The 14 best travel essentials for international trips

Travel is my favorite way to stay consistent. Variety is great, but I’m not a fan of changing things up. top essentials Each trip. It’s unlikely that I’ll be wringing my hands over packing decisions if it’s a decision related to travel. As a travel journalist and gear reviewer for over a decade, i’ve tested hundreds products in simulations and real-world situations to identify the best-performing ones. Once a product is selected, I take it with me wherever I go, whether that’s cruising the Mediterranean Sea or trekking to Machu Picchu. 

It was a slow year for travel because I had to organize my wedding. I still managed to visit 12 countries, including Thailand where we “Thai”-ed the knot. Below are the 14 products that proved themselves again and again—all from Amazon. . under-$10 cable ties I keep my cords in order to splurge-worthy luggage No matter where I go or what the itinerary is, I always pack these items.

The Best Travel Essentials for International Travel Overall

Charming Compression Socks

More than 62,900 of the ratings are five-star. these compression socks Shoppers love them. They’ve heard about them either from their podiatrists and/or seen them worn by flight attendants. Swollen ankles and feet are not only unsightly but also painful. These socks definitely make a noticeable difference When I’m on long flights I use them, but I also used them this summer while hiking in Grand Teton National Parks and Yellowstone National Parks for research. Although they’re not made from a premium material, they last incredibly long for the price. They’re a little over a month old, but they haven’t yet developed a hole. 

Cadence Clear Parcel Kit, $59

You can also find out more about the following: Cadence ParcelIt is also worth it if you have the money. I use this bag as my quart sized bag to carry my toiletries. My husband and I honeymooned to Vietnam in October. Six Senses Con DaoZiploc bags are prohibited on the island. On the island, single-use plastic bags have been banned. Kenya and other countries have also banned single-use plastic bags. This “parcel’s” magnetic closure is what makes it so unique (no need to mess with zippers). It is made from a TPU that has been welded together, which means it doesn’t have any seams. 

Ummust Silicone Cable Ties

But I also love to stay in five-star hotels, where housekeepers always roll up charging cords. But when I have to do it myself—such as when my husband and I were on a shoestring budget in Poland a few months ago—I always use these silicone cable ties. It’s so popular that, in the past month, over 5,000 of them were bought on Amazon.com, where their average rating is a 4.7. These are strong, soft and stretchy enough to be doubled in length. You can choose from two lengths and a variety of colors. The pack with four colors is my favorite. You can establish a system for your cords (pink means GoPro, and green Apple Watch).Once you establish a system (pink is GoPro, green is Apple Watch, etc.), your cords will never be mixed up again. 

Topo Designs Mountain Utility Tote

Topo Designs was founded in a Colorado basement, but has now become so popular it is sold all over the world. My favorite Topo Designs bag is this utility tote That I use as my own personal item on flights. This tote has a cinch-top that can be adjusted to prevent spillage if it is flipped over to fit under the seat in front of you. This nylon bag is made of recycled material and is water-resistant.

Ekster Vacuum Travel Kit

I swear to you packing cubes When it comes to saving space and staying organized, I turn to these durable compression bags These bags come with a cordless mini vacuum that can remove even more air. Because I like to shop a lot, I pack at least one bag. However, when I was skiing in the Dolomites, I brought at least three. The bags compressed so thinly that you wouldn’t guess that they held my parka and chunky knit sweaters as well as my snowpants! I was initially concerned about traveling with my mini vacuum. However, it’s small enough to fit into the pocket of my pants and it also comes with an easy-to-carry carrying case. 

Anker Laptop Power Bank

Last March I was able to help with a project that involved manta-ray research in the Maldives. We spent hours in the boat. this best-selling power bank My phone, GoPro, and watch were all charged. It has built-in cables that can be used as a strap and charge up to 4 devices at once. It’s never been a problem getting it through TSA. (Except for one occasion when we were not allowed to use or store power banks during flight, and had to put them in the overhead bin). Let’s just say that it’s a great deal to grab while they’re on sale. 

