things we begin to miss when we’re away from home for an extended period is our own bed, as we come to terms with scratchy sheets in and uncomfortable mattresses on the road.
You can’t bring your entire bed with you, sure, but you can bring a part of it. That’s why we always travel with our own pillowcases.
Bringing your own pillowcase can make a world of difference to your trip. The familiar texture and scent can be soothing and make you feel cosier, like you’re in your own bed. And in those Airbnbs where you’re not confident the sheets have been changed, this can make all the difference!
Pillowcases which come in a high thread count, made from soft natural fibres like cotton or silk for added comfort, are the ideal here. If you’re travelling somewhere hot, a super soft, high-quality silk pillowcase is especially useful as it can keep you cool at night. Moreover, the silkier and smoother the pillowcase, the less friction on your hair and skin, which can help fight against that bedraggled traveller look – good hair days are important for those holiday snaps after all.
Silk dries incredibly quickly too, which means it can be washed easily in the hotel sink. We’re fans of The Nap Co silk pillowcase, which comes in a resealable pouch. There’s even the opportunity to personalise the pillowcase with embroidery, which is useful if you’re planning on sharing a dormitory with other folk.
Pack Your Nightstand
Your nightstand is a very personal space, a hub of comfort and familiarity. It’s home to the last thing you need at night and the first things you need in the morning. Recreating this personal space can be deeply comforting when travelling.
Consider packing small, lightweight items that don’t take up much space in your luggage to emulate your home nightstand . It could be a travel-sized photo frame with a picture of loved ones, or a mini journal and pen for late-night thoughts, or simply an alarm clock. These items can transform a sterile hotel or hostel bedside table into a cosy, personalised nook.
For those who rely on technology, a portable charger or a travel adapter for your devices can ensure your nightstand essentials are always functional.
A Little Box Of Sleep
We don’t need to tell you that it’s important to have a bedtime routine to help you sleep more soundly. But perhaps we do need to remind you that sticking to one while you’re on the road can enhance your sense of well-being greatly.
Travel disrupts your body’s internal clock, especially if you’re crossing time zones. A consistent bedtime routine can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep, which can help mitigate the effects of jet lag. On top of that, better sleep leads to better daytime functioning. When you’re well-rested, you’re more likely to have the energy and mood to make the most of your adventure, exploring further and deeper, and truly being present during new experiences.
Travel can be stressful, with unfamiliar environments, busy schedules, and the potential for things to go wrong. A bedtime routine can serve as a comforting set of rituals that reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep. A familiar bedtime routine can help you adapt to new sleeping environments when you’re in an unfamiliar place.
We’re fans of popping miniature bottles of aromatherapy roller balls and pillow mists in our toiletry bag to use every night, to help create that sense of routine. Bringing other sleep essentials with you is always a good idea. If you’re sensitive to light, then an over-the-eye sleep mask is a good idea. Some squishy earplugs are always a useful thing, especially if you’ve booked an apartment on a busy and noisy street. Consider packing some sleepy tea, too, which brings us to our next point…
Brew Essentials
It’s easy to feel lost without a morning ritual, especially when you’re uprooted and far from home. For many Brits, there’s nothing quite like a proper cup of tea.
Packing your favourite tea bags is a simple way to carry a piece of home with you. Whether it’s a strong English Breakfast to kickstart your day or a calming chamomile before bed, having your preferred tea on hand is a small luxury that can make all the difference.
If you’re a coffee drinker, then the same rules apply. We’ve spent many a month travelling around Asia drinking 2-in-1 Kenco sachets, which in a pinch are palatable, but leave a funny, bitter taste in your mouth, especially if you drink them every morning. So, instead of putting up with a mediocre, borderline offensive cup of instant coffee, it’s worth bringing a packet of your favourite ground coffee with you and something to brew it in.
The AeroPress Original travel coffee maker makes a fine cup of coffee on the go. It’s lightweight and barely bigger than a coffee mug. And if you think, “I’ll just pick up a cafetière when I’m travelling around”, then be warned; we’ve forked out £40 on a cafetière in Penang before, which would cost less than a fiver back home. You could have paid for another bag in the hold for that – you do the math(s).
Ingredients For Your Most Comforting Meal
When we’re at home, there’s nothing more comforting than having a well-stocked larder. Knowing that you can have a nutritious and delicious meal at a moment’s notice is reassuring, that’s for sure..
