Travel Tips: Travel Essentials For Every Trip 2021
TRAVEL TIPS:
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS FOR EVERY TRIP 2021
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I’ve spent a good portion of my life traveling, it was one of the reasons I decided to change gears and give up the life I had to work for an airline instead. During that time I put a lot of thought and effort into making my life easier and packing the right tools to do it.
I will give you the disclaimer that even after 8 years of flying on a weekly basis all over the world, packing is still stressful, and no amount of checklists or triple-checking will take away that nagging feeling of “what did I forget”, so don’t feel too bad if you’re one forgotten toothbrush away from a mid-drive to the airport meltdown. Just remember that most places you’re traveling to will have a way of getting at least the essentials, even if it’s overpriced at the airport before flying into some super remote region of the world.
There are always options.
Packed for my most recent trip to Iceland.
This is my absolute travel essentials list for every trip, regardless of season or destination, take it from a travel expert, you won’t want to go on vacation without them. I’ll post destination-specific packing lists later but this one has those things I can’t leave home without.
A good travel backpack
My personal pick for travel backpacks is Osprey. Founded in California in 1974, they have a great reputation among hikers and travelers for having the best gear, innovative features, and awesome customer service. They even have a packfinder tool that lets you narrow down your options based on your main activity, length of trip, secondary activities, and so on.
The pack I use is the Farpoint 55L, the price hovers between $170-$200 but at the time of this writing, you can get it on Amazon for $109!
I love the Farpoint because it’s spacious, well built, has a great suspension system that transfers the weight to the hipbelt allowing your back to feel less of the load, and has a ton of really cool features like a zip-off day pack and you can actually stow away the harness and hipbelt with a zip-up layer that will keep it secure in case you have to check the larger bag. In my experience though, this bag fits in just about every airplane as a carry-on (especially if you zip off the daypack).
The zip-off daypack is great for taking your camera gear, snacks, or laptop with you while you’re out on an adventure, like this hike around the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland.
Packing Cubes
Ospray also has great packing cubes that you can get on Amazon for under $40 that will help keep your bag organized. They have convenient handles and come in several different sizes. If you’re looking for a slightly more budget-friendly set of packing cubes, this set is under $25 and comes with 6 cubes, it also boasts over 13,000 reviews and has a rating of 4.5 stars.
Light Pack
In addition to having the daypack, it’s always a good idea to bring a light pack, this can be your grocery bag (especially for countries that are environmentally conscious and don’t allow plastic bags), souvenir carrier, your extra clothes for the day, etc. My personal favorite is the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack. It’s foldable and weighs under 4oz.
My Regular Carry on
If I’m going somewhere for a shorter getaway or one that doesn’t require a backpack where I’ll be staying in one location for most of my stay, I’ll just use my rollaboard bag.
For those of you who aren’t in the airline industry, I’m sure you’ve seen crews walking to their planes pulling what seems like enough bags to be away from home for the next month, truth is we’re probably only leaving for 3-4 days but flight attendants are known for being notoriously bad at overpacking despite doing this for a living. The way our schedules change, you never know if you’re going to need a bathing suit or a winter jacket, so oftentimes we take both. We also have a plethora of other things to pack like our electronic flight manuals, uniforms, food, etc. The point is, we need a good set of bags for it.
Enter TravelPro, most of us in the industry use TravelPro bags for two reasons, affordability, and features. There are bags out there that are arguably more durable and of higher quality like Briggs & Riley and Tumi, but they carry really hefty price tags ($500-$1000), if you can shell out the money then go for it.
TravelPro offers a great line of crew luggage that’s available to the public for purchase without the crazy price tag. We travel weekly and our bags get completely beat up but they hold up to the abuse, so for the average traveler, they should last you forever. My personal rollaboard of choice is the TravelPro Crew Expert Softside (Formally the Crew Max). This bag comes in 20-inch and 21-inch sizes, I’ve had both, and despite it being only an inch, it makes a huge difference, get the bigger bag. This bag is usually around $200-$250 on Amazon. It has awesome features like a J-hook so you can add another bag to the front of it, a large laptop compartment, and a rear zippered sleeve that fits my 12-inch iPad perfectly.
Travel Pillow
If you’re on a long-haul flight, an overnight redeye or just looking to take a nap, you need a good travel pillow. The Infinity Pillow is a great choice if you have a little extra room in your bag since it’s a tad bit bulky (7”x7”x5.5” when rolled up). It provides great comfort and you can use it for different sleeping positions. You can get it on Amazon for under $40.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more compact option because you’re limited on space the trtl Pillow is my go-to. It folds up so you can pack it away easily and has a neck support system so you can keep your head from tilting forward or backward and waking up like you spent the night folded into a pretzel. It’s also machine washable which is a huge plus. You can get it on Amazon for about $30.
