“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust

Travelling is great for a number of reasons – too many to be listed here! For starters, you learn more, you get a break from routine and you get to spend time with your loved ones. And the easier and more comfortable your journey is, the better you are able to enjoy these benefits. So to make your next vacation the best one ever, we’ve got here 12 DIY travel essentials for you to make and which you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of making before!

12 DIY Travel Essentials for your Next Vacation

1. Flat Iron Case

Now this would probably be the most essential item on the list of any girl blessed with frizzy hair! You need to use your flat iron before you leave and you need to take it with you as well – what’s a girl to do? Turn an old oven glove into a custom flat iron case, that’s what! Get the details from The DIY Dreamer.

2. Infinity Scarf

Everyone knows that travel can turn the most well-groomed lady into a hot mess in no time. So you need some short cuts to look glam and an infinity scarf is one of the most effective of them – looks chic and hides stains! And if you make a scarf like this one from Polka Dot Chair, you can use it as a shawl or a nursing cover too!

3. Travel Jewelry Organizer

We’ve already proven that accessories are essential to look glam when travelling, and that includes jewelry. But how do you keep those itty-bitty pieces safe and accessible? With this travel jewelry organizer from Real House Moms, of course! The best part – it’s made from a place mat and requires minimal sewing!

4. Essential Oil Roll Up

If you’re an essential oil-person, you know that they’re more important when you’re away from your normal routine and familiar surroundings. Carrying those tiny bottles can be a challenge but not any more! Make a cute little essential oil travel case in a few simple steps as shown in If Only They Would Nap and keep your bottles safe and sound!

5. Sunglasses Case

It’s not a vacation without your trusted sunnies! Keep them safe and protected in a chic-looking leather case from See Kate Sew. And if you’re wondering about your leather-sewing skills, don’t worry; this one’s a no sew project!

6. Earphones Holder

It’s quite likely that you’re gonna have a bit of a journey on your vacation, either by road, train or flight. And you’d like your favorite tunes to keep you relaxed, which can be hard if the wires are all tangled up! Keep your earphones organized with this leather earphones holder from Yahoo, that’s easier than it looks!

7. Eye Mask

You’re on a long flight and desperately need some shut-eye, but the bright lights aren’t helping. We have an easy fix – a soothing, scented eye mask from Popsugar! Shut out the world and get your beauty sleep to wake up refreshed and relaxed!

8. Lingerie Bags

The first item of clothing you pack is probably lingerie, because – well, you just couldn’t do without it! Now keep the clean and dirty bits and pieces organized with these gorgeous clean and dirty/wash and wear lingerie bags from Something Turquoise. So pretty, they’re perfectly deserving of beautiful lingerie!

9. Makeup Organizer

We’ve discussed organizing your accessories, but what about makeup? All those brushes need a proper place or they’ll get mixed up and you’ll be left digging through the bag in a hurry. Keep everything organized with this makeup pouch from Polka Dot Chair that’s very fancy!

10. Neck Pillow Cover

Neck pillows are life/neck savers but don’t you wish they came with interchangeable covers too? Well, you can make yoru wish come true, by following the neck pillow cover tutorial from Lisa Roy. Our suggestion – make the cover in the same fabric as the eye mask to have a cute matching set!

11. Leather Passport Cover

The insides of your passport tells tales of journeys past and adventures enjoyed, but the outside is probably dull and well, just like everyone else’s! Give yours an extra edge with a DIY passport cover like the one shown in A Beautiful Mess. With colored faux leather and stamps, you can have your own personalized cover that’s a breeze to make!

12. Color Dipped Luggage Tag

Don’t get mixed up at the baggage counter ever again! Identify your luggage with a one of a kind luggage tag from Best Friends for Frosting! Color dipped and etched, the customization options are endless and they’re really easy to make as well!

Don’t forget that these also make great gifts for someone who’s travelling in the near future; they’ll love you forever if you make them anything in this list! With these essentials in hand, you’ll be all set to have a truly relaxing and comfortable getaway, while looking good throughout! Don’t forget to share your gorgeous vacation pictures when you get back!