And our most comforting store cupboard meal? Tomato pasta. That’s why when we go travelling, we always take a tin of Mutti, a packet of De Cecco spaghetti, olive oil, and some packets of seasoning – just enough to make a couple of meals.
Yes, we know it sounds a little crazy. There are, of course, shops all over the world. However, depending on where you’re going, it’s not always easy to get the ingredients you want without having to travel to an international supermarket, with all the fiercely cold AC and sky high prices they usually entail.
On top of all that, sometimes after a long flight with a transit or two, all you want to do is crash, and knowing that you have the ingredients to make at least one meal in your bag means one less thing to worry about.
A Portable Speaker
Music seems to go hand in hand with travel. It can have a profound effect on us, soothing us, getting us in the mood to go out, or setting the tone for the next leg of our adventure.
Sometimes, that tinny sound emanating from your phone or laptop just doesn’t do the job. Instead, bring a Bluetooth speaker powerful enough to fill your hotel room with sound. You might want to pack your dancing shoes, too, of course…
A VPN & Amazon Fire Stick
British television shows – another thing that we miss when we’re gallivanting around the world. And that’s ok. Even when abroad, travelling and getting immersed in another culture, there’s no shame in occasionally longing for the domestic comfort of entertainment from the BBC or Channel Four.
An Amazon Fire Stick can be your travel-sized gateway to a world of British entertainment when on the move. This nifty device plugs into the HDMI port of most modern televisions and provides access to streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.
You’ll, of course, need to invest in a VPN (do check the legality of using one in your country of destination) to access TV from back home. Whether you’re in the mood for a gripping drama series or a comforting British comedy, the Firestick and a VPN bring your favourite shows and films to your fingertips, no matter where you are in the world.
Loungewear
After a long day at work, few things are better than throwing on your comfy clothes and lounging down. The same thing applies to when you’re travelling. Getting back to your Airbnb or hotel room, showering and slipping on something comfy is pure pleasure.
Pack your favourite comfortable loungewear set, whether it be a matching tracksuit, a cashmere co-ord or an especially oversized T-shirt, for those times when you’re kicking back and reflecting on your day.
A Piece Of Material
Bring a sarong, or go to the fabric shop and get a few metres of lightweight fabric in a pattern that you love. You can use this as a throw on a tired-looking sofa, over your bed, or as a tablecloth. It can also personalise and add warmth to any temporary living space.
Self-Care Spa Kit
When we’re at home, most of us have easy access to a jillion little jars of creams, balms, oils, and serums to nourish our hair and skin when we need it. But when we’re travelling, feeling a little more bedraggled then we ever would at home, most of us just have a basic moisturiser and 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner – where is the logic?
We know, the logic lies with space saving. But taking time for self-care is crucial so you can feel at your best on the road. That’s why we think a ‘self-care spa kit’ can be a traveller’s best friend.
Fill a compact bag with items that make you feel pampered and relaxed. This could include a face mask, a mini bottle of moisturiser, a high-quality lip balm, and perhaps some soothing eye gel patches to combat tired eyes after a long flight.
We love to pack hydrating products in our pamper kit which can go a long way in keeping skin happy and healthy after travelling around. Just be sure all your products are in TSA-approved sizes. Oh, and an exfoliating foot scrub to care for your tired, overworked feet after a day of exploring is a lovely thing to have on hand (or, on feet!), too.
The act of taking time to pamper yourself can be incredibly grounding and is a wonderful way to unwind after a day of travelling.
Tumble Dryer Sheets
We know what you’re thinking; is a tumble dryer sheet really a home comfort? Hear us out. There’s nothing quite as comforting as the smell of clean sheets.
As such, bringing fresh, linen-smelling tumble dryer sheets while travelling can be surprisingly comforting. Not only can they be used to freshen up clothes that have been packed away and may have developed a musty odour, but the familiar scent of dryer sheets, provide a sense of ease and well-being.
They can even double as a makeshift air freshener for stale hotel rooms. In essence, lightweight and compact tumble dryer sheets are a multi-use travel companion that can enhance the comfort and convenience of your journey. You’re welcome.
The Bottom Line
Remember that old joke taking the kitchen sink” with you on holiday? We know that you’re probably thinking that after reading this article. However, bringing these creature comforts with you when you go away can transform your travel experience.