As we venture out to our favorite vacation spots this summer, we’re packing all of the essentials. No matter how often you travel, deciding what to bring is always a new challenge. The inRegister team is offering you some packing inspiration, though. Read on for our staff’s must-have items for travel near and far.

Toys, Stanley Cup and a sweatshirt

“I’m not very exciting when it comes to the items I bring when I travel, at least when it comes to items for myself. My two toddlers take up pretty much all of the available space in any bag (or bags) we decide to bring. My must-haves for my two boys, even though no one asked, are blank notebooks, crayons, small tubs of Play-Doh and their Tonie boxes. Throw a few monster trucks and a baby doll or two in there, too.

For me, the most important thing is a big cup with a straw. I am still in my Stanley Cup phase, even though I know Owala is the new it-cup. The reason I have for lugging around a giant cup to far-off destinations is a harrowing experience I had while pregnant in a vacation rental in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The entire house had only mason jars for cups. If you ask me, that is not a proper drinking vessel. After making my husband run to the nearest store to acquire a satisfactory cup, I vowed never to travel without one of my own. Beyond that, my only other non-negotiable is a sweatshirt. Even if I’m going somewhere tropical, a sweatshirt is necessary. Not only does it provide warmth if you need it, obviously, but it can also serve as a pillow. Bonus points for the fact that it can simply be tied around my waist instead of taking up the valuable bag real estate that is reserved for my kids.”

— Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois, Editor

Reliefband

“No matter how smooth the plane ride is, take-off and landing are my worst nightmares. I got this Reliefband, which creates vibrations on your wrist to avoid and relieve nausea. I don’t know what the science is behind this magic device, but it works every time!”

— Ryn Lakvold, Editorial Intern

Bigs Sunflower Seeds

“I know, hot take. Whether you’re a passenger or the driver on a road trip, what are you doing if not eating sunflower seeds? This is a must for me because I would otherwise aggressively grind my teeth for hours on end. The brand here is important. Stay with me. Bigs has the most unique flavors, such as my personal favorites, Dill Pickle and Taco Supreme (Buffalo Wing also gets an honorable mention). While these keep me occupied on a road trip, they double as a great snack when away from my home pantry. I refuse to travel without them.”

— Kamryn Tramonte, Editorial Intern

A good book

“No matter how long the journey, a captivating book is my ultimate travel essential. I just returned from Nevis—a 12-plus hour travel day filled with boats, vans, planes and layovers–and I was completely absorbed the entire time. A good story turns delays into downtime and makes even the longest travel day feel like a luxury.”

— Caroline Smith, Multi-Media Marketing Consultant