There are many new and creative gadgets and items for those who love to travel. Some of these are fun things you can collect, but most are practical items that will make your travel abroad a lot easier and more efficient! All the things below are the must have things I own or use on almost all of my trips regardless if its out of country or to a neighboring state. There are also several great gift ideas for your wanderlust friends and family!
1. Packing Cubes – The Ultimate Must Have item!
I bought some packing cubes from Target that are very similar to these and I love them. Packing this way has honestly changed my travel in a major way and I love it. During my first several trips, I would pack a check-in luggage, but after discovering this and a few other techniques, I am able to travel anywhere with just my carry on! For our 9 day in Italy next week, I am trying out plastic covers from bed sheets along with the packing cubes I have.
Update: The plastic covers (from bed sheet covers) worked out great!! I was able to pack 6-7 pairs of outfit in one medium sized cube! The best part, it’s free!
2. The Right Backpack
This is a tough one, because everyone’s needs vary.. . I own the G4Free 50L outdoor backpack and though its a hiking backpack, I use it for all my trips. I used it for my 5 days in Dominican Republic, mostly staying in one place.. across the US for road trips and on flights as carry on, and even for a 6 day adventure in Costa Rica, moving from city to city every few days. It fits a whole lot, especially while using packing cubes and it hasn’t given up or me yet. I haven’t even noticed any wear or tear after these 3 years, so I think this one will stay with me for a while. We’ll see how it goes with our 9 day Europe trip soon!
Update: Held up great during the trip, definitely recommend it!
If you are looking for a personal bag in addition to your carry on or check in, my bro-in-law loves this Anti-theft Laptop Daypack and uses it on most of our trips. It’s essentially a laptop bag for college, but he has been using it for 3-4 years and it works great. It is anti-theft, so it can’t be cut or damaged.. it as a USB charging port and it’s water repellent and shockproof!
Need another type of bag?
Another carry on option is this foldable travel duffle bag tote, which has a large capacity of 30L. My friend bought one online and said it was much cuter than she expected. It is also compact and can fit a lot into it without being too bulky. She said it came in a small pouch that’s very tiny when folded and takes up very little space. It can be used to travel when you know you’ll have more things flying back! (That’s everywhere for me!)
Waterfly Chest Sling Shoulder Backpacks
This sling backpack is the ideal backpack for traveling, hiking and other outdoor adventure. It’s light weight and can hold up to 10L. It’ll come in handy on day trips where you need to pack water bottles and more. The shoulder strap also has a pocket for your phone, which sits right below you for easy access.
3. Power Adapter + Converters
My husband found a similar adapter set which I have been using for the past year. It contains worldwide plug adapters, so you wont have to worry about buying an adapter each time you fly. This universal travel adapter however cannot be used as a power convertor and does not convert the units. Therefore, you can’t plug high voltage electronics like hair dryers, straighteners, heaters etc. into it. You can however use smaller items, like charging phones, laptops, etc. *Please check the voltage on all items before you charge so your electronic does not blow out.
Another option to this is to buy the power adapter + converter in one piece. Although this is more expensive, its definitely worth the extra bucks if you travel often! This Universal Travel Converter comes with a voltage converter and worldwide plug adapters. This one comes with 2 USB ports and it can charge many things at one time. You can convert from 220V to 110V and can be used for bigger items such as laptops, blow driers and other appliances.
4. Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case is one of the most important things to have with you, especially if you are going to the beach or planning on doing any water activities. I used my phone case all throughout one trip, even during the non water activities! It kept my phone (and credit card) on me without tying up my hands. I was able to use it while snorkeling in Thailand and swimming with the nurse sharks in Belize and it has not gotten any water in the case. Definitely a must have during adventurous activities!
**Prior to using it, make sure there is no leak or holes by placing some tissue in the case and submerging it into a bucket of water. If the tissue stays dry, you’re good to go!
5. Cameras
Now, everyone has their take on which kind of camera to bring while on vacation…It really depends on the destination. I used to take my dslr for my first few trips, but soon realized it held me back from enjoying my time to the fullest. I then started to use my phone camera and take less pictures altogether. It has helped me to live more in the moment and worry less about getting the right shot.
With that being said, the dslr I used to take abroad is the Canon T3i which is now discontinued. I still take it with me for all my domestic travels and while going to events right here in Dallas! This Canon T5 is a great model to take with you as its not so bulky and offers both complex and simple features. Even if you’re a newbie to dslr, it’s easy to operate and get good shots.
Another option: Instant Mini Camera
My photographer friend owns one of these Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Camera and I love it! He took a picture of us and printed it right away, in a matter of minutes. This would be an awesome gadget to travel with if you like to socialize with the locals there and give back in some way! People, especially young kids, in less fortunate countries would love if they would be able to get a picture to keep for themselves. It can get a little pricey with the films and all, but the memory attached to it is priceless!
