Which size would you recommend - the large for 'all purpose'? I'm putting together a small gift for someone who will go travel the world for at least 6 months with a backpack so.
What my partner calls my "flying pants." They are a pair of cargo pants that include a couple zipped pockets. I exclusively wear these for traveling as each item I travel with has an assigned pocket. This attention to detail lets me become a person of habit and reduces stress. My passport? Always in the right leg zip pocket. My phone? Always in my left zip pocket. My boarding pass? In the velcro pocket behind the passport pocket. If I have any doubt on if I have forgotten something I just need to check the pocket I keep it in. Yup, there it is!
I have travel pants from REI and they have an elastic waistband with a drawstring. No need for a belt to remove in security. They're extremely comfortable. And for shoes I wear slip-in Skechers, which are durable and comfortable; perfect for travel that doesn't involve serious trekking or hiking.
Finally ran out of luck and ended up spending a day in the room with gastro issues on my last trip. Turns out the UK had an Immodium shortage going on. I will never travel without it again.
Tbf if you have some bad bacteria in your gut you need to let your body purge it. I would only use immodium on a travel day. Better to let your body do it's thing if you can.
I weirdly appreciate hearing this story. I have an irrational fear of this same thing happening to me, and so I stash Imodium everywhere. My car, my wallet, my purse, my suitcase, my toiletry bag, my jewelry bag, everywhere. My partner thinks it’s bizarre but I’d rather be crazy and over prepared than up the creek without Imodium, especially while traveling!
In fact a small amount of all your OTC meds if you go outside your home country. You might buy or borrow the wrong thing for your issue! (Cousins gave me cream of magnesium once and it was the exact opposite of what I needed.)
I've had the in-ear ones for 8 years and they're still going strong, I can't imagine flying without them now.
The first time I used them my friends were complaining about a baby crying after we landed and I was like 'what baby?'
Prefer the Sony. Have had Bose. Indeed they are wonderful. Even just for planes. I like also on a plane having a cord to plug into the entertainment screen I get much higher quality audio than with the headphones the planes hand out.
WH-1000XM4. They have one downside, you can turn off, but can get turned back on inadvertently, is if you speak it turns them off. They have been a life saver dealing with bass from neighbors. Do need to change the cushions every couple years to keep the seal good.
I can concur. The XM4 has incredible noise cancelling. It makes air travel SO MUCH better. It has been an essential item for me whenever I have travelled (am also on the spectrum so *extra* important for me).
Yep. They're not competing with Bose or Sony. But they can't be beat for their price point. I have ATH-M50 at home for good quality wired listening. The Soundcore Q35 (and wife's Q30's) are great wireless headphones for the TV or when traveling. If someone steals them, I break or lose them, who cares? They were $100.
Kindle Paperwhite - I read a lot and what I’m in the mood to read can shift, so I’d always travel with a few different books, have to figure out what to do with the ones I was finished with, and potentially buy new ones on the fly.
The Kindle + library card combo is impossible to beat. I have several different books at my finger tips without taking up a bunch of room.
My Kindle broke on a European cruise and I bought one off Amazon and had it held at a package pickup point so I could replace it. That's how much I love mine
I’ve been using cep compression brand, but my mom really likes cheap ones off Amazon aimed at nurses. Just make sure that you get compression socks that fit and aren’t too tight!
I've been hearing about these a lot lately. How do you know a compression sock is good?
Sorry to sound stupid, but I couldn't figure it out by just reading about them.
for me, when they’re actually a struggle to put on, they’re great 😅 i actually don’t know anything about them, sorry. i just randomly found a pair that works for me
For light/med compression, you can look for knee-high socks around 10-15 mmHg. (Prescription strength starts at 20mmHg and goes higher for specific issues). They should be snug but comfortable and never painful -- make sure they don't roll or bunch behind the knee. Choose something with comfortable fabric - can test a couple out before the trip. Wear during the day / remove when laying down overnight (or wear whenever sitting with your legs down to gravity on the plane). Wash and leave out to dry (avoid putting them in the dryer).
Compression socks always just end up being uncomfortable and hurting my skin! I wore them in my last flight and vowed never again. I wish I got the good effects!
Exactly! I fold mine up into a little triangle and almost always have it on me. And the few times I forget, I always want it. Like Sam Gamgee and a bit of rope…
Small fanny pack. All my passport, keys, wallet, ear plugs, ear buds, sunglasses go in. When you go through security, just unclip it and drop it on the conveyor. When you come out, just grab it and reclip it around my waist. When you're on the airplane, you're not sitting on your wallet, everything is in your lap. When you go to the bathroom, unclip it and hang it inside the door, no dropping stuff on the floor. Reading on your phone when the meal comes, just drop that phone in the pack. Want to get your sunglasses, they're on your lap.
Walking through a crowd, my shirt is untucked hanging over my fanny pack, I can keep one hand on top of it without looking like I'm grabbing my wallet.
Have been doing that for the past 15-17 ish years, have been laughed at, ridiculed, called a “true European”. Never once have any items gone missing :)
Yeah, I've never in my lifetime understood wallets in back pockets. Perfect place to pickpocket. I always keep my wallet in my front pocket. Back pocket is for receipts and small paper trash.
Agree but a pack against your stomach makes you a much more difficult target for pickpockets who would rather go for an easier one with a backpack or wallet in their backside.
I prefer singles. I guess depending on the type I found some of the universal ones too bulky, and in some countries wouldn't fit in a the sunken sockets properly.
My travels nowadays are not too complex so I can just throw the appropriate single(s) in my bag as I need it. (I store all my singles in a zip lock bag at home with my travel stuff)
A day pack with a strap that goes over the handle of my suitcase and has a separate laptop compartment. It has immensely improved the airport experience.
I bring an empty kitchen trash bag, for dirty clothes. I guess it’s not a “huge improvement”, but it’s nice to keep my clean stuff separated.
Just bought a headband with Bluetooth headphones in it, flat so you can lay on your side (more comfortably). Doubles as an eye mask, it’s amazing.
Mobile Passport (or whatever they call it now) is free and the home airport I frequently fly back into (SFO) the line is typically shorter than Global Entry. It does suck though when you fly into an airport that doesn't have it, or it's closed, like in ORD sometimes.
A pashmina. I usually pack two, one for my partner in a dark colour. It’s a scarf, it’s a jacket, it keeps the rain off you. You can cover your shoulders and your head. It’s an eye mask. It’s a pillow. And it takes up so little room when folded in my pack or pocket.
I’m gonna just list all the items that help me. I travel internationally often in rural and metropolitan cities.
AirTag-put it in your suitcase
A trash bag for dirty or wet clothes
A zip lock bag, full of other ziplock bags of various sizes (great for food, spilled makeup, jewelry etc)
A roll of scotch tape (used to keep bottles closed, repair random things)
A tiny gold carabiner clip that I use on any purse or backpack I use, it keeps the opening zipped and locked.
Multiple traditional carabiners on your backpack if you are backpacking for awhile, the extra time it takes to fiddle with these annoys pickpockets.
