Looking to upgrade your travel gear for your next trip? I got you covered. From super durable luggage to my ultimate travel tote, theft-proof bags, and in-flight travel accessories, I have put together a list of all the best travel gear that I use and love, and hope you’ll love too!
LUGGAGE
If you are a frequent traveler, one of my best pieces of advice when shopping for luggage is – don’t skimp. Invest in luggage that is DURABLE. You may walk into TJMaxx and see that pretty, hard-shell matching luggage set, but don’t be fooled. Just because it looks nice doesn’t mean it is nice! From hard luggage cracking, to wheels falling off, and zippers breaking in the middle of a trip – I have learned the hard way that failing to invest in high-quality luggage will likely leave you with spending just as much money as if you had just gone ahead and invested in the good stuff!! SO without further ado – check out what I think is the good stuff:
Samsonite Neopulse Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels: 20-inch Carry On
This luggage is the real deal. It’s made in Europe and is made up of 100 percent Bayer Makrolon Polycarbonate, a high-tech material designed for reliability and high-impact resistance. I have put this Samsonite Neopulse Carry On through the wringer and the multi-directional dual spinner wheels are still smooth as butter. Best part? It’s super-light at under 5lbs so it shouldn’t take up too much of your luggage allowance 🙂
To buy: amazon, from $145
Samsonite Neopulse Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels: 30-inch
Mind as well get a matching pair! The larger, Samsonite Neopulse 30-inch spinner offers the same combination of lightness, strength, and sleek design as the carry-on size but of course can fit all of your items needed for those longer week+ trips. (There’s also a 28-inch size if that suits you better!)
To buy: amazon, from $225
CROSSBODIES, TOTES & BACKPACKS
I’d like to think that when it comes to travel bags my style is where fashion meets function. You will never see me packing a bunch of different bags to match different outfits – instead, I like to keep it minimal and bring bags and backpacks that will go with anything that I wear and will deliver the highest level of functionality for my travels. Here are my go-to bags!
Arden Cove Anti-Theft Crossbody
After being robbed (several times) in Italy, I am a huge proponent of anti-theft bags. However, when I began my initial search for anti-theft bags, all I could find were grandma-ish looking bags. THEN I came across Arden Cove who is changing the anti-theft bag game!! I mean, LOOK HOW CUTE THIS BAG IS! Bet you would never know that it has:
- full body anti-slash lining
- cut-proof strap
- locking zippers
- RFID protection
- fully waterproof exterior & zippers
It’s basically the ultimate solo-travel crossbody bag and is the PERFECT bag to take out with you dancing or a night out on the town.
To buy: Arden Cove, from $115
Lo & Sons Carry-On Tote
Meet your new favorite travel tote. I have searched high and low for the perfect travel tote and have finally found it – the Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote. It comes in 4 sizes to suit your specific needs, from large duffle/tote to small day tote. I have the small duffle/tote which us designed specifically as a carry-on and can fit items for 2-days away, but I use it as my personal item and put it right on top of my 20-inch luggage (like pictured above) when flying carry-on only. My favorite feature is the bottom zipper pocket with a removable padded insert to separate an extra pair of shoes, toiletries, or dirty clothes. I also LOVE the fact that they offer this item in 600D Recycled Poly which is made from recycled plastic – aka it’s saving 24+ plastic bottles from the landfill – per bag!
To buy: Lo & Sons, from $116
Arden Cove Anti-Theft Carmel Backpack
This little beauty is the perfect combination of versatility and practicality. I mainly wear it as a day backpack when going off to explore for the day, but it also converts into a handbag, shoulder bag, or crossbody. Just like the crossbody, The Carmel Convertible Backpack features anti-slash lining, cut-resistant adjustable straps, locking zippers, fully waterproof, and more. It’s small and light enough to act as a mini-day backpack, but also has enough room for a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, small camera, and any other little accessories you might need for the day. I like the built-in wallet in the front pocket where I also store my phone. In a normal backpack, I would NEVER put my money, credit cards, or cell in the front pocket but with the locking zippers, I am worry-free 🙂
To buy: Arden Cove, from $220
TRAVEL ACCESSORIES
I am a big proponent of travel accessories that will make your travel life easier, more organized, and more comfortable. So here he is a list of my favorite travel accessories that seriously make such a difference from packing to long-haul flights and all the moments in between!
