The Best Travel Items To Buy Now

I’ve been globetrotting for a while and I’ve tried out a LOT of different products to take on the road. As, you can see, I didn’t make this list too extensive. I wanted to make sure I was only recommending products that I’ve tried myself and truly love to use. Below are 9 of the best travel items for your trip abroad.

Note: This post contains affiliate links and I may make commission off of your purchase. This does not make the product any more expensive for you. This just rewards me for sharing some of my favorite things. Thanks so much for your support!

Bags

1. Fairview Trek Backpack

I first bought the Fairview Trek while preparing for my big backpacking trip through Europe. However, the pandemic had cancelled that and I instead used it for my road trips around the United States. It’s nice because it’s big enough that I can fit everything I need inside, but still small enough to be able to use as a carry-on.

I’ve already paid myself back the price of the backpack from all of the money I’ve saved on avoiding a checked luggage fee. If you’re worried about it being too heavy–don’t be. This pack has a weight-controlled back and straps that loop around your waist to manage the pounds. It also comes with a waterproof cover, if your travels ever lead to to a day out in the rain, like mine did in Chincoteague Island.

2. Sling Day Hiking Bag

I didn’t know how much I needed this bag until I had it. I normally use it to carry my water bottle, snacks or even my camera while going on small hikes. There’s a small netted front pocket where I can store my phone for easy access, as well. When I’m done using it, the bag can roll into a small pouch that I can easily fit into any size luggage. Otherwise, I can simply clip it on the outside with a carabiner.

3. Roll-Up Toiletry Bag

If you’re like me, you like to keep your belongings organized, no matter how spontaneous the trip gets. I love this toiletry bag because it has multiple pouches where I can separate my toothbrush from my moisturizer and mascara. Once I get to my accommodation, I can also hang it on the back of the door or towel rack with the hook. This way, I can find whatever I need without digging through the depths of my trusty backpack. A few of my favorite toiletry bags are this leather, waterproof bag, this large cosmetics bag and this detachable velcro storage organizer.

Accessories

4. Collapsable Water Bottle

As simple as it seems, this water bottle has been a game changer for me. I always bring an empty water bottle through security so I can fill it once I’m inside the airport instead of paying $6 for a bottle of water. When it’s empty, I can roll the silicon bottle into whatever shape I need it in to cram it inside my luggage. This is the design I have, however, there are many different types, like this camping cup or this leak-proof mini bottle.

5. Universal Adaptor

A universal adaptor is a MUST if you’re planning on traveling outside of the country. This is the adaptor I had used while I was in Australia and East Asia and it worked out perfectly. It comes with a regular plug as well as two extra USB ports. If you’re looking for something a bit more powerful, you can opt for this adaptor.

6. Tapestry/Sarong/The Only Towel You’ll Ever Need

This is an item that will seem like a luxury when you’re on a backpacking trip or spending lots of time in hostels. I discovered that a tapestry has worked SO much better for me than any micro-fiber towel out there. Not only is it extremely lightweight and small enough to fit anywhere, I can use my tapestry as a blanket, a bath towel, a beach towel/sarong or simply decoration to jazz up my living quarters.

The best part is, these towels dry extremely fast. I can hang up the towel as a bunk separator in my hostel and wake up the next morning to a completely dry towel ready to be packed and out the door with. There are seriously SO many different designs it’s hard to recommend just one. However, I do love this boho chic print and this exotic banana leaves tapestry.

7. Add-A-Rest Car Pillow

Believe me when I tell you that this is an absolute MUST on road trips. I tried Add-A-Rest out for the first time this summer and it’s worth the price for Los Angeles traffic alone. The comfy pillow simply slides over the top of the headrest in your car, bringing comfort no matter how long the drive (or passenger seat nap) is. The pillow comes in a few different colors, but I opted for the blue hibiscus print to make my car into its own personal oasis.

Camera Equipment

7. Mavic Air 2 Drone

This may not seem like a necessity to some, but I am OBSESSED with my drone. I taught myself how to use it off of YouTube and am now able to take photos and videos from angles no one else has while on my journeys.

The drone is a mere 20oz (1.2lbs), making it very lightweight for travel, but still has the capacity to battle strong winds, endure crashes in palm trees (my bad) and zoom 11.5 miles away from wherever you start it. I’ve linked the exact package that I bought, which includes a nice travel bag, extra batteries (which you’ll need all of) and extra parts to play around with. It’s the best deal I found after doing lots of researching for myself.

8. GoPro

For as long as GoPros have been around, I really only hopped into the craze this year while filming the largest sharks in the world in Mexico. These cameras are amazing because not only are they small and lightweight enough to fit in your pocket, they film in 4K….underwater. I know, it’s incredible. I’ve linked the one that has an underwater case included, which is what I have. However, if you’re looking to film everyday life with it (or in deeper water where you may not be able to retrieve it if dropped), you’ll want to grab this handy stabilizer as well.

9. FujiFilm X-T4 Mirrorless Camera

This is a truly incredible camera, however I would only recommend it to someone who is serious about photography /videography. I say that because the camera is quite expensive. Even so, I’ve never taken a photo that’s been as clean or crisp than I have with this FujiFilm. It’s also been amazing for shooting videos on the ground level to mash up with my drone shots. If you have shaky hands like I do, you’ll probably want to grab this vertical battery grip as well. However, it does make the camera a bit more heavy, so again, only get this if you’re serious about taking quality footage.

And there you have it, all of my favorite travel products. If you already have one of these items, comment below how it’s worked for you. If you have any questions about the items, you can also comment and I will do my best to answer them. Happy traveling!

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