** When bringing a dslr, be sure you have 1. Extra battery packs and 2. Extra SD card.
I was at the entrance of Taj Mahal when my dslr battery died!!! Since then, I never went anywhere without the extra battery packs.
** For the Fujifilm, you will need the Fujifilm film pack, which comes in packs of 20. Buying in bulk allows you to save a little more; this set also comes with decorative stickers to add to the 2x3in wallet size photo.
6. Water Bottles
Collapsible water bottle are ideal for long trips as they are flexible and easy to carry. You can always fill water in hotels, water fountains, or anywhere you have access to drinking water and hook it onto your backpack. Then fold and tuck away when you don’t need to use it, so it doesn’t take up too much space. Another great option is this fold-able, flexible and slightly cheaper Vapur Element water bottle. My husband was gifted this by two of our friends and we use it all the time now!
7. Pillowcase (My main must have item!)
I take a pillowcase on all my travels because no matter how great the hotel or Airbnb, I feel more comfortable putting my head on my own pillowcase. After the trip, I usually put all my used clothing in the pillowcase to bring them back home. I bought this silk pillowcase which Is also very gentle on the hair. Traveling or not, this is the only pillowcase I must have and I won’t go back!!
8. Travel size containers
If you are going on short/backpacking trips with just a carry on, I would highly recommend getting this TSA approved 3oz leak proof travel bottles, which comes in a packet of 4. Not only do you not have to worry about placing wrappers and tape on your travel bottles, but you also don’t have to worry about any leakage or spills. For all my travels prior to this, I used to buy travel sized bottles (which are also more expensive considering the quantity you are getting) and tape them up. Coming back home however was a challenge since I never brought tape with me. My friend used these bottles and it worked like a charm! You can use it for shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, body soap, sunscreen, lotions and so much more. Instead of buying new bottles, just clean and refill your bottles after each trip!
9. Neck Pillow
This is a must have if you are traveling long distances. It will help you during flights, train rides and even during road trips in car. You want to keep your neck straight and head in line to prevent soreness, aching and muscle straining when you reach your destination.
10. Medication Kit
Traveling includes doing a lot of things you don’t usually do in your every day life. And new experiences also equal new challenges, so you should be prepared the best you can, so that you can keep moving. If I am traveling anywhere outside of the US, one must have thing I Always pack is a medication kit. I have a kit just for travel which I look through often and replace if anything expires. Having this kit has helped me in many ways and I have a feeling that as I get older, this kit will only get bigger.. yikes!
A. Pain killer.
Definitely a must. I usually have a small bottle of Aleve with me and it has helped me to get through the day with bearable leg pain. After a full day of walking and a touring a new place, it comes in handy when your legs need some relief. I also have Excedrin for headaches/migraines.
B. Claritin
Again, a must have when it comes to traveling abroad, as we’re not sure about what kind of allergens we will come in contact with that our body does not like! My whole family uses Claritin and it helps to reduce allergies so we can focus on more important things while traveling!
C. Nausea medicine
If you live in the US, you might only need nausea medication for any plane or boat rides. However in other countries, even a short 5 minute ride from one side of the town to another can be a bumpy one because of the road conditions. Even train rides are bumpy and not always pleasant in some less fortunate countries. Although there are a few OTC nausea meds, its probably best to get some through your doctor.
D. Tummy meds
I always have a Pepto-Bismol on me while traveling abroad, even though I have a pretty strong stomach. I have not yet used it, but I think I feel more comfortable knowing I have it with me in case I was to get sick. TUMS is also highly recommended to temporarily help those who have heart burns. Hey, no one wants a grumpy travel mate!
E. Antibiotic cream
I carry a small tube of Neosporin to prevent infection in case of minor cuts or scratches. It can also be used for rashes or skin irritation. This is one of my top must have items in this list.
F. Tooth numbing medication
When I was having tooth/gum problems, this is something I had with me all the time. The worst thing to have while traveling and site seeing is a bad toothache. Though this won’t solve your problem completely, it will help relieve your pain until you get back home or get medical help. This Orajel pain relief swabs work great for tooth and gum pain.
G. Band-aids/Alcohol swabs
Its always a good idea to carry a few different sizes band-aids and alcohol pads with you, so you don’t have to pay ridiculous prices for it while traveling. I use band-aids to prevent blisters on the back of the heels from all the walking.
H. Earbuds/Cotton balls/Gauze
Although it’s not a must, as someone who has done wound care for a few years, I always have at least one of these three on me. It can be used to apply medication, clean a wound, cover open skin, apply oral medication, etc. If you are debating whether to pack some or not, it really depends on how adventurous the trip will be and how susceptible you are to injury. If you’ll be doing a lot of outdoor activities and you’re the one to always get hurt, I recommend you pack this extra .1 pounds of items in your medication kit.. you won’t regret it!
