7 Travel Essentials Every Traveler Should Have

In an age where checked bags are no longer free unless you are flying with Southwest (two checked bags free) or JetBlue (first check bag free), travelers are looking for ways to travel light.

The availability of gadgets, lightweight electronics and versatile attires, business or leisure travelers have the ability to pack everything into a carry-on if they know what the essential things are to bring.

Here are Travelmath’s 7 travel essentials every traveler should have to travel light and avoid the hassle of overpacking:

One: Smartphone
Remember those days when you packed your alarm clock, GPS, maps and guidebooks into your luggage or carry-on? Now you can pack them all in your smartphone.

If you arrive in JFK International Airport and need driving directions to Times Square Manhattan, just search Travelmath, once you are at the mobile friendly website, look for driving distance. Type in "from JFK to TIMES SQUARE" and press the orange CALCULATE button.

A map of driving directions from JFK to Times Square will appear. If you want to verify these driving directions just click on the Google Maps, MapQuest or Yahoo Maps provided.

Our calculator shows driving distance between JFK to Times Square is 18 miles.

Two: Tablet
No more heavy books or forgetting your favorite books and getting stuck with a book that you dislike. Kindle, iPad or any tablets are making it possible for us to download hundreds of books into a device before leaving home.

Never regret about not having your favorite book in hand because it was too heavy or you forgot to pack it. Even for the forgetful travelers, with Wi-Fi and a credit card, you can instantly download a book into your device.

Traveling with young children is becoming easier with tablets. This handy device with entertainment, games, interactive books and music may entertain children for hours. You no longer need to carry bulky electronic games and DVD players.

Three: Portable charger
With all those devices, what if you run out of “juice” when you are in the middle of searching for directions or the next stopping points?

Your answer is in a portable charger.

There are various types of external batteries. We prefer Anker Astro3E 10000 mAh because it has a large power capacity, great price, includes a few adapters and is extremely portable.

Four: Ultimate carry-on bag
Every airline has its carry-on bag policies. American Airlines allows one small carry-on bag plus one personal item per passenger and the carry-on has to fit comfortably in the overhead compartment bin or below the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions cannot exceed any of the following measurements: 22" long x 14" wide x 9" tall or 115cm (56 x 36 x 23 cm). (Source: American Airlines)

There is a maximum weight too. Air France allows a maximum weight of 12 kg. or 26.4 lb. per carry-on bag.

Nothing is more frustrating than to have a carry-on at your seat only to be told by the flight attendant that your carry-on exceeds the maximum allowance. Now the bag has to be tagged and checked in. You have all your important belongings inside and will need to claim the bag at the baggage claim area at your destination.

To avoid frustration, we think the ultimate carry-on bag should be lightweight, durable and have the flexibility of fitting under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.

One that we have been using is the eBags Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible. It weighs only 3 lbs. and 15 oz. with 3299 cu. In. It fits nicely on the overhead compartment and bottom of the seat. If you have a bad back, this bag may not be for you. You may have to go for a wheeled carry-on bag.

Five: Money Belt or Pickpocket-proof pants
Pickpocket incidents can happen anywhere in the world. It is a huge problem and can happen to even the most careful traveler.

A money belt or pickpocket-proof pants are essential for traveling to anywhere in the world. Take a look at this video from Fox News about a pickpocket-proof pants:

Fox Business Video

Six: Light Shoes
Are your shoes weighing about seven pounds? Imagine packing these shoes into your carry-on bag.

Nike Free Run+ ultralight trainer shoes are only 8.5 oz. According to Runners World, it is a cross-training shoe or even an everyday trainer for those adept at minimalist running.

You have options these days when it comes to fashionable and affordable lightweight shoes.

Seven: Cash
Cash is king wherever you go. Even though credit cards are widely used in the United States, it doesn’t mean there is ease of using credit cards in all parts of the world.

Some mom and pop stores or hotels require cash transactions in South America, Asia and even in parts of Europe.

To check exchange rates use Travelmath’s currency converter. For example US$1 is equivalent to 104.66 Japanese Yen (at the time of writing).

Do you have a list of travel essentials? Please share.