Travel Writer Approved …

Essentials

These are the items that I pack with me always, regardless if I’m traveling with my kids or not. The pieces that have made it through my rigorous testing (like rolling my suitcase across Australia’s Outback), and gear that makes travel more enjoyable, less stressful, and safer.

My Favorite Two-Wheel Suitcase

This two-wheeled carry-on has been with me to 53 countries (including a few safaris in Africa), and it doesn’t show any signs of wear. I review suitcases for a living, and this is the one I turn to most when I travel because it’s durable yet flexible enough to fit everything I need (tip: it expands!). I cannot recommend this suitcase higher.

Anti-Theft Zipper Carabiners

These little zipper pulls are small, but they are the biggest peace of mind when I’m traveling (solo or with kids). When I’m traveling with kids, my attention is down and forward, and not on my backpack or purse, which leaves me vulnerable to pickpockets and theft. I latch one side of this mini carabiner to one zipper, and one side to the other zipper, and it creates a great deterrent for anyone trying to reach inside my bag while I may be distracted with my kids.

Lacrosse Balls

My dad played lacrosse for the Air Force Academy, and, growing up, we always had these little orange balls around the house, and I learned quickly how great they are for relieving sore muscles. I’ve traveled with two lacrosse balls in my bag long before I had kids, so I could roll out my sore feet back in the hotel room, or plop one in a sock and give myself a jet-lag sock-ball massage in my hotel room

TSA-Approved First Aid Kit

I always travel with a mini First Aid Kit so I have band-aids and emergency medications on hand, but I love this version for its thoughtful kid-curated inclusions and also for the fact that it’s TSA-approved.

Pedialyte Powder Sticks

I like to have medication on hand that would be a pain to have to run to a local pharmacy to get in the, ahem, heat of the moment (so to speak). So, things like Benadryl, Pepcid AC, anti-diarrheal medication, fever reducers, Band-Aids, etc., are always in my bag. I also always toss a few packets of these Pedialyte sticks in my backpack just in case there’s ever a need for some emergency re-hydration.

STNKY Bag

Packing dirty clothes back into a suitcase at the end of the trip is … just gross sometimes. I’ve used shower caps in the past, but this STNKY Bag has become my new favorite because it’s big enough for all the dirty laundry, and you can wash the entire bag without having to even touch the dirty clothes. It also locks in smells and germs, so dirty or stinky clothes won’t ruin a perfectly good suitcase.

Compression Packing Cubes

I was skeptical about packing cubes until I started using compression cubes. They actually end up saving a ton of space in my suitcase. When I travel with my family, each person gets his/her own packing cube to fill, and then I just compress them and often we can pack everyone’s belongings in one suitcase … easily. I’m officially a packing cube fan now.

Owala Free Sip Water Bottle

If you haven’t already discovered Owala Free Sip water bottles yet, please, do yourself a favor and get one. It’s the best water bottle I’ve ever used. I bought the 16oz versions for my kids, and I never travel without this 24oz version. You can sip it like a straw, pour or drink out of it like a cup, and it’s really easy to clean. I can also clip it on with a carabiner if I need to, but it’s also the perfect size for a cup holder in a car or in a backpack.

Camping Laundry Sheets

I never want to – or plan to – do laundry in a sink while traveling, but, man, when I have to, it’s been really nice to have these camping laundry sheets with me. I always keep a pack in my toiletry bag. They remind me of Listerine strips, and they’ve definitely refreshed a trip or two for me over the years. Just dissolve the little strip in a sink full of water, and, boom, no more dirty clothes or stained shirts.

Portable Charger

A portable power bank is a non-negotiable these days. I love this one because it can charge up to six devices at the same time, but also because it holds its charge for a long time.

Universal Travel Adapter

I never even take this adapter out of my bag, even on domestic trips. It’s come in handy so many times when I need to charge something with a USB cable, and obviously is a lifesaver when traveling internationally.

My Favorite Toiletry Bag

I got a tip on this bag from a flight attendant, and now it’s the only toiletry bag I will ever use. I never unpack mine, and just hang it up at home so I can easily fold it and pack it whenever I travel without having to think about what to bring and what to leave. It’s really nice in hotel rooms, too, because it doesn’t take up counter space (which is often limited in hotels!).

Clip-On Hand Sanitizer Holder

This was a Covid purchase that’s now become a necessity for me. I have one clipped onto my carryon bag at all times for those moments when you just know you don’t want *that* (gestures widely) on your hands.