Traveling with the right gear can make your next trip a breeze. I’ve compiled a detailed list to help you find not only the best basic travel essentials, but some new & inventive travel technology & accessories.
Check out my Amazon Storefront for all of my travel essentials, my camera gear and more.
Luggage
First and foremost is the age old question of suitcase vs backpack will really boil down to personal preference.
Personally, I loved the freedom of a backpack for destinations like South America, Southeast Asia etc. because I will be in nature a lot, hiking or swimming & mostly wearing the same clothes. Also with uneven ground, anything with wheels is a little more difficult.
For places like North America or Europe, I tend to want to dress a bit nicer, go to festivals and have a lot more outings in cities so I want more outfit options and the convenience that a suitcase offers. In saying this, Europe has a lot of cobblestone streets and hills that resulted in a few busted suitcase wheels or struggles with heavy cases over the years.
Then there are hybrid options, which can act as a backpack but have wheels on the bottom so you can use that when you like. My friend used this in Europe and it was pretty heavy so she mostly used it as a suitcase, but it was handy when she had to climb stairs.
Suitcase brands
It’s important to buy a suitcase that is good quality, so you don’t run into the issues I mentioned above. Decide whether you prefer a hard or soft shell suitcase, here are some differences between the two:
Hard-shell suitcases offer more protection against knocks and wet weather. They also have added security with built in locks and the fact that they can’t be torn open like material suitcases. Due to their rigid design though, and no external pockets, they are not as giving to overpacking and won’t be flexible if you’re trying to pack them into a car for example.
Soft-shell suitcases can be convenient with exterior pockets for essentials like passports, documents etc. They also usually have expandable sections so it’s easier to pack when full. They can save space in your hotel room as you can stand them upright and open from the top.
I will share some suitcases for different budgets below that I have tried and loved.
Backpacks
Of all the brands I have used, Osprey has been my favourite. They are comfortable, great quality and I loved that mine opened from the front, like a suitcase.
Backpacks come in either framed or frameless so here are some key features and things to remember:
Frameless backpacks
- lightweight
- more affordable
- durable
- lower capacity
- can be folded to pack in other luggage
- can be uncomfortable if overpacked or heavy
- harder to pack, need to think about distributing weight evenly and how it will sit on your back
Framed backpacks
- better ventilation
- heavier
- distributes weight more evenly
- structured so it’s comfortable
- larger capacity
- can’t be folded down
- more expensive
A more detailed guide can be found here.
Frameless backpacks mostly have a small opening at the top meaning you have to pack it more carefully. The pack is often slimmer to be streamlined against your back but this means it will hold less. I have used this kind when on outdoor camping hikes and it was great for that purpose, but the small opening at the top made finding specific items difficult. Often I would need to empty the whole backpack to find what I need.
When backpacking on long trips, I preferred the framed backpacks that open up like a suitcase. I found it very comfortable and convenient for my travels.
Here are some I would recommend.
Hybrids
The best of both worlds. A backpack on wheels. Osprey also have a great range of wheeled bags, some with straps. I would not recommend this style for more adventurous travel with a lot of hiking, camping etc. The frames are much heavier, wider and would hold more capacity.
Carry-on luggage
One convenient and budget friendly way to travel is to travel with a carry on size only. This saves you money on baggage costs and traveling lighter means you can walk longer distances with your luggage.
This does mean you will not be able to take any liquids over 100ml and will be limited in what you can take to keep weight under 7-10kg.
Carry-on suitcase options
Carry-on backpacks options
Hybrid carry-ons
Day packs
Laptop backpacks
Whilst a lot of the options above include laptop pockets, here are a few more options specifically designed for laptops and electronics.
Camera backpacks
If you’re a photographer and like me, your whole carry on is taken up with camera equipment, then you need a comfortable and secure backpack. Here are some options:
Travel essentials
Passport? Check. Flights & accommodation? Check. Now what else do you need?
Travel insurance
If you’re a digital nomad that travels frequently or full-time, SafetyWing are a reliable and flexible option that you can book whilst you’re already overseas (which not many travel insurances offer).
