Travel Resources
My Favorite Gear & Gadgets to Help You Travel Safety & ComfortablyTravel has been my life for nearly 20 years. I left for my first solo trip in 2004 and I’ve since traveled to over 70 countries around the world. I’ve hiked, biked, hitch-hiked and sailed to my destinations where I’ve camped, stayed in hostels, AirBnB’d and slept on couches.
Trust me, having the right bags, packing accessories and little gizmos (like my cute tiny umbrella) can make your travels much more organized and less frustrating! I’ve gone through quite a few different suitcases and backpacks over my years of travel and I’ve discovered which features and designs matter the most to me. Here are a few of the products that I’m currently using and some suggestions I have when you’re picking them out for yourself.
Many of the links below are affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission (at no cost to you). As always, I only mention products and services that I use myself and genuinely recommend.
If you have any questions, please let me know. And thank you for visiting!
Travel Gear
Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Travel Backpack
My Osprey backpack has gone to 25 countries with me. The Fairview 40 is large enough for all of my clothes, essentials and extras and is super comfy to carry while walking from bus stations to hostels.The best news – Osprey has a lifetime guarantee on all products, meaning they will repair for any reason, any damage or defect. I put this warranty to the test three years in when I ripped the zipper out and they replaced it and mailed it back for free.
Hynes Eagle Flight Approved Carry on Backpack Travel Backpack 40L
Sophisticated and oh so practical, my carry-on bag, a.k.a my “mobile office.” The Hynes Carry on holds my laptop, photography gear and electronics and has held up to the weight of those items impressively over the years. One feature I love? The hidden laptop pocket in the back.
Sea to Summit DryLite Travel Towel
From India to Patagonia and everywhere in between, I’ve used a fair share of travel towels over the years. Most were not so good! But, this one from Sea to Summit is super absorbent, fast-drying and it doesn’t take up much space – win! I bought the medium sized and that has worked well for a long time.
Travelon CrossBody Purse
I’ve had two of these Travelon Anti-theft Crossbody bags and I absolutely love them. They’re just the right size to carry a small camera and my daily essentials. They’re made with good quality materials and come in different colors/designs. (My mom has one, too, and takes it on all of her travels!)
Rollup portable travel water bottle
My Nomander collapsible water bottle is one of my favorite go-to accessories! It’s BPA free, has a leak-proof twisty cap and keeps me hydrated on long bus rides. It also takes minimal space in my travel bag. Quite a handy travel item, right?!
Hanging Toiletry Bag
My biggest requirements for a toiletry bag are that it’s waterproof and that it has a hook to hang it from. You never know when your shampoo bottle might decide leak everywhere. And depending on where you’re staying, you might not have enough counter space for it to sit on. So hang it from the hook!
RFID Travel Wallet (+ cute passport holder)
Another extremely useful travel item that I love is this multipurpose RFID blocking travel wallet. This is a new addition to my travel accessories, but I feel confident that the RFID blocking travel wallet keeps my passport, ID cards credit and debit cards, you know, “all the things” safe and well-organized on my travels.
Ethique Solid Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
Solid shampoo bars are the equivalent of three bottles of the liquid version, and can be carried in reusable tins rather than in single-use plastic bottles. I use Ethique due to their commitment to eliminating packaging waste and fighting animal testing. I encourage to ditch the bottles and try solid shampoo and conditioner bars. Ethique eco-friendly solid shampoo bar nourishes you and the environment. And, if your hair needs a great conditioner, Ethique eco-friendly solid conditioner is a win. You can also try a sample size and see if they work for you. I promise they will!
Trtl Travel Pillow
So… I am a “difficult sleeper.” I need a comfy pillow, a cozy chair, a blanket and complete silence. In the absence of most of those, I’ll usually settle for a good travel pillow. This one by Trtl is scarf-looking and super light and is so much better than the silly blow up pillows that offer me no comfort! This essential Trtl travel pillow is actually a one-sided neck-brace, which sounds hokey, but trust me, it works! If you are looking for the best travel neck pillow for long flights/bus rides, the Trtl neck support travel pillow is your best bet!
Collapsible Tupperware
In countries where street food reigns supreme, styrofoam boxes and plastic forks are all too common. Take away your take-out guilt by packing your own supplies. This tupperware easily folds down and slips easily into the tiniest corner of your backpack. Plus, you can prep for long bus rides (like through Patagonia) with your own snacks and meals.
Super Small Travel Umbrella
This tiny, lightweight umbrella take much minimal space in your travel bag but keeps you well-protected from the sun and rain. Plus, unlike other small travel umbrellas, this one actually holds up well in heavy rains (like the crazy downpours of Southeast Asia!)
Columbia Rain Jacket
Rain jackets are one of those must haves! They are worshipped among travelers. Costa Rica, Italy, England or Cambodia – you just never know when foul weather will hit! I’ve tried MANY on the market and I find most to be uncomfortable and “unbreathable.” This super lightweight Columbia’s women’s waterproof jacket gets my vote for being lightweight, waterproof and comfortable. It breathes and I don’t get super sweaty while wearing it. This is the men’s version: Columbia men’s rain jacket
Sleeping Bag Liner
So, truth time. You just never know how clean those sheets really are! Be safe and use an extra layer. I always carry this fist-size and lightweight Vumos sleeping bag liner for those “iffy” times. Plus, it’s just super cozy and comfy. I used it while trekking through Nepal and Patagonia and I also use it when camping here in Illinois.
Bag Locks
Don’t ever let your guard down. Short trips, long trips, bus rides, flights and everything in between, keep your items locked up. Extra security gives peace to the mind. I use something similiar to these travel luggage locks. Choose a combination that you can remember and that others can’t figure out! (i.e. something other than 1,2,3, people).
LifeStraw – (Seriously, you NEED this)
Let’s save the world, one plastic water bottle at a time. If you’ve traveled in Southeast Asia, India or South America, you know how prevalent plastic water bottles are. Yikes! Use this LifeStraw (with its long-lasting purifying membrane filter) for purifying tap water in locations from Thailand to Tunisia. I also used it along the hiking trails in Patagonia. This purchase will eventually pay for itself!