I am lucky to travel often enough that I keep a bag half-packed with the essentials for any trip, long or short, warm or cool weather, city break or nature time. Over the years, I've built up a collection of trusted travel items, which feature regularly on my packing lists and which I'm sharing here. I use — and can personally recommend — them all.
Check out my 'what's in travel bag' series to see everything I packed for trips of varying lengths and purposes.
Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only ever recommend products that I use and love — this is particularly important when travelling light and every item must earn its space!
LUGGAGE & BAGS
Carry-on suitcase: Away, The Carry-On. I've used this suitcase since 2022, when the vibrant teal colour became available and it's still in perfect condition. It's well built but light, easy to steer and pick up and has lots of pockets and other thoughtfully designed features. I take it on trips from five days to two weeks long and everything fits in fine thanks to the built-in compression. Get 15% off at Away if you use my referral code!
Personal item / backpack: Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L. This multitasking hero was my Inca Trail daypack and often features as my long weekend bag and my personal item on planes. The pockets and compartments make it easy to stay organised, and it's in great condition seven years after I bought it. I'm a petite 5'3 woman and the size is ideal for me, while the padded back and straps make it very comfortable.
I also use the Osprey Daylite Expandable 26+6 Travel Pack, which packs in more than enough for trips from one to four days. In its unexpanded form, it fits under most aeroplane seats, and if you do a little shopping while you're away, the zippable expansion will give you room for all those must-have souvenirs and gifts. Read my in-depth review of the Osprey 26+6 Travel Pack.
Handbag / day bag: Longchamp Le Pliage. I've been a fan of Longchamp's Le Pliage bags for 20 years. Lightweight, water resistant and stylish, they have two interior pockets and a top zip. They're a great option for travel. I favour the medium shoulder bag version with long straps, which is big enough for the day's essentials (including a water bottle and camera). Mine last 6–7 years of constant use (and abuse).
I'm trying to become a small-bag person and recently bought a Baggu Small Crescent Bag. I use it at airports and on the plane to keep small essentials on hand, and also as a handbag when I'm out and about for shorter periods of time. It can hold sunglasses and a small umbrella or small water bottle, as well as other smaller EDC items.
Back-up bag: I recently discovered the Nanobag and I'm a convert! Their bags are tiny and squish into a minute stuff sack, but are still extremely strong and come in a range of cute designs. I have the micro (12L), which is great for smaller impromptu purchases, and the standard size (19L), which I use for grocery shopping, beach days and more.
MY TRAVEL TECH ESSENTIALS
Phone: iPhone 15 Pro. Because of course.
eSIM: Airalo. I've used Airalo eSIMs to access mobile data while travelling since 2022. You can install an eSIM on your phone either through an app or via a QR code — no need to hand over your phone to get the new SIM installed, so it's more secure. And you can keep your main SIM active to get calls and messages to your usual number (you'll need to set this up; most eSIM companies have how to-guides).
Airalo eSIMs are easy to set up and I've always had good coverage, across four continents. Local physical SIMs can be cheaper but aren't as convenient. I usually purchase from the Airalo app at home and then activate it on arrival at my destination. Get $3 Airalo credit if you sign up with my referral code: REBECC3024
Power banks and chargers: I keep my devices charged on the go with a fast-charging 10k Anker power bank, which has a built-in cable and Apple Watch charger. I use Anker's 65W wall charger, which can fast-charge my laptop. If I'm travelling abroad, I use this UGREEN version, which comes with UK, European and US plugs; its flat design means it can fit in tight spaces. I also love Anker's 3-in-1 travel charger, which charges my phone, AirPods and Apple Watch and folds up to the size of a macaron! Get 10% off on the Anker website with my referral link.
Camera: The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III (pictured below) is my primary camera and I love its excellent image quality and compact size.The OM-5 is the new version. I usually use the 12-45 mm F4 PRO compact zoom lens and the 20 mm F1.4 PRO prime lens for the perfect compact but quality travel set-up. I also take many photos on my excellent compact Canon G7 X (great for concerts and short trips) and my iPhone 15 Pro.
My underwater camera is OM System's Tough TG-7, which I first used in Thailand, and I was impressed with the image quality during my snorkelling trips around Ko Rok, Ko Haa and Ko Phi Phi. Ditto my snorkelling trip on the Belize Barrier Reef!
As a solo traveller, I often take photos of myself. The best tripod is the one you have with you. That's why I always carry the credit-card-sized Pocket Tripod in my wallet. It's easy to use and comes with a set of adapters that work with (almost any) smartphone.
OTHER TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Neck pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Neck Pillow. This inflatable neck pillow packs down into a tiny bag but inflates into a comfortable, full-size neck pillow in just a couple of breaths. It's so small I take it with me even on short flights.