Rain Jacket
Even in the driest countries, weather can change in an instant. It’s always a good idea to have a rain jacket with you when you travel. Over the summer in Iceland the weather would change from sunny to overcast to rain in a matter of minutes, it reminded me of being back home in Puerto Rico where afternoon showers would pop up and go by like clockwork. If you’ve checked out my Instagram you’ve seen my Columbia Watertight burnt orange rain jacket in a lot of pictures. This jacket is packable, light, breathable, and holds up really well even in strong rain. I chose a bright color specifically because I do a lot of hiking and if there was ever an emergency it will be easy to spot you. It’s also great if you’re a photographer and want to create a stark contrast between you and your surroundings.
An organizer for your toiletries
Having a good organizer for all your toiletries is definitely a must when traveling. That way you can keep your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen, soap, hand sanitizer, deodorant, razor, face moisturizer, after-sun cream, nail clippers, and other necessities all in one place. (I’ll make a separate blog post for essential toiletries but for now, you can click any of these links for my personal picks.)
I personally recommend one that has a hook to hang up in the bathroom, this makes it especially convenient in smaller spaces that are common in hostels, camping areas, and budget vacation rentals.
My personal favorite is the Osprey UltraLight Roll Organizer It’s easy enough to hang in the shower, giving you easy access to all of your toiletries. It also has a wide range of pockets, giving you ample space to store all of your essential travel toiletries. Some bags also have mesh pockets that allow your items to dry while you travel. As a bonus, it also comes with a mirror that can be used a signaling mirror in case of emergencies while camping.
It’s important to note that this is a smaller form factor which is ideal for packing light.
If you want a larger bag for longer trips or bigger toiletries, I suggest the Eagle Creek Pack-It Wallaby. Both are similar and price and have similar features.
a tide pen
You’re going to be sitting at a café somewhere, espresso in one hand, delicious European pastry in the other, you’ll be distracted enjoying the incredible scenery around you and BAM, you’ve spilled your espresso on your shirt.
I always travel with a tide pen just in case, it can definitely get you out of a jam (or get a jam out of your shirt for that matter).
Eye Mask
This was my savior in Iceland this summer...
If you’re like me and you can’t sleep once the sun is out then imagine the type of personal hell it is being in a country where the sun doesn’t set during the summer. Luckily I was smart enough to pack an eye mask. I have two different eye masks, one that’s weighted (since I have migraines) and another that I use primarily for travel. The Mavogel Eye Mask is usually under $20 on Amazon (at the time of this writing it’s on sale for $8.39) and has over 34,000 reviews and a rating of 4.5/5 stars.
Noise canceling headphones
I’ve been on enough planes with screaming babies and hostels with loud bunkmates to know that if your headphones aren’t noise-canceling you’re in for a crappy time.
When I’m on a long flight I usually listen to some tunes to fall asleep, or I’ll put on my favorite true crime podcasts and work on the blog and of course, there’s the occasional Netflix binge (who says you can’t watch an entire season of your favorite show on one flight?). As an Apple user, I obviously have to go with the AirPod Pros. They’re a pretty affordable option when it comes to noise-canceling headphones and provide pretty great quality sound and voice calls. You can get them on Amazon right now for under $200.
Another great option if you’re not an Apple user or you just want a different pair of buds is the Sony WF-1000XM4 Noise Canceling Earbuds, they offer some of the best sound quality and most effective noise-canceling of any earbuds. Another obvious contender is the Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds. Bose has been a leading brand in headphones and sound systems since 1964 and for good reason, they definitely make a great product. But the Sony earbuds, in my opinion, are a little better and they carry a near-identical price tag of $278 for the Sony Earbuds and $279 for the Bose Earbuds.
power bank
Whether you’re going to be out on a hike all day, taking a budget airline that doesn’t have power outlets, or just wandering around the city doing some sightseeing, the last thing you want is your phone to die while your simultaneously google mapping, translating and doing currency conversions, not to mention the countless photo ops you’re going to miss because you drained the battery Snapchatting your friends how much fun you’re having while they’re stuck at home.
If you’ve read my post on Travel Video and Photo Gear you’ll know I’m a big fan of Anker Power Banks. I have four different power banks that I use depending on the application.
