Kate’s Travel Gear Guide
Recently, when advising my clients I have had many questions such as:
“What type of luggage do you have?”
“Any travel guides you would recommend?”
“What should I pack?”
“Can I plug in my electronics?”
This has inspired me to put together a list of travel gear that I have personally used in my travels.
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Luggage & Organization
Starting with my luggage, I absolutely LOVE my Delsey. I have a Silver hard side (easier to clean than a soft side), mid checked size (25”) that has been on SO many trips I can’t even count. My style (similar to the Helium Aero) has been discontinued, which shows how long it has lasted!
I also have the Chalet hard side carry on (seen below) and these are just beautiful.
Delsey’s are not cheap, because they are not a “one and done” suitcase. Choose a color you love, because you will have it for many years (and trips) to come.
I ALWAYS bring a backpack as my personal item on the plane, and I love my Travelon (in this Pewter color). It fits under the seat, has anti-theft features such as locking zippers, fits over the luggage handle, and so many compartments including a laptop sleeve. This backpack is perfect for me.
One of my must haves when travelling is my document holder. It keeps all my boarding passes, vouchers, itineraries, passports and all important information organized, secure and easily accessible. I could not travel without this!
**Kate Travel Tip** staying organized while travelling is my #1 piece of advice.
One year, my husband and I backpacked through the Amazon Jungle in Ecuador. Quite the adventure! Although we only used these backpacks on this one trip, they held up super well and fit much more than expected. They were comfortable to wear and still looked brand new when we returned.
I purchased the Nevo Rhino in teal
Yes, that is a dog in the Quito bus station
Marcus went with the Teton Sports Explorer 4000.
Inside my suitcases, you will always find packing cubes. I have had these Eagle Creek folders and cubes for years. They help you stay organized, keep clothes relatively unwrinkled and surprisingly increase your packing space.
My toiletry bag is awesome for the price. Marcus and I usually share, since mine holds a lot! I have used it on 4 trips so far and its holding up great. I went with the pink, but it also comes in 5 other colors.
***Kate Travel Tip***
Always pack a mini first aid kit… Tums, Band-aids, Advil, Dramamine, etc. Many times I have had to find a pharmacy and try to explain (typically with a language barrier) what I needed. Much easier to bring a little stash with you!
This can be packed in a check or carry on bag, but mind the liquids rule.
A Passport Holder is not necessity per se, and TSA/Customs will ask you to remove this while checking your passport. Still, I personally feel more comfortable knowing my passport is protected, and the case helps me to not lose it! Plus, they are so cute.
**Kate Travel Tip** keep a business card with your phone number inside your passport holder *just in case* it is lost.
It comes multiple colors (mine is this leather color and his is grey)
I love this cord organizer, which I keep in my personal item. It comes in so many colors and will hold charging cords, adapters and charging bricks. It doesn’t have a ton of space, but is compact enough to keep with me on the plane.
Electronics
Headphones are where Marcus and I differ. I bring my apple ear buds… they are compact, link to my phone, are Bluetooth, hold a long charge, easy to pack and convenient.
Marcus on the other hand prefers his Bose noise cancelling headphones (also Bluetooth). Although these are much larger to carry… I will say I was a little jealous of the comfy ear cushions and noise cancelling aspect.
To charge our items at our destination, we use a converter adapter.
***Kate Travel Tip***
Note the difference between a converter and adapter, and if your item is “smart” or “dumb.”
A converter will actually convert the voltage. This is important if you are visiting a country with 220. If you have a smart device (smartphone for example), it should auto convert and you can just use an adapter, which simply adapts the plug. A dumb device, such as a curling iron (on/off switch) will need the voltage adapted. A duel option is always safer. ALWAYS check the voltage your item can accept!!
A great trick I learned from a client is using Apple Air Tags! Put one in your luggage and track in case it is lost. Brilliant!
Clothes & Accessories
Jewelery
I do not typically travel with expensive jewelry, and these silicone rings are great. I do not worry about losing my wedding ring, they come in lots of colors, and are super comfortable to wear. They are also great for excursions, swimming and the gym!
I have also purchased a nice “fake” wedding set, if I want the look of something fancier but nothing too pricey.
Same goes for my necklaces… I bought this to wear on a trip and loved it so much, I wear it all the time (and have even bought as gifts!)
Clothes
I am definitely not a super fashionable person, but on my last trip to Thailand I lived in these rompers. They are lightweight, easy to pack, have pockets, are a great price and come in lots of colors & styles.
I usually also bring a scarf. This can dress up an outfit, double as a blanket on the plane and can also be used as a cover-up.
***Kate Travel Tip***
A lot of religious sites worldwide do require shoulders covered and long pants. Always pack something modest just incase, or else you will end up buying something!
Whatever your style, make sure to pack for the weather and culture of the destination you are visiting.
Comfortable shoes are also a must!
My Birkenstocks are my go to in warm weather, and my Uggs for cold, and good sneakers for all around.
Birkenstocks are great for hot climates like Thailand!
Barcelona & The Sagrada Familia can get chilly, 50-63 F in March.
Boots were needed for this SC girl!
Comfortable sneakers and extra legroom = happy travels
and waterfall excursions
Whatever shoe you prefer, make sure they are well broken in well before you travel!
Compression socks have recently become a must for me. After sitting on a plane for a long flight, I can definitely tell the difference wearing them. I got this 4 pack and while they are not the most comfortable things in the world, compression socks definitely help (especially on super long haul flights).
Miscellaneous
I always travel with my water bottle. This one is great and so inexpensive, I’m not stressed if I lose it on a trip. Water stations in the airport are free vs. expensive bottles water, and its great to take on excursions or by the pool.
