Travel Non-Negotiables: Everything the Broadsheet Team Can’t Live Without

Knowing where to start with travel essentials isn’t easy, but convenience is key. The team at Broadsheet likes to be prepared, which means packing the small items that make a noticeable difference once you’re in transit.

Travel doesn’t always go to plan, so anything that streamlines the experience is worth considering. The Travel Booking platform conveniently houses all your bookings in one place, features AI-powered tools to assist with price prediction, and allows you to unlock travel deals to book flights, hotels and car rentals via the CommBank app. 

Here’s what we’re packing for our next getaway.

Holly Bodeker-Smith, newsletter editor

I love travelling, but as a Capricorn, losing my sense of order makes me old-man levels of grumpy. To maintain structure in transit, I prioritise sleep and organisation. My Alpine earplugs are essential for blocking out noise in unfamiliar spaces, while Globite’s packing cubes (a lucky op shop find) keep my suitcase tidy.

 I’m notoriously fussy about bags, but my Crumpler Goose crossbody is a longtime favourite – it’s deceptively spacious and fits all my carry-on essentials. Inside, you’ll always find my Body Shop hemp hand cream and Moleskine notebooks for journaling. Next on my list: Beauty and the Bees’ skin and haircare bars.

James Williams, creative solutions manager

I’m not afraid of flying, but I resent sitting in a narrow seat for 10-plus hours, so my escapism starts as soon as I board. First essential: an Airfly adaptor, which connects my noise-cancelling headphones to the in-seat screen. I don’t want to hear anything but my movie.

I love browsing the magazine rack at WH Smith before boarding, but a Kindle has recently become a non-negotiable. I always end up collecting new books on holiday, so loading a few digital titles saves space in my bag.

I’ve also recently been converted to compression socks – Paire’s are $40 and noticeably better than the overpriced pair I panic-bought at Charles de Gaulle last year. My latest trick, though, is carrying on a tote bag instead of a backpack. I’ve found the ground crew rarely weigh a tote, but almost always check your backpack. 

Chynna Santos, branded content editor

Is there anything dreamier than holiday snaps of beaches, temples and botanic gardens on film? Unfortunately buying rolls and getting them developed adds up, but I get a similar look (and experience) from the nostalgic Flashback camera. I also inevitably end up reading more while travelling than I do in my day-to-day (blame it on the hours stuck in transit, resting on benches after lots of walking, and unwinding at a wine bar after a long day), so my Kindle Paperwhite is a must-have. And for getting all those steps in, the On Cloud 6 is my go-to shoe.

Gitika Garg, assistant editor – art, design, style

My friends used to laugh every time I pulled out my foot hammock mid-flight – until I was fast asleep while they tossed and turned. The lightweight contraption slings over your tray table, letting you stretch out properly. It’s a game-changer on long-haul flights. I’ve converted a few sceptics since. It folds down small, too, so it’s easy to stash in your carry-on. I also never travel without my Murad SPF and Olaplex’s bonding hair oil – both compact enough to slip into any pouch. 

Evie Baker, photo editor

I refuse to be uncomfortable, dehydrated or powerless on a long-haul flight. I start with the Rhode Peptide Eye Prep Depuffing eye patches. They hold tight for as long as you need and have a cooling sensation that definitely helps to bring a bit of zen to the typically stressful experience of flying from Australia to basically anywhere else in the world.

My phone battery rarely lasts, so the Snap Charging slim power bank is essential; it’s saved me more than once in a foreign county. I also always pack a lightweight cashmere jumper, like this one from Venroy, for fluctuating cabin temperatures. This year, I want to capture as many memories as possible, and there’s no excuse when you bring a camera as tiny as the Kodak Charmera digital keyring camera (it will most definitely fit in my carry-on).  

This article is produced by Broadsheet in collaboration with Commonwealth Bank. Provided by Hopper Inc., Travel Booking is accessible via the CommBank app, which brings flights, accommodation and car hire together in one place. Value-added travel comes via AI-powered Price Prediction and trip alert tools, with additional benefits for eligible customers through CommBank Yello, such as cashback and travel credits (ongoing eligibility conditions apply). See commbank.com.au/travelbooking or search “Travel Booking” in the CommBank app.