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Happy almost Thanksgiving! With the holidays approaching, and sales for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I wanted to share my favorite travel items that I use constantly and are always helpful, no matter what kind of trip you are taking.
Must Haves For International Travel:
Passport RFID Wallet
Traveling means you can be at risk for fraud and security breaches. To prevent that, you may want to consider using RFID wallet and passport protection, from this two-in-one RFID Passport Wallet. RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification Devices, you can protect your personal data with the use of RFID blocking wallets and RFID blocking passport covers while sightseeing and when you are out and about. I use this Passport and Wallet Holder now anytime I travel. It has a convenient place for your driver’s license, passport, credit cards, boarding pass, cash and coins, all while being RFID blocking.
RFID and Theft Protection Purse
If you do not want protection while walking around and having storage, this RFID Purse protects you and your information while traveling as well. I use this when I internationally travel since it not only is it RFID protected, it is theft protected as well. It is slash resistant, and each zipper can lock into place to secure no pickpocketing. It comes in many different colors, and the perfect crossbody with many different pockets and large pouches for your convenience while traveling.
Universal Adapter
When traveling abroad, you need adapters for your devices. While you could get a regular adapter, and use the 6 in one USB cord above, to save space (and maybe sanity), I use this universal charger with USBs built in. It has 4 usb plugs, as well as a traditional outlet, all while being a universal worldwide adapter. I’ve used this in Asia and Europe with no issues, and charges everything great.
Travel Soap / Detergent
When you are traveling for a long time and do not have access to laundry, Travelon has your back. I used the Travelon detergent when backpacking through Thailand, washing my clothes in my hotel bathroom. These products are also not considered liquids, so it is great if you are only doing carry on for long trips!
They also have products for shampoo, shaving, hand soap, and body wash, which are also not considered liquids so are useful for your carry-on needs!
Compression Socks
Compression socks are useful to maintain blood flow and reduce discomfort and swelling while in the air for those long flights. The ones I use are Physix for those long flights.
Eye Mask with Built-In Bluetooth
I talk about eye masks in the must have for flights, but for international travel, I upgrade my eye mask to these - eye mask with built in bluetooth headphones. This device is great for those long flights when you want to drift off to some music or podcasts, without the added weight of extra devices. The battery lasts for up to 9 hours of continuous play, which will be perfect for plane rest.
Skyroam
Sometimes cell service is not available from your plan where you are traveling, or if it is available, it is crazy expensive. When this happens, I use Skyroam. How it works is you choose a plan, either 24 hours, or by the day, or month, and top up as you go. This device connects to local plans and through your wifi stay connected while traveling. I’ve used this while road tripping in Iceland, in the jungles of Thailand and more and have had great service for a great price. It is an even better deal if you share the connection with friends or family rather than everyone paying for overseas data.
Must Haves for Flights:
Colgate MaxFresh
For overnight flights especially, I pack Colgate MaxFresh Wisps in my personal bag. I don’t want to deal with getting toothpaste out and brushing my teeth in the airplane bathroom or in the airport. These handy wisps have toothpaste already in them and are one time use. Stash a few in your bag, and feel refreshed after a long flight without the mess and hassle.
Eye Masks
While the Built in Bluetooth eye mask is great for international flights, I’ll say that sometimes you just want an eye mask with no frills. For these occasions, I want something that will create total darkness, like with these eye masks. In addition, they have a raised area so they do not push on your eyeballs! Bonus, it comes with a two pack, so you can share with your travel companion, or keep an extra if you may lose one during your travels.
Travel Neck Pillow
There are so many neck pillows out there, but I like the Cabeau Travel Pillow based on its ergonomic design. It’s great for any plane trip to stay comfortable whether you are sleeping or sitting. They not only keep your head from tilting side to side they keep it from flopping forward so you can arrive without a sore neck.
