After months of full-time travel, I’ve figured out what I actually use versus what just takes up space in my bag. These are the items that have proven themselves worth carrying around the world. The things I reach for daily, the purchases I don’t regret, and the gear that’s made life on the road easier.
Quick note: This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means if you purchase through the Amazon links, I will earn a small commission. That being said — if you can purchase these products in person or second hand or not on Amazon, I highly recommend doing so :)
E-Reader
I absolutely adore my Kobo, I have the Kobo Clara BW. In the six months that I’ve had it, I’ve read for 155 hours. When you’re traveling, you’re rich in time in a way that you simply aren’t when you have a job and other responsibilities, so I decided I would get back into reading and create that habit. And it was the best decision ever.
An e-reader is a game-changer for long-term travel—you can carry hundreds of books without the weight. And I did a lot of research comparing the top e-readers, from Kobo to Kindle to Nook and more, and the Kobo Clara BW was the best option for me. It is at a great price point, perfect size, and you can buy it on Rakuten if you don’t want to support Amazon!
Water bottle
My water bottle, adorned with stickers, is my trusty sidekick that has been there through thick and thin for the past seven years. People say don’t bring your big-ass water bottle around or you’ll look like a tourist. Literally, so what? I am a tourist, and I did it when I lived in the States, so whatever. Sue me for wanting to be hydrated.
Mine is also a great conversation starter or something that people remember me by because of all of the stickers on it.
For me, 32 ounces (one liter) is the perfect size. Sadly, Simple Modern is discontinuing the Summit water bottle, so the next best bet is just a liter-sized Hydro Flask to keep you fully hydrated if you’re going to be out all day.
I feel like most people already have a solid water bottle, and there’s no need to buy a new one. As long as it’s big enough to keep you hydrated for at least a few hours, keeps things cold, and is either ergonomic to hold or fits in a backpack, you’re good to go!
Insurance
My mom owns a travel agency, so I’ve heard (and experienced) too many horror stories to travel without travel insurance. The problem is, when you’re traveling for so long, not too many places want to insure you. I spent so long researching for a travel insurance that would cover me indefinitely without breaking the bank. Then I found SafetyWing, which is an insurance agency started by digital nomads for other digital nomads. The insurance is billed on a monthly basis, and definitely gives me some ease of mind knowing I’m covered if something happens.
Toothbrush
I use the Phillips Sonicare One toothbrush, which packs super small and comes with two extra brush heads to keep you set for a few months. The thing I love most about this toothbrush is that it’s charged by a USB-C cable, something I already had in my travel kit, so there’s no extra cord to keep track of. One less thing to carry is always a win.
Jordan has a different Philips Sonicare model, this one, that’s technically a better toothbrush than mine—he got it as a gift. It takes up a little bit more space, especially since he has to carry around another cord and charging stand, but it’s definitely a more powerful toothbrush, and I feel like sometimes he gets a more intense clean than I do.
Backpack
There are a lot of different backpacks and suitcases you can get for traveling. I tend to stick to a backpack because, even though it can get pretty hot at times, it’s much preferable to me than carrying around my rolling suitcase over cobblestones and just being loud. That being said, I didn’t just want to stuff everything into a hiking backpack—I still wanted the packability and zip-openness of a suitcase, just to be able to have it on my back. That’s why I love my backpack so much.
I know that the ones specifically made for hiking are technically better on your back, but unless you’re actually backpacking through the mountains, I don’t think you really need it. Mine is never that heavy either—I need it to fit in the cabin with me, so the size limitations also limit the weight.
My backpack is only available at Decathlon stores, specifically this 40L Travel Backpack for those of you in Europe.
But for those elsewhere, I’ve done some research and found some pretty good alternatives that do the same thing and will fit in the cabin of most airlines!
My main criteria:
Fits (sometimes narrowly) to be classified as a carry-on that goes in the overhead bin, so you can still have a smaller backpack as your personal item
Has a waist strap to help distribute the weight from your shoulders
Opens like a suitcase for easy packing
Top alternatives:
Osprey 40L — Osprey is a very well known backpack brand, and you really can’t go wrong. The Farpoint 40L is designed specifically for travelers who want something between a hiking backpack and a suitcase. It’s a bit pricier than other options, but Osprey quality is incredible and they have a lifetime warranty.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L — This one is super cool because it’s made from recycled materials, and every bag has a unique color combination. The 35L is slightly smaller than the rest, but that could be a good thing to avoid any potential confrontations at the airport. Cotopaxi is also a B-Corp, so if sustainability matters to you (which, same), this is a great option.
