I am all about traveling LIGHT! Here are some of my favorite things that accompany the majority of my trips.
1) Dry Bag
: A lot of my trips include water activity and it’s really important to me to know that my important items are safe, no matter the weather or activity! This is the bag I use and I love it! https://www.amazon.com/KastKing-Floating-Waterproof-Kayaking-Swimming/dp/B07JQJCDYJ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=110RNEVHCTBKD&keywords=kastking+dry+bag+
waterproof&qid=1555198628&s=gateway&sprefix=kastking+dry+ba%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-3
2) Electronics Bag: I went through SO many trips with all of my charging cables in different zipblock bags but finally in 2019 in an effort to cut down on plastic use and be more organized, I bought this AMAZING bag. It has changed my life! I love all of the different compartments and how organized it makes life. And the price is awesome. https://www.amazon.com/Organizer-BUBM-Electronics-Accessory-Organizer-Grey/dp/B01IPJPGW4/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=travel+cable+organizer&qid=1555199813&s=books&sr=1-4-catcorr
3) Power Bank: Phones are lifelines while traveling! Your map, camera, means of communication, even your transportation! I love this power bank because it holds a lot of charge and will last a few days without a wall outlet. It charges my Google Pixel 3 THREE TIMES! https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Ultra-Compact-High-Speed-Technology/dp/B0194WDVHI/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=power+bank&qid=1555200078&s=gateway&sr=8-3
4) Roo Sport: This is my favorite international travel item. It is really important while traveling abroad to not scream I AM A TOURIST WITH A LOT OF CASH ON ME! I love this because there are some suuuuuper weird ways out there to conceal your cash while travel, but this is a simple and easily accessible way! You don’t have to completely disrobe to get your money haha. The good news is a passport fits in it too!
5) Reusable Water Bottle: It is so important to stay hydrated while traveling! Instead of using 20 extra plastic water bottles ($ AND a waste) find a favorite reusable one that you can fill on the go! Remember to always ask if the country you are visiting has safe tap water. Hydroflasks are really popular right now but they are very heavy. Collapsable waterbottles are a really good idea for compact travel, but I just love my Nalgene! https://www.amazon.com/Nalgene-Tritan-Mouth-BPA-Free-Bottle/dp/B001NCDE8O/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=nalgene+bottle&qid=1555205042&s=baby-products&sr=1-1-catcorr
6) All-Purpose Shoes: I try to bring only one or two pairs of shoes when I am traveling. These work for pretty much any occasion. Sometimes I will throw in a pair of tennis or hiking boots as well, but I love how I can wear these almost every day of a trip! I really love Keen, but I bought these Khombu water sandals are from Costco on sale for $10 and they have lasted me EVERYWHERE! https://www.amazon.com/Khombu-Sandal-Ladies-Ashley-Active/dp/B07DFRRCH1/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=khombu+ladies+active+sandal+grey&qid=1555205144&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull
7) Ear Plugs: Maybe it’s just me, but sleep is KEY to my ability to handle life. If I don’t sleep I am not okay! Ear plugs help me sleep better in any new environment on the go or if I happen to be in a noisy area of town. Here is the pack I buy. Yes a 50 piece pack. The last one lasted me almost 7 years hahaha. https://www.amazon.com/Macks-Ultra-Soft-Foam-Earplugs/dp/B0051U7W32/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=best+ear+plugs&qid=1555205231&s=gateway&sr=8-8
8) Eye Mask: Once again, SLEEEEEP! Not sleeping well can really affect how a trip goes for you (or maybe just me???) haha. I honestly just use the free airplane ones they give you but some people really get into it! Here’s a really popular brand. https://www.amazon.com/Alaska-Natural-Sleep-Blindfold-Smooth/dp/B00GSO1D9O/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=best+eye+mask&qid=1555205306&s=gateway&sr=8-3
9) Hand Sanitizer/Immodium: Yeah I know BORRRINGGG but there are SO many germs when you travel and there is nothing worse than having a bug to ruin your trip. The coins you touch, the handrails on public transportation. Keep your hands clean and keep immodium with you for those less fortunate experiences in foreign countries! I have learned the hard way!
10) Day Pack: TRAVEL AS LIGHT AS POSSIBLE. Much less to keep track of, less of a hassle, you look less like a tourist and are less of a target for petty theft and scams, and it’s honestly just easier. I love keeping all of my most important items in a day pack so I don’t have to lug everything around everywhere I go. My dream is to have Osprey brand of everything one day but for right now I a similar pack to this and it has worked the past 6 years as a great budget option! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078WSJLFS/ref=twister_B074SG7ZTK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
11) Microfiber towel: This is mostly for adventure/outdoors trips but I LOVE having a light towel. This towel basically fits in an envelope and weighs practically nothing. It is nice to have on hand when I’m beach hopping, staying at places that don’t provide towels, or hiking. The best part is how quickly it dries! https://www.amazon.com/SUNLAND-Microfiber-Compact-Absorbent-Drying/dp/B00MGGZ4ZW/ref=sr_1_27?crid=QZFGSDFASD7O&keywords=microfiber+towel&qid=1555205922&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=microfi%2Csporting%2C220&sr=1-27
12) Hiking Back Pack: I refuse to travel with a giant roller bag anymore (unless I’m going home to Ohio or somewhere where I plan on just unpacking and staying!) It is SO convenient to be able to carry your own luggage because you never know how far you are going to have to walk or what the road conditions are like. Imagine rolling a giant suitcase to your hotel in Italy. Yikes! I do have an Osprey hiking backpack and it is SUCH a good investment. It’s lifetime warranty allows you to turn it in if anything every breaks! https://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Packs-Atmos-Backpacking-Pack/dp/B077H3G5J4/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=osprey+hiking+backpack&qid=1555205826&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-51