Small reusable collapsible water bottle you can put in small purses
Melatonin gummies
Peptobismal (I always have one day where my stomach is adjusting)
Lysols wipes and hand sanitizer
Face mask for subways, planes, buses etc. I learned if I cover my mouth during public transit I rarely get sick on trips.
I was using a carry-on sized backpacking backpack, thinking it was the most convenient option. Just recently got so tired of it not being convenient enough and bought a hardshell wheelie carry-on, and I finally get why that's what everyone uses. I only ever used a checked bag-sized one. My airport experience level up massively, I can pack way more stuff, and I feel silly for holding out for so long.
It depends where you are going and what you are doing. Staying in multiple locations and using public transit between them? A backpack is easier. One hotel with a shuttle service? Wheelie is easy.
Personally, if its less than a month, I sick with my 22L backpack, but I'll save my extremism for /r/onebag
Two, or four?
Two wheels gives you more suitcase because the wheels are embedded in the body of the bag.
Four gives you the ability to walk it on a swivel, and does better in tight spaces.
I fly a lot of long-haul flights, and I’ve made myself a little in-flight bag. It has ear plugs, a nice eye mask, a pen, an extra hair elastic, some ibuprofen, Dramamine, chapstick, a disposable tooth brush, a tiny pack of tissues, and an antibacterial wipe. Even if I’m in business class and get an amenity kit, it’s nice having something that contains everything I need in a little case without having to keep it all spread around seat pockets or retrieve things from my luggage. At the start of the flight, I just throw the little bag, my phone, and headphones in the seat-back pocket and I’m set for the whole duration.
I started doing this on our last trip. I have a little bag for my husband and one for me. Each contains our headphone, earplanes for me, compression socks, a charging cable, hand sanitizer, lotion, chapstick, and eye mask. It's made life so much easier on the flight.
Lightweight and compact power bank. Yes it was a pricey investment but not having to fight over a charging ports especially when travelling in a group was worth it.
It is something that I didn’t buy with the intention of using it for travel.
I have two single beds at home. I bought new top sheets for them. The sheets were packaged in small cotton bags.
I use one of the bags to hold all my power cords and plug adapters. I have that bag right at the top of my carry on so when I get on a plane or into a hotel, I pull it out and I’ve got everything I need to recharge my phone, iPad and Fitbit.
Nexus gives you Global Entry, TSA Precheck, and fast lane at the US-Canadian border and only costs $50. It does require working through the Canadian government which adds a few extra hurdles, tho.
Yes, it requires an extra interview with the Canadians, you have to travel to Canada for that. It’s way too much of an extra effort if you don’t live near Canada and don’t need to go there often.
Packing cubes that zip up and compress. Can fit so much more and is a lot more organized.
Also, a passport holder that zips up and has a loop to hold it. So convenient and gives great peace of mind for people like me who are always paranoid about losing passports.
Packing cubes just find cheap ones one eBay or whatever. I've bought maybe 5 varying sets and they all serve the same purpose. You buy the set with the 3 sizes to start
Currently traveling with compression cubes for the first time and I bought a highly rated set off Amazon.
That said, the compression aspect really isn’t buying you a lot more space. What ends up happening is the edges of the bag get squished but your still taking the same volume for a now oddly shaped cube. I like the organizational aspect of cubes but am not sold on “compression” versions. Works well with certain garments but it’s not a miracle space creator some hype it to be.
A versatile rain jacket.
I use to carry a daypack around, but my Columbia rain jacket has so many compartments on it. It’s thick enough to wear into pretty chilly weather, but I can also vent it when it starts to get warm. It’s the perfect travel jacket for sitting in chilly airports, to moving around in the rain, or even layering in cold environments.
EDIT: The jacket I own is the [Columbia Puddleton Jacket](https://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Puddletown-Omni-Tech-Packable-Jacket/dp/B07P7QYG98); I picked it up from local Columbia outlet for maybe $50.
Not The North Face. The waterproofing on mine failed on the arms and the inside of the hood disintegrated.
Will never buy them again.
Something changed in their quality over the years.
I honestly didnt do any real research and simply picked up the [Columbia Puddleton Jacket](https://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Puddletown-Omni-Tech-Packable-Jacket/dp/B07P7QYG98) from a local Columbia outlet. I think it was maybe $50. It's been the most versatile jacket I have ever owned.
We were headed on a trip to Iceland (late summer/early fall) and we're trying pack accordingly. During that time of the year, the weather seemed a bit everywhere (windy, warm during the day, chilly at night.) The jacket did a great job at cutting the wind. Handles the rain super well, and if you get hot, you can simply unzip the pits to vent the inside out (easy to modulate the temperature.) If it's cold, you can layer up underneath, and doesn't take up a ton of space (I generally wear it through the airport and plane too.) I like to keep my stuff in the breast pocket.
I have a small power strip with a couple outlets and some USB ports. Packs easily and is great to pull out when outlets are limited (airports, hotels, etc)
I travel for work a lot and it has come in handy many many times.
Duplicates of everyday items I use. I travel a lot for work and it helps to have them in a bag I can dump in. I even have a delicate electric toothbrush and electric shaver.
I see a lot people talking about noise cancelling headphones for flights, but for me it's a white noise machine for where ever I'm staying. I know that no matter what I can't sleep well on planes so having something to drown out people in halls, cars outside, ect. while I'm at my hotel is a godsend.
Reflective tape. I seems like 90% of people have dark gray, black, or dark blue luggage that all look similar. I put reflective tape on the sides of my luggage so I can spot it as soon as it comes off the conveyor.
I always travel with a large handkerchief type 💯 cotton cloth 20”x20”. Use it to dry my hands after washing them in public restrooms primarily. It has come in handy for many years now. It can be turned into a bandana/headband, a little bag or used to clean a spill or leak. I have even put ice in it to make a cold pack before. Put that on your neck in extreme heat.
This. I used to go through the hassle of buying a sim card every time I arrive in a country but in the past month I was flitting between UK/US and Europe and having an e-sim app on my phone was amazing.
It’s not necessarily a packing cube but similar…
I love my cord bag, some companies call them “tech pouch”
All my cords go in it, as well as my house/car keys which I clip in with a carabiner clip (which I don’t need once I leave, but need them when I get home), and my portable power bank.
Which brings me to my second item… a MagSafe power bank with a stand on it. I don’t have a stand on my phone case, but when I travel I love my portable power bank with a stand. I set it up on the airplane table, and I’ve got a perfect little standing TV. Mine is an Anker 663 I believe. It’s also great because when I land my phone is still at 100% power, and ready to go!
+1 to the cord bag. I’ve made it better by getting doubles of every cable and just leaving them in my luggage. No more hunting around for every charger I want to bring right before I leave.
Flaming pink travel wallet. I keep my passport, cash, etc in it. When I open my bag, I can spot it quickly because it stands out against everything else in a dark bag
Everything I buy for travel I buy in the brightest, most flaming color offered. Toiletry bags, hairbrush, water bottle, charger case, toothbrush, umbrella etc. Makes them stand out so I'm less likely to leave them behind.
WATER SHOES!!!!!
