Okay, so I know there are thousands of travel blogs with packing lists floating around the internet.
This is not a check off list telling you to make sure to pack your socks and underwear.
This is a list of inventive products that yes, you can live without. HOWEVER, as a person who travels every week for a living, these things have a thousand percent made my life easier. To me, that makes having them totally worth it. This list is specifically created to make your trip run smoothly when everything else seems to be going like haywire.
1. Cord Tacos
Ok, how frustrating is it when you are on the go and you pull out those ear buds or phone charger from your bag only to have everything else come tumbling out with them?! IT SUCKS. Enter cord tacos. You get five in a pack and they are like cute little hugs for your cords. You just fold up the cord nicely, snap it in, and viola! No more tangled mess of cords.
This one I have to admit I stole from my good friend and coworker, Zachary Leo (you can read more about his adventures and experiences as a flight attendant HERE). I saw these on his packing list and instantly thought they were ingenious (they are). I immediately purchased them and will never look back.
2. Multi-Slot USB Charger
The average person has two to three electronic devices that require charging. That means packing cords, plug bases, and a need for multiple power outlets. For reasons I will never understand, hotel rooms do not always come with a plethora of said outlets. That ONE plug on the nightstand lamp or in the back corner of the room under the desk is just not enough. It becomes even more aggravating when you find you have forgotten that charger you had plugged in behind the desk in the corner of the hotel room.
With a multi-slot USB charger, you can plug ALL of your devices into one single outlet by using one single base. For an added bonus, it is a bit harder to accidentally leave this behind when everything you own is plugged into it. You can find these easily on Amazon for around $10-25 USD. I personally recommend the Anker brand as it has built in safety features to protect your charging devices.
3. Portable Charger
Ever been in an airport where every outlet is bombarded by people hovering over their happily charging devices while you are left staring at your dead phone? Sucks doesn’t it. That is why having a portable charger is a LIFESAVER. They don’t just work in airports either, they work everywhere. So Snapchat that entire concert, Instagram every statue in Italy, and go call your mom! The list of uses is endless. It’s a beautiful thing (just don’t forget to charge it).
4. International Adapter
People are different, countries are different, outlets are different. There are actually around 12 different plug types in use currently in the world. Having an international adapter is necessary if you are a global traveler and frequent countries such as China, Germany, France, ETC., Coming prepared with one in your suitcase will save you from having to buy an overpriced adapter at the airport or hotel gift shop. Having one will allow you to recharge your devices and portable chargers anywhere – conveniently all on your multi USB wall charger when you get to your final destination (see what I did there).
5. The Hydroflask
This is a GREAT product for the adventurous traveler. Depending on the size you go with, you can put ice water in and still have ice in your water 24 hours later. It also keeps your hot drinks hot for 12 hours too (hiking Mt. Everest anytime soon?) It doesn’t sweat, it comes in 9 different sizes with 16 different color options, and has an added bonus of amazing customer service. My cap seal fell out once and they sent me a new cap charge free right away with a simple phone call.
Packing light? Try a collapsable water bottle instead – fill it up when you get to the airport, clip it to your bag, and you have instant water access your entire flight without ever having to ask your flight attendants for refills (they like that).
6. Portable Jacket
If you are traveling somewhere warm, chances are you are traveling from somewhere cold and have to wear a jacket to the airport. If you are going to Alaska, you will most definitely be in need of a thick outer layer. Jackets take up ALOT of room and are a hassle to tote around. They are even more annoying when you have to check your carry on bag because the other passengers on the plane disregarded the announcements about not storing coats in the overhead bins (I’m not bitter, I swear). Enter the portable down jacket. You can find these online or in stores. My personal recommendation is the water resistent UNIQLO ultra light down jacket with a hood. You can also find jackets that fold into head pillows for use on planes or car trips like the PAX by TUMI. Less need for the bulky jacket and head pillow combo on the plane, more room for people’s bags! Everyone wins here…seriously.
7. Toms
The hardest problem I know a lot of people have when packing is fitting in shoes. They are big, they are clunky, and they are required just about everywhere besides the beach. Unfortunately, I can’t help you out with the dress shoes or heel situation, but I CAN help you limit packing 8 pairs of shoes. For dress shoes, try to pack one pair that is versatile with several outfits. For an every day shoe, TOMS are an amazing solution. You can wear them to the beach, use them as water shoes, wear them on mild hiking trekks, or dress them up with cute outfits. They are versatile in every way, compact, supportive, and washable. They come in hundreds of styles, and with each purchase they give a pair of shoes to someone who needs them (easiest charity work ever)! I wear them on every trip and my feet thank me every time.
8. Compression Packing Bags
This one is perfect for anyone who just simply has to have their entire wardrobe with them on vacation. I used to be like this, so I totally understand. Compression bags are also great when packing for longer trips (more space, smaller bag, no more checked baggage fees)! They do wonders for packing winter sweaters or for minimizing space and keeping clothes dry and organized during a backpacking trip. They also keep any unwanted pests out of your clothing if you are camping. The best part is, these bags do not require fancy equipment or vacuums to make them work. Put the clothes in, roll the air out, and viola! More space. You can find these at the container store or online.
9. Waterproof Phone Case by JOTO
Go pros and waterproof cameras are WONDERFUL, but as someone who likes to have my iPhone on me at all times, this case is a godsend. I have used my JOTO case while whitewater rafting in Colorado, snorkeling in the Caribbean, and flying through the rainforest via zip line in Costa Rica. You can take it in the ocean or pool and use it when it rains during music festivals or outdoor excursions. It stays on hands free with the neck lanyard and as an added bonus you can throw in your cash and IDs if you can’t leave your valuables safely locked. If you get anything on this list, make this your first choice. You will thank me later when your friend throws you in the pool and you still have a working phone.
Update: If you have upgraded to Apple’s newest iPhone 7 series, you can still utilize this case by using the assistive touch home button feature. For instructions on how to use assistive touch, click here.
10. A Great Bag to Put It All In
If you travel often, investing in a good suitcase and carry on can make the WORLD of a difference. Before I started traveling for a living, I gave my boyfriend a lot of flack when he came home with a $700 TUMI rollaway bag. The kid was obsessed and would not stop talking about it for weeks. I thought the purchase was entirely unnecessary up until I borrowed it for a trip. It really did “roll like a dream”, had innovative pockets, built in packing solutions for just about everything, and came with a lifetime warranty. I am not saying you should spend your entire life savings on a designer suitcase, but putting a bit of thought and investment into a good bag is definitely worth it. My top two carry on bag suggestions are the OG Bag for women (proud owner right here) and the Weekender Bag for men.
So there you have it, my list of all lists.
As someone who has to pack a bag almost daily, these products have made my life easier and more organized in a world where traveling can always end up messy. You can find most of them on Amazon, or on the branded website links provided.
Do you pack anything inventive and amazing that you feel deserves a place on this list? If so let me know in the comments below!
