We Asked Six Teens About Their Travel Essentials—Here’s What They Pack for Every Trip
Teenagers today are savvy travelers. From family road trips to international adventures, Gen Z knows what they want in their carry-ons. We interviewed six teens from across the U.S. to find out exactly what makes it into their bags every time they travel—and their answers were equal parts practical, personal, and perfectly on-trend.
So whether you’re a parent helping your teen prep for summer vacation or a traveler of any age looking for fresh packing inspo, here’s what today’s teens say they can’t leave home without.
Kylie, 16 – Austin, TX
“I can’t do a flight without my AirPods Max. Crying babies? No problem.”
From long flights to noisy hotel rooms, most teens agreed: sound matters. Noise-canceling headphones or wireless earbuds topped nearly every list—for music, podcasts, and just tuning out.
Jayden, 15 – Atlanta, GA
“My phone’s dead by 2 PM if I’m taking videos all day. Power banks = lifesavers.”
TikTok, Instagram, GPS, and group chats all drain battery life fast. Teens swear by slim, high-capacity power banks, preferably with fast-charging features.
Maya, 17 – Seattle, WA
“Travel messes up my skin. I bring cleanser, SPF, and mini moisturizers.”
Even on the go, Gen Z is serious about skincare. Travel-size versions of their favorite cleansers, sunscreens, and lip balms are non-negotiable—especially in dry plane cabins or sunny destinations.
Leo, 18 – New York, NY
“One good hoodie, two baggy tees, and my Air Force 1s. That’s all I need.”
Forget stiff travel clothes. Today’s teens prioritize comfort and personal style, packing sneakers, oversized shirts, and cozy layers for long travel days and unpredictable weather.
Amara, 14 – San Diego, CA
“I always bring a paperback, just in case Wi-Fi sucks.”
Surprisingly, a few teens still pack physical books—especially for offline entertainment. Bonus: books don’t require charging, and they’re perfect for beach days or quiet downtime.
Zane, 16 – Chicago, IL
“TSA-safe snacks are my best friend. I never trust airport food.”
From protein bars to gummy bears, snacks are an absolute must. Teens recommend packing favorites from home, especially when flying or road-tripping.
- Travel journal or sketchpad
- Reusable water bottle
- A travel pillow (“the squishy kind”)
- Bluetooth tracker tags (like AirTags) for keeping tabs on their backpack
Final Takeaway: Teens Pack Smart—and Personal
From skincare to snacks, teens today mix functionality with individuality when they travel. The biggest lesson? Comfort, tech, and self-care are just as essential as clothes and toiletries. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a summer abroad, these Gen Z travelers are definitely packing with purpose.