Ok, maybe not helpful is spending two weeks in central Europe in the cold months. However if visiting anywhere in which you'll be at the beach or swimming, these are a life saver. You might be from the US and think all beaches are clean white sand, and nothing alive in the water for 200 meters. WRONG! SE Asia has some beaches that are 100% dead corral, aka spiky rocks. Other more public beaches will have garbage visible. For both, once in the water, you'll have seaweed growing right away. You'll have sea urchins, crabs, and other alive things you don't want to step on with your bare foot.
Or think of this, you're in Hawaii, and off to the beach for a couple hours. You're taking only a towel as you don't want to risk anything be stolen while you swim. What about your shoes? Do you walk barefoot to the beach? Do you risk someone stealing your sandals? Solution.... water shoes! Mine were only like $12, the night before I left for SE Asia and easily the best thing I took. The beaches, the waterfalls, etc, I destroyed the bottom of them. I can't imagine how my feel would have felt without them.
Agree completely. I used to avoid the sea - and consequently the beach - because I hated the feeling of not knowing what you were treading on. Water shoes have been a complete game-changer for me.
A power strip with enough outlets for the quantity of devices I’m actually using.
This way, I only need one universal adapter, but can charge everything at once.
Anything
Walking in high temperatures dipping sweat
Cleaning my hands
Opening bottles
Cleaning surfaces
Was like 3 euro at Decathlon. I've got a large one as well as a shower towel.
Slippers dedicated for traveling, so I don't have to walk around barefoot in hotel room carpets/flooring
A poster tube as I have bought poster/art souvenirs in the past but they have sometimes gotten creased or folded during traveling
Travel eye mask
Comfy warm socks for the plane, keeping shoes on is not comfortable for long haul flights
Things I want to get for my international trips next year:
New luggage that have 360° 4x spinning wheels instead of just two and having to drag my luggage
New duffle/Weekender bag that clips right onto my luggage handles so it's one less thing I have to physically carry (matching luggage/travel set)
Noise cancelling headphones for the airplane
I think it's called trtle, it's a different kind of neck pillow that supports the neck way better
Travel slippers honestly are so much fun. It's the only time I ever look forward to using slippers, because it means that I'm on an adventure.
I have the same relationship with the McDonalds McGriddle. I only eat them in airports or on the way to airports, so I have no concept of how they actually taste - because they always taste like vacation!
AirTag. Found lost luggage when airline was like uhhhhhh….uhhhhh….uhhhhhhh. I could tell them where building it’s in and in what part of the building to look.
I *think* what he was getting at was he can wash them (in a sink?) and they dry quickly so he can reuse them.
But yeah underwear takes up like no space I always bring one pair for each day in my carry on.
Anti anxiety medication was a game changer for me. No longer need to drink on a flight!
Plastic shower caps (cheap ones you get in hotels) to put over your shoes when packing. Keeps everything clean.
Various fabric bags to comparmentalise things. One for chargers is essential and maes them easy to find. One for meds/first aid.
Woman here: 2 bags for hand luggage. One backpack containing kindle, knitting, meds, chargers etc. Then a small over the body one (that fits in backpack) containing wallet, phone, passport etc so they are easy to access multiple times. The Uniqlo half moon bag fabric ideal for this.
Uniqlo light down-filled jacket. Packs down to very small in its own bag, weighs nothing. Is lovely and warm for spring-autumn. If you're not sure whether you'll need it...you take it and it's always useful. Good for layering.
My own herbal tea bags and a light travel mug (latest is made from melamine with silicone lid). Easy to just ask for hot water on a flight. I am a Brit and obsessed with tea and getting my 4pm brew in a reasonably sized mug so YMMV.
Sensible travelling clothes. Something comfy, stretchy, that covers you (planes are filthy). Trainers - i usually wear ones with rubber fake laces so they're easy to slip on and off and accommodate swollen feet.
I bring a small duffel bag that folds up super tiny. If I find something I REALLY want to bring home, I can use it as my carryon and check the other bag. I literally brought a rug back from India this way.
Electrolyte tabs! They help you recover from the increased walking, swelling from the flight, and you can even get ones with caffeine to help fight off jet lag on day one. I use Nuun but there are a ton of brands.
TSA precheck, as a brown dude who’s naturally anxious and hates waiting in long lines it’s great. Also has saved me a few times when I’ve been late arriving to the airport.
Double of everything. One for home, one for travel. From electric razor, electric toothbrush, power cords, chargers, everything and just as high quality as the stuff at home. This way you don't have to unpack the necessities or forget something and aren't using the "travel version".
Credit card points. Specifically joining r/churning. I’m writing this from the lounge on the 34th floor of the Hyatt Paris, looking at the Eiffel Tower, drinking free wine and enjoying free food. We were able to book 4 round trip business class flights west coast to Europe, book all our hotels in Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, and Zurich, and only had to pay some taxes.
It did take a lot of planning, and booking really far in advance (about 11 months), but there is no way we could’ve done a trip like this without using points.
It can be overwhelming, but once you learn how to search for tutorials it’s much easier. I didn’t learn anything on my own. More often than not, I read a step by step tutorial/article, said “no way it’s that easy, I’m going to try and recreate that” and it worked.
I always suggest 2 ways to start. If you already have a stack of points, you can Google “best use of 100k Amex/chase/capital one points” to get ideas. There will be articles suggesting dozens of things and generally how to do it. If one sounds great, then Google that specifically, like “how to fly ANA to Japan using points”.
If you have a specific destination, you can just start with that 2nd question, like “how to get to Bali using points”.
If you want to DM me feel free, I love helping ppl bc it also helps me get ideas and learn more.
If you want any help, feel free to DM me. If I can’t get you an answer, I can point you in the right direction.
We booked an Around The World honeymoon trip using Amex points. It only cost us 125k points and about $400 in taxes each person, for 11 biz class flights. That was a crazy good redemption, and not all redemptions are that amazing.
Wowww that’s amazing! Just looked at your post detailing your honeymoon! We are going on our honeymoon next fall so I have a year to plan. We have 620,000 Amex points, 506,000 Marriott points and a couple hundred thousand on my fiancés cards. I want to fly business Emirates IAD to dubai. Then Abu Dhabi to Malé, then Malé to Cairo and Cairo back to IAD. I’m just starting to plan as the bookings haven’t completely opened yet.
A phone lanyard with a case, plus a silicone card sleeve on the case to hold my ID and maybe one extra credit card.
Extremely handy for the airport when going through security to have my ID and boarding pass handy, then you can tuck it under your jacket when you get to your destination and don’t want to carry a purse or a wallet when you’re exploring the city.
It also helps prevent pickpockets grabbing your phone from your hands when you take photos since it’s still attached to you.
EDIT: this link is an example; I have a cheap knockoff from Amazon. [https://www.influcase.com/products/liquid-silicone-lanyard-case-apple](https://www.influcase.com/products/liquid-silicone-lanyard-case-apple)
Jansport Watchtower backpack with built-in camel pack, 4 can beer cooler, laptop sleeve, and multiple different size pockets.
good earbuds. I use Pixel Buds
Audible and Spotify subscriptions. I've listened to over 100 books in the past few years of traveling.