Bagsmart Cable Storage and Anker PowerCore
If you’re going to be hiking and camping where you won’t have access to power then the OUTXE 25000mAh Wireless Solar Power Bank is the best choice. A full charge will definitely take a while but you can clip it to your backpack using a carabiner while you hike so it charges while you’re out hiking or camping. It also has a built-in flashlight and is fully waterproof so it’s made to withstand elements.
Cable storage
Since you’re bringing all of your electronics with you, you’re probably carrying around 15 different cables in your pack. Keep them organized with this cable organizer from Bagsmart. It lets you carry all the cables you’ll need and has an interior zippered pocket for memory cards.
Wet wipes
Wet Ones Wet Wipes are perfect for when you need to freshen up after a long hike and a shower isn’t an option, that’s why I use the extra gentle ones. You can also use them to wipe down surfaces on the plane, which is super important right now as we’re still in the middle of a pandemic you can never be too careful. (Plus those tray tables are probably the most filthy surfaces on the aircraft, take it from someone who’s worked on one.)
Travel First Aid Kit
Having a little first aid kit is absolutely a must when you travel. Even if you’re not going anywhere remote, it can be difficult to find even basic medications in certain countries that may possibly have more stringent laws on over-the-counter products, or simply much more expensive in comparison to the prices you pay back home. When it comes to my personal medication I usually keep enough to last more than several days after my intended return date to account for changes in plans (intentional or unintentional).
This first aid kit from amazon has all the basics but you should also keep things like Dramamine/Bonine, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Benadryl, Benadryl Stick/Spray, eye drops, and Immodium.
Sandals
I’m more of a flip-flop kind of guy but regardless, sandals are a must have when you travel. Even if you’re going to a place where you don’t think sandals are necessary. I’ve used my sandals in the middle of winter in Iceland while walking around the showers in the Blue Lagoon or the thermal pools, I’ve used them on the beaches in the Caribbean, or just walking around the hostel in Amsterdam. Having sandals is a quick and convenient way to get some footwear on while indoors or outdoors.
If you want a great waterproof sandal these Birkenstock Essentials Unisex Arizona EVA Sandals are waterproof, lightweight, and washable. They also come in several different colors.
If you’re like me and you’re all about the flip-flop life, my Crocs Classic Flip Flops are the way to go. They might not be the prettiest but they are definitely the most functional, and surprisingly comfortable flops I’ve ever had.
Running Shoes and Hiking Boots
Having a comfortable pair of shoes is incredibly important. I usually travel with a pair of running shoes that I use for the airport or walking around cities if I know I’m going to be on my feet all day. I also use a pair of solid color shoes that are practical and can be worn with just about anything.
Depending on where I’m going I usually also bring a pair of hiking boots or hiking shoes. The lightweight hiking shoes I typically use when I’m going to places where the terrain isn't that extreme. For more challenging hikes like waterfalls in Costa Rica or Glaciers in Iceland, I have a pair of Timberland Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots.
Compression socks
If you’re on a long haul flight or a long road trip, it’s super important to get up from time to time and walk around or stretch a little bit. Just don’t be that obnoxious person that’s going to go back to the airplane galley while the crew is trying to work and start doing your Pilates routine, I promise you, despite the smile from the cabin crew and them telling you it’s fine, they are secretly burning up inside with the desire to push the button on your ejector seat. Okay, maybe there’s no ejector seat, but that’s what they’re thinking. Wearing compression socks while traveling can be very beneficial as they can improve circulation and prevent swelling in your feet and legs.
a copy of your passport
Your passport is, of course, the most important item to remember for an international trip. But you should also bring along at least one passport photo and a color photocopy of the pages with your information on the off chance you lose it abroad. The U.S. State Department's website has more information about what to do when your passport is lost or stolen.
Carabiners
I usually travel with at least 2 carabiners, not for climbing but for being able to attach things to my backpack like my hiking shoes, that way I don’t have to pack them or my camera bag when I’m out on a trail hike. They’re also useful if you’re getting groceries since you can attach multiple bags to one carabiner to make carrying easier. They’re also great for camping if you need to keep something elevated since you can use them to keep things off the ground and attach them to a tree.
international travel power adapter
If you’ve read my blog post about Travel Blogging and Camera Gear you’ll know I always travel with a power adapter. It’s important to have one with you since you’ll likely encounter different outlets on your international travels, especially if you’re traveling to Europe or Asia. If you read my country info when writing a new destination blog post I usually post the type of power outlet they use just in case.
This power adapter from amazon has been my favorite so far, it has a ton of different features and works with any power outlet.
