These are my recommendations to people no matter what trip they are taking. These are tested and loved by yours truly and I’m excited to share them.
Let’s start with the top notch. My #1. My bff. My unofficial favorite child. The Chaco lowdown sandal. These have been all over the world with me! They’ve taken me from verdant and rocky mountain hikes to weddings. I love the low profile, the ankle strap, the traction on the sole, and that they dry quickly. I have high arches and these support them well.
The Chums Wallet is it has two zippered compartments which is useful when you are in a country that uses coins. They also have a section with a transparent plastic slot for ID, and a key ring. It keeps everything important together and organized. It’s water resistant and comes in many patterns.
Alternatively, there’s also this slim wallet which has a keychain ring (not pictured).
A carabiner with a twist! Great for hanging your bag off the ground, whether it be outside or in a bathroom stall. Comes in multiple sizes depending of the weight of your bag. I like this better than regular S-hooks because it’s a dual function of carabiner and hook. If I need to hang something from my bag, I know it’s secure in the carabiner.
Anker 5,000mAh Magsafe Wireless Charger
Sleek, compact, lightweight and even acts as a phone stand if you need it. I can charge my iPhone twice with this one.
I prefer the lightweight wool ones, but they also make synthetic blends. I use it as an eye mask, for cold airports, putting my hair back, dabbing sweat, and sun protection.
Travel sized crystal deodorant
If you don’t use crystal deodorant, I still recommend decanting your usual deodorant into a smaller container, or using the travel size you can find at a pharmacy.
I mostly use this as a laundry line while traveling, but it’s also useful for: tying doors that won’t stay open, making a makeshift dry-bag sling for water activities, replacement shoelaces, and fixing other odds and ends.
I love this thing! I know TSA says no blades or knives, but I have never had an issue flying with it. It has been removed from my bag, inspected, and cleared by both TSA and the EU equivalent. It has also been fine going through train security in Europe. It has scissors, a nail file, tweezers, and a toothpick. Because it is a multi purpose item, which I love, it allows me to pack less. I’ve used the knife to cut sausage, cheese, cucumbers, and tomatoes for picnics. It’s a short blade, but it does the job.
This is an antimicrobial, reusable alternative to toilet paper for those of us who squat to pee. Woman created, owned, and operated (also made in the USA). Simply use it after you pee, snap it shut, hang it from your bag to dry, and then hand wash it at the end of the day. SO much better than packing your dirty paper out. Please don’t add to the worldwide issue of dirty toilet paper left on the ground. Get a kula!
Not all travel towels are made equally! This one packs down the smallest I’ve seen for its size. It is lightweight, and quick to dry. It can also can be used as a picnic blanket or a nice “curtain” at hostels with bunk beds.
It packs down so tiny and carries SO much. I like that it’s messenger bag style and that it has a built in loop that twist-snaps shut so you can attach it to your day bag.
Keeping valuables close to the body is so important. I like that there’s no buckle and that the zipper is in my field of view. My bag is in corduroy as I don’t love the look of the weather resistant tech fabric that a lot of these are made of. If it rains, my bag is close enough to the body that I wear it under my jacket. For added security I clip a mini S-Biner to lock the zipper shut.
I keep one in my sling for the unexpected analog moments.
Not as great as a steamer, but a good alternative as that tool isn’t always guaranteed. Spritz your article of clothing, smooth with hands, hang to dry. Complete your laundry kit with a mini tide to go pen and laundry soap sheets.
SPF 60 reef safe solid sunscreen
I like that this is a solid, reef-safe sunscreen and that is has such a high SPF.
All Good Zinc SPF 50 sunscreen butter
My favorite reef safe tinted face sunscreen. It comes in a low profile, 1 oz. tin. I use it as my make up foundation when traveling (double duty!). Be careful as it will stain your clothes!
These have three levels of protection depending on the intensity of the noise. The best part is all the parts fit in the keychain. These are excellent for live events!
Sea to summit ultra sil dry bag
I pack my electronics—and my clothes—in these bags. They double-function well as a waterproof bag for aquatic activities. I love that they help me organize my gear (I color code based on the contents). A good alternate to packing cubes as they compress and mold well to the space allotted.
New fave! I love multi functional pieces. This is not only a colorful and vibrant handkerchief, but it is also a board game! Four Rabbit is a small, woman owned business that works with Work+Shelter in Delhi, India. Love, love, love this idea and love having a game on hand with me that I can break out in a snap.
These tabs are chewable and don’t require waiting for them to dissolve in water. 2g of sugar per serving.
eSIM
I use Airalo when I travel abroad because it’s easy, works well, and the price is right. Through experience I’ve learned that I only need a data plan, and that it’s much cheaper than upgrading my domestic cellphone plan. Use referral code GWACO8480 to receive $3.00 off your next eSIM with Airalo!
I hope this list helps you pack lighter on your next adventure. Remember, less is more!
*Some of these links are affiliate links. By clicking on them you will support this site at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
Leave a comment