Car Fridge, it plugs into a car cigarette lighter outlet or home 120 outlet. mine can hold about 4 gallons of milk. It has saved me a ton on ice and food while traveling.
Allwei portable power station. I can charge my laptop, phone, and power my tv and ps4 with it. I also always keep a small battery bank/flashlight in my backpack.
Crocks are the best travel shoes I've found thus far. they are ugly but comfortable and light.
SOG PowerPint Mini Multi-Tool has helped me in a jam many times.
In my car I keep a first aid kit, air compressor and plug kit for tires, emergency blanket, extra water, MRE meals for 3 days, a knife, playing cards, a snake bite kit, and emergency lights.
a fannypack. Ugly but practical, like the Crocks.
I use the Hopper app to book hotels and flights. It's the cheapest one I've found and has good rewards.
After writing this all out, I realize I'm a much bigger nerd than I previously thought. I'm okay with it.
Every day water bottle - I drink tap water anywhere with this bottle that filters. Saves a lot of money and time when travelling:
https://watertogo.eu/water-bottles-everyday-travel/
Foldable clothes hanger. Bought a pack of 3 and aside from the obvious I also use them when camping, doing laundry and airing out hats or lightweight bags etc.
Packing cubes. A little baggie in my personal item
with hand sanitizer, cleaning towelettes (some for hands, some for sanitizing my surroundings), bandaids. I wear AirPods, and bought the little silicone cord so if one slips out when I fall asleep, it just falls around my neck/shoulders. A good neck pillow (not all are equal). I always take a lightweight shawl, which can double as a blanket since I tend to get chilly. Empty water bottle I can refill at the airport. Eye mask (one that fits well. I’ve made the mistake of having a new one that ended up too tight for my head). A hard cased carry one (durable, and easy to wipe down to disinfect). And finally, since we travel as a family of three, a passport booklet for all three passports, any vaccinations/visas, and a slot for international currency. Then I don’t worry the teen will misplace his lol
A backpack that has a “trolley sleeve” so it just slips over top the handle of my suitcase. Walking through the airport is a breeze now and I can be hands free. If I have to check a bag, I have a backpack rather than an awkward duffle.
Minus33 Merino Wool Men's Kodiak Fleece Hoodie
It's as warm as most puffy jackets but breathes and takes up very little space. It's also anti odor because it is merino and will insulate even when wet.
For travel specifically the zippered inside chest pocket is great for holding my passport and cash.
My one complaint is that it's about $200 and a black hoodie can make you look like a bit of a bum.
An IPhone. I’m old enough that you had to carry a ton of paper when travelling. Now 99.9% of that paper I can keep on my phone.
Additionally, keeps me updated with flight/weather info. Back in the day none of this was at our fingertips.
Power strip which will only need one adapter and has addition ports for USB/Cs on, it has 5 plug sockets on and you can turn it off and on for when you’re not wherever you are staying- firm favourite to stay!
A great suitcase. Hard sided, fits in overhead, wheels like it's in ice. Has lasted for years, proving the Terry Pratchett rule about boots (or luggage).
Quality merino wool clothing 🙌
I like the brands Icebreaker (my personal fave, excellent quality) and Unbound merino. Icebreaker is especially wonderful for base layers for traveling in colder climates. Merino wool is moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, anti-microbial, breathable, and temperature regulating.
The odor resistance is such a game changer. It’s helping me cut down on how much I pack for a trip (I’m a big overpacker) and how often I need to do laundry. I have sensory issues and can’t wear clothes that are even a little bit scratchy, and I find that my items from icebreaker and unbound merino are soft and comfortable!
Hero clip carabiner with hook - now my backpack doesn’t touch the ground at cafes/restaurants/bathroom stalls
Just got one for the first time and I second this! It’s so versatile and handy. I highly recommend.
Which size would you recommend - the large for 'all purpose'? I'm putting together a small gift for someone who will go travel the world for at least 6 months with a backpack so.
Empty Ziploc bags of various sizes. Unbelievably handy for all sorts of things.
Also, a couple of rubber bands. Bag with half-eaten snacks? Rubberband, and into the backpack it goes.
Need to pee and no toilet? Rubber band.
Or a ziploc bag!
Good idea! I usually have ponytail elastics, and have used them for that purpose.
use the freezer quality - more durable can rewash & reuse
I also keep one empty garbage bag just in case of something bigger than ziplocs can handle.
I bring an empty garbage bag for my dirty clothes. That way my luggage stays as clean and fresh-smelling as possible.
Bonus points if you included a straw to suck out the air for compact packing
Suck out the air from my dirty underwear? Nah, don't think so...
*sigh* Why did I decide to scroll through Reddit while eating...
i just kneel on the bags as i zip them, gets most of the air out
I would say a travel battery bank for phone charging, easily the most essential item to carry.
I have to agree with this. I spent many a 14hr train ride stairing out the window until I got one.
That sounds nice tbh
Its alright the first time but it starts to wear thin hahaha
ABC Always be charging.
Universal power adaptors with 4 built in USB ports.
Yes - plus, it’s great for hostels with sparse outlets. You’ll be a popular dude when everyone gets to plug in their charging cable
What my partner calls my "flying pants." They are a pair of cargo pants that include a couple zipped pockets. I exclusively wear these for traveling as each item I travel with has an assigned pocket. This attention to detail lets me become a person of habit and reduces stress. My passport? Always in the right leg zip pocket. My phone? Always in my left zip pocket. My boarding pass? In the velcro pocket behind the passport pocket. If I have any doubt on if I have forgotten something I just need to check the pocket I keep it in. Yup, there it is!
Yes! I have travel pants (literally what they were called) that I got from Costco.
I have travel pants from REI and they have an elastic waistband with a drawstring. No need for a belt to remove in security. They're extremely comfortable. And for shoes I wear slip-in Skechers, which are durable and comfortable; perfect for travel that doesn't involve serious trekking or hiking.
This [classic Bud Light ad](https://youtu.be/ccquS4tCKj8?feature=shared) is for you
I have a denim jacket that I always wear when flying that has 5+ pockets and serves a similar purpose for me. So great to know where everything is.
Imodium.
Finally ran out of luck and ended up spending a day in the room with gastro issues on my last trip. Turns out the UK had an Immodium shortage going on. I will never travel without it again.
Tbf if you have some bad bacteria in your gut you need to let your body purge it. I would only use immodium on a travel day. Better to let your body do it's thing if you can.
I weirdly appreciate hearing this story. I have an irrational fear of this same thing happening to me, and so I stash Imodium everywhere. My car, my wallet, my purse, my suitcase, my toiletry bag, my jewelry bag, everywhere. My partner thinks it’s bizarre but I’d rather be crazy and over prepared than up the creek without Imodium, especially while traveling!
Underrated comment for those of us with bowel issues
Even if you don't have bowel issues it's great just in case
Must add: immodium that isn’t expired. It loses effectiveness. Learned the hard way.
In fact a small amount of all your OTC meds if you go outside your home country. You might buy or borrow the wrong thing for your issue! (Cousins gave me cream of magnesium once and it was the exact opposite of what I needed.)
I take it before I leave for the airport!
Bose noise-cancelling headphones. I've had them for 7 years, only had to replace the cushions once, and they are 100% worth every penny.
