These Are the Eight Things I Always Travel With
This is one of the biggest travel weeks of the year, and whether you’re just spending a couple of nights at your parents’ house in Vermont or heading off on a two-week vacation, you need to be careful about what you pack. I’ve packed and unpacked hundreds of times—for long and short trips, domestic and international—and over the years, I’ve tossed out the gear I no longer need and compiled a roundup of my most useful items.
The broader concept of travel typically includes commuting, staying, and traveling home. Much of what you take with you (clothing, personal care items) will vary from person to person. I’ll leave that up to you. Here, I’ve narrowed that list down to the gear that actually solved my biggest travel problems: space, comfort, and sleep. This is not a list of random “finds”, these are items that I truly rely on, recommend to my family and friends, and each of which I have thoroughly tested personally.
Whether it’s for you or someone on your gift list, here’s my essential collection of essential travel gear.
Sherpani hard suitcase
Most of your stuff needs somewhere to go, so reliable luggage makes sense. I’ve been using Sherpani’s Meridian Hard Case Rolling Luggage for the past two years and it’s still my favorite. The luggage itself is lightweight, and the plastic shell offers more protection and less bulk than fabric luggage. The interior has a neat mesh divider on one half and a flap pocket on the other side. The main zipper has an easy snap lock, and the handle and rotating wheels haven’t become loose or jammed under heavy use (i.e. using a cobblestone). Right now, the 22-inch carry-on bag is 32% off at Caribe.
Tucano backpack with ¾ zip
Regular backpacks are fine, but I’ll be the first to tell you that the top vent is crap. Instead of a backpack that requires partial opening, get a backpack designed for packing. I use a Tucano Tugo backpack , which zips on three sides so it can be opened completely. Lay out the packing cubes, sandals and snacks and close the top. The Tucano also has a separate compartment at the back so you can easily access your laptop. No more digging through your backpack for security checks. The Tucano backpack is strong as an ox, but is harder to find these days. Luckily, there are luggage-style zipper backpacks, like this one from LL Bean or this one from Open Story at Target.
Thule compression cubes
If I could only recommend one life-changing travel item, it would be these compression packing cubes. Simple packing cubes will help you stay organized and organized, but good compression cubes will also help you save space. You zip up the first zipper to close the cube, and the additional zipper compresses it into a tight brick. I love the Thule set because despite all the pressure and stretching, the material and zippers don’t tear or come undone. Plus, the fabric is translucent, so you can find what you packed there when your memory is confused due to jet lag.
Herschel belt bag
I don’t carry a bag in everyday life, but when I travel, it’s just part of my outfit, even when I’m visiting my mom in New Jersey. This simple one-compartment bag makes things easier for me because I keep everything I need in one place. You might think, “That’s what pockets are for,” but it’s more than one pocket, so instead of putting your wallet, keys, lip gloss, passport, cough drops, and earplugs in a bunch of different pockets, they’re all inside. . one central place. There are many hip packs, fanny packs, and fanny packs you can choose from, but I’m using this one from Herschel and it’s currently 31% off.
Travel Pillow with Neck Support Trtl
Sleep? On the plane? Ha! Deception. The same goes for sleeping on a train, car or bus. That’s how I felt when I used inflatable neck pillows or a rolled up jacket to prop up my head on airplanes. This was before I tried the Trtl Travel Neck Support Pillow . But now I can actually get some sleep on the plane or bus during those downtime hours before arrival. Read more about my experience with Trtl here . Right now you can purchase it with a 30% discount.
Baloo weighted sleep mask.
I’ve never considered myself a fan of sleep masks. The ones I’ve tried always leak light or shrink awkwardly. I wasn’t expecting much from the Baloo Weighted Sleep Mask , but I was pleasantly surprised by how different it was. The mask is silky and weighted at the front for comfort, but more importantly it has a wide, adjustable Velcro strap. Not only does it block out the light coming from the plane, bus, or your brother’s tablet, but the straps also cover your ears, helping to muffle any annoying noises you might hear. This sleep mask can come in handy not only when commuting, but also in case of unexpected light at night during your stay.
Active Noise Canceling Headphones
Speaking of blocking public transportation, the best way to tune out the world around you is to wear active noise-canceling headphones. I have the older generation Soundcore headphones from Anker and the active noise canceling blocks out all the low frequency noise from engines (airplane or otherwise) and has a transparency mode so you can have a really quick conversation with your husband before turning on your favorite podcast and blocking everyone out. They are wireless and operate in noise canceling mode for 40 hours. (Now I can’t remember the last time I charged mine and they are still on “low battery”).
Drip Drop Electrolyte Powder
Gear usually includes gadgets or clothing rather than anything edible. But Drip Drop is what I need , so this is the equipment for me. I don’t know what traveling is, but if it takes more than three hours to get to my destination, I feel completely exhausted. My energy levels are low, my mouth is dry, and there’s a good chance I have a headache. This is exactly when I carry a few tiny packets of Drip Drop electrolyte drink mix with me. One sleeve mixed with water gives me enough nutrients and carbohydrates to get me through the finish line. Plus the taste is great.