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(970) 335-8670

  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • Preferred Partner Benefit
  • Client Testimonials
  • Travel Protection Options
  • Travel Guides
  • Travel Tips
  • Travel Essentials
  • Resources
  • FAQs
  • Contact Us

Taylored Tours' Travel Essentials

Packing for a trip should feel exciting, not overwhelming.

As a travel advisor who spends a lot of time in airports, hotels, cruise ships, trains, and charming European alleyways, I’ve learned exactly which travel items make the journey smoother, more comfortable, and a whole lot easier.


This guide is your go-to checklist for the essentials I recommend to all my clients.
You can use it for Europe, river cruises, city getaways, and anywhere adventure calls.


Below you'll find the categories I rely on most.


As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price you pay.

carry-on luggage must-haves

Carry-On Must-Haves

Your carry-on is your lifeline when flights change unexpectedly. Here are the items I always bring:

Recommended Products:

  • Carry-on suitcase I love → https://amzn.to/4iSXn01
  • My favorite packing cubes → https://amzn.to/3KB7WrV
  • A small portable charger → https://amzn.to/4oFP8pg
  • RFID travel wallet → https://amzn.to/4pmX5AS
  • Noise-canceling headphones → https://amzn.to/48FOX7A
  • Travel scarf/blanket → https://amzn.to/3KLey72
  • My go-to travel backpack → https://amzn.to/4oKL47j
  • Refillable water bottle → https://amzn.to/4pRno1X

Checked luggage

Checked Luggage Essentials

When you’re traveling internationally or for longer trips, a durable checked suitcase is worth the investment. Look for lightweight materials, smooth wheels, strong handles, and good internal compartments.

Recommended Products:

  • Lightweight 28–30” checked suitcase that’s perfect for Europe trips → https://amzn.to/4akapSb
  • Hard-sided spinner suitcase with durable corner protection → https://amzn.to/496CtXY
  • Soft-sided expandable suitcase that fits more than you think → https://amzn.to/3MIcblY
  • TSA-approved luggage locks → https://amzn.to/4ayb5Dd
  • Apple AirTags (4-pack for tracking all your bags) → https://amzn.to/48lnMQw

Airplane seat essentials

Flight & Tour Upgrade You’ll Actually Use

AirFly Bluetooth transmitter → https://amzn.to/48TNb3U

  • Use your AirPods or wireless headphones with the airplane’s entertainment system—no more cords, adapters, or relying on airline earbuds.
  • Even better? You can also pair AirFly with the Audio Vox devices used on walking tours during river cruises. That means you can listen to your guide through your own comfortable Bluetooth headphones, not the one-size-fits-none wired earbuds they hand out.
  • Perfect for long flights and long sightseeing days.

River Cruise Essentials

River cruises involve comfortable walking tours, scenic deck time, and varied weather. Pack items that keep you comfortable both on the ship and onshore excursions.

Recommended Products:

  • Lightweight day bag for excursions → https://amzn.to/3MtC74L
  • Non-slip walking shoes for cobblestones → https://amzn.to/48C8q93
  • Water-friendly sandals for the spa or hot tub → https://amzn.to/3XI8NtL
  • Compact binoculars for scenic cruising → https://amzn.to/4pkrLmk
  • Layers for early-morning or sunset deck views → https://amzn.to/4iMW4Q7
  • AirFly Bluetooth transmitter (works for in-flight entertainment and Audio Vox walking-tour devices paired with Bluetooth headphones) → https://amzn.to/3MwSVI5

Spring travel outfit Europe

Spring & Fall Travel Essentials

Mild temperatures, light layers, and unpredictable weather make spring and fall some of the best (and trickiest) seasons to pack for. Focus on comfort, versatility, and weather-resistant pieces.

Recommended Products:

  • Lightweight rain jacket for drizzly days and cool evenings → https://amzn.to/4oLr9oX
  • Comfortable waterproof walking shoes made for cobblestones → https://amzn.to/3Kk9CGf
  • Layering cardigan or mid-weight jacket → https://amzn.to/4iKIpsV
  • Packable travel umbrella → https://amzn.to/4oNNJNz
  • Light travel scarf for changing temperatures → https://amzn.to/4pqCdc1

Summer Travel Essentials

Summer travel = heat, sun, long walking days, and busy city centers. Choose breathable fabrics and items that help keep you cool and hydrated.

Recommended Products:

  • Breathable walking shoes for hot weather → https://amzn.to/4pqD6Bn
  • Moisture-wicking travel clothing → https://amzn.to/4iKpdLG
  • Lightweight crossbody bag for daily essentials → https://amzn.to/4pqDqjz
  • Cooling travel towel for hot days → https://amzn.to/48Exw7k
  • Packable sun hat → https://amzn.to/4azK0j5
  • Travel-size sunscreen (reef safe if cruising!) → https://amzn.to/4iNDAiH

Winter Travel Essentials

Europe in winter is magical—Christmas markets, snowy towns, and cozy cafés. Pack warm layers that keep you comfortable outdoors while still being easy to move in.

Recommended Products:

  • Packable down jacket that’s warm but lightweight → https://amzn.to/4rLOEAC
  • Waterproof boots with good traction for snow or rain → https://amzn.to/48CoSGo
  • Warm travel scarf that doubles as a wrap → https://amzn.to/49YAiGS
  • Touchscreen-friendly gloves for cold sightseeing days → https://amzn.to/3KPqsga
  • Thermal base layers for added warmth → https://amzn.to/3MnyU6U

The Mighty Medicine Kit

No one plans to get a headache, a blister, or a mysterious rash while traveling. But having a small, well-thought-out medicine kit in your bag can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a trip-derailing problem.

The Basics

These cover the everyday issues that pop up when you’re walking more, trying new shoes, or dealing with small cuts and scrapes.

   •   Bandages (for when your shoes betray you)

   •   Antiseptic wipes

   •   Gauze and medical tape

   •   Tweezers (splinters, ticks, or other surprises)

Everyday Lifesavers

These handle the most common travel discomforts and can save you from hunting down a pharmacy in an unfamiliar place.

   •   Pain reliever (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)

   •   Allergy medication

   •   Anti-diarrheal medication

   •   Antacids

Travel-Specific Must-Haves

These items are especially helpful on longer trips, cruises, or destinations where access to familiar products may be limited.

   •   Motion sickness medication

   •   Electrolyte packets

   •   Hydrocortisone cream

   •   Thermometer

   •   Rehydration salts

   •   Prescription medications (pack at least 1–2 extra days in case of delays)

Taylored Tours’ Tip

Store everything in a compact, waterproof pouch and keep it in your carry-on. A little preparation goes a long way toward staying comfortable, confident, and focused on enjoying the journey.

Download PDF

Explore Our Travel Tips and Resources

Travel Resources

Travel Resources

Travel Resources

These trusted travel programs and tools are designed to save you time, reduce stress, and streamline your journey from start to finish. Whether it’s faster airport security, smoother international arrivals, or convenient ways to track your flights and documents, these resources help make your trip more efficient and hassle-free. They’re the “smart traveler” extras that can make a big difference in your overall experience.

Learn more

Travel Tips

Travel Resources

Travel Resources

Travel tips

After many years of traveling and planning vacations for clients, here are my top travel tips to help you avoid the common mistakes and help you travel like a pro. Traveling the world and seeing new places can offer incredible lifetime experiences and following these tips can help make your travel much more enjoyable.

Learn More

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