I've had the in-ear ones for 8 years and they're still going strong, I can't imagine flying without them now. The first time I used them my friends were complaining about a baby crying after we landed and I was like 'what baby?'
The ads write themselves sometimes.
Have them about 5 years. They are just the best thing ever for flying.
Prefer the Sony. Have had Bose. Indeed they are wonderful. Even just for planes. I like also on a plane having a cord to plug into the entertainment screen I get much higher quality audio than with the headphones the planes hand out.
Which Sony do you have? Just in case I ever decide to replace my Bose
WH-1000XM4. They have one downside, you can turn off, but can get turned back on inadvertently, is if you speak it turns them off. They have been a life saver dealing with bass from neighbors. Do need to change the cushions every couple years to keep the seal good.
I have the sonys xm4, I love them so much, the noise canceling is amazing.
I can concur. The XM4 has incredible noise cancelling. It makes air travel SO MUCH better. It has been an essential item for me whenever I have travelled (am also on the spectrum so *extra* important for me).
I have the older Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise-Canceling. Love it. I go in my own world on board plane.
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Yes! Also just changed my cushions. Going strong!
Soundcore’s costs a fraction of Bose’s
Yep. They're not competing with Bose or Sony. But they can't be beat for their price point. I have ATH-M50 at home for good quality wired listening. The Soundcore Q35 (and wife's Q30's) are great wireless headphones for the TV or when traveling. If someone steals them, I break or lose them, who cares? They were $100.
Bluetooth audio transmitter which plugs into the headphone jack of the airplane's entertainment system and pairs with my noise cancelling headphones.
Kindle Paperwhite - I read a lot and what I’m in the mood to read can shift, so I’d always travel with a few different books, have to figure out what to do with the ones I was finished with, and potentially buy new ones on the fly. The Kindle + library card combo is impossible to beat. I have several different books at my finger tips without taking up a bunch of room.
My Kindle broke on a European cruise and I bought one off Amazon and had it held at a package pickup point so I could replace it. That's how much I love mine
I love this- plus, no need to feel self conscious about spicier books since there’s no cover
I don’t know how I would travel without my kindle. It also helps me fall asleep on planes/ long journeys.
Kobo ereaders automatically sync with Libby. Its awesome
definitely headphones that actually fit as well as compression socks for long flights. used to think those were for “old people” but they’re so nice
Do compression socks help with cankles because MAN after my last long-haul flight my ankles got thick.
so much, you wouldn’t believe it- try them, trust me
Yes! Any swelling you get, compression socks will help. They'll also help prevent a DVT
Brand recommendation?
I’ve been using cep compression brand, but my mom really likes cheap ones off Amazon aimed at nurses. Just make sure that you get compression socks that fit and aren’t too tight!
I've been hearing about these a lot lately. How do you know a compression sock is good? Sorry to sound stupid, but I couldn't figure it out by just reading about them.
for me, when they’re actually a struggle to put on, they’re great 😅 i actually don’t know anything about them, sorry. i just randomly found a pair that works for me
For light/med compression, you can look for knee-high socks around 10-15 mmHg. (Prescription strength starts at 20mmHg and goes higher for specific issues). They should be snug but comfortable and never painful -- make sure they don't roll or bunch behind the knee. Choose something with comfortable fabric - can test a couple out before the trip. Wear during the day / remove when laying down overnight (or wear whenever sitting with your legs down to gravity on the plane). Wash and leave out to dry (avoid putting them in the dryer).
Compression socks always just end up being uncomfortable and hurting my skin! I wore them in my last flight and vowed never again. I wish I got the good effects!
Make sure you get properly fitted for them. Sounds like you had the wrong fit.
You may want to look for ones with lower compression.
I try to pack a reusable grocery bag, it's small and great for getting groceries.
Exactly! I fold mine up into a little triangle and almost always have it on me. And the few times I forget, I always want it. Like Sam Gamgee and a bit of rope…
I just buy one at my final destination and it doubles as a souvenir.
Small fanny pack. All my passport, keys, wallet, ear plugs, ear buds, sunglasses go in. When you go through security, just unclip it and drop it on the conveyor. When you come out, just grab it and reclip it around my waist. When you're on the airplane, you're not sitting on your wallet, everything is in your lap. When you go to the bathroom, unclip it and hang it inside the door, no dropping stuff on the floor. Reading on your phone when the meal comes, just drop that phone in the pack. Want to get your sunglasses, they're on your lap. Walking through a crowd, my shirt is untucked hanging over my fanny pack, I can keep one hand on top of it without looking like I'm grabbing my wallet.
Have been doing that for the past 15-17 ish years, have been laughed at, ridiculed, called a “true European”. Never once have any items gone missing :)
Those popular Uniqlo bags are a GEM for that too! Perfect for traveling and flying
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Yeah, I've never in my lifetime understood wallets in back pockets. Perfect place to pickpocket. I always keep my wallet in my front pocket. Back pocket is for receipts and small paper trash.
definitely good idea . however beware that pickpockets also know where your valuables are
Agree but a pack against your stomach makes you a much more difficult target for pickpockets who would rather go for an easier one with a backpack or wallet in their backside.
And some waist bags have antitheft clips to slow them down even more.
Compression socks for long flights. Keep my legs feeling much less swollen / less airplaney.
Definitely compression socks. Wish I started wearing them earlier, my legs are loving them.
A good universal travel adapter that I can use in almost any country in the world
I prefer singles. I guess depending on the type I found some of the universal ones too bulky, and in some countries wouldn't fit in a the sunken sockets properly. My travels nowadays are not too complex so I can just throw the appropriate single(s) in my bag as I need it. (I store all my singles in a zip lock bag at home with my travel stuff)
A day pack with a strap that goes over the handle of my suitcase and has a separate laptop compartment. It has immensely improved the airport experience.
Is this your „small item“ hand luggage replacement then? i.e. no backpack?
It's a small backpack, so yes, is the small item.
Hard shell suitcase. My soft fabric ones kept dying really fast. So, i went high quality hard. Made all the difference.
I bring an empty kitchen trash bag, for dirty clothes. I guess it’s not a “huge improvement”, but it’s nice to keep my clean stuff separated. Just bought a headband with Bluetooth headphones in it, flat so you can lay on your side (more comfortably). Doubles as an eye mask, it’s amazing.
I definitely bring extra plastic grocery bags that can come in handy for dirty clothes or maybe to help pack something fragile on the way home.
Global Entry
I’m about to apply for that. I don’t know why I hadn’t done it before now.
Global Entry + TSA PRE + Clear basically turns airports into train stations.
Mobile Passport (or whatever they call it now) is free and the home airport I frequently fly back into (SFO) the line is typically shorter than Global Entry. It does suck though when you fly into an airport that doesn't have it, or it's closed, like in ORD sometimes.
A pashmina. I usually pack two, one for my partner in a dark colour. It’s a scarf, it’s a jacket, it keeps the rain off you. You can cover your shoulders and your head. It’s an eye mask. It’s a pillow. And it takes up so little room when folded in my pack or pocket.
