2024 Summer Travel: Essential Gear for Adventurers
Welcome to my curated collection of travel accessories, born from years of exploring over 30 countries. Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or planning your first adventure, these essentials will elevate your travel experience.
Below, I've categorized them to suit every aspect of your journey:
Pack: Travel Bags and Organizers
Electronics: Gadgets and Gizmos
Clothing: Fashion Meets Function
Shoes: Comfortable and Versatile Footwear
Airplane: In-flight Comfort Essentials
Accessories: Travel Add-ons
Pack: Travel Bags and Organizers
Backpack (Josh):
The North Face Base Camp Voyager 32L
This backpack is a powerhouse of versatility and durability. It’s spacious enough for longer trips yet compact for carry-on convenience. The design includes various compartments, making it easy to organize your gear. Tip: Use packing cubes to maximize space and keep everything organized. Find out more here (USA) (EU).
Backpack (mine):
The North Face Base Camp Duffel XS
My go-to pack is perfect for those who need a blend of style and practicality. This duffel is lightweight, durable, and offers excellent protection against the elements. It’s ideal for short trips or as an additional carry-on.
Tip: this size usually works in all low cost airlines, but I avoid filling it to the max so it's easy to crush and avoid paying the surcharge. If you want to check it out (USA) (EU).
Packing Cubes:
The Ultimate Organization Hack
Toiletry Bags
Toiletry bags help manage all your hygiene and beauty essentials, but they also facilitate getting through airport security as you can pull the whole bag out and access your ziplock bag of liquids quickly. We prefer thin or somewhat less structured toiletry bags because they can mold a bit more to your bag whether it’s full or not.
Women’s toiletry bags: (USA) (EU).
Men’s toiletry bags: (USA) (EU).
Mobile Solution:
Foldable Backpack + Water Bladder
This combination is a game-changer. The foldable backpack serves as a perfect day pack when you’re out exploring. Pair it with a water bladder (1L per person or 2L shared) to stay hydrated throughout the day. This setup allows you to use your main backpack as a base while you explore with enough storage to hold your towel, sunscreen, electronics, wine, food, and anything you pickup on the way. More info: backpack (USA) (EU) and water bladder (USA) (EU).
Electronics: Gadgets and Gizmos
Electronics Pouch:
Organize Your Tech Gear
A dedicated electronics pouch keeps all your chargers, cables, and battery packs organized and accessible. No more tangled wires or misplaced adapters! This pouch has our backup battery bank, headphones, cables, wall charger, and Chromecast. It is easy to pull out at the accommodation or on the plane so we have everything consolidated in one place without tangles or searching for it throughout your bag. My top choice (USA) (EU).
Mag-Safe Charger 10,000 mAh
40W 4-Port USB-C + USB Wall Charger
Backup Wired Headphones
Portable Speaker
Google Chromecast
iPhone 12 Pro + Mag-Safe Case
AirPods Pro 2 + Silicone Case
Apple Watch Series 7 (45mm)
I understand the debate with smart watches and the lack of style, per se, but the functionality outweighs that for us when traveling. The best part is the ability to quickly access the weather, music (changing songs easily on the plane), sunrise/sunset times (getting those beautiful shots), and the plethora of different widgets most smartwatches offer.
We are in the Apple ecosystem so that’s what we use. We have the 45mm (GPS only) model. Read more about it here (USA) (EU).
If you’re using another ecosystem for tech, I would advise seeing what options are available that fit your needs, but it’s been a game changer for us.
Charging Cables (Long)
A mix of cable lengths ensures you can charge your devices comfortably, no matter where the outlet is in your accommodation.
Clothing: Fashion Meets Function
UV Tee Shirt
Shorts with Zippered Pockets
Secure your belongings with shorts that feature zippered pockets. These shorts are lightweight, breathable, and perfect for active days exploring new cities or hiking. Josh loves these from Decathlon but check out this alternative too.
Hat
Loose Pants
These loose, soft pants with a side slit are perfect for staying cool while keeping covered, especially when you're on the go. Ideal for travel, whether on trains or buses, they offer comfort without compromising style. Available in various colors, they seamlessly transition from day to evening wear, making them a versatile and chic option for any occasion (USA) (EU).