Inflight entertainment and on the go editing
When I travel I usually like to bring my computer with me, the downside is that I have a 15-inch Macbook Pro, not exactly light or small. I recently upgraded to a brand new Apple iPad Pro and I absolutely LOVE it. It uses the same new M1 chip that’s being installed in the Macbooks and iMacs so it’s lightning-fast. I got an additional keyboard with it which allows me to leave the Macbook at home while I’m on vacation and keep typing up blog posts on the road. That said, it will never replace the raw power of my Macbook so doing full-blown video or photo edits is a little harder. However, it’s got enough power that I can do small edits and tweaks on the fly while also being able to download all my favorite Netflix shows in advance so I can binge-watch them on flights. Or I can take my whole iBooks and Kindle libraries with me if I want to read.
Sunglasses
Whether you’re laying out on the beach, hiking up to the top of a mountain, walking through the snow on a bright winter day, some polarized sunglasses are a total must. There’s no reason you should drop an absurd amount of money on sunglasses when there’s a good chance you could lose them, drop them, or break them. Especially if you’re out on a crazy hike. That’s why I get a cheap pair from Amazon like these ones.
A good camera
As someone who takes thousands of pictures on every vacation, a good camera is important to have. That said, there’s no better camera than the one you have in your hand. Just about every modern phone has a camera ranging from decent to great, don’t underestimate what you can do with it. I also use a GoPro, DJI Drone, and a DSLR.
A Few Extras to Consider
face masks
Since we'll all be wearing protective face coverings on planes and possibly in public for the foreseeable future, you'll want to make sure yours is comfortable to wear for long periods of time and potentially while huffing and puffing your way through the airport while running to catch your next flight. My choice is the Under Armor Sports Mask, you can use them for working out, they’re comfortable and very durable.
SinkSuds Travel Laundry Detergent
You never know if you’re going to need to do a little light laundry while you’re on the road. Your plans could change and extend your trip, you could be canceled abroad. The place you’re staying might not have laundry services. SinkSuds Travel Laundry Detergent is perfect for washing clothes in the sink or tub. It helps eliminate odors and is TSA compliant.
Lifestraw
Lifestraws are a great thing to take with you especially if you’re camping or in a country where the tap water isn’t safe. I always have one with me just in case. A lifestraw, is a straw that filters bacteria, parasites & microplastics from water as you drink. Ideal for hiking, camping, survival, and emergencies. Think about it this way, what your Britta water filter does at home but in the palm of your hand.
Muscle recovery cream
Indie Lee I-Recover Mind & Body Gel works great for muscle recovery and helping you relax after a strenuous day of hiking or climbing. It’s not cheap but it’s worth every penny.
A travel hotspot
This is definitely something I recommend if you want to have better internet speeds while abroad. While I do have an international plan on my phone, the speeds are capped and they become slow pretty quick. I’ve rented portable hotspots from car rental companies but the price adds up quickly. The last time we used one in Iceland the price was about $13 per day.
There are two hotspots I’ve used that I highly recommend and both are great for different reasons.
The Urozetta Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot enables you to embrace the flexibility of parent company Urocomm's cloud SIM system, which means you don't have to hunt down a local SIM card in every country you visit – you simply open up the app on your phone add credit to your account (check inside the app for current prices, which are definitely competitive).
Simple to set up, secure to use, reliable in operation... there's not much more you can ask from the Huawei E5577-321. Huawei knows a few things about making gadgets of course, and this hotspot is compact and well-built – it's perfect for popping in a bag or suitcase and taking with you wherever you go. This was actually the mobile hotspot that I rented from Blue Rental Car in Iceland on both of my most recent trips.
an extension cord
My extension cord comes with me on any international trip I take. Depending on where I'm staying, it can be hard to find enough outlets—and sometimes, those I do find are hidden or out-of-reach. But when I bring an extension cord with me, it becomes a lot easier to keep my devices charged. It’s also great to plug into your international travel adapter because the adapter is typically just one outlet. Anker is by far my choice for just about everything when it comes to power adapters and battery packs, their extension cord is no exception.
Duct tape or gorilla tape
You just never know when you might be on a flight and a passenger acts up and needs to be mummified to the seat in order to contain them… I’m totally kidding, for my friends in aviation I hope you got a good laugh out of that.
Honestly speaking though, having a little roll of tape can be super beneficial while traveling. Broken zippers, a rip in the tent, a little hole in your jacket, you name it. I usually carry a little roll of gorilla tape for such occasions.
And that’s my list!
If you think there’s something that I should put on the list, leave me a comment below and I’ll give you my thoughts on it. As always I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read, share, comment, and help me continue to build my blog and write about my adventures. ❤️
