a person who has music involved in my everyday life since I was born, I take music into account in almost anything I do, and of course, that also includes my travels. I enjoy looking for concerts and music-related events when I travel. The 10 travel essentials below are things I am always glad to have in my bag when I’m on the road as a travel and music lover.

If you are enthusiastic about finding music experiences while you travel, be sure to include the items below on your packing list!

#1. In-Ear Headphones

I fell in love with the sound quality when I tried his. Although I love mine, too, a pair of in-ear headphones is more idealistic for travelling. The noise-isolating feature is the best and it is super affordable. It also uses FSC®Cerdified Wood and recyclable aluminium. I love how the cable feels in my hand, and the cable is durable and tangle-resistant. Did I mention there’s also an integrated microphone with a button remote?

#2. Headphones Cable Organizer

It’s pretty annoying to find your headphones all tangled up in your bag, and a cable organizer is what you need to keep your cable in one place. The leather cable organizer I recommend is compact and easy to use, and it’s durable. It also releases ear buds instantly when you unbuckle. Of course, it works for other types of cable, too.

#3. Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker

A portable Bluetooth wireless speaker is your other option to bring music on the road with you. What’s better than sharing the music you love with new friends you made along the way? A pocket-size speaker is perfect for music-loving travellers. I’m recommending House of Marley‘s product again because I love how they use bamboo trim and rewind fabric, and how convenient it is to pack it with you. It also got 6 hours of playtime. I don’t own one yet, but I am very attempted after reading the raving reviews on Amazon. You can charge with USB or a regular charger. The powerful sound coming out of this tiny creation surprises many people. Some reviews suggested that the Bluetooth connection doesn’t always work with their devices, but the company provides 2 years of warranty if anything happens.

4. Cough Drops

You may be surprised why cough drops would be on the list. Now hear me out – if you’ve been to a classical music concert before, you might have experienced the terrible embarrassment when you try to hold off irresistible coughs during a concert. That itchy sensation just doesn’t seem to go away! A few cough drops could come in handy, and you can consume it discretely. It’s also great on the plane to soothe your throat from the dry air. All of these brands have saved my face throughout the years. It’s also a tasty substitution from candies!

5. Binoculars

When you are attending an outdoor concert or a concert in a huge hall, it’s not always easy to get the front row, or you might not always have the budget to sit close enough to the stage. Bring a pair of binoculars could help you see clearer of the actions on stage! My choice of binoculars are compact and affordable, so it’s also ideal for backpackers (and any spying activities. :-P)

6. Foldable Black Shoes 

Shoes take up a lot of space. For backpackers who enjoy going to concerts, a pair of foldable black shoes is convenient to carry and suitable for such events. It’s also good when you want to go to a nicer restaurant, but you don’t want to wear your sneakers or flip-flops. Most of the recommendations below come with a pouch, so you can easily place it in your purse!

7. Sanük Yoga Sling 2 Flip-Flop

Sanük Yoga Sling Flip-Flops for women are great for summer outdoor concerts! They come in dozens of beautiful and stylish patterns, and it’s padded with yoga mat foam. I got a pair in 2014, and I am still wearing them today. The fabric strap makes wearing them extremely comfy. I actually wore and walked a lot in them for several long-term summer backpacking trips in Europe! They are easy to clean and don’t take a lot of space. The downside is they soak up water easily, so it’s not the best for beaches or rainy days.

8. Bensimon Tennis Lacet Shoes

Bensimon is an affordable French shoe brand, and they are an excellent addition to your packing list if you plan to attend an outdoor music festival. They come in many different colours and are comfortable to wear, and the rubber shoe-bottom makes it secure to walk on the slippery ground. I bought my purple pair in Paris in 2014 and am still using them today, so they are quite durable!

9. Travel Pocket Picnic Blanket

A pocket picnic blanket is great when you want to go to a spontaneous afternoon outdoor concert in the park or on the beach. (My all time favourite was listening to a free concert performed by New York Philharmonic in Central Park!) The Matador Mini Pocket Blanket is by far the most compact. The ultra light version is good for one person, and you can hook it on your key chain! It also got a bigger version, which could fit 2~4 people and got a built-in ground stake. They are both water-resistant, easy to pack, and super durable. 

10. Camelbak Hydration Pack 

If you are an outdoor music festival fanatic, and you want to enjoy the event to the fullest, you want to stay hydrated! Camelbak is a reputable brand. The 2016 Rogue Hydration Pack could hold up to 3 litres! The bag itself is light, and the tube makes consuming liquid easy even when you are dancing or raving. There are smaller packs, too, of course. Now you won’t need to carry a water bottle with you and worry about losing it!