Travel Essentials
With the pandemic (hopefully) long behind us and a new year just around the corner, “Travel More” is written at the top of many people's resolutions. After flying back and forth from Hawaii to California for 5 years, and staying in 21 locations all over Bali in three months; I've compiled a list of what I've deemed travel essentials.
Whether you’re going on a short road trip or backpacking through Europe for 6 months, each one of these items will make your life so much easier.
1. The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
This bag has been sold out everywhere for months, and for a good reason. It’s the perfect size, has compartments for everything, fits comfortably, and holds up through rough travel days. I wore this every day in Bali for 3 months and always felt safe having my valuables close to me. The pocket in the back is perfect for stashing a credit card and some cash, while the inside is perfect for larger items you want on hand.
2. Touchland Hand Sanitizer
Airports, busses, planes, and trains, traveling exposes you to SO many germs. I like keeping a good hand sanitizer on me for when I can’t wash my hands straight away. This one from Touchland isn’t drying and smells heavenly.
Beach Coco $10
3. Anker Portable Charger
Having a portable charger is a non-negotiable in my book, and this one is by far the best I have ever owned. One charge lasts up to 96 hours! Other than being a bit heavy, it's still compact enough to carry around with you in your carry-on.
$49.93
4. Beis Suitcase
If you travel a lot, think of buying a good suitcase as more of an investment, rather than an expense. I love this one from Beis because they really thought of everything: a waterproof compartment, compression straps, a laundry bag, a padded handle, and best of all, a built-in weight indicator in the handle. Not to mention they offer a lifetime warranty.
$278.00
5. Airtags
Prior to leaving for my 3-month trip this year, I read absolute horror stories about people's bags being lost. Just to give myself some peace of mind, I bought a 4 pack of Airtags and put one in each of my bags, and one on my keys. They ended up saving me a lot of hassle at TSA in the Philippines, and I always felt at ease knowing where everything was.
4 Pack $99.00
6. Mini Hairbrush
This one is mostly for the ladies, but having a hairbrush ready and on deck can be a real lifesaver. I love this mini one from Drybar that I keep in my belt bag.
7. Universal Adapter Power Strip
During my travels, I came across the same problem over and over again: many rooms only had 1 plug. Having a power strip came in handy, allowing me to charge all my camera gear, computer, and phone at once.
$21.99
This one is also a non-negotiable in my book. At one point in Bali, my boyfriend got extremely sick from the dreaded “Bali Belly,” a form of travelers' sickness from being exposed to toxic water. Thanks to travel insurance, he was able to have a nurse treat him in our villa in under an hour, fully covered. Aside from sickness, travel insurance covers so many other problems you may encounter abroad. Theft, flight delays, natural disasters, you name it.
World Nomads Travel Insurance
9. Packing Cubes
Whoever invented packing cubes deserves an award. I can be a bit of a neat freak. These packing cubes keep everything clean & tidy, allowing you to fully dig through your suitcase without making a mess. They also keep everything organized and compressed, saving tons of space.
$24.63
10. Jewelry Organizer
This jewelry organizer has many compartments, keeping your delicate necklaces from getting tangled. I have traveled with mine hundreds of times at this point, and it’s still in great condition.
11. Sleeping Mask
Whether you are attempting to catch a red-eye overnight, or are simply adjusting to bad hotel curtains, having a sleep mask can truly change your life. I love this one from Silk.
$50.00
12. Refillable Perfume Bottles
I am obsessed with perfume and I love these TSA-approved refillable bottles. They allow you to take your favorite fragrances abroad with you, without having to purchase travel sizes. Simply pop off the cap of your favorite perfume, and press down until the bottle is full.
13. Mini Toiletries
One thing that gave me comfort while far away from home was having some of my usual luxuries. I purchased travel-sized versions of whatever I could for my trip, allowing me to have my usual shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, etc. Changing time zones and climates can shock the system, so keeping your regular beauty routine can be quite comforting.
14. A tripod
For solo trips or couples trying to get “the shot,” having a travel-friendly tripod for your camera can be a real lifesaver. I love this one from Amazon as it is inexpensive, good quality, and compact.
15. Aritzia Hoodie & Sweatpants
Having a quality lounge set for flying can make all the difference. This one from Aritzia is warm, soft, and the absolute best quality.
16. Chapstick
If you know me, you know I ALWAYS have chapstick. In every purse, every situation, no matter what. High altitude always makes my lips dry, so keeping something moisturizing for the flight helps a lot. This one smells amazing, is super hydrating, and lasts forever.
17. Emergen-C
Last, but not least, keeping vitamin C on you during your vacation can save you a lot of hassle. I drink a packet of Emergen-C before I leave, while I’m flying, and every day on vacation to keep my immune system strong.
$10.34
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