Travel Essentials
These are all of my must-have travel essentials — every item I can’t live without while on the road or on the plane. Click on any of the photos below to shop!
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Travel bags + packing
Fjallraven Kanken: I’ve had this backpack for YEARS and it’s still in amazing shape. It’s stylish, fits way more than you’d expect, and doesn’t leave me with back pain. 10/10 recommend.
Fjallraven Kanken Mini: This is a smaller version of the previous bag. It’s perfect for quick day trips and will fit all of your essentials.
Tumi carry-on suitcase: This is an upgraded version of the suitcase I used to use for work. It has a built-in charger, tons of storage, and rolls on 4 wheels.
Eagle Creek packing cubes: Packing cubes are wonderful if you want to keep your bag organized. These ones come in multiple sizes and fun colors!
Travel jewelry organizer: I use one of these to keep all my earrings together and necklaces untangled. They’re small, easy to pack, and are a lifesaver if you wear a lot of jewelry.
Reusable bags: I always bring at least one of these when I travel. You can use them for shopping, as a beach bag, or as an extra bag when your suitcase inevitably overfills.
Electronics
DJI Mini 2 Drone: The best drone for travel, hands-down. Lighweight and so much fun to fly!
Kindle Paperwhite: My ride or die. You can link your local library card through the Libby app to download books for free.
Bose QC35 wireless headphones: These noise-cancelling headphones are incredible for drowning out airplane engines (and crying babies).
Anker portable charger: When outlets are scarce, portable chargers come to the rescue. This one has universal device compatability and lasts for over 2 charges.
Belkin SurgePlus travel charger: This little surge protector is great for hotels or hostels without adequate plugs. It also has 2 USB ports in addition to the 3 regular outlets.
Castries travel adapter: With three different socket configurations, you’ll be ready to charge no matter where you’re traveling.
Headphone to airplane adapter: With wireless headphones becoming the norm, you need a little doodad like this to connect to the airplane’s entertainment system.
Canon PowerShot G7X: This is the camera I use for any nature photography (the zoom is great). It’s very beginner-friendly and shoots really nice videos as well.
GoPro Hero9: A GoPro is an absolute must if you want to record any kind of adventure/extreme video while on your travels. They are basically indestructible!
Travel accessories
Reusable water bottle: Definitely a travel (and life!) essential. Save money on expensive airport waters and fill up from a water fountain.
Passport cover: I’m shocked at how many people don’t use these. If you’re a frequent traveler, make sure to protect your most valuable item from wear and tear — there are lots of cute cases out there! (I also love Anthropologie for these.)
Travel perfume atomizer: These are fun for bringing your favorite scent without having to pack an easily-broken glass bottle. They’re also TSA-compliant and can go in your carry-on!
JOBY GorillaPod: I’m a biiig tripod guy. This is the secret to getting good pictures when traveling solo (because we all know strangers can’t be trusted 95% of the time).
Hidden pocket scarf: This is much cuter than a money belt and it keeps your valuables secure.
Elastic hat clip: This is a necessity if you’re traveling with any kind of stiff-brimmed hat (Lack of Color ones are my favorites). It clips on to your bag so you don’t have to wear your hat the whole time while traveling.
On the airplane
Eargasms earplugs: Airplanes are LOUD. Protect your ears! Eargasms earplugs are very comfortable and filter out a lot of background noise. I also use these for music festivals and concerts!
Contoured sleep mask: These sleep masks are wonderful if you’re the type of person that hates things pressing on your eyes. Because they’re contoured, you don’t feel a thing.
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask: This is my moisturizing holy grail. I like to use a thin layer of this as a lotion on the plane. It also smells amazing!
Mario Badescu mini face mists: These little face mists are super refreshing to use, especially after a long flight. They smell good and have ingredients that are good for your skin.
Safety + security
Door stop with alarm: These are great to have if you’re staying in a not-so-great hotel room. You wedge them in the door and they make a loud alarm if someone tries to force their way in. Definitely worth it for the peace of mind!
Travel padlocks: I always travel with some kind of lock. These are useful for hostel lockers and for keeping your luggage sealed tight.
Hiking clothing
Patagonia Synchilla fleece: I love Patagonia as a brand, and this fleece sweater is one of my favorite items. It keeps you very warm, is super comfortable, and comes in tons of cute colors and patterns!
North Face Resolve rain jacket: Rain jackets are always a hiking essential. I love this North Face one because it doesn’t get too hot and does exactly what it’s supposed to do.
Mountain Hardware down jacket: Expensive but very much worth it. A nice-quality down jacket will keep you warm & toasty, even when it’s frigid outside.
Columbia Saturday trail pant: Columbia makes the best hiking pants that I’ve tried. They’re stretchy, have functional pockets, and don’t look too nerdy.
Icebreaker wool socks: Wool socks are a must for hiking. Icebreaker is a New Zealand brand that’s the best of the best.
Hiking accessories
Portable espresso maker: Perfect for a multi-day hike or camping! This little guy works with regular Nespresso pods. You pump through some hot water and out comes delicious espresso.
Dry bag: These are great for any kind of water-adjacent outdoor activity. It keeps all your valuables and electronics safe and can be rolled up really small to throw in your carry-on.
Collapsible hiking poles: These are perfect to take with you if you’re flying to your hiking trip. They fold up really small and take up hardly any space.
CamelBak hydration pack: Perfect for hiking, camping, or full-day festivals out in the sunshine. The built-in bladder and straw make drinking water easy peasy.