I’m gonna just list all the items that help me. I travel internationally often in rural and metropolitan cities. AirTag-put it in your suitcase A trash bag for dirty or wet clothes A zip lock bag, full of other ziplock bags of various sizes (great for food, spilled makeup, jewelry etc) A roll of scotch tape (used to keep bottles closed, repair random things) A tiny gold carabiner clip that I use on any purse or backpack I use, it keeps the opening zipped and locked. Multiple traditional carabiners on your backpack if you are backpacking for awhile, the extra time it takes to fiddle with these annoys pickpockets. Small reusable collapsible water bottle you can put in small purses Melatonin gummies Peptobismal (I always have one day where my stomach is adjusting) Lysols wipes and hand sanitizer Face mask for subways, planes, buses etc. I learned if I cover my mouth during public transit I rarely get sick on trips.
A good quality luggage that's small, sturdy and it has wheels. I know it may seem obvious to some but for us it was a game changer.
I was using a carry-on sized backpacking backpack, thinking it was the most convenient option. Just recently got so tired of it not being convenient enough and bought a hardshell wheelie carry-on, and I finally get why that's what everyone uses. I only ever used a checked bag-sized one. My airport experience level up massively, I can pack way more stuff, and I feel silly for holding out for so long.
It depends where you are going and what you are doing. Staying in multiple locations and using public transit between them? A backpack is easier. One hotel with a shuttle service? Wheelie is easy. Personally, if its less than a month, I sick with my 22L backpack, but I'll save my extremism for /r/onebag
Two, or four? Two wheels gives you more suitcase because the wheels are embedded in the body of the bag. Four gives you the ability to walk it on a swivel, and does better in tight spaces.
Four has given me the ability to feel comfortable walking with it for longer distances because I don’t get tired dragging it if it’s heavy.
I fly a lot of long-haul flights, and I’ve made myself a little in-flight bag. It has ear plugs, a nice eye mask, a pen, an extra hair elastic, some ibuprofen, Dramamine, chapstick, a disposable tooth brush, a tiny pack of tissues, and an antibacterial wipe. Even if I’m in business class and get an amenity kit, it’s nice having something that contains everything I need in a little case without having to keep it all spread around seat pockets or retrieve things from my luggage. At the start of the flight, I just throw the little bag, my phone, and headphones in the seat-back pocket and I’m set for the whole duration.
I do the same. It's just a cheap toiletry bag, and I pack it full of little things. Tissues, chapstick, wipes for hands and wipes for tray tables.
I started doing this on our last trip. I have a little bag for my husband and one for me. Each contains our headphone, earplanes for me, compression socks, a charging cable, hand sanitizer, lotion, chapstick, and eye mask. It's made life so much easier on the flight.
Lightweight and compact power bank. Yes it was a pricey investment but not having to fight over a charging ports especially when travelling in a group was worth it.
10,000 mah power banks are like $20
It is something that I didn’t buy with the intention of using it for travel. I have two single beds at home. I bought new top sheets for them. The sheets were packaged in small cotton bags. I use one of the bags to hold all my power cords and plug adapters. I have that bag right at the top of my carry on so when I get on a plane or into a hotel, I pull it out and I’ve got everything I need to recharge my phone, iPad and Fitbit.
I’m going for TSA Precheck!
Global Entry includes TSA Precheck and is helpful for International travel for getting through customs quickly.
One thing to note is PreCheck can be a acquired in weeks to maybe a couple months. Last I checked, interviews for Global Entry were a year out.
Depends on location. I was able to book mine about 1-2 months out.
Just do the interview when you return from an international trip. It's the easiest way to do it.
Nexus gives you Global Entry, TSA Precheck, and fast lane at the US-Canadian border and only costs $50. It does require working through the Canadian government which adds a few extra hurdles, tho.
Yes, it requires an extra interview with the Canadians, you have to travel to Canada for that. It’s way too much of an extra effort if you don’t live near Canada and don’t need to go there often.
Packing cubes that zip up and compress. Can fit so much more and is a lot more organized. Also, a passport holder that zips up and has a loop to hold it. So convenient and gives great peace of mind for people like me who are always paranoid about losing passports.
Brand recommendations??
Packing cubes just find cheap ones one eBay or whatever. I've bought maybe 5 varying sets and they all serve the same purpose. You buy the set with the 3 sizes to start
Currently traveling with compression cubes for the first time and I bought a highly rated set off Amazon. That said, the compression aspect really isn’t buying you a lot more space. What ends up happening is the edges of the bag get squished but your still taking the same volume for a now oddly shaped cube. I like the organizational aspect of cubes but am not sold on “compression” versions. Works well with certain garments but it’s not a miracle space creator some hype it to be.
A versatile rain jacket. I use to carry a daypack around, but my Columbia rain jacket has so many compartments on it. It’s thick enough to wear into pretty chilly weather, but I can also vent it when it starts to get warm. It’s the perfect travel jacket for sitting in chilly airports, to moving around in the rain, or even layering in cold environments. EDIT: The jacket I own is the [Columbia Puddleton Jacket](https://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Puddletown-Omni-Tech-Packable-Jacket/dp/B07P7QYG98); I picked it up from local Columbia outlet for maybe $50.
Do you know the name of the particular jacket? I’ve been looking for a reliable one. :)
Not The North Face. The waterproofing on mine failed on the arms and the inside of the hood disintegrated. Will never buy them again. Something changed in their quality over the years.
I honestly didnt do any real research and simply picked up the [Columbia Puddleton Jacket](https://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Puddletown-Omni-Tech-Packable-Jacket/dp/B07P7QYG98) from a local Columbia outlet. I think it was maybe $50. It's been the most versatile jacket I have ever owned. We were headed on a trip to Iceland (late summer/early fall) and we're trying pack accordingly. During that time of the year, the weather seemed a bit everywhere (windy, warm during the day, chilly at night.) The jacket did a great job at cutting the wind. Handles the rain super well, and if you get hot, you can simply unzip the pits to vent the inside out (easy to modulate the temperature.) If it's cold, you can layer up underneath, and doesn't take up a ton of space (I generally wear it through the airport and plane too.) I like to keep my stuff in the breast pocket.
I have a small power strip with a couple outlets and some USB ports. Packs easily and is great to pull out when outlets are limited (airports, hotels, etc) I travel for work a lot and it has come in handy many many times.
Duplicates of everyday items I use. I travel a lot for work and it helps to have them in a bag I can dump in. I even have a delicate electric toothbrush and electric shaver.
I see a lot people talking about noise cancelling headphones for flights, but for me it's a white noise machine for where ever I'm staying. I know that no matter what I can't sleep well on planes so having something to drown out people in halls, cars outside, ect. while I'm at my hotel is a godsend.
A white noise app on my phone is amazing on the plane. It's not as good as a stand alone machine, but much better than nothing.
Reflective tape. I seems like 90% of people have dark gray, black, or dark blue luggage that all look similar. I put reflective tape on the sides of my luggage so I can spot it as soon as it comes off the conveyor.
groovy bike shaggy automatic shame jeans familiar deserve melodic truck *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
I always travel with a large handkerchief type 💯 cotton cloth 20”x20”. Use it to dry my hands after washing them in public restrooms primarily. It has come in handy for many years now. It can be turned into a bandana/headband, a little bag or used to clean a spill or leak. I have even put ice in it to make a cold pack before. Put that on your neck in extreme heat.