Medical case
In times when you get sick overseas and may need some medications, a Jase Case could be a good option for you. This compact case will hold five antibiotics for emergency use including things like travellers diarrhea, kidney & bladder infections, pneumonia and more. A physician will contact you first to do a medical analysis before they get the kits ready for you.
Multi-currency card
Spending your hard earned bucks overseas with your every day debit/credit card can cost you a lot in fees. It’s best to check your bank’s international transaction, conversion and ATM fees. For example my bank at home charges me a 3% international transaction fees, $5AUD for foreign ATM withdrawal and they also take a cheeky little bit out in the conversion rate.
This is why I use a multi-currency card like Wise Travel Money Card. You can load up to 53 currencies on the card, their conversion rate is bang on what you see on Google, they have free ATM withdrawals per month and you can use them with Apple and Google Pay.
eSIMs
Having data overseas makes life so much easier and safer. eSIM providers are super convenient as you can buy, activate and recharge all from your phone. You can set them up so they’re ready when you arrive in your destination and it means you can still keep your home sim to get messages such as security codes etc.
Here are some providers:
- Airalo – the biggest eSIM provider to 190+ countries and great coverage.
- Nomad eSIM – available in 112+ countries and cheaper deals.
- GlobaleSIM – 150+ countries & great if you need call minutes.
You can also opt to get a sim card when you arrive in a new country (there are usually some at airport arrival terminals). These may be more cost effective and offer higher data packages but it can be time consuming when traveling to multiple countries or trying to find somewhere to top up etc.
Travel adapters & add ons
TIP: take a power board with you so you can charge multiple devices with only one outlet. Some hotel or hostel rooms may be limited with the number of outlets they have.
Portable charger/power bank
For when you can’t access a power point and you’re on the move, a power bank is super handy. Remember that you can only fly with power banks up to 27,000mAh and you must always pack these in your carry on luggage.
This genius invention by Sol + Sonder has a fold out solar panel that packs away to fit inside their stylish travel wallet. So now, you only need the sun to power your travels on the road.
More portable charger options:
Other essentials
Taking some toiletries in your checked bag for long haul flights can keep your skin hydrated and fresh for landing.
In-flight comforts
Make your journey as comfortable as possible with some help from these accessories:
Neck pillows
I’ve never been a big neck pillow fan, mostly due to the fact that they’re annoying to carry around the other 95% of the time you won’t be using it. But these options pack down so they’re much easier to take on your travels.
Eyes & ears
In-flight entertainment
Next, here are some handy gadgets and accessories to keep you entertained during your flight.
Safety & security
Keeping yourself and your valuables safe is super important, so here are some of the best ways you can do that.
Lockable & anti-theft bags
Loctote are a brand with security at their forefront. They have a range of bags in all different sizes that have locking mechanisms, are slash-resistant and have RFID protection which blocks any signals trying to take sensitive information from things such as credit cards and devices.
You can use my discount code: THEWANDERLUSTTIMES for 10% off your purchase.
AirTags or SmartTags
Keep one in your checked luggage, carry on and personal item. A lot of passport holders also come with an AirTag holder too.
Padlocks & alarms
In addition, I always recommend traveling with a few padlocks in different sizes. Especially when staying in hostels as the locking mechanisms may be different in each. Combination padlocks are more efficient as keys are easy to lose. If you’re worried about safety in an area/hotel, there are also some great door locks and stops with alarms to alert you if someone is entering your room whilst you’re asleep.
Handy extras
These are some things that have really come in handy during my travels.
Cool new travel finds
Some of these are not new, but new to me. I have used some of these already and thought they were genius and the rest are going in my basket for my next trip.
Helpful travel apps
Finally, having apps on your phone can help in all types of situations from itinerary compiling to reservations, navigation, translating, converting currency, budgeting and so much more.
Hopefully these tips and travel items will assist in making your next trip as fun and convenient as possible. Let me know if you have found any other cool travel related inventions or technology I should add to this list.
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, where I might make a small percentage on commission at no extra cost to you.