Poncho (If Needed)
Shoes: Comfortable and Versatile Footwear
Josh: Nike ACG Mountain Fly 2 Low Gore-Tex
These shoes are the ultimate blend of comfort and versatility. They’re perfect for city explorations, hiking, and even water activities, making them the only pair you might need for your trip. Josh was looking for an “all-in-one” type shoe that would be waterproof, and comfortable for both hiking and city exploration, all without sacrificing style. You can find the Nike Mountain Fly 2 here.
Chiara: ON Cloud 5
Tall Sandals
As someone who loves tall shoes, especially being 1.58cm (5’2”), I always have a pair of stylish and comfortable tall sandals in my suitcase. My top brand choices are Vivaia (USA) - the fuchsia Jade model (left) - and Tamaris (USA) (EU). Both options are comfortable, lightweight, and effortlessly stylish, making them perfect for adding a bit of height while staying comfortable all day.
Extras - Espadrilles
These are excellent for short walks, quick trips to the grocery store, or just lounging around your accommodation. They’re lightweight and easy to pack.
Tip: if you flatten the back of them they work as a slip-on and it doesn't impact the integrity of the back too much wearing them normally.
Men: (USA) (EU) / Women: (USA) (EU)
Airplane: In-flight Comfort Essentials
Neck Pillow with Raised Sides
For optimal neck support, choose a neck pillow with raised sides. Pro Tip: Ensure the back of the neck cushion isn’t too thick, or it will push your head forward, negating the comfort it’s supposed to provide. There are some optional accessories (eye mask and ear plugs) so see which one fits what you need. A neck pillow is great for those times you need to catch some sleep. Try this one out (USA) (EU).
Airplane Phone Holder
Accessories: Travel Add-ons
Sling Bags
A sling bag is perfect for carrying your essentials: wallet, phone, keys, and documents. It’s easy to pack and provides additional storage when you’re out and about. This North Face Jester is compact and has enough space to hold the essentials while out cruising around. Wear it around the waist or cross-body (under a jacket if you want the security).
My sling bag recommendations (USA) (EU).
Josh’s North Face sling bag (USA) (EU).
Sunglasses
Invest in high-quality, glass-lens sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Unlike plastic lenses, glass lenses reduce eye fatigue, headaches, and long-term damage, especially during extended sun exposure. We both have some older Ray-Bans with crystal glass lenses.
Check Ray-Ban’s options out here (USA) (EU).
The model in the photo is the Ray-Ban Rb3447 (USA) (EU).
Curly Hair Management
These hair clips are a must-have for anyone with curly hair. They gather hair quickly, protecting your curls from excessive heat while keeping your style intact. Lightweight and portable, they can easily clip onto your backpack, t-shirt, or purse, making them perfect for on-the-go touch-ups without sacrificing convenience or style (USA) (EU).
This curly hair brush by Denman is one of the best I've tried. It effortlessly removes knots without tearing hair, enhances volume and definition, and is small enough to carry anywhere. A must-have for traveling, especially if you have curly hair, it keeps your curls looking their best on the go (USA) (EU).
Sunscreen
Chapstick
Keep your lips moisturized during long days in the sun or on the move—a simple, yet essential item for any traveler. Tip: Get some chapstick with SPF if your lips are prone to drying out and cracking in dry weather. Here are some options - Nivea for the States and Labello for Europe, both with SPF (USA) (EU).
Parfume/Cologne Travel Sprayers
These bottles are refilled directly from your favorite scent making them perfect for traveling. We usually have two bottles (day and night scent) in each of our hygiene bags. They are also easy to throw in your sling bag for a refresher if you have been moving all day. You can pick them up here (USA) (EU).
Hand sanitizer keychain portable
This small hand sanitizer keychain portable is a practical essential for keeping disinfectant gel or other liquids handy at all times. Easily attachable to your bag or backpack, it ensures you’re always prepared without the bulk. It offers convenience without sacrificing style or portability (USA) (EU).
Microfiber Towel XL
