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A Carer’s Must-Have Travel Items

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After more than a decade of living out of a suitcase, I’ve learned how to pack smart. Over the years, I’ve figured out what I truly need, how to save space, and which little extras are worth bringing along because they make me feel more at home where...
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Bags and Organisers

Smart ways to keep everything tidy and within reach, from packing cubes to the perfect carry-on.

 
Daina Smite profile picture
Okay, I’ll admit it—buying the Samsonite Pro DLX 5 backpack felt like a completely outrageous splurge. But honestly? I don’t regret it for a second. It’s one of the best travel backpacks I’ve ever owned. It’s super spacious, with a padded compartment...
Samsonite Pro-DLX 5 15.6" Laptop Backpack
 
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One of my favourite travel finds is the IT Luggage ECO-Tough 21" Hardside Carry-On Spinner in Honey Gold. Not only does it look gorgeous (the colour really stands out!), but it’s also super practical. As most times I travel only with hand luggage (wi... True, then I have to check it in, but at least that saves me from acquiring suitcase collection 🙈 Stylish, sturdy, and eco-friendly—it’s been such a reliable travel companion.
it Luggage Eco Tough 21" 8 Wheel Spinner
 
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I always have to plan for being away for a couple of months at a time. That means preparing for the unpredictable weather (the well-known British kind, where you can get all four seasons in one day), making sure I am comfortable in my working environ...
Compression Packing Cubes for Suitcases
 
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As with a lot of things, I mix and match different items until I find what suits my needs. For the bigger items like jumpers and trousers, I use this Peak Design Medium packing cube.
Packing Cube | Peak Design Official Site
 
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I have a small electronics and cable organiser bag that holds all my cables, power bank, hard drive, memory cards, and other tech essentials.
Travel Cable Organizer & Electronics Bag
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Clothing and Accessories

Clothing takes up quite a bit of space, so I select items that are comfortable yet versatile. Items that I can layer and mix, plus small extras that make a big difference on the road.

 
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This was another one of my little investments, and honestly, it’s been worth every penny. The fleece lining makes it cosy enough for autumn walks with just a short-sleeved top underneath, and since British winters are fairly mild, it works perfectly ...
Helly Hansen Women's Crew Sailing Jacket 2.0
 
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Okay, full confession - I said I came back completely dry in that downpour, but I didn't mention one crucial detail: I had these Bergouse waterproof overtrousers on! Honestly, they're brilliant! You can pull them over your jeans or leggings, so you d...
Berghouse Waterproof Overtrousers
 
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These are great finds. I have been wearing them for a couple of winters now, and I really like these wool thermal tops. They are lightweight but warm and not too bulky if I need to layer up.
Merino Womens Zip-Neck Thermal Top II
 
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I couldn’t find the exact model of trainers I have, but this pair is the closest match. They’re a little on the bulky side, but that actually works in their favour — especially in autumn and winter, when there are more rainy days than dry ones. For w...
Timberland Motion Access Waterproof Trainer for Women in Black

Toiletries and Personal care

When it comes to my luggage, I have the very bare minimum of toiletries with me. Once I am at my destination, I will get the shower gels, facial and whatnot… 

 
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I was so fed up with my old electric toothbrush needing a charge every other week—and, worse, running out of power right in the middle of brushing. So when Amazon Prime Day came around, I grabbed the Foreo toothbrush on impulse, more out of necessity...
FOREO issa™ 3 - Hybrid Silicone Sonic Toothbrush
 
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This little razor has become my trusted travel companion, and it even comes with a handy travel case. The best part? I can swap out the blades—it fits all Venus refills (except Simply Venus), so I’m not tied to just one type. Super practical, easy to...
Gillette Venus Travel Razor
 
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Nivea lip balms are my go-to lip care. Great at moisturising and if I want a bit of colour, can select toned balm.
Nivea Lip Balm

Health & Safety

Peace of mind in a pouch - for me, that is painkillers, dressings, vitamins and a few other bits and pieces

 
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Compeed blister plasters have honestly saved my feet on so many trips—they stay in place, cushion really well, and make walking so much easier when a blister strikes. I always keep a pack in my bag because they’re a travel essential I don’t want to b...
Blister: causes, stages, treatment
 
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I use both Compeed and Scholl blister plasters, and honestly, I like to mix and match depending on the situation. Scholl blister plasters are softer around the edges and great for heels or toes, while Compeed gives me that extra strong hold—together ...
Scholl Blister Plasters & Shields
 
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I’m not usually a fan of tablets, but I admit we all need a little boost sometimes. That’s why I take these Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil multivitamins—just one capsule a day. They’re not too big and are easy to swallow, but the best part? They don’t have...
Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil plus Multivitamins
 
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This is another one of my must-haves for contact lenses. Keeps my contact lenses clean and doesn't dry them out, and comes with the little container for lenses.
Bausch & Lomb Biotrue Multi-Purpose Solution
 
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These Systane eye drops are another must for me. They are a bit thicker in consistency than ordinary eye drops, but that's what makes them so great and keeps my eyes moisturised. Also, these are one of the rare drops that can be used up to six months...
SYSTANE Ultra Lubricant Eye Drops - 10ml
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Tech & Gadgets

I won't add in the obvious items that most of us take with us on journeys, such as phones, iPads or laptops. However, here you will find the travel essentials to keep you charged, connected, and ready to capture memories.

 
Daina Smite profile picture
When I travel, I have a lot of tech with me - phone, iPad, laptop, headphones, watch - and there was a time when I had about five different plugs, cables and whatnot everywhere. Definitely eats up a space. To minimise the cable jungle, I got this Mag...
3-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe 15W
 
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As I sometimes don't know where I am going, whether it's a city, town, or maybe a rural area, for me, a power bank is a must. It is not fun to be somewhere and run out of power on your phone. This is a nice and compact powerbank, which won't leave y...
Belkin 10000mAh portable power bank

Travel Extras

 
Daina Smite profile picture
I'm definitely one of those people who needs a proper cup of coffee as soon as my eyes open. Since most hotels only offer instant coffee in their rooms, I always travel with Taylors ground coffee bags - they're easy to pack, brew like fresh ground co...
Taylors Coffee Bags
 
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I always keep a couple of flapjacks in my bag for a quick snack.
Trek Protein Flapjacks
 
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In addition to flapjacks, my bag contains trail mix or nut mix. These from Holland and Barrett are great😊
Trail Mixes & Snack Packs | Healthy Snacks | H&B
 
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I have had this luggage scale for about seven years, maybe longer. It has a reliable battery life and an accurate reading. It is a great thing to have when you are not quite sure how heavy your luggage is.
Sencor Digital Travel Luggage Scale