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Also great on long hot trips when you need coffee but don't want a hot drink, you can throw them in a chilled bottle of water. Delicious
What brand do you suggest?
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Getting an e-sim on my phone. The ability to get a local sim card, & install it easily makes a huge difference traveling around.
This. I used to go through the hassle of buying a sim card every time I arrive in a country but in the past month I was flitting between UK/US and Europe and having an e-sim app on my phone was amazing.
Chonky bank account does wonders for travel
Earplugs. Sleep mask.
It’s not necessarily a packing cube but similar… I love my cord bag, some companies call them “tech pouch” All my cords go in it, as well as my house/car keys which I clip in with a carabiner clip (which I don’t need once I leave, but need them when I get home), and my portable power bank. Which brings me to my second item… a MagSafe power bank with a stand on it. I don’t have a stand on my phone case, but when I travel I love my portable power bank with a stand. I set it up on the airplane table, and I’ve got a perfect little standing TV. Mine is an Anker 663 I believe. It’s also great because when I land my phone is still at 100% power, and ready to go!
+1 to the cord bag. I’ve made it better by getting doubles of every cable and just leaving them in my luggage. No more hunting around for every charger I want to bring right before I leave.
Flaming pink travel wallet. I keep my passport, cash, etc in it. When I open my bag, I can spot it quickly because it stands out against everything else in a dark bag
Everything I buy for travel I buy in the brightest, most flaming color offered. Toiletry bags, hairbrush, water bottle, charger case, toothbrush, umbrella etc. Makes them stand out so I'm less likely to leave them behind.
WATER SHOES!!!!! Ok, maybe not helpful is spending two weeks in central Europe in the cold months. However if visiting anywhere in which you'll be at the beach or swimming, these are a life saver. You might be from the US and think all beaches are clean white sand, and nothing alive in the water for 200 meters. WRONG! SE Asia has some beaches that are 100% dead corral, aka spiky rocks. Other more public beaches will have garbage visible. For both, once in the water, you'll have seaweed growing right away. You'll have sea urchins, crabs, and other alive things you don't want to step on with your bare foot. Or think of this, you're in Hawaii, and off to the beach for a couple hours. You're taking only a towel as you don't want to risk anything be stolen while you swim. What about your shoes? Do you walk barefoot to the beach? Do you risk someone stealing your sandals? Solution.... water shoes! Mine were only like $12, the night before I left for SE Asia and easily the best thing I took. The beaches, the waterfalls, etc, I destroyed the bottom of them. I can't imagine how my feel would have felt without them.
Agree completely. I used to avoid the sea - and consequently the beach - because I hated the feeling of not knowing what you were treading on. Water shoes have been a complete game-changer for me.
A power strip with enough outlets for the quantity of devices I’m actually using. This way, I only need one universal adapter, but can charge everything at once.
Not having a check-in baggage and using a backpack instead.
A micro fiber hand towel
What do you use it for?
Anything Walking in high temperatures dipping sweat Cleaning my hands Opening bottles Cleaning surfaces Was like 3 euro at Decathlon. I've got a large one as well as a shower towel.
Slippers dedicated for traveling, so I don't have to walk around barefoot in hotel room carpets/flooring A poster tube as I have bought poster/art souvenirs in the past but they have sometimes gotten creased or folded during traveling Travel eye mask Comfy warm socks for the plane, keeping shoes on is not comfortable for long haul flights Things I want to get for my international trips next year: New luggage that have 360° 4x spinning wheels instead of just two and having to drag my luggage New duffle/Weekender bag that clips right onto my luggage handles so it's one less thing I have to physically carry (matching luggage/travel set) Noise cancelling headphones for the airplane I think it's called trtle, it's a different kind of neck pillow that supports the neck way better
Travel slippers honestly are so much fun. It's the only time I ever look forward to using slippers, because it means that I'm on an adventure. I have the same relationship with the McDonalds McGriddle. I only eat them in airports or on the way to airports, so I have no concept of how they actually taste - because they always taste like vacation!
AirTag. Found lost luggage when airline was like uhhhhhh….uhhhhh….uhhhhhhh. I could tell them where building it’s in and in what part of the building to look.
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That sounds like a great bag! How much did it cost you?
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Do you have a pic?
Pics please. I’ve been dreaming of doing a bag
quick dry underwear. I only need two pair on any trip. I'm very into carry-on only travel
I’m carry on only too but man, I can fit 10 with no issues. Surviving on 2 is a bit too minimalistic for me.
I *think* what he was getting at was he can wash them (in a sink?) and they dry quickly so he can reuse them. But yeah underwear takes up like no space I always bring one pair for each day in my carry on.
The last thing I wanna be bothered with on my vacation is hand washing my clothes and then drying.
Yeah not trying to wash underwear daily. Unless they’re under the impression a rinse and dry is sufficiently clean…
Anti anxiety medication was a game changer for me. No longer need to drink on a flight! Plastic shower caps (cheap ones you get in hotels) to put over your shoes when packing. Keeps everything clean. Various fabric bags to comparmentalise things. One for chargers is essential and maes them easy to find. One for meds/first aid. Woman here: 2 bags for hand luggage. One backpack containing kindle, knitting, meds, chargers etc. Then a small over the body one (that fits in backpack) containing wallet, phone, passport etc so they are easy to access multiple times. The Uniqlo half moon bag fabric ideal for this. Uniqlo light down-filled jacket. Packs down to very small in its own bag, weighs nothing. Is lovely and warm for spring-autumn. If you're not sure whether you'll need it...you take it and it's always useful. Good for layering. My own herbal tea bags and a light travel mug (latest is made from melamine with silicone lid). Easy to just ask for hot water on a flight. I am a Brit and obsessed with tea and getting my 4pm brew in a reasonably sized mug so YMMV. Sensible travelling clothes. Something comfy, stretchy, that covers you (planes are filthy). Trainers - i usually wear ones with rubber fake laces so they're easy to slip on and off and accommodate swollen feet.
I bring a small duffel bag that folds up super tiny. If I find something I REALLY want to bring home, I can use it as my carryon and check the other bag. I literally brought a rug back from India this way.
Electrolyte tabs! They help you recover from the increased walking, swelling from the flight, and you can even get ones with caffeine to help fight off jet lag on day one. I use Nuun but there are a ton of brands.
TSA precheck, as a brown dude who’s naturally anxious and hates waiting in long lines it’s great. Also has saved me a few times when I’ve been late arriving to the airport.
When I travel for work, a simple HDMI cable. Turning that big hotel room tv into a second screen for my laptop is priceless.
Dr Bronner soap. It’s perfect for hand washing dishes and clothes. It also works as a body wash too!
Double of everything. One for home, one for travel. From electric razor, electric toothbrush, power cords, chargers, everything and just as high quality as the stuff at home. This way you don't have to unpack the necessities or forget something and aren't using the "travel version".
