10 Must-Have Travel Essentials to Make Your Next Trip a Breeze

Whether you’re packing for a long vacation, a minimalist business trip, or a short getaway, these top travel must-haves deserve a spot on your packing list. Sit back, relax, and let UP Express help you start or end your journey to Toronto and beyond – with train service running seven days a week and as frequently as every 15-minutes during peak hours on weekdays to get you between downtown Toronto and Toronto Pearson International Airport in just 25-minutes.

Check out our top picks for the must-have travel essentials, gadgets and gear you can pick up from Toronto businesses for your next adventure.

Keep your water clean on the go with the LARQ PureVis self-cleaning double-walled water bottle. This handy bottle has a compact, built-in UV-C LED light in the lid to purify both hot and cold water as well as the bottle’s interior at the touch of a button. No need to worry if you forget to hit the button! The self-cleaning function will turn on automatically every two hours. Available in a variety of colours, find this helpful water bottle up at Holt Renfrew in Yorkville or at Best Buy at the Toronto Eaton Centre.

Don’t risk your phone for that perfect pool or beach shot. Keep your phone dry and safe in a clear waterproof phone case with an optional lanyard. We love the clear plastic pouch because it still allows you to snap shots whether you’re kayaking in Lake Ontario or splashing in a pool. Pick one up at Paddle Pirates in Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood before heading out onto the water.

For travelers who need to stay connected on the go, Away luggage comes with a built-in, ejectable USB charger that is TSA-approved. Available in a variety of colours and sizes, these lightweight hard-shell cases pack enough power to charge a phone up to four times while you’re in transit and on the move. Available online, or stop by the Away store at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre for in-person shopping. With UP Express’ roomy luggage racks and large overhead storage, you can rest assure your luggage and bags are safe and secure for the ride.

Keep your personal information safe and secure while travelling in style with an RFID-blocking passport protector by Heys. This must-own passport holder effectively stops RFID readers from illegally accessing your personal data. Featuring fully enclosed zippers and pockets for all your important documents, grab one at The Bay at the Toronto Eaton Centre, a 15-minute walk from UP Express Union Station.

The warm and welcoming setting on board UP Express can sure make you feel at ease – and with comfy seats and lots of legroom we won’t blame you if you want to slip into these cozy and comfortable travel slippers on board. Dubbed the “ultimate house shoe”, make your hotel room feel like home with these soft and breathable Monocle Moku linen-blend unisex slippers. There are only eight of Monocle Magazine’s bricks-and-mortar stores around the world, and we’re lucky enough to have one right in Toronto in the heart of Little Italy on College Street. Head to the shop to check out their selection of high-quality travel goods, clothing, stationery and more.

Stop getting frustrated with tangled charger cables for all your electronic gear when you’re on the go. This sleek and durable electronic cord travel pouch by TUMI is slim enough to fit neatly into laptop and business cases while keeping all your cords and cables in check. The power outlets on board UP Express let you connect your laptop and other electronic devices. And when you ride UP Express you can stay connected on the go. Our free Wi-Fi is available at our stations and onboard the trains. Head to the TUMI store at Royal Bank Plaza directly across from UP Express Union Station to purchase.

Catch some z’s while travelling with Hoomband’s LivLab’s Wireless Sleep Headband. Available at Indigo online and Best Buy store at the Toronto Eaton Centre, this comfy audio headband comes with an exclusive audio app featuring over 100 hours of soothing sounds including hypnotic stories, ambient sound and immersive audio documentaries so you can tune out on the go

Perfect Storage For Medicine, Jewellery And More

Great things come in small packages! These tiny containers are perfect for storing vitamins, medications, jewellery, change and just about any other small product. GoTubbs are secure but easy to open with one hand making them especially ideal for anyone with grip or dexterity issues. Their compact size makes them great for slipping into a purse, backpack, briefcase or pocket. Grab GoTubbs at a variety of locations including iQLiving in Toronto’s Danforth neighbourhood, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Loblaws, and more.

Bring your beats to the beach, on a bike trip, or anywhere else with the Mino T rechargeable Bluetooth speaker. With 5 hours of continuous play time, this waterproof speaker’s attached carabineer can be clipped onto just about anything making it perfect way to take your tunes with you. Find the Mino T at Indigo locations including at the Toronto Eaton Centre, Manulife Centre in Yorkville and more.

Keep your smartphone stable while shooting a video and no need to figure out who in your crew has the longest arms to snap a group selfie. Snap the perfect vacation photo with the help of the compact and lightweight Gorilla Pod. Offering durability and stability found in much larger – and pricier – camera tripods, this handy gadget comes with flexible wrap-legs that make mounting this a snap whether you’re capturing the night sky with a DSLR or setting up the perfect selfie on your phone. Check out the selection of Gorilla Pods available at Downtown Camera Ltd, a 15-minute walk from UP Express Union Station.

UP Express can get you to and from Pearson Airport comfortably and reliably. We’ve made it easier and more affordable for everyone to travel on UP. Teens and post-secondary students receive 40% off standard adult fare when using PRESTO. Discounted fare is also offered to Seniors. Happy travels!