Rumpl Travel Puffy Blanket

Last week I flew with AirAsia from Tokyo to Bangkok on a 8-hour flight. It was so cold in the cabin that many passengers rented blankets, at AirAsia’s expense. They had to return them long before landing. I was fortunately comfortable and cozy, wrapped up in my favorite Rumpl travel blanket.

It is compact and has a clip, so I can use it as a cape. It takes up the same amount of space as a small water bottle in its stuff bag, which has a clip to attach it to your backpack.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

My dog’s years are based on the age of a dog. Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Has to be nearing 45. This was important when I went to Kenya on safari this summer and took bush planes which could only fit soft-sided luggage. Cotopaxi Allpas come in a variety of colors. Every pack will get you compliments. Every pack The following are some of the reasons why you should consider hiring someone else The mesh organizers are built into the bag and it opens up like a suitcase. This is a great feature at airports when you need to remove your laptop, liquids and electronics. There are few things that slow down a line more than trying to locate items in top loading bags. 

Cloud 5 Women’s Sneakers

More than 400 pairs of shoes were purchased in the past month. On Cloud 5 Sneakers are far from being couture. But there are still many reasons to wear them. The shoes have On’s trademark speed-lacing as well as patented CloudTec padding and Swiss style. They are convenient, comfortable and cool. They are stylish enough to wear to Paris where I walked an average of 10 miles a day during both of my visits to the City of Light. When I went to Paris in January, they paired well with my blue trousers. Du/er jeans You can also find out more about the following: black fleece-lined tights. I wore them on my romantic August trip with my husband. my favorite travel dresses. 

Epicka Pulse Universal Adapter 45W

This power adapter is perfect for me. I am very picky when it comes to power adapters. (I had my computer catch fire once after plugging it into a socket on an Indian Ocean island. universal power adapter I have never been disappointed. The Epicka Pulse 45W is equipped with both USB-C ports and USB-A port to allow charging of up to five devices simultaneously. Epicka claims that this adapter will work in any country and, because it lacks a surge protector it won’t be confiscated by cruise ship companies. A two-year warranty is included for extra peace of mind. A handy carrying bag is included for convenience.  

Cadence Travel Containers

The home base I had in Japan this month was Yotel Tokyo Ginza. Space was limited in all microhotels. Few years ago, an airline attendant convinced me to splash out on these refillable magnetic travel containers This allowed me to arrange and stack all my toiletries in the small vanity. Japan is a place that relies on quality design to justify its high prices. I’m pleased to report that I’ve never had any issues with leakage and most Amazon shoppers agree these are worth the hype.

Monos Plus Carry-on

How much more rolling mileage do I have on my car? Monos luggage I’ve got more miles on my bike than I do on my car. I took it to New York City in September and rolled it on different terrains, from the 200-year old stone streets downtown, to the worn-out, smooth pavement at Times Square. Brands clearly do not spare any expense in creating their 360-degree spinner wheels. The ergonomic telescopic hand is comfortable and never gets stuck no matter how often I adjust (there are 4 different heights). Although it may not be the cheapest, keep in mind that it has a TSA approved combination lock, a removable compression padding and pockets, and is equipped with a TSA-approved locking system. Packing cubes are not necessary. 

Women’s casual dress with pockets by Misfay

I have several Misfay dresses that I love because of their versatility. Last February, I wore this one up for dinner at Rio PerdidoOne of Costa Rica’s most luxurious resorts. It was also worn down on the beach at Nosara. Why do I take it with me on trips to cooler climates as well? It’s so soft I use it for a nightgown. It is also worn over my swimming suit when I am going to the spa, the pool or the hotel. It even has a pocket for my room key and phone. But don’t just take it from me—this dress has more than 8,500 five-star ratings from happy Amazon shoppers. 

Nuun Energy Electrolyte Tabs

April didn’t bring me showers. It was in sunny South Africa that I checked out the new Spier Hotel T+L Review: here(in the Cape Winelands. We almost drowned our sorrows in wine, but we were able to stop ourselves. these electrolyte tablets, I also managed to stay hydrated thanks to healthy nutrients like calcium, potassium and ginseng. It also contains a small amount of caffeine to help with jet lag. Nuun Energy Tablets have received over 3,200 5-star reviews, so don’t take my word for this!

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter Each week, we will send you our top travel products.