TRAVEL RESOURCES I ACTUALLY USE
After 18+ years of international travel, I’ve tried a lot of travel gear and learned that the right products can make a trip significantly easier and more enjoyable. These are the bags, packing tools, tech, travel essentials, and other resources I personally use and recommend.
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LUGGAGE & PACKING
Portland Gear Cascade Backpack – My go-to personal item & day bag
I love the structured wire frame opening because the bag stays open while I’m packing or reaching for something in transit instead of collapsing in on itself. It’s also waterproof, which makes it especially practical when I’m carrying electronics and travel essentials as well as serving as a day bag while on the trip.
I also have the full size which I use as a carry on if I am checking a bag.
Delsey Paris Carry-On Luggage – My current favorite roller carry-on
My current Delsey setup pairs the carry-on Storm Plus with the Helium DLX 16-inch bag, which slides over the suitcase handle. I like having the organization and flexibility of two pieces without carrying everything on my back. It’s my go to setup when I want traditional carry-on luggage for a trip.
Osprey Fairview 40 – My favorite carry-on travel backpack
When I want to skip roller luggage entirely, I use my Osprey Fairview 40. It holds an impressive amount while still being designed for carry-on travel and it’s especially useful for multi-stop trips, public transportation, uneven streets, or anywhere dragging a suitcase would be annoying.
Samsonite Checked bag
Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set – My packing cubes
I use the Eagle Creek Pack-IT Isolate cubes to keep clothing organized inside my luggage. The different sizes make it easy to separate outfits or clothing categories, and they’re lightweight enough that they don’t add unnecessary bulk or weight.
Vacbird Vacuum Compression Bags – When I really needed to maximize space
For trips where suitcase space is at a premium, I use these vacuum bags with a small rechargeable pump. They compress clothing much more than traditional packing cubes, and the portable pump means I can recompress everything for the trip home – especially helpful when I’ve done a little too much shopping.
BAGAIL Digital Luggage Scale – A tiny thing that can save a big airport headache
I keep a portable scale with my travel gear so I can check my bags before heading to the airport. It’s especially useful for international trips and the flight home when my suitcase somehow weighs considerably more than it did when I left.
Scrubba Wash Bag – How I pack fewer clothes
For longer trips or carry-on only travel, I use a Scrubba wash bag to wash clothing along the way. The built-in washboard lets me properly wash a few pieces in a hotel room without relying on a sink or finding a laundromat. It’s one of the tools that makes packing lighter much more realistic.
FIROVIAN 70L Vacuum Compression Backpack – My husband’s pick
My husband uses this 70L travel backpack, which has a built-in vacuum compression system and includes a small pump. He really likes it, particularly for fitting more into a backpack style bag. I haven’t personally used this one, so this recommendation comes from him rather than me.
TRAVEL TECH
VRURC 20,000mAh Power Bank – My everyday travel power bank
This is the portable charger I reach for when I want something easy to throw in my personal item. The built-in wall plug and charging cables mean fewer cords to keep track of, and the 20,000mAh capacity gives me plenty of extra power for long travel days.
UGREEN Nexode 25,000mAh 200W Power Bank – My heavy-duty option for laptop charging on the go
I added this much more powerful battery for trips when I may need to charge my laptop in addition to my phone and other devices. At 25,000mAh with up to 200W output, it’s considerably more capable than my everyday power bank, although it’s also larger and heavier. I wouldn’t carry both unless the trip called for it.
One Beat International Plug Adapters – My simple solution for Europe
Rather than relying on a single outlet, I like adapters that give me several outlets and USB ports at once. These Type C adapters have been an easy way to charge several devices while traveling in Europe.
Important: A plug adapter changes the shape of the plug; it does not convert voltage. Always make sure you device supports the voltage used at your destination.
One Beat Travel Power Strip – My hotel room charging station
Hotel rooms never seem to have outlets exactly where I need them. I travel with this compact power strip so I can plug several devices into one convenient spot and charge my phone, watch, power banks and other electronics overnight.
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 – One goes in every important bag
I put a SmartTag2 in my luggage so I have another way to locate my bag if it doesn’t arrive where I do. After dealing with enough airports and connections, this is one of those inexpensive travel habits that gives me a little extra peace of mind. I have purchased several and given them as gifts too! If buying more than one, the four back is a better deal.
KraftGeek Magnetic Tripod/Selfie Stick – For photos when no one is behind the camera
A compact tripod is one of my favorite tools for getting better travel photos without constantly asking someone else to take them. This one folds down small but extends into a full-height tripod/selfie stick and includes a remote, making it useful for both photos and video.
