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.
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
Toiletries
Toiletry bag
Refillable bottles
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Shampoo bars
Laundry sheets
Sunscreen
Flight Comfort
Eye mask
Earplugs
Neck pillow
Compression socks
Reusable water bottle
Snacks
Lip balm
Hand cream
Clothing
White sneakers
Sandals
Rain jacket
Travel pants
Merino layers
Hat
Photography Gear
Camera
Favorite lens
Tripod
Camera strap
Memory cards
SSD
Microphone
Cleaning kit
Safety
Passport holder
Travel insurance
RFID wallet (if you genuinely use one)
Door alarm
First aid kit
Medication organizer
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.
My Favorite Skincare, Haircare, & Beauty Products
Whether I'm packing for an international reporting trip, getting ready for a photoshoot, or simply going through my everyday routine at home, these are the beauty and hair products I reach for every time. I've spent years trying different products and this collection includes the ones that have genuinely earned a permanent place in my routine.
Rather than recommending everything I've ever tried, I've focused on the products I use everyday and would confidently purchase again and again. I'll continue updating this page whenever I discover something better, so feel free to bookmark it and check back periodically.
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 recommend to a friend.
Skincare
Products that have helped simplify my routine while keeping my skin healthy and hydrated.
(Add your skincare recommendations here.)
Haircare
My favorite shampoos, conditioners, styling products, brushes, and treatments for keeping my hair healthy whether I'm at home or traveling.
(Add your haircare recommendations here.)
Makeup
The makeup products I consistently repurchase, from everyday essentials to products I rely on for professional shoots and travel.
(Add your makeup recommendations here.)
Body Care
Lotions, hand creams, sunscreen, lip balm, and other everyday favorites.
(Add your body care recommendations here.)
Beauty Tools
The tools I think are actually worth owning—from hair tools and brushes to skincare devices and travel organizers.
(Add your beauty tools here.)
Travel Beauty Essentials
When I'm living out of a carry-on, these are the products that always make the cut.
(Add your travel beauty essentials here.)
How I Choose Products
When I recommend something on this page, I'm looking for more than good marketing. Every product here meets one or more of these criteria:
I've used it consistently and would buy it again.
It performs noticeably better than similar products I've tried.
It travels well and fits easily into my routine.
I would confidently recommend it to a friend or family member.
If I stop using a product or find a better alternative, I'll update this page.
Emily Byrski
Emily is a multimedia journalist, photographer, and traveler who has explored more than 52 countries while documenting culture, climate, and everyday life. This Recommendations Library is a curated collection of products she personally uses, trusts, and recommends to help you travel smarter, create more, and find beauty in the everyday.