UPDATED MAR 2020. I have to say, this post has been on my mind for a while. Each time I would go on a trip I would pack my must-haves and think ‘I should really share this one day’ and I’m finally getting around to it now. Better late than never right? Hopefully, it can help you get ready for your next trip, or at least give you some ideas. I’ve included all the products I don’t travel without and also a few items from my wishlist to give you a few more ideas – but if you have any other suggestions please let me know.
Products I Don’t Travel Without And A Few From My Wish List
Disclaimer
There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.
Cameras and Gadgets
Portable Battery Charger
I only got a Portable Battery Charger this year but it has helped me so many times that now I don’t travel without it.
It’s so useful during long layovers, days with long day tours, and even just charging in the hotel at night since I usually only pack one adaptor.
I can plug my camera into the wall using the adaptor and then charge my phone and GoPro using the portable charger. They last a long time so you can get a few charges out of it.
GoPro
You guys know I LOVE my GoPro!
I’ve been with them since the Hero 3 and still love them. I think they are great for traveling because they are so small, durable, and versatile.
You don’t have to be a camera whizz to get a good photo either because many of the settings are automated.
I especially like to use my GoPro’s for selfies when I am traveling alone, active adventures like hiking and anything underwater.
Sony Alpha A6000
My Sony Alpha A6000 is my main go-to camera.
It’s not quite as versatile as the GoPro – for example, it’s not waterproof, but it’s still a really travel-friendly camera and a great beginner camera if you want to take your photography to the next level.
It’s quite small, compact enough to fit in a small purse which is helpful especially for solo female travelers when you want to be discreet.
Selfie Stick
I know some people love to hate selfie sticks but I totally use them.
My favorite is the Shorty Pole which is small enough that I can fit it in a pocket, but it still extends to a good selfie length.
The Shorty Pole is also a tripod which is handy.
Underwater Selfie Stick (For Swimming Holidays)
Never ever take your GoPro swimming without strapping it to yourself in some way.
They are way too easy to lose.
When I go swimming I use this floaty selfie stick which ties around my wrist. It’s also made to go in the water so all you need to do is rinse it off afterward to get rid of the salt and it’s good to go.
For The Body
Tiger Balm Heat Patches
If you get muscle pain from traveling these are great. If you don’t feel a little sore after long travel days, what’s your trick?!
Being cramped up in a plane for so many hours always leaves some of my muscles feeling sore and tired so I use these Tiger Balm patches
and usually put a patch on my back or shoulders after flights, especially longer ones.
They are great at providing your muscles a little relief and since it’s not a liquid they are very travel-friendly.
Bobbi Brown Oil Cleanser
This stuff is amazing for traveling! This oil cleanser is a makeup remover and cleanser in one, so it’s great for minimizing your liquids.
It’s also super nourishing for your skin which is especially helpful after all of the damage that is caused during your travels. You can also buy travel size bottles
but I think it’s cheaper to buy the big bottle (400ml).
I bought this one and use it each day at home and put some in a travel size container each time I travel – it has lasted me over a year so it has been incredibly cost-effective.
Accessories
Travel Journal
On my first ever solo trip when I was 12, my nana bought me a notebook and a pen and told me to write about my holiday each night.
It was my first ever travel journal and I still have it! Looking back on those old memories is something I cherish because it’s like a time machine that takes me back to each moment that is written on those pages.
I’ve used travel journals ever since and, in 2017, I created my own. The Katie Show Blog Travel Journal is your very own time machine. It’s lightweight so you can take it everywhere and there’s plenty of room for documenting your travels.
A Good Book
A good book and long travel days go hand in hand. I don’t usually don’t buy books but I am a member of my local library and rent books all the time.
I recently found that they offer an ebook service that I can use to read books from an app on my phone and it’s awesome. It has saved me a little space in my backpack and I can read so easily anywhere I go because it doesn’t use the internet.
If you like to read but want to save some money for traveling, check out your local library.
Finishing My New Years Resolution & The 12 Books That Got Me There
Travel Books To Fuel Your Wanderlust (That Aren’t Eat, Pray, Love)
A Small Umbrella
Rainy days can always sneak up on you so I always pack a small umbrella in my backpack. I have forgotten it a few times and always regretted it.
My Lisbon video on YouTube is a great example of being stuck in the rain without one.
You can get one like this, or any small one from a local store but don’t skip this in your packing list when you travel.
A Few From My Wish List
(I didn’t write too much about these since I haven’t used them yet – if you’ve used any of these and have suggestions let me know in the comments)
Packing Cubes
I’ve heard good things and I’d love to get these to see if they make packing easier – have you used them before?
Herschel Backpack
They just look so cool and I’m in the market for a new day backpack.
Cable Organizer
I have so many cables and I would love to keep them organized so it doesn’t feel like untangling Xmas lights each time I use them!
Cute Laptop Cover
What’s a laptop if it doesn’t have a cute cover? I think the ‘flower 6‘ one is just so pretty!
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My camera, that’s for sure. I take it everywhere I go!
Totally agree! Mine goes everywhere with me too!