Zoppen RDIF-Safe Travel Wallet
Love to be organized on your travels? Then The Zoppen Travel Wallet is for you! It perfectly fits boarding passes, passport, cards, and cash all in one place. I can be a spaz so this wallet helps keeps me organized!
To buy: amazon, from $14
World Map Travel Laundry Bag
I got this World Map Travel Laundry Bag as a gift a few years ago and I have used it on every trip I have gone on since! It’s such a great thing to have in the hotel room and to keep dirty stuff separate. Plus, it’s just so cute and fun – makes an awesome gift for a friend too!
To buy: amazon; from $4
Hydroflask Insulated Travel Water Bottle
I am a massive fan of the Hydroflask Insulated Travel Water Bottle. It’s super durable and with TempShield™ double-wall vacuum insulation it eliminates condensation and keeps your beverage cold or hot for hours. My favorite thing is that the durable 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel construction won’t retain or transfer flavor.
To buy: amazon, from $35
Shacke Pak Packing Cubes
I have tried several brands of packing cubes and I like Shacke Pak the best. This brand a really sturdy and are extremely affordable product. Although I don’t always travel with packing cubes because sometimes you can fit more in your suitcase without them, using packing cubes helps you from overpacking and is most definitely the most organized way to travel!
To buy: amazon, from $15
Alaska Bear Travel Eyemask
I am literally obsessed with this eye mask. I wear it every single night whether I am home or traveling! It’s amazing for long haul flights too! I have tried a few sleep masks and the Alaska Bear Travel Eyemask is by far my favorite because of how soft it is and I love the double adjustable straps.
To buy: amazon, from $9
Vibes Moldable Earplugs
Long gone are the days of those squishy earplugs you would jam into your ear but they would always fall out in the middle of your sleep…welcome to the new age of sound blocking! Vibes Moldable Earplugs are made with ultra-soft silicone gel putty that is easy to mold to the exact shape of your ear and is super easy to clean with soap and water. I literally can’t sleep on a long-haul flight without earplugs, and these reusable earplugs for sleep are incredible for blocking the sound of your seatmate snoring next to you or a baby screaming nearby.
To buy: amazon, from $17
eBags Pack-It-Flat Toiletry Kit
The best toiletry bag I have found is the eBags Pack-It-Flat Toiletry Kit. It fits a lot of products, keeps you super organized, has a hook so you can hang it when you arrive to your destination, and even has a pocket lined with plastic so that you can avoid spills from your leaky products. The best part, it only takes up the same amount of space as a pair of folded jeans!
To buy: amazon, from $28
TRTL Travel Pillow Plus
I never was able to fall asleep on a plane until I got my hands on the TRTL Travel Pillow Plus. This is no ordinary neck pillow – this is a game-changer! But really, this is not a neck pillow – it’s more of a neck brace that supports your neck and head so you can fall into a deep sleep. It’s machine washable, weighs only half a pound, and doesn’t take up too much room so it’s perfect for long-haul flights and road-trips.
To buy: amazon, from $60
KNOK Crossbody Phone Cord
I was first introduced to this gadget by a friend who told me she uses it when she goes horseback riding. I thought – genius! Talk about a perfect accessory to have when you want your phone close, but don’t want to be fidgeting around in your pockets or bag for your phone every time you want to take a photo. I find this useful for hiking biking or any other activity where you want to be hands-free yet still have easy access to your phone. It’s also an amazing accessory for the traveler who often puts their phone down on counters, tables, benches etc. without realizing it…this will help you not only from misplacing your phone but will also prevent thieves from swiping it while you’re not looking!
To buy: amazon, from $25
TRAVEL ELECTRONICS & ACCESSORIES
Wondering what electronics to bring on your next trip? These travel electronics and accessories have changed the game for me. Never run out of power, and keep all of your electronics organized with this list!
Cable Organizer
Anyone else a damn mess with their cables/cords? I need to travel with so many cables (iphone, camera, external battery, external hard drive, etc) and this Cable Organizer helps keep me tangle-free.
