This page houses ALL my favorite travel essentials, trip gear, and lifestyle brands.
Everything on here has served me in one way or another on my travels and has either enriched my journies or made my life easier when traveling. I hope they help you along the way too!
This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content.
HOW I SAVE MONEY ON MY TRAVELS
Go City Attraction Passes
The Go City Pass is a digital attraction pass that provides easy access and admission to some of the most popular museums and excursions around the world. They operate in dozens of major cities around the world. I’ve used Go City in multiple cities worldwide and it’s ALWAYS saved me $!
TrustedHousesitters
This private community is amazing for both pet owners and travelers! And as a pet sitter, you’ll be able to trade petsitting services for a FREE place to stay while you explore a new destination! And as a pet owner, you’ll be able to travel without worrying about spending hundreds on an expensive petsitter. WIN-WIN!
Going (Scott’s Cheap Flights)
This is the only ‘cheap flights’ email subscription I have. It can help you save hundreds of dollars on flights by sending you email notifications about sale flights and mistake fare alerts — customized to your preferred airport.
For a full list of my travel resources, you can find ’em here.
TRAVEL MUST-HAVES
SCOTTeVEST Travel Vest
SCOTTeVEST is dominating the travel vest market because of how pocket-heavy and functional their vests are. In addition to this one, I also have their Essential Jacket, which is great for days when I don’t want to rock a vest but still want pockets! But wait for this… the jacket has zip-off sleeves that converts it into a vest!
Clipa2 – The Instant Bag Hanger
Hang your bag or purse literally anywhere (on your luggage, on restaurant tables, hotel rooms, etc). These days when I forget this in my ‘other’ bag, I’m devastated and completely lost without it! I LOVE THIS THING. Best $16 I’ve ever spent.
SafetyWing Travel Insurance
True story: In 2022, my partner was surfing in Cerritos Beach in Mexico and had his shoulder completely dislocated, resulting in a $950 USD emergency room bill that we had to pay out of pocket for! Not fun… and most definitely not cheap. I never go anywhere internationally without travel insurance now!
Prefer shopping on Amazon? You can also find all my favorite product recommendations — broken out by activity/vacation type — on Amazon here. You’ll find idea lists for camping, road trips, tropical vacations, winter trips, and more!
PACKING: SUITCASES + BAGS
Monos Carry-On Pro
This is the carry-on I use for weekend trips or trips of up to 4 days. I like this one because of the laptop sleeve — it allows me to travel without having to also bring a massive backpack, perfect for those shorter domestic trips!
Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus
Whenever I’m traveling for 4-5 days and need a bit more space than what my Monos carry-on can fit, I go with this trusty bag. It makes me look like a classy gal. It’s high-quality and made sustainably, so I’m a big fan of Paravel!
Bellroy Transit Backpack
This is the pack I go with when cobblestones are gonna be an issue. It basically fits everything a carry-on can — but without the wheels. No wheels = no struggles with rolling luggage on bumpy cobblestones (ahem, I’m talking about you, Europe!)
Monos Metro Duffel
This is the weekender bag that I typically pair with my carry-on (so I can carry whatever else doesn’t fit in my suitcase). I’ll also use it by itself whenever I’m traveling for 1-3 days. I love the built-in trolley sleeve!
Bellroy Sling Bag
My go-to bag for exploring on my travels! It can fit a small water bottle, wallet, phone, keys, meds, and all the little essentials I need when traveling.
Monos Compressible Packing Cubes
Can you tell I’m a Monos fan yet? These packing cubes are sturdy as heck. The zippers are SO sturdy, I can’t really even picture them breaking within the next decade. Really!
FLYING: AIRPORT ESSENTIALS
Priority Pass
I have had a Priority Pass membership since 2018, and I don’t think I’ll ever give it up! I love being able to gorge on lounge food/drink, shower, nap, and relax in peace before my flight. If you’re wondering if this pass is worth it, it is! (Especially if you travel internationally — the lounge options have gotten kind of poopie domestically, but are still amazing in other countries!)
Add-a-Bag Hook and Hanger Strap
If you don’t happen to have a bag with a built-in trolley sleeve (something that’ll allow you to connect your personal item to your suitcase), this strap is a lifesaver! Get this bag hook and attach it to your luggage so you only need ONE hand to tow everything with you.
riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder
Hate having to use one whole hand to hold a coffee/drink? That hand has way better things to do! This foldable drink caddy holds 2 cups, perfect for your pre-flight coffees and fountain drinks. There’s also room to hold books, iPads, phones, tickets and documents.
FLYING: IN-FLIGHT MUST-HAVES
trtl Travel Pillow
You’ll never find me without my trtl pillow on international flights. The internal support system keeps your head and neck in an upright position while you nap, keeping you from waking up with aches, strains, or pains.
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs
These are some of the best earplugs for drowning out loud plane noises and baby cries! They’re made from soft-touch flexible silicone for unmatched comfort, even for side sleepers.
Ostrichpillow Eye Mask
I bought this eye mask after a cheap $3.99 eyemask from Marshall’s pushed so hard into my eyeballs that my eyes temporarily changed shape and my vision was blurred for an hour…NEVER again. I love the Ostrichpillow eye mask SO much. The deep eye cups and total blackout power are perfect for sleep anywhere.
Flight Flap Phone And Tablet Holder
My must-have for hands-free movie-watching while on long flights! This sweet little gadget attaches to airline seat backs and accommodates many phone and tablet sizes.
OLLY Ultra Strength Goodbye Stress Softgels
It’s sad to say, but I’ve developed sleep issues since entering my 30s. When I get into ‘late night thinking mode’, these softgels are one of the only things that help me sleep. I never travel without them!
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask
I love this nighttime lip mask! It’s super thick and packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants, meaning you’ll wake up with super hydrated lips. I have one in my toiletry bag and another one on my nightstand… at all times!
TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY + TECH
Sony A7 IV Mirrorless Camera
I’m currently using this camera to photograph places and things on all my larger trips. When I’m too lazy to bring extra camera gear, I just bring the Sony a7 IV body + kit lens. The photos are still amazing!
Sigma 24mm F1.4 Art DG DN
This is the other lens that I use to capture huge landmarks and landscapes. I’ll usually take this on my outdoor/nature trips! It’s 24mm, meaning it’s great for wider shots.
Anker Portable Power Bank
It’s such a pain in the butt having to worry about phone battery while traveling. I never fly anywhere without an external power bank!
In case you’re curious, here’s a sample of photos shot on the Sony A7 IV (with kit lens and Sigma 24mm) over the years:
OTHER BRANDS I LOVE
- Peak Design – they specialize in innovative camera accessories and bags. We love their versatile camera straps, backpacks, and other carrying solutions designed for photographers and adventurers.