JBL Go 3 – Tiny luxury I sometimes pack
This definitely isn’t an essential, but I love having a small Bluetooth speaker for music in a hotel room, rental, or outside by the pool. The JBL Go 3 is tiny, lightweight and waterproof, so it’s easy to justify the little bit of space it takes up.
Garmin Forerunner 965 – Especially useful for hiking & off the grid travel
My Garmin comes with me on every trip (I wear it every day), but one of the features I appreciate most while traveling is its offline mapping. When I’m hiking or exploring somewhere with unreliable cell reception, having maps and navigation available directly on my wrist gives me another way to stay oriented without depending entirely on my phone. I also use it for GPSm activity tracking, steps and other fitness data while traveling.
You certainly don’t need a high-end Garmin just for travel, but if you already hike, run, spend a lot of time outdoors, or track your health metrics, these features make it especially useful on a trip.
CAMERA & CONTENT GEAR
My Camera – For the photos I want to keep
My phone handles plenty of everyday travel photography, but I still bring a dedicated camera when I want higher quality destination, hotel and landscape photography. This is my current camera.
Meta Ray-Ban Display – One of my favorite ways to capture a trip hands-free
My Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses have become one of my more interesting pieces of technology I travel with. I can capture quick photos and videos from my actual point of view without constantly pulling out my phone or camera. The built-in display adds another layer of usefulness while I’m on the go. I can access information more discretely, translate and keep my phone in my bag more often, which is especially when I’m navigating a new place or have my hands full.
They’re absolutely not travel necessity, but they’re one of those pieces of technology that has genuinely changed how I interact with and capture a destination.
COMFORT & IN-FLIGHT ESSENTIALS
Beats Studio Pro Noise-Canceling Headphones
JISULIFE Portable Neck Fan
Prefer a handheld? JISULIFE Handheld Turbo Fan
FITRELL Compression Socks
Brushee Disposable Toothbrushes
Stanley Flowstate Spring Bottle – 20oz
Ayr Saline Nasal Gel
AHAVA Hand Cream
TOILETRIES & HEALTH
WANDF TSA-Approved Clear Toiletry Bags – Simple and inexpensive
I use these clear quart size bags for liquids when I’m traveling carry-on only. They’re inexpensive, easy to see through, and much sturdier and easier to organize than relying on a disposable plastic bag.
Aveniee Clear Makeup Organizer
For trips where I have more room, I use this larger clear toiletry bag for cosmetics and toiletries. I like being able to see what’s inside without digging through everything, and I’ve purchased this one more than once.
DEPOZA Travel Bottle Set – Budget-friendly travel containers
I’ve used this set for transferring skincare, hair products, and other toiletries into travel size containers. It’s a good inexpensive option if you don’t want to invest in premium travel containers.
Cadence Travel Containers – Splurge worthy containers
These are my splurge-worthy toiletry containers. They’re compact, magnetic, customizable and much nicer to use than disposable bottles. These are an investment but can be used for years to come. They fit in the Aveniee organizer great!
OUTDOOR & ADVENTURE GEAR
Merrell hiking shoes
I have used these since 2021. Easy to pack and comfortable on hikes from easy to extreme.
Headlamps
I am embarrassed by the number of times I have needed or used one of these headlamps. Always have one when planning a hike.
TRAVEL ORGANIZATION & SECURITY
NOBLIGOAL Hanging Closet Organizer – For organization on the go
I pack my clothes in here and expand in the hotel closet once I arrive. It is especially helpful during work trips or days where I need to get up and going timely.
Forge TSA Cable Luggage Locks
Travelambo Aluminum Luggage Tags
BEAUTY & PERSONAL ITEMS
GHD Platinum+ Styler
Rinfit Silicone Wedding Ring
SMALL THINGS THAT MAKE TRAVEL EASIER
Travel Hat Clip
FOMIN Soap Sheets
Bug Sucker
TRAVEL MEMORIES
The Wander Club – My favorite travel souvenir
I collect one of these little charms for every country I visit and add them to a leather keychain. It’s becoming one of my favorite travel traditions – an easy way to carry a tiny reminder of everywhere I’ve been without bringing home another souvenir that ends up sitting on a shelf.
Amazon travel necessities
- These are the only hiking shoes I have used since 2021. Easy to pack and comfortable on hikes from easy to extreme.
- I am embarrassed by the number of times I have needed or used one of these headlamps. Always have one when planning a hike.
- A light packable windproof & waterproof jacket that I always bring along on every trip.