To buy: amazon, from $15
Anker 6-ft iPhone Cables
In my opinion, there’s no such thing as having too many iPhone cables. When I travel, I like to keep one in my to-go bag for charging things during the day then have a few to charge my AirPods and my iPhone at the same time overnight. These Anker 6-ft iPhone Cables are super durable and I love how long the cord extends.
To buy: amazon, from $17
International Plug Adapter
Anyone else guilty of a drawer FULL of about 20 different adapters for your travels? Time to upgrade! This International Plug Adapter folds to fit the 4 most common electrical sockets PLUS it has dual USB port capabilities!
To buy: amazon, from $12
Anker External Battery
I don’t go anywhere without this external battery! The reason I love the Anker External Battery is that it’s one of the smallest and lightest external batteries on the market with the most power. I think it gives my phone at least 4 charges. It makes me feel very safe and secure like I won’t ever run out of battery!
To buy: amazon, from $20
Apple Airpods Pro
Even though they are a bit pricey, the Apple Airpod Pros have changed my life! In the past, noise-canceling headphones meant lugging around huge old school headphones which took up a lot of precious room in your carryon. Now with the Airpod Pros, they’re not only wireless and noise-cancelling but they’re super tiny and light and basically take up NO precious real estate in your bag!
To buy: amazon, $220
Travel Extension Chord
I don’t know about you but everynight after an activity-packed travel day, I need to charge my phone, my external battery, my camera batteries, AirPods, and sometimes my laptop – all at the same time. Have you ever found yourself charging your camera batteries in the bathroom because you’ve run out of outlets in the bedroom? This travel extension chord is my game-changer travel hack for you!
To buy: amazon, from $20
Airfly Bluetooth Connector for Airpods
NEVER be stuck using airplane headphones again! This Airfly Bluetooth Connector allows you to use your wireless headphones when watching movies and enjoying inflight entertainment. All you have to do is plug this guy into the headphone jack where you’re usually plug-in those awful and uncomfortable airline headphones and connect your wireless headphones through Bluetooth and VIOLA – you are comfortably watching The Greatest Showman without static/fuzziness or missing a single note!
To buy: amazon, From $41
TRAVEL SAFETY GADGETS
As a solo female traveler, safety is my top priority. Here are a few gadgets that will help keep you safe and give you peace of mind when you’re wandering solo.
Personal Safety Alarm
In full transparency, I used to think this was silly when my grandmother first gave this to me, but after a friend was robbed I no longer think this is silly at ALL! This Personal Safety Alarm is actually an incredible device that can ward off robbers or worse, someone who might attack you. All you have to do is pull the pin on this device and an ear-piercing alarm will sound that will not only ward off an attacker but might also signal help nearby. I recommend all solo female travelers travel with this device.
To buy: amazon, from $18
LokiStashed Secret Money Stash Hair Scrunchie
Honestly, you can never be too safe, and you can never be too careful! As an extra safety measure, you can put your key and your money in this LokiStashed Secret Money Stash Hair Scrunchie. That’s right, it’s a scrunchie with a zipper pouch to hide small items! In case anything happens, it’s good peace of mind to know you won’t be left completely empty-handed. It’s also just cool – maybe you can put your chapstick in there or something else if you don’t have pockets?!
To buy: amazon, from $9
PacSafe Theft-Proof Secret Bra Pocket
Want to experience the nightlife on your travels but don’t want to risk going out late at night with a purse in fear of getting pickpocketed? Well, then this PacSafe Theft-Proof Secret Bra Pocket is a game-changer for you! It’s a subtle pouch that snaps onto your bra that’s big enough to fit credit cards, cash, and a key. It’s made from lingerie fabric so that it feels comfy against your skin and has a snap button flap closure to secure your stuff. So dance the night away, free of worry!
To buy: amazon, from $14
WAYPOINT GOODS Theft-Proof Scarf
Know that your valuables are safe while traveling to a new destination with the WAYPOINT GOODS Theft-proof Scarf. First off, they are super cute infinity scarves that I would wear anyway, but add in the fact that they have a secure, deep sewn-in pocket to stash your cash, cards, passport, and keys is an added safety – SOLD! It also fits a pair of sunglasses and other items like chapstick which make it a perfect accessory for a hike when you don’t want to carry a bag!
To buy: amazon, from $40
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