Side note; If you are traveling in groups, not everyone needs to bring their medication kit, some of it can be shared; so split out the items that can be shared and save room while packing!
(***Disclaimer alert: This is NOT medical advice or encouraging medical drug use; please ask your MD prior to using any of these medications. See disclosure below.)
11. Water shoes
During our road trip to Broken Bow Cabins in Oklahoma, my sister and bro in law had a pair of Miashansha Water shoes which they loved! It was light weight, easily packable, stylish, quick drying and most of all comfortable during our light hike through the forest and streams. This also makes for a great gift for someone who likes to travel or do a lot of water activities!
12. Repellents
To make the most of any trip, you want to make sure you are well protected against the sun and any mosquitos. I bought the Kinven Anti Mosquito Repellent Bundle years ago for less than 15 bucks and I’ve been using the same one over and over for all my trips and it works great! As for sunscreen, my favorite brand is the banana boat and I found these Banana Boat travel packets that are great while on the go! Another brand I started using this part year is the Repel Insect Repellent With 40% deet and I like it. However, I feel it’s much stronger, so I probably would not use too much of it and definitely not on kids.
13. Compression Foot Sleeves
Until my last trip, this didn’t seem like something I would need or even think of using. During the 9 hour plane ride to Italy, I noticed my shoes got tighter and harder to put on. Once we landed, my legs also ached tremendously, confirming it wasn’t a problem with my shoes, but rather with my legs… they were swelling up! Because there was a lot of walking involved in Italy, my legs and feet were aching almost daily. I now wear these compression foot sleeves when I travel a lot and even when I have a long day of work. It has helped reduce the swelling and pain and is comfortable to wear all day! This is my must have at all times.
14. Electric Digital Luggage Scale
It’s hard to say no to buying souvenirs despite how little space you have in your luggage to go back home. Staying under the packing limit is a serious challenge for all travelers, especially when you go back to your hometown (or when you travel somewhere ridiculously cheap)! This digital scale is a great device to have, especially for international flights where you can be charged a fee for overweight luggage.
15. Fast charging cable
My husband bought us these fast charging cables for the go since we are on the road a lot. I now use it in my car on a daily basis. It’s made from strong material, which is also very flexible and long at over 6 ft’ (which is good to reach to the backseat). It transfers quickly and charges faster than any of the previous chargers I have owned. Definitely recommend this must have item if you travel on the road a lot and you use your phone often.
Phone Charging Passport Holder
Here is a cute way to charge your phone on the go! This is a great option to have while traveling because it keeps all your things together. You can carry your ID card, credit cards, passport, cash and phone all in one place. You can also charge your phone without having to go look for an outlet. There is also a place to neatly store the wires when you’re done. This neat and stylish holder also makes for a great gift for someone who loves to travel!
16. TSA approved items
I love anything TSA approved, because that is one less thing to worry about getting through checking and it makes the process a whole lot quicker. These locks and plastic toiletry pouches are so convenient and easy to use!
GIFT IDEAS
17. Wanderlust scratch off-World Map
My husband bought me one similar to this and I love it! We scratched off the countries we’ve been to, framed it and hung it up. We take it down after a couple of trips and scratch some more off. The USA section is even divided by states, which is great for those who do a lot of road trips and in country trips. A great gift for any age!
(Christin, my travel friend who toured all of Thailand with me, loves this Scratch off Map which has a beautiful black backdrop and flags on the bottom portion.)
18. Games
Keeping your kids busy during travel is important, so that you will also enjoy your trip! This is mainly for the long flight abroad, that long layover or travel time between two places, where your children just can’t sit still.
What I do on flights and layovers? … Keep reading!
19. Books
I read a travel guide book while I am traveling to a new place. This helps me to learn as much as I can about the culture, behaviors and customs before I get there. I also try to learn a few phrases that will help me along the way. Below are some of the books I own and love to read, even when I am done visiting those places!
20. Travel Themed Office Items
Most people who like to travel also have their offices and homes set up with some cute travel items. Here are a few great ideas that’ll add that an instant travel theme and makes a cute gift for that travelmania friend!
21. T-Shirts
You can never have enough T-shirts… and travel themed ones? Bring it on!!!
Not sure who made these shirts, but it’s like having your pinterest travel section in your wardrobe!
22. Travel Must Have Gift Items
There are many cute travel items that make the perfect gift for anyone! From passport holders to coffee mugs, check out this list of my top favorites!
A smaller 3 lb globe for smaller desktop décor or to compliment bigger globes. Great to place on books!
23. Globes
Just because, which wanderlust doesn’t just love globes in their home? This is a perfect gift for men or women who love to travel!
A great 12” desktop globe, which weighs just 5 lbs.
Now, if you’re really serious about globes, this is the real deal right here!
More travel essentials and gift ideas coming soon! If you never leave home without a travel item, post it in the comments below!
Check out my Bargaining Tips & Hacks post next!
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