Sleep mask: Lewis N. Clark Comfort Eye Mask. I wear a sleep mask every night, home and away, and often pack a spare when travelling just in case. I've tried a *lot* over the years but I find Lewis N. Clark's offers the best combination of comfort and light-blocking. Avoid the indigo ones, though, as the dye can bleed.
Multitasking fan/torch/USB charger. This pocket-size handheld fan can also charge devices and function as a torch. A real hero product for travel!
Tiny but mighty torch: Nitecore Tiki 300. This torch is about the size of my little finger and I always keep it in my EDC pouch, at home and on my travels. It's rechargeable by USB-C and is incredibly bright.
13 tools in 1: Victorinox Swiss Card Nail Care. This credit-card-sized gadget contains 13 tools, including a nail file, scissors, mini-pen, screwdriver and tweezers. I've taken it in my personal item on many international flights and (touch wood) have never had any issues at airport security.
Reusable water bottle: Chilly's. I hate using single-use plastic water bottles and take my Chilly's bottle everywhere I go. It keeps my drink cold all day even in tropical climates. I have the 500 ml matte original version in an aqua colour but they have many different colours and styles.
Travel towel: Hammamas. I've used the same Turkish-style towel from Hammamas for 14 years! It's big enough to wrap around myself and to lie on when on the beach, but still rolls up small, and it's absorbent and dries quickly. On trips when I'm short or space or not sure I'll get to a beach, I bring my Lifeventure HydroFibre Ultralight, a less stylish but impressively absorbent full-size towel that packs into a teeny pouch.
Sunglasses: Sungod Sierras. I often struggle to find sunglasses that suit my face shape, but I've been very happy with this Sungod style. Mine have tortoiseshell frames and 8KO polarised lenses (worth the upgrade): they're lightweight, go with everything and they've served me well from Bali to Birmingham and Athens.
Rain gear. I have a mini-umbrella from Parfois in Portugal but if I'm going somewhere very rainy, I take my more robust Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella and/or my Patagonia rain jacket or Finisterre Rainbird jacket.
Toiletries: Wherever I go, I bring my SPF 50 facial sunscreen, SPF 50 sensitive sunscreen and SPF30 lip balm. I also pack my Mini Wet Brush and always use my trusty GoTubbs.
Mini first-aid kit: including hand sanitiser, paracetamol, cold & flu pills, migraine medication, stomach medication, melatonin, mosquito repellent and bite relief cream, a selection of plasters and a face mask.
Moleskine. I always keep a notebook and pen with me whenever I travel and Moleskine has been my notebook of choice for over two decades. For travel, I usually opt for the soft cover version in large and accompany it with my trusty Caran d'Ache neon pink pen — I've had mine for many years.
COFFEE KIT
Depending on the kettle situation at my destination and on how much I'll be brewing, I usually pack either my AeropressGo or my size 01 Hario V60 coffee dripper. The former is compact and very forgiving for on-the-go brewing. The latter really requires a kettle rather than other water-heating devices but this model is small and very robust. Pro tip: HumanGear's medium-sized GoTubbs are great for storing small things when travelling, including Aeropress filter papers.
I always travel with at least one reusable cup: usually my 4oz KeepCup, which has been restored to me thanks to Dave Jameson and Bean & Bud, for coffee shop piccolos and macchiatos and/or my 8oz Huskee Cup for hotel-room-brewed filter coffee.
If I know I will be brewing a lot of coffee, I also bring my Made by Knock Aergrind hand grinder rather than pre-grinding beans before I go. This hand grinder is so much easier to use than every other hand grinder I've tried and it's well worth the money.
Pictured below (L–R): Aeropress Go, Made by Knock Aergrind, regular Aeropress.
MY FAVOURITE TRAVEL RESOURCES
- Booking.com: My first port of call when researching and booking hotels and other accommodation all around the world. They have a huge range of properties and many bookings include free cancellation. If you use them regularly, you can get extra discounts and benefits, like free upgrades or breakfast, through the Genius program.
- Expedia: Another good site for booking a wide range of accommodation options, as well as flights and car hire.
- Agoda: Agoda has a particularly good selection of accommodation in many Asian countries. I used them a lot in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.
- GetYourGuide: My favourite site for searching and booking tours, activities and other experiences all around the world. I like being able to pay for activities by credit card and to be able to cancel until the day before if my plans change.
- Viator: Another great site for discovering and booking tours and activities on your travels.
- Google Flights: I use Google Flights all the time to research and plan my flights. After I've found the flights I want, I always book direct with the airline, which usually gives you more protection if there's an issue.
- Airalo: I've used an Airalo eSIM every time I've travelled since 2022, across four continents! I've always had good coverage and the prices are reasonable. eSIMs are super-convenient: set up on your phone before you leave to access data on your travels. Sign up using my referral code for $3 credit: REBECC3024
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