My favorite things for travel
I travel a lot for work, and these are the things I’ve found along the way that I would recommend to other travelers. There is some crossover with my favorite things for events.
Backpack 1 - this backpack is waterproof, so perfect for outdoor events. I love the top load design.
Backpack 2 - this backpack is very similar to the first one. Not waterproof, but has whimsical designs!
Bluetooth sleep mask - blocks out light AND I can listen to TV to fall asleep. Number 1 item I would never travel without.
Charging cables - only one cube needed to plug into the wall, and I can charge ALL my devices. Phone, apple watch, Kindle, and my BT sleep mask. I actually have two - I can leave one at the hotel, and have the other onsite with me.
Jacket clip - I have one on my work backpack, and one on my suitcase. I clip my jacket or sweater to be hands-free.
Water bottle handle - easier to carry my water bottle, but can also clip it anywhere.
Hanging packing cube - I always use packing cubes, but sometimes I use this instead for work trips. I plan my fits and roll up each day's, then slide them into a slot. Shoes in the bottom zippered portion. Folds flat to pack, then hang in my hotel room.
Compression bags - If you need to pack A LOT of clothes in a SMALL space (drum corps tour*), I recommend these. You don't need a vacuum, you just roll them to flatten. I'd plan my daily fits and roll them up, then pack several days together into one of these. Do NOT bother with "compression packing cubes". I have not found any brand that actually works as advertised.
Power bank - I like the slimness of this one, and it's magnetic. I keep two of these on me when traveling.
Emergen-C packets - no water needed! Pour the packet into your mouth like a pixie stick. Also has pop rocks, so it's fun!
Pouches - I obviously use packing cubes, but these pouches are handy for snacks, cables, cosmetics, q-tips, …
Kettle - portable electric kettle to make coffee wherever I go.
Coffee - I buy these at my local grocery store (H-E-B), not online. One packet = 1 cup of coffee, and I promise they don't taste like instant coffee.
Creamer - I put several in a plastic container with a lid so they don't get crushed. They are TSA compliant, but if I'm traveling with a checked bag, I just pack them there.
NEW DEVELOPMENT: Another coffee option - High quality, instant collagen coffee. The mocha is my favorite flavor. Bonus: it's my dear friend's Austin-based company! Support local (friends') business!
Portable peanut butter - I always have 1 or 2 of these on me. Easy to rip open and squirt into my mouth. TSA compliant.
Sun hat - I work a lot of outdoor events, and have a straw hat I love, but when I need to travel, this is the best because it can fold flat. This one has a ponytail hole that I don't use, but it's got the widest brim of all the travel hats I've previously tried.
Utility lanyard - I had to take my own pic of this one to show how I use it. This one has loops intended for glasses/sunglasses, but they ALWAYS fall out when I bend over. Instead I put writing utensils there. I carry a tiny wallet that I clip my keys to, and attach that to the lanyard (note the Tile on my keys), a little chapstick holder, and hand sanitizer.
Tile tracker - One on my keys/wallet, one in each luggage. If I'm carrying a clipboard while I work, I tape one inside, because I'm always setting my clipboard down somewhere and forgetting where. If I'm using a rental car, I keep one inside (on a lanyard so I don't lose the Tile) so I don't lose the car if I have to park in a weird place.
Travel size spray sunscreen - I buy this in the H-E-B brand, but there are other brands that have <3 oz options, so TSA compliant.
TP foam - don't ever flush wipes, even the ones that claim to be flushable. This is a TSA compliant alternative.
Magnifying mirror - sometimes hotel mirrors don't cut it for that random chin hair that pops up and must be taken care of asap. (I shouldn't even have to tell you to always travel with tweezers)
Air pump - Driving? I keep this in my car. I take it into the house occasionally to charge, but it also has a cigarette light adapter. Came in clutch that summer I toured with a drum corps and our admin car had a slow leak. No time to get it repaired, so we aired up the tire every day.
*BONUS drum corps tour item:
One person tent cot (aka my cocoon) - If you are a grown adult on tour with a drum corps, you should splurge on one of these. The cot is much better on your back than an air mattress, AND you get personal space.
