Since my last blog post in October 2021, I’ve added some serious miles to my AAdvantage account. I've visited three countries, four states, and a lot of cities in-between. During that time, I’ve relied on my tried-and-true travel essentials to get me from point A-to-B comfortably (and in a carry-on to boot!).
Whether you're planning your next vacation, or shopping for the adventurer in your life, below are my top picks for must-have travel essentials.
NOTE: I am not sponsored. These are my unbiased travel essentials.
ESSENTIALS
Passport/Covid Card Holder
There can be a variety of requirements to travel based on your destination. Some destinations require contact tracing and testing, while others welcome travelers with open arms and maskless faces. Know before you go, and have a record of your vaccination(s) handy on your mobile device in case you forget!
Recently, I’ve opted to bring my Covid vaccine card with me when I travel to another country. Having my passport and vaccine card together gives me peace of mind. Plus, I don’t risk losing my card at home!
ACdream Passport and Vaccine Card Holder Combo
Card Cases
My everyday wallet is packed with cash, cards, receipts, ticket stubs and other junk that has no business traveling with me. Instead, I opt for a small card case when traveling to force me to use just the essential cash and credit cards on my journey. This saves space and weight in my handbag.
The only con of these cute card cases is they are not ideal for countries/cities where cash is king. Consider something like a compact coin purse if you’re planning to pay with cash.
Cardholders and Card Cases
RFID Credit Card Sleeves
Protect your identity and cards, but do it in style. I put all of my credit cards, IDs...even hotel key cards... in these sleeves for an extra layer of security when traveling. You can find RFID blockers anywhere with a "travel" aisle, but I like these I found on Amazon because of the variety of colors and styles.
RAYNAG 25 RFID Blocking Credit Card Sleeves
TECH
Apple AirPods
I’ve officially replaced my bulky Beats headphones with the new Apple AirPods Pro. They have comparable noise cancellation and are small enough to fit in my pocket. No more cords to get tangled up in at the airport or in my seat.
The only con is most airlines with headrest entertainment still require traditional, wired headphones. I always have an old pair tucked away in my bag.
Apple AirPods Pro
Universal Travel Adapter
This multi-outlet travel adapter and converter worked perfectly in Italy, and will be going with me on future trips abroad. I can charge all of my devices simultaneously, even in hotel rooms with minimal plugs. Do your research on what plugs and voltage you need for your destination.
Don’t forget to avoid hair dryers and other heat tools!
BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter
Apple iPad
I avoid traveling with a laptop if I can. iPads are lightweight, easy to run through security, can be loaded with entertainment for an optimal in flight/train experience.
Apple iPad
Apple AirTags
Now I never have to wonder if my suitcase made it onto the plane, or if my bag is safe in my hotel room. The AirTag is inexpensive and makes tracking cars, bags, backpacks, and even pets easier than ever.
From Apple:
Keep track of and find your items alongside friends and devices in the Find My app
Play a sound on the built-in speaker to help find your things, or just ask Siri for help
Find items further away with the help of hundreds of millions of Apple devices in the Find My network
Put AirTag into Lost Mode to be automatically notified when it’s detected in the Find My network
All communication with the Find My network is anonymous and encrypted for privacy, Location data and history are never stored on AirTag
AirTags
Apple Watch
I recently got an Apple Watch, and especially love having the ability to track my biometrics while traveling. There are a variety of smart watches and fitness trackers on the market, so find the one that’s best for your budget and activity level.
Cord Case
I use my cord case to keep all of my adapters, chargers, and headphones organized and accessible. There are a variety of options on the market, but mine came from The Container Store. It’s the perfect size for packing light.
CREATURE COMFORTS
Pinky Balls
Travel leaves me with sore shoulders and feet. I don’t want to sacrifice precious space or weight in my bag with a massage gun, so these 2.5 inch rubber balls are always in my bag. These balls give you a deep tissue massage is seconds…and they bounce, which is fun.
Pinky Balls
Laundry Detergent Sink Packs
Doing laundry on vacation is never ideal, but an easy way to cut down on overpacking. When you’re in a pinch, these sink packs make doing laundry in a hotel room or Airbnb (without washer/dryer) a breeze. Plus, they don’t take up any room in your bag!
Tide Sink Packs Laundry Detergent
Multi-Colored Beach Towel Clips
These towel clips are a lifesaver, especially when I’m traveling with friends and family. I assign each person in my travel party a color, and they can use that clip to identify their washcloth and towels in the shared bathroom.
