Wet wipes - Japanese being so Japanese

“Wet wipes are essential! You don’t find things like oshibori (hot towels) overseas, and even compact wet wipes can be hard to come by.” (Female, 40s, travels abroad at least once a year)

“Definitely wet wipes - and they have to be the alcohol-based sterilizing kind!” (Female, 30s, has traveled around the world)

Wet wipes were the most commonly mentioned must-have item. In many countries, wet tissues or disposable towels aren’t readily available, and Japanese travelers, who tend to be especially hygiene-conscious, often bring their own. Some won’t even sit down on a toilet seat until it’s been wiped clean and dry.

Room Shoes – Rooted in Japanese Culture

“In the West, hotels don’t always provide slippers, but for me, they’re essential.” (Female, 30s, travel enthusiast living in Germany)

“Beach sandals are a must! You can wear them outside and still feel relaxed. They’re super handy on rainy days too—though only in summer, haha.” (Female, 30s, has traveled to over 40 countries)

In Japanese culture, it's customary to remove outdoor shoes indoors, so many Japanese travelers feel more comfortable changing into slippers or indoor footwear when entering a room. While most hotels in Japan provide slippers, this isn’t always the case overseas, making it a good idea to pack your own.

Beach sandals are another popular option since they can be worn both inside and outside hotel rooms. Some travelers even recommend bringing gyosan instead. Short for “fishery sandals,” gyosan are similar to Crocs and were originally designed for use in Japan’s fishing industry. They’re known for their durable toe strap, which helps prevent slipping, and their quick-drying material. If you spot a pair on your trip, they’re definitely worth trying!

Smartphone, Digital Camera, and Power bank – No matter where you go, you’ll be bringing tech along!

“The first thing that comes to mind is my smartphone—it's all you really need, right? Then a camera! Spare batteries are a must. I can’t stop taking photos when I travel, so I always bring extra batteries to avoid having to return to the hotel just to recharge.” (Male, 20s, traveled around the world in 200 days)

“I take lots of videos when I travel, so I definitely recommend a GoPro!” (Female, 20s, Korean)

“I always download dramas and movies to my tablet before a trip. It’s a must for killing time on long flights.”
(Male, 20s, Australian)

No matter the country, digital gadgets are essential for today’s travelers, and spare batteries are just as important. But being too prepared can sometimes backfire, as one traveler learned the hard way:

“I brought five spare batteries for all my gear—and they were all confiscated during immigration inspection in China.” (Male, 20s)

Lucas’ Papaw Ointment - Recommendation from a former flight attendant!

“Almost every flight attendant, regardless of gender, carries an Australian ointment called Papaw cream. It’s a versatile product that works for burns, insect bites, cuts, dry skin, and chapped lips.”

Papaw cream is considered a household essential in Australia. And since flight attendants are well-versed in travel across different climates and conditions, their go-to items tend to be reliable.

If you’re heading out on a trip, consider packing a tube of Papaw cream. It’s a compact, all-purpose remedy for a variety of skin issues.

Contact Lens Cases – A Compact and Convenient Trick!

“Contact lens cases are very easy to carry around. You can bring things in the amount that you need in the aircraft, such as lotion, hand cream, wax etc. It does not leak liquid, it can be divided into two and are convenient. I carry one almost every day, lol.”

Clothespins, Clothesline, and S-hook - 3 things to make packing easier

“Always pack them in your backpack. The golden rule for travelers is to pack light and do laundry along the way.”

“S-hooks and clothespins are super handy! It’s often hard to find a good spot to dry clothes in hotel rooms, so these come in really useful.”

Laundry supplies were frequently mentioned by experienced travelers and those who take longer trips. S-hooks are especially helpful: not just for drying clothes, but also for hanging bags and other items when space is limited.

Insulated drink bottles - Chinese people enjoy drinking hot water

“In China, hot drinks are believed to have a calming, almost healing effect. That’s why we always bring insulated water bottles when we travel. Japanese-made bottles are especially popular in China.” (Male, 30s, Chinese)

While some Japanese also avoid cold drinks for health reasons, this belief isn’t as widespread as it is in China. Japanese appliances and household goods are known for their high quality and affordability, making them popular among Chinese travelers.

Miso for Japanese, Lao Gan Ma Chili Sauce for Chinese, and Gochujang for Korean – Asians Love Their Seasonings!

“I always bring instant miso soup. As long as I have access to hot water, I can have it for breakfast.” (Majority of Japanese respondents)

“Lao Gan Ma chili sauce is incredibly popular in China. I add it to instant noodles when I start missing Chinese food—it’s like miso soup is to the Japanese.” (Male, 30s, Chinese)

“Gochujang is a must for Koreans. I also bring instant noodles and gim (Korean seaweed). Nothing is more important than having familiar food.” (Female, 20s, Korean)

When traveling, many people start to miss the taste of home. Familiar flavors can bring comfort and ease homesickness. Every culture has its own beloved seasonings—packing a few of your favorites can be a small but powerful way to feel grounded while on the road.

Deodorant Supplies – For Those Who Always Want to Look Good!

“Deodorant is part of my daily routine, so I always bring it when I travel.” (Male, 20s, Italian)

For Italians, odor control is considered part of good fashion and grooming. It’s not uncommon for Italian women to shower again before heading out in the evening. With such attention to personal appearance, it’s easy to see why Italy is often seen as a fashion capital.

Underwear & Socks – German Travelers Say: Simple Is Best?!

“If you have underwear and socks, you’re good to go. What else do you need? As long as I have cash, a card, and my passport, I can manage.” (Male, 40s, German)

Simple and to the point! For many German travelers—especially those coming from a country known for its eco-conscious values—packing light and minimizing waste may be part of the travel philosophy.

Daily Necessities of a Familiar Brand – The Laid-Back American Choice

“To be honest, I don’t think there’s a universal must-have for us. It really depends on the person. But I do always bring things like my usual lotion and body soap. Lately, I also make sure to pack the toothpaste I use at home.” (Female, 20s, American)

Rather than one-size-fits-all essentials, many American travelers prefer to bring personal care items from brands they know and trust. Having familiar products on hand helps them feel more at ease while away from home.

“I traveled around the world and brought a Japanese flag with me. It was amazing to include it in photos with local people; it really made the experience special.”

“Plastic bags and eco-bags are a must since many supermarkets overseas don’t provide free bags.”

“Disposable body warmers! I tend to get stomachaches when traveling abroad, and they help ease the pain. I even gave one to a local guide in Russia - he loved it!”

These unique items highlight how personal travel essentials can be. As a Japanese writer, what stood out to me through this survey is how particular Japanese travelers are about what they pack. While many Japanese respondents shared detailed lists of must-bring items, travelers from other countries often seemed more relaxed or minimalist in their approach. It might reflect a certain delicacy or attention to detail that’s deeply rooted in the Japanese temperament.

So, what are your travel essentials? We hope this survey inspires you to think about what you truly need - and helps you feel a little more prepared for your next adventure!