After years of group trips with as many as 27 people—swimming off the shores of Lake Michigan, chasing sunsets in the Florida Keys, hiking Red Rock trails in Utah—I’ve finally figured out what’s actually worth packing. Each getaway has had its forgotten item: a speaker, a stain stick, a charger left behind. And each time, my friends and family swear we’ll remember it next year.
What follows isn’t your average packing list. It’s a collection of the small but mighty essentials that tend to slip through the cracks on group trips—but somehow end up being the most important. The things that keep the crew on time and the photos looking great, the energy high, and the post-trip thank you texts rolling in.
Some are practical, some are just fun, but all of them have earned their spot in my crew’s bags over the years (often after learning the hard way that we needed it). So whether you’re headed off for a weekend in the mountains or a few weeks in Europe, consider this your shortcut to smoother, happier group travel.
Group trip essentials:
Stain remover pen
Someone will spill something. It might be sunscreen, sangria, or the inevitable coffee-on-a-train moment—but it’s going to happen. A portable stain remover is your tiny, tide-turning hero: quick to grab, easy to share, and capable of saving an outfit (and a mood) in seconds. Plus, it’s a lifesaver when laundry services aren’t immediately available.
Steamer
With everyone living out of backpacks or overstuffed suitcases, clothes get crumpled fast. A compact steamer brings your linen sets, dresses, and going-out shirts back to life without hunting for an iron in a hotel closet—or worse, trying to steam with a shower and hope.
First aid kit
Tucked away at the bottom of your beach tote or backpack, the first aid kit is the one thing you hope you never need—but are very happy to have when you do. A scraped knee on a cobblestone lane in Lisbon, a blister from dancing too hard at a rooftop party in Mexico City—it’s a tiny case full of just-in-case essentials like bandages, ointments, and gauze pads.
Portable charger
A portable charger can make all the difference between capturing that once-in-a-lifetime sunset and watching your phone die at 2%. This small-but-mighty tech essential keeps group texts humming, Spotify playlists rolling, and cameras ready. From sunrise hikes in Bali to late-night tuk-tuk rides through Bangkok, it’s your silent lifeline.
Medication
Amazon Basics
Ibuprofen tablets 200mg
It’s 3 a.m. in Tokyo, someone’s fighting a fever, and another has a headache from sake tasting—but you? You’re the hero with the tiny bottle of ibuprofen. Whether it’s sore calves from exploring Petra or a post-party hangover in Mykonos, these little tablets bring balance back to the adventure one dose at a time.
Digital camera
The Pocket 3 and FHD 1080P cameras are lightweight, travel-friendly camera options that deliver crisp, cinematic footage without weighing you down—perfect for capturing the kind of moments your phone just can’t do justice. Think wide-angle shots of lavender fields in Provence, sun-drenched portraits on Grecian terraces, and spontaneous candids of friends laughing under string lights in a tucked-away trattoria.
Adapter
Apple World Travel Adapter Kit
It’s the overlooked passport stamp of seasoned travelers: a compact universal adapter. From Parisian flats to Roman hotel rooms, it connects your world to theirs—hair tools, laptop chargers, speaker batteries, all purring back to life in foreign sockets.
Sunscreen
The scent of coconut and citrus from your favorite sunscreen is enough to transport you to sun-soaked vacations. But beyond its fragrant promise, sunscreen is your best friend in any warm destination. Whether you’re strolling through a Tuscan vineyard, sailing along Croatia’s coast, or simply basking by the pool with a spritz in hand, it’s your shield against too-much-sun regrets and tomorrow’s peeling shoulders. The Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense goes on light and clear—perfect for everyday touch-ups—while the Supergoop Play Body Mist makes reapplying feel more like a treat than a chore.
Contact solution
Biotrue
Contact lens solution
Behind every breathtaking view is the ability to actually see it. That tiny bottle of contact lens solution isn’t glamorous, but it’s the difference between squinting at Santorini sunsets or soaking in every shimmering detail. Bring one for the group to share so you can all keep your eyes fresh, vision clear, and memories crisp.
Speaker
It’s the kind of thing you meant to pack—thought about, maybe even picked up at one point—but left behind between the snacks and sunscreen. Not essential like a passport, but once the sun sets or the beach lounging begins , someone always says it: “We should’ve brought a speaker.” Both the JBL Go 4 waterproof and Ultiamte Ears Miniroll speakers are compact, durable, and ready for any adventure—whether poolside, on a dusty trail, or under the stars—making it easy to bring the soundtrack wherever your group goes.
Bug spray
Off!
Deep Woods insect repellent
The setting: a candlelit dinner by the Mekong river, laughter drifting through balmy air, the scent of lemongrass on the breeze. And then—the first mosquito bite. This is when Deep Woods insect repellent becomes a silent hero. With a fresh citronella and herbal garden scent, it’s a gentle mist that keeps bugs at bay without overwhelming your senses. Suddenly, you’re back in the moment and free to soak in the night without the itch.
Packable tote and backpack
Picture this: a breezy morning market in Oaxaca, hands full of woven textiles and tamarind candies—and out comes your featherlight Longchamp Le Pliage tote, unfolding like magic to hold it all. Or a day hike in Patagonia with snacks, sunscreen, and a camera tucked neatly into the sleek MZ Wallace Metro Backpack Deluxe. Both bags blend beauty with utility, and are sure to make you the MVP to whichever friend has maxed out their small crossbody before the shopping begins.
Extension cord
One Beat
Power strip surge protector
It’s the great equalizer in any group trip: one mirror, one plug, six people needing power. An elegant, multi-outlet extension cord saves friendships and gets everyone out the door on time. Charge phones, style hair, steam clothes—all at once, without any drama. It’s the unsung hero behind every well-lit selfie and perfectly-timed departure.
Styling tools
After a long day of saltwater swims or windswept cliff walks, there’s something deeply luxurious about getting ready—hair smooth, sun-kissed skin, music playing in the background. But when everyone’s sharing a single outlet and counter space is at a premium, packing a flat iron, curling wand, and hair dryer just isn’t it. That’s where an all-in-one styling tool comes in clutch. A game-changer like the Dyson AirWrap Complete or the Shark FlexStyle saves space, time, and arguments over who gets to do their hair next. Though trust us—everyone will end up asking to borrow it.
Floss
Oral-B
Glide Comfort Plus floss
A dinner of grilled octopus, herb-flecked potatoes, and red wine in a sun-drenched Greek taverna—perfection. Until the moment someone flashes a smile in a group photo with parsley caught mid-molar. Floss: the discreet miracle-worker in your toiletry kit. It’s an underrated essential that keeps you all looking and feeling your best.