I get asked pretty frequently what specific things I use while traveling or my favorite travel products. And I know that not everybody has had a lot of trial and error to find what works!
That being said, I tried to include the things I reach for every trip (unless its not applicable… no need for hiking boots in Cancun) and truly love. Bonus if its sustainable!
So buckle up buttercup, we are about to get deep into my favorite travel buys!
Technology
Let’s start with technology shall we? Other than luggage, it’s probably the most frequently asked question– what camera do I use.
To be totally honest, with the new phones that are coming out, you can take some pretty solid pictures with your phone (I have and will continue to do so). Currently I use the iPhone X.
Traveling with a camera can be tricky, so I focused on finding one that is compact, takes good pictures, and functions like a DSLR. That being said I use the Sony Alpha a6000, its a smaller, compact, mirrorless camera that takes fantastic pictures.
Typically, I carry a few lenses with me but my most used are the 35mm f/1.8 fixed and the 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3.
Some other random things you’ll never catch me without on a plane, train, or automobile while traveling are my kindle, headphones, or portable battery.
Now if you’ve read my SAS Packing List or my What’s in my carry on? post, you’ll know my love for each of these.
1. Genuinely, I don’t think I could travel without my kindle, I read WAY too much to carry only books (though I love them). It is so light, holds a charge FOREVER, and you can read it without a light, win win win.
2. AirPods. I know they are overly hyped, but honestly they rock. I didn’t think I cared about not having cords until they were gone. Once you try them, you’ll never go back.
3. If you’re constantly writing, taking pictures, listening to music or using directions (like me), you’re going to need a portable battery. I love this one because it is super light and fully charges your phone 3+ times AND the cords are attached.
Luggage
1. Hands down the best suitcase that works as checked or carry on is absolutely the Away suitcase. It has since become my favorite suitcase I’ve ever owned and 100% lives up to the hype in my opinion. I have the “Bigger Carry-On” and it rocks.
2. Absolutely the best carry on personal item I’ve used is the Longchamp Large Le Pliage tote. It holds everything, isn’t too big, you can wipe it down, and folds down very small.
If I want a backpack personal item (or a long weekend bag) this is my go to! The BEIS , fun fact my old roommate and I between all of us have every color, we love it!
4. When I was on SAS, I used the XL and M L.L. Bean and they were PERFECT. I didn’t use them other than getting to the ship and getting home so I could shove as much in there as possible. I absolutely recommend these for a trip similar to that!
5. My absolute favorite backpacking/travel backpack is the Osprey Fairview 40. It is comfortable, larger than it appears, and amazing quality!
6. My absolute favorite hiking backpack is the Osprey Daylite Daypack. It is the perfect size for anything you’d need for you and others on a day hike (plus includes a spot for a water line).
Travel Products
1. It is incredibly easy to get dehydrated while traveling (HELLO dry plane air), especially if you do a lot of outdoor activities like I do. Hence why an insulated water bottle really is a must.
2. This may seem random, but I’ve used this travel french press more than I care to admit. If you are somewhere without coffee, a coffee maker, camping, in the car, anywhere. It works perfectly and you can take out the filter and use it as a water bottle if needed!
3. I ALWAYS have extra baggies with me– you never know when you take leftovers, need a personal garbage can, need to put some souvenirs away, etc. The better thing to do is to get cute reusable ones like these, they’re so dang versatile.
4. If I go anywhere I need a passport to get to, I bring this running belt with to carry it in. It works much better (and is more discrete) than the neck pouches!
5. Eye Masks can help on planes, trains, or at night if you need them. Plus they are so easy to throw in that its worth even using it once. I love this cheap one.
6. I realize this may seem random, but if you go on any sort of trip where you may be near water (ie. hiking, river rafting, boat tour near waterfall, etc.), this will save your sanity. I kayak/paddleboard at home frequently (and while traveling) and always use it.
Fashion Essentials
1. This jacket is the absolute best. It’s a rain jacket that has a tie waist (keeps you warmer) and can be layered well for a lighter jacket. To be honest I even layered it to be a winter jacket, but it folds up TINY.
2. This scarf is magic on planes. It works as a scarf or if you unwrap it, it is the perfect blanket too! I don’t travel without it now (ESPECIALLY anywhere cold).
3. This jacket is my favorite– the quality is unmatched (plus you can send it in to get repaired!), it matches everything, it genuinely keeps you warm, layers well, and works for an active person (aka you can hike in it or wear it sightseeing).
Maybe its just me, but finding the right shoes for traveling (aka that you can walk 15 miles in), but I think I’ve done it.
4. Rothys. You’ll thank me for these, not only are the shoes INCREDIBLY comfortable, but you can put them in the washer AND they are made out of recycled water bottles. They’re the perfect travel shoe.
5. I’m sure you know all about Birks, but I’ve worn these exact ones to over 20 countries and I’m not even sure how many miles. But they are awesome in warm/hot weather when you’re going to walk a lot.
6. These are actually Timberlands which you can’t necessarily tell. I wore them all throughout Europe (12+ miles a day) and they kept my feet dry, warm, and my feet didn’t hurt! Pro tip: waterproof them before you leave and they’ll be perfect.
Beauty Essentials
1. I put the Billie razor on here because they are awesome. I’ve traveled with disposable razors and refillable ones like this and it’s just way easier to travel with your normal razor! Their travel clip is fantastic and it is one less thing to worry about.
2. Okay this is the best travel hack I can give you. It is tinted sunscreen that doubles as a moisturizer. It isn’t greasy, it actually moisturizes, and the tint is really subtle so it doesn’t clog your pores or look like you’re wearing makeup. It is the all in one so you can cut out other products!
3. Poo Pourri, the travel size. It is great for when you’re sharing hotel rooms and you just have to go. That’s all I’ll say on that.
4. I swear I have the world’s most sensitive eyes so good sunglasses are essential for me. I can’t get in the car or walk outside without them, let alone travel! I’m sure you’ve seen my bright blue ones all over my blog! They are the Ray Ban Clubmaster Polarized and I cannot recommend them enough. They are pricey, but if you take care of them it is worth it. (Plus good sunglasses help protect from wrinkles).
5. I know this seems random, but these both feel incredible and actually work. And we all know that with travel comes little sleep, so I try to keep these with me!
6. These are ponytail holders if you’ve never seen them before, but they work better than anything else I’ve tried! Bonus, I haven’t lost any of them since I started using them so they’ve already paid for themselves.
Like I said, I wanted to put the things I get asked about the most on here + the things I actually travel with (never without) and genuinely love! So hopefully you gained some insight or some entertainment!
Until next time,
Katelyn
Leave a Reply