I am possibly the world’s most haphazard packer, a title I feel I have won fair and square over the years and won’t let go of easily. However, there is one highly organised part of my trip that I don’t mind admitting to – my passport, plane tickets and travel documents are also meticulously ordered.
No, this isn’t thanks to my own careful planning, it’s down to my trusty travel wallet. Ever since I got given one as a present a few years ago I haven’t ventured anywhere without it. I no longer spend the taxi to the airport gasping every five minutes as my partner asks, ‘did you remember the (insert crucial item here)?’. Now, when it’s my turn to hand over travel documents in the queue to get through security, I’m ready and waiting, smug smile and all.
From boarding your flight to checking into your hotel, a travel wallet to keep your documents and passport together is something I believe that no one should be without. Plus, they make you feel like a proper grown up – even when you insist on carrying a giant Toblerone through the airport.
My top tip, get a brightly coloured one so you can see it immediately when you unzip your bag. You’ll never get a better travel companion than a wallet to hold your documents, trust me.
Knomo Thames Organiser, Selfridges, £60
Wave goodbye to frantic fumbling at the gate with this water-resistant wallet organiser. Perfect if you’re heading off the beaten track, due to its durable design, or if you’re just heading into the office.
Classic Travel Wallet, Aspinal of London, £140
The crème-de-la-crème of travel wallets, this is your first-class ticket to a seamless trip with meticulously organised documents. It comes in 10 variations of colour and texture, from a bold Penelope pink with a lizard print finish to a, slightly more demure, black suede version. Personally, I think the brighter the better – it makes it easier to spot in your overflowing bag.
Eliza Leather Travel Wallet, John Lewis & Partners, £60
Breeze through customs with this sleek travel wallet, divided into clear compartments to make it even easier to get organised. It even has a pen holder, which will definitely come in handy when trying to write down the, seemingly very convoluted, directions given to you by locals.
Personalised Family Travel Wallet, Etsy, £58
Bringing the entire clan along on your travels? Then this wallet is for you. It’s large enough to carry up to six passports – SIX! – as well as cards and printed documents, freeing you up to keep a closer eye on just how many giant Milka chocolate bars the kids are piling into the duty-free trolley.
Busy B 7192 Travel Wallet, Amazon, £17.99
Avoid a Home Alone scenario and stay organised with this inexpensive travel wallet. It’s large enough to hold six passports and the quirky, spotted pattern makes it brilliant for kids and adults alike.
FJÄLLRÄVEN Kånken Travel Wallet, Alpine Trek, £46.71
It turns out that the backpack brand of the moment also does travel wallets, and they’re just as thoughtfully designed. Perfect for the haphazard traveller as, though you have to be a little more delicate with leather wallets, you can simply chuck this in your bag and go.
Katie Loxton Yay For Vacay Travel Wallet, John Lewis & Partners, £17.50
This metallic slogan wallet is particularly on-trend at the moment and a compact way of keeping everything you need in one place. With this accessory your trip is sure to be both stylish and smooth.
Personalised Leather Travel Wallet, Not On The High Street, £37
Made out of recycled leather, this eco-friendly travel wallet comes in a myriad colours and can even be personalised to help you feel like the jet-setter you’ve always wanted to be.
Large Suede Pouch Wallet, Etsy, £15
What’s even better than an easy-to-use travel wallet? One that doubles as a clutch bag of course! Travel light with this gorgeous suede pouch that will help you stay organised through the airport and stay chic once you’ve reached your destination. It’s a win, win!
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