Travel Scarf Blanket
I’m a big fan of 2-in-1s. So, to be comfortable on a plane, and fashionable is a must for me. The Travel Scarf Blanket can function as a scarf, poncho, or blanket, and is ultra comfortable for your plane rides. It comes in different colors as well and may become a staple in your travels.
Must Haves for All Travel:
External Battery
When you are sightseeing, taking pictures, or using maps to not get lost, your phone battery is something you need at full strength. Instead of having to stay put to charge at a cafe or the hotel, use a portable battery to charge on the go. There are many brands and types of external batteries out there, but I prefer the Mophie Power Boost. It’s slim, can charge a device up to 8 times before having to be charged itself, and doesn’t overheat.
Hand Sanitizer
Not getting sick while traveling is a must have goal. Between unfamiliar environments, public transportation, and more, you need to take all the precautions you can. For this reason, I keep Touchland’s Mist Hand Sanitizer in my bag at all times when traveling. This hand sanitizer is TSA approved, comes in different scents, and best of all its in mist form for easier use. I keep one in my medical bag and one in my purse when traveling so its available at all times. I prefer the neutral scent, but you can choose what you like best!
Car Power Adapter
This power adapter is a must for any long drive so that you can keep everything charged. Through the 12V socket, aka the car cigarette lighter, through this Car Power Adapter you have the option to charge through 2 USB ports and have the option for a traditional outlet as well.
Fold Up Water Bottle
Staying hydrated while traveling is a must. However, having water on the road can be difficult. You can’t bring water through TSA security, and likely would have to buy one at an expensive price at the airport. While away, you either need to buy multiple bottles during the trip, and have waste, or not have water during the day. And, if you do bring a water bottle during your trip, they are usually bulky and take up valuable packing space. The solution - a fold up water bottle. There are many options out there, but I like the Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle, since it is sleek, compatible, and comes in different colors. It is easy to wash and fill on the go, and free of all those nasty materials that can come with plastic waterbottles. It also has a strap so that you can attach it to your purse or bag on the go.
Bottles for Toiletries
I’ve said it before, I’m a carry-on girl, which means all my toiletries need to be within the TSA liquid requirement of under 3 oz. So when I travel, I use these handy travel bottles with label options already included. They are interchangeable for shampoo, condition, lotion, sunscreen, and other toiletries you may use.
Multiple USB Charger
I use this in my everyday life, it is that helpful, but it is especially helpful while traveling.While in a hotel room, you probably notice the lack of outlets. Or, if there are outlets, they are in very inconvenient locations. For this reason, I use the Multiple USB Charger, that allows you to fully charge up to 6 usb devices with their usb ports. Now you do not have to decide what device to charge, or who gets to charge their devices, with this handy charger.
Body Wipes
Traveling and showering sometimes do not mix. The showers may not be conducive to your condition, or you may not have the energy to take one. For this reason, I always pack these Clinique Body Wipes. They are designed to give you a full shower experience after a work out, in a wipe form. They are fragrance free and made for sensitive skin. The best part they come with 20 wipes, more than enough during your trip to keep you clean.
Must Have Luggage:
Med Bag
For Medical Bags, check out this post on my current medical bag and this post for why you should consider using one as well!
Carry-On - Away Bigger Carry-On Bag
My first purchase when I got a raise was the Away Bigger Carry-On Bag. While more expensive than most carry-on bags, this bag is amazing. It is smooth through the airport and the streets, and also large enough to accommodate my overpacking. It comes in many different colors here.
Personal Bag - Away Latitude Bag
I recently switched to the Away Latitude Bag, and absolutely love it. It is roomy, and fits my work laptop which is 15 inches. The best part, the external strap that allows you to slip it over your carry on or medical bag so you do not physically have to carry it on your shoulders, which is a life safer.
I'll be doing a full post later on my love for Away bags, as I’ve tried different size and products of theirs and will let you know what works best!
Hope these products help you in your travels and happy shopping!
