WHAT TO BRING
When traveling across the globe or relaxing on a staycation, some items are too important to forget at home. (Amazon affiliated links of my favorite items, while non-Amazon links are not affiliated)
Sunscreen
Reef-safe sunscreen is a critical addition to your toiletry bag. Many countries require the use of reef-safe sunscreen to protect their ocean habitats. Don't crush the ecosystem, use my favorite Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen.
Camera
Whether you are unplugging from society or post daily on social media, you want a camera to capture the memories. Leave your phone behind and get a lightweight non-disposable camera, powered by 2 AAA batteries, from Paper Shoot.
Passport
If traveling internationally, a passport is required. Double, no, triple-check your passport is with you before you leave home. Have multiples and need a place to store them? This family-sized one even has an airtag holder and is RFID-blocking.
Lightweight Backpack
Let's be real...you'll likely want to carry some snacks with you or have a water bottle on hand. While a small bag may not carry enough for a girl-dinner picnic, it'll have enough room for the essentials and space for a souvenir. The Osprey Daylight Cinch Backpack will do the trick, especially in Frosty Mint!
Clean/Dirty Packing Cubes
Yes, you will thank me later. Keep your clean and dirty laundry separate in your suitcase, while saving a ton of space. These double sided packing cubes make a huge difference for over packers, or moms sharing a suitcase. While my favorite was the Flight 001 Spacepaks, they are now out of business. Eagle Creek makes some cute alternatives, or you can go basic with their non-patterned bags.
Universal Adapter
If traveling abroad, especially from the U.S., you should have a Universal Adapter for overseas outlets. This will allow you to charge your gadgets without frying your electronics or causing harm to the facilities. This one even has a surge protector built-in and supports USB-C.
Collapsible Water Bottle
Reusable water bottles are a must for travelers, especially when visiting countries with strict recycling laws. Avoid the hassle of carrying around one-time-use plastics and opt for a reusable and collapsible water bottle, providing you peace of mind and saving you space. Stojo bottles can store hot & cold beverages.
Laundry Bag
If not opting for the clean/dirty packing cubes for your clothing, then a reusable laundry bag is a good idea to store and carry your dirty laundry while traveling. This bag is compact and sturdy, perfect for a solo traveler or a small family. This hanging bag features a smell-proof material.
Shower Shoes
Traveling can come with its own hazards if you don't take precautions. Shower shoes, or flip flops, are a great option to protect your feet in wet areas, or public shower spaces. These Olukai Uiki flip-flops are quick drying and can be used as part of your daily wear! These glittery water shoes are perfect for hot sand or cruise pools!
UPF 50+ Hats
Emergency Contacts
Whether it's stored in your phone, or printed in your travel binder, you need a list of emergency contacts available for your destination. This can include U.S. embassy's, family members, overseas health insurance, or even your travel agent.
Foreign Currency
Avoid getting stuck without local currency when traveling overseas. Some airport exchanges may not have the currency you need, so get it before you travel. Your bank may offer home delivery for foreign currency, but if yours does not, then Xchange of America can deliver straight to your door. It's easy to use and delivers quickly, but some limits apply to how much you can order.
Carry-On Garment Bag
Upgrade your carry-on baggage game and get the convertible garment bag that unzips, unrolls, and may feature carrying handles along with backpack & shoulder straps.
With special compartments for shoes and hanging clothes, you can reduce wrinkles and keep dirty shoes separate from other personal belongings. It's a win-win for you and a perfect gift for others who like to travel!
Wet/Dry Bags
Wet bags for your swimsuits, so you can still explore after swimming.
Skog Å Kust DrySak for your gear to stay dry while it's with you on the water (snorkeling, kayaking, boating, etc.) This family-owned U.S. company offers a variety of colors and sizes.
Only want something for your phone? Pelican's IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouch is perfect. It comes in 1, 2, or 4-packs, can float, and it has a removable lanyard.
Anti-Theft Gear
Personally, I love my Bagallini Crossbody Bag. It uses slash resistant material, has RFID pockets inside, locking zippers on the side panels & main pouch, and features a double cable anti-cut adjustable strap. (I'm very tall, so I love that the strap can be adjusted to sit lower on my hip like a "normal" person.)
This Moneybelt is RFID blocking, made of ripstop nylon, and features an adjustable waist strap up to 56". It lays flat against your waist and is meant to wear underneath your shirt to protect your money, passports, and IDs.
Portable Fan
(and light!)
Need a light for your interior cabin, or a fan to sleep with in your hotel?
My FAVORITE hack for every adventure is the VENTY Portable Fan. Every member of my family has their own.
It rotates, oscillates, and extends vertically up to 3 feet. The built-in light and fan have multiple settings and is rechargeable, with the remote operating on a battery. It weighs 2.6 lbs and with multiple colors to choose from, it's perfect for cruising, camping, and roadtrips. **It does contain a lithium-ion battery so be sure to pack it appropriately for flights.**
Loop Ear Plugs
Whether you need silence to sleep or sound protection at a concert, Loop has a product to help.
I frequently use the Engage model to reduce my noise sensitivity in public places. It provides relief while still allowing me to hear people talk. Think movies, restaurants, and sports games.
An adjustable version, the Switch, has 3 settings you can switch between while in-ear, allowing you to control the volume around you while remaining comfortable for hours.
Sand Removal
Love the beach, but hate the sand?
There is an eco-friendly sand removal tool that easily removes sand from your skin using cornstarch, so you can put on your shoes, without the grit!
Don't want a sandy towel? Upgrade to Sand Cloud. It doubles as a towel, blanket, yoga mat, and more; but most importantly, it dries quickly, and it's sand-resistant. You simply pick it up and lightly shake it off.
Cruise Hacks
In addition to water shoes for the pool deck, here are some gadgets to make living in cabins easier:
Magnetic Hooks for hanging hats, scarves, bags, etc. on metal walls.
Mesh Shower Caddy's with hooks to hang in the bathroom to save space and keep everything dry.
Boiron MotionCalm Meltaway tablets, for non-drowsy homeopathic nausea relief onboard for the whole family (Iove this brand).
Motion sickness patches are also popular and 369 Life has some for behind the ears.
Honestly, you always need disinfecting wipes. Be sure to grab some that are in leak proof packages like these.
Self-Care
Lotion Hand Sanitizer to keep hands clean & hydrated.
Mulberry Silk Eye Mask, for obvious reasons.
Travel blankets for cold airplanes. Luxe cashmere & merino wool, affordable bamboo blanket with pockets, and cost-savvy Cloudz compact travel blanket.
(I've used Cloudz for years because it is thin, compact, and stuffs anywhere; but don't expect luxury as it gets the job done without the frills).
Wellow Compression Socks to reduce swelling on long-flights and car rides.
Tatcha's The Kissu Lip Mask, my go-to favorite for hydration overnight or on long-hauls.
Travel Necessities
Getting to the point, everyone needs to go #2 at some point, but save your pride & fellow travelers noses by grabbing some Poo-Pourri first...
TSA approved silicone containers for toiletries in your carry-on.
Portable luggage scale for weighing bags before you arrive at the airport.
Silicone bottle covers to prevent leaks in your luggage or carry-on.
Currency and Passport Organizers with RFID protection.
Paper soap sheets for remote areas or public bathrooms missing soap.
Most importantly, a LifeVac Portable Suction Rescue Device Travel Kit to protect yourself, family, and friends from choking hazards.
And a quality first-aid kit like the My Medic Sidekick.