I’ve also used these to hang clothes to dry in the shower, clamp curtains together to keep light out of my room, and so much more!
Beach Towel Clips for Chairs Amazon
Ear Plugs/Eye Mask
Roommates snore, elevators chime, A/C units groan, and garbage trucks bang away in back alleys. If you’re a light sleeper, you’ll have your trusty ear plugs and eye mask handy for the best chance at a restful night’s sleep on the road.
Water Bottle
Having a sealable water bottle in your bag is a great way to ensure you stay hydrated while traveling. I love my S’well bottle decorated with Liberty London florals, and take it with me everywhere. It’s compact, lightweight, and never leaks.
S'well Stainless Steel Water Bottle, 750mL
HydroSeal BandAids
Blisters suck. I avoid them entirely by wearing these blister Band Aids preventatively on days when I know I’ll be doing a lot of walking.
I always have a few tucked away in my bag for emergencies.
These are great because they seal to your skin, making them sweat and water proof (within reason).
Band-Aid Brand Hydro Seal Adhesive Bandages
Hand Sanitizer
Over the last two years, you’ve likely acquired a favorite hand sanitizer (or two).
This EO Hand Sanitizer is my absolute favorite. It smells great and leaves my hands hydrated.
EO Organic French Lavender Hand Sanitizer
BAGS
Cotopaxi Travel Pack
I searched for 1.5 years for the perfect travel backpack, and found it in the Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack. This bag is compact, durable, lightweight, versatile….amazing.
It has handles on all four edges, making it perfectly accessible for trains and planes. It stows very well and looks cool, too.
I have the solid black, but it comes in a variety of colors and designs.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
Laundry bag
A foldable laundry bag is great product to leave in your bag. There’s no easier way to keep your dirty clothes from your clean ones. Plus, it makes sorting laundry easier on your return home.
Transparent Shoe Bags
This past year I upgraded my shower cap and Target sack shoe bags for these Vorspack bags. They are very durable, transparent, and perfect for shoes, damp clothes, and more.
Vorspack Transparent Shoe Bags
Packing cubes
After spending all afternoon mastering the Marie Kondo fold…it’s great to have an organized, compressed place to store those pristine garments. When I get to my destination, I can easily store the bags in a drawer for easy access. I’ve used a few different types of packing cubes, but my Eagle Creek cubes are the most durable and have lasted me 7+ years without any tears or damage (available at The Container Store and Amazon).
Eagle Creek Travel Gear Pack It Amazon
COSMETICS, CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES
Jacket with Inside Pockets
I’m always having to pull out my boarding pass, phone, headphones, pens, chapstick, etc. when traveling. I find that travel days are the perfect time to break out my GAP denim jacket with deep inside pockets for storing these handy essentials.
Travel Friendly iPhone Case
This is essentially a Bandolier, but much cheaper.
The design allows you to wear your phone across your body or on your wrist. I mainly wear this around my wrist to ensure I don’t drop my phone off the edge of a cruise ship, but the strap also makes it more difficult for a thief to steal my phone when I’m snapping photos at popular tourist destinations.
I especially like the zipper pouch with an RFID Blocking wallet.
ZVE iPhone Case
Ilse Jacobsen Tulip Sneakers
I have nothing but good things to say about these Ilse Jacobsen sneakers. They are super lightweight, come in a million colors, lay completely flat in your suitcase, are breathless on your feet, and cushioned just enough to make them perfect for days spent walking and sightseeing. I bought them in three colors and wore them exclusively all over Italy. No blisters, and no “American” sneaker branding abroad.
Tulip 139 Perforated Slip-On Sneaker
Travel Sized Makeup
Some brands sell travel sized cosmetics and beauty products. Before you buy these, go to your local department or beauty store and ask for samples of your favorite products (free). I told the ladies at the Nordstrom makeup counter that I was going to Italy for three weeks in a carry-on and they hooked me up with some amazing travel sized foundation, primer, mascara, serums and lotions for free (when I purchased a few full-sized products). These fit perfectly in my TSA liquids bag, and I didn't have to worry about packing my full-sized products.
Scarves
A scarf is a great way to cozy up on a plane without bringing a bulky blanket. Plus, they make accessorizing easy on the go.
Compression Socks
These aren’t the sexiest things, but they do help with circulation over long flights or when you’re doing a lot of walking. They come in a variety of colors, styles and designs to meet your needs. Keep in mind that they only work if you get the correct size and compression. Not the most stylish thing to wear, so plan attire accordingly!
Wishing you safe travels, wherever you go!
AB
Comments