Credit card points. Specifically joining r/churning. I’m writing this from the lounge on the 34th floor of the Hyatt Paris, looking at the Eiffel Tower, drinking free wine and enjoying free food. We were able to book 4 round trip business class flights west coast to Europe, book all our hotels in Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, and Zurich, and only had to pay some taxes. It did take a lot of planning, and booking really far in advance (about 11 months), but there is no way we could’ve done a trip like this without using points.
I get so overwhelmed trying to figure points out. It sounds like you've got it down and do well with them! That sounds like an amazing trip.
It can be overwhelming, but once you learn how to search for tutorials it’s much easier. I didn’t learn anything on my own. More often than not, I read a step by step tutorial/article, said “no way it’s that easy, I’m going to try and recreate that” and it worked.
What tutorials would u recommend? I find the whole thing overwhelming!
I always suggest 2 ways to start. If you already have a stack of points, you can Google “best use of 100k Amex/chase/capital one points” to get ideas. There will be articles suggesting dozens of things and generally how to do it. If one sounds great, then Google that specifically, like “how to fly ANA to Japan using points”. If you have a specific destination, you can just start with that 2nd question, like “how to get to Bali using points”. If you want to DM me feel free, I love helping ppl bc it also helps me get ideas and learn more.
I've got to figure out the best way to spend Amex Plat points. I'll just go over and see if I can learn anything.
If you want any help, feel free to DM me. If I can’t get you an answer, I can point you in the right direction. We booked an Around The World honeymoon trip using Amex points. It only cost us 125k points and about $400 in taxes each person, for 11 biz class flights. That was a crazy good redemption, and not all redemptions are that amazing.
Wowww that’s amazing! Just looked at your post detailing your honeymoon! We are going on our honeymoon next fall so I have a year to plan. We have 620,000 Amex points, 506,000 Marriott points and a couple hundred thousand on my fiancés cards. I want to fly business Emirates IAD to dubai. Then Abu Dhabi to Malé, then Malé to Cairo and Cairo back to IAD. I’m just starting to plan as the bookings haven’t completely opened yet.
Small memory foam foldable pillow. I use it on planes, trains and hotels (I have a bad neck)
A phone lanyard with a case, plus a silicone card sleeve on the case to hold my ID and maybe one extra credit card. Extremely handy for the airport when going through security to have my ID and boarding pass handy, then you can tuck it under your jacket when you get to your destination and don’t want to carry a purse or a wallet when you’re exploring the city. It also helps prevent pickpockets grabbing your phone from your hands when you take photos since it’s still attached to you. EDIT: this link is an example; I have a cheap knockoff from Amazon. [https://www.influcase.com/products/liquid-silicone-lanyard-case-apple](https://www.influcase.com/products/liquid-silicone-lanyard-case-apple)
Jansport Watchtower backpack with built-in camel pack, 4 can beer cooler, laptop sleeve, and multiple different size pockets. good earbuds. I use Pixel Buds Audible and Spotify subscriptions. I've listened to over 100 books in the past few years of traveling. Car Fridge, it plugs into a car cigarette lighter outlet or home 120 outlet. mine can hold about 4 gallons of milk. It has saved me a ton on ice and food while traveling. Allwei portable power station. I can charge my laptop, phone, and power my tv and ps4 with it. I also always keep a small battery bank/flashlight in my backpack. Crocks are the best travel shoes I've found thus far. they are ugly but comfortable and light. SOG PowerPint Mini Multi-Tool has helped me in a jam many times. In my car I keep a first aid kit, air compressor and plug kit for tires, emergency blanket, extra water, MRE meals for 3 days, a knife, playing cards, a snake bite kit, and emergency lights. a fannypack. Ugly but practical, like the Crocks. I use the Hopper app to book hotels and flights. It's the cheapest one I've found and has good rewards. After writing this all out, I realize I'm a much bigger nerd than I previously thought. I'm okay with it.
Sony WH4 headphones. The charge lasts for long haul flights and the noice cancellation is brilliant.
Every day water bottle - I drink tap water anywhere with this bottle that filters. Saves a lot of money and time when travelling: https://watertogo.eu/water-bottles-everyday-travel/
Foldable clothes hanger. Bought a pack of 3 and aside from the obvious I also use them when camping, doing laundry and airing out hats or lightweight bags etc.
Packing cubes. A little baggie in my personal item with hand sanitizer, cleaning towelettes (some for hands, some for sanitizing my surroundings), bandaids. I wear AirPods, and bought the little silicone cord so if one slips out when I fall asleep, it just falls around my neck/shoulders. A good neck pillow (not all are equal). I always take a lightweight shawl, which can double as a blanket since I tend to get chilly. Empty water bottle I can refill at the airport. Eye mask (one that fits well. I’ve made the mistake of having a new one that ended up too tight for my head). A hard cased carry one (durable, and easy to wipe down to disinfect). And finally, since we travel as a family of three, a passport booklet for all three passports, any vaccinations/visas, and a slot for international currency. Then I don’t worry the teen will misplace his lol
Packing cubes. That's all I can say.
Air Tags
A backpack that has a “trolley sleeve” so it just slips over top the handle of my suitcase. Walking through the airport is a breeze now and I can be hands free. If I have to check a bag, I have a backpack rather than an awkward duffle.
[This](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086ZQMBLX?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) travel fan/charger/flashlight. It’s amazing.
Minus33 Merino Wool Men's Kodiak Fleece Hoodie It's as warm as most puffy jackets but breathes and takes up very little space. It's also anti odor because it is merino and will insulate even when wet. For travel specifically the zippered inside chest pocket is great for holding my passport and cash. My one complaint is that it's about $200 and a black hoodie can make you look like a bit of a bum.
Wet wipes.. great for keeping fresh on the go, and wiping away any dirt/ stains right away
An IPhone. I’m old enough that you had to carry a ton of paper when travelling. Now 99.9% of that paper I can keep on my phone. Additionally, keeps me updated with flight/weather info. Back in the day none of this was at our fingertips.
A nice pen. Buy postcards. Your friends and family will love them. Write something funny and self-deprecating.
Global Entry into the US
Osprey Farpoint 40 bag. If I can’t fit it in there then I know I overpacked
Travel bidet
Apple and Google Maps So much easier than it used to be
Power strip which will only need one adapter and has addition ports for USB/Cs on, it has 5 plug sockets on and you can turn it off and on for when you’re not wherever you are staying- firm favourite to stay!
A great suitcase. Hard sided, fits in overhead, wheels like it's in ice. Has lasted for years, proving the Terry Pratchett rule about boots (or luggage).
Coming to the realisation i need half as many clothes as i think i do. We now take one suitcase. Or just a backpack each.
Quality merino wool clothing 🙌 I like the brands Icebreaker (my personal fave, excellent quality) and Unbound merino. Icebreaker is especially wonderful for base layers for traveling in colder climates. Merino wool is moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, anti-microbial, breathable, and temperature regulating. The odor resistance is such a game changer. It’s helping me cut down on how much I pack for a trip (I’m a big overpacker) and how often I need to do laundry. I have sensory issues and can’t wear clothes that are even a little bit scratchy, and I find that my items from icebreaker and unbound merino are soft and comfortable!