The Travel Essentials I Never Leave Home Without

After traveling to more than 50 countries across six continents, I've refined my packing list down to the items that genuinely make travel easier. This isn't a list of trendy gadgets or products I don't own. Rather, it's a curated collection of the luggage, photography gear, organization tools, clothing, and travel accessories that have earned a permanent place in my suitcase.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a month abroad, these are the products I personally recommend and regularly update as I discover better options.

This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely use, have thoroughly researched, or would confidently purchase myself.

Luggage & Bags

Carry-on Suitcase

Best Overall: ___

Why I love it

I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.

Best for

✓ International travel

✓ Long flights

✓ Navigation

✓ Photography days

Also consider…

Best Budget: ___

I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.

Best Premium: ___

I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.

Checked Luggage

Best Overall: ___

Why I love it

I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.

Best for

✓ International travel

✓ Long flights

✓ Navigation

✓ Photography days

Also consider…

Best Budget: ___

I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.

Best Premium: ___

I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.

Personal Item (Backpack)

Best Overall: ___

Why I love it

I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.

Best for

✓ International travel

✓ Long flights

✓ Navigation

✓ Photography days

Also consider…

Best Budget: ___

I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.

Best Premium: ___

I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.

Compression Packing Cubes

Why I love it

I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.

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Tech Essentials

Portable Charger

Best Overall: ___

Why I love it

I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.

Best for

✓ International travel

✓ Long flights

✓ Navigation

✓ Photography days

Also consider…

• Universal adapter

• AirTags

• Charging cables

• Multi-port charger

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Toiletries

• Toiletry bag

• Refillable bottles

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Shampoo bars

• Laundry sheets

• Sunscreen

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Flight Comfort

• Eye mask

• Earplugs

• Neck pillow

• Compression socks

• Reusable water bottle

• Snacks

• Lip balm

• Hand cream

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Clothing

• White sneakers

• Sandals

• Rain jacket

• Travel pants

• Merino layers

• Hat

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Photography Gear

• Camera

• Favorite lens

• Tripod

• Camera strap

• Memory cards

• SSD

• Microphone

• Cleaning kit

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Safety

• Passport holder

• Travel insurance

• RFID wallet (if you genuinely use one)

• Door alarm

• First aid kit

• Medication organizer

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Unexpected Favorites

Extension Cord

I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.

Foldable Duffel Bag

• Best Overall: ___

  Why I love it

  I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.

  Best for

  ✓ International travel

  ✓ Long flights

  ✓ Navigation

  ✓ Photography days

  Also consider…

  Best Budget: ___

  I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.

  Best Premium: ___

  I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.