Hynes Eagle — If you’re on a budget but still want a solid travel backpack, the Hynes Eagle is probably a good bet. Is it going to last you ten years? Probably not. But if you’re just starting out with travel or you’re not sure if the backpack life is for you, this is a low-risk way to test it out.
Cross-Body Purse
I love a crossbody, and personally, I think the Baggu Crescent Bags do a great job. I haven’t had any problems with mine falling apart, and I think I’ve worn it almost every day for two years. It’s great and secure for traveling.
I will say, I got mine off Depop, so I did not pay $50 for it. If you can find one for cheaper secondhand, I highly recommend it!
Tote Bag
Any tote bag that can fit your laptop and a little bit more is perfect. I think everyone has a tote bag, and if it’s lightweight, I highly recommend adding it to your travel kit. It’s great for airplanes, going to a cafe, or just going out for a quick walk if you need more than what can fit in just a small purse. I even have a tote bag for dirty laundry when I’m doing a lot of traveling or staying in hostels.
Reusable Grocery Bag
I didn’t think a reusable grocery bag would be as relevant as it is for me. I bought it when I first arrived in London last July, and now it comes with me to every grocery store or market that I go to. It’s a lot better than carrying around a bunch of plastic bags, and it’s even better than being caught with no bag at all in places that have banned plastic bags.
Seriously, so many countries have either banned plastic bags or charge for them, so having a lightweight reusable bag stuffed in my tote bag has been incredible. Plus, when you’re loading up on three kilos of vegetables at the local market, you need something sturdy to carry it all home.
Power Bank
A power bank is a known must-have for traveling. Now that our whole lives are on our phones, we don’t need to be getting stuck anywhere with a dead battery. I have two: one big power bank for longer trips or multiple charges, and a smaller one with a built-in cable that I can fit in my purse for day-to-day use.
The small one is perfect because there’s no extra cord to carry around—it’s all integrated. I can throw it in my crossbody bag and not even think about it. The bigger one lives in my backpack for travel days, long bus rides, or when I know I’ll be out all day and need to charge both my phone and Jordan’s.
Headphones
I’m a headphones girly through and through, I always have been. Plus, I have a daith piercing, so I can’t really wear earbuds (lowkey kicking my past self). But I love my headphones. I wear them to work out, watch movies in my hostel bed, and attend work meetings.
I use the JBL Tune 760s, I have also loved Beats, both are super good options. But if you can wear regular earbuds, you might like those even more. As much as I love my headphones, I sometimes feel a little bit silly walking down the street with them listening to a podcast. I really want a pair of earbuds with an ear hook, so they’re comfortable and actually stay in my ears. Maybe that’s my next purchase.
Journal
I don’t go anywhere without a journal. I don’t do a lot of journaling, but I like to have the option if I ever decide to journal. I just found out that my favorite notebook that I’ve reordered five times is no longer on Amazon, which is beyond devastating. I’ve done the research to find notebooks with the same specs and will be reordering next time I go home.
Here is a lined version of my favorite notebook (they don’t make the dotted version anymore): Lemome Lined Notebook
Here is a journal that I looked into and seems like a good replacement if you like dotted journals like me: EMSHOI Dotted Journal
Shampoo Bar
So, I’m actually a long time user of shampoo bars. They’re better for the environment because of packaging, and I find that they work best for my hair. When I lived at home, I would go get my shampoo at the local refill store (shoutout Mindful Merchant in Cary, NC), but since I’ve been traveling I‘ll just buy my shampoo from Lush.
The Bottom Line
These are the things I use every single day, the items that justify their space in my carry-on. Not every traveler needs the same gear, but if you’re looking for recommendations from someone who’s been living out of a backpack for the past year, these are it.
What are your travel essentials? Anything I’m missing that you can’t live without?
Thanks for reading!
xx abby
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thaaaank you for backpack recommendations im looking to get one and literally thought of u bc i knew u had mega experience with them
Nice one Abs!
I would say rehydration packs are very helpful.
On our recent trip to Tortola where it was super hot, we found ourselves searching all over the island for liquid IV's (or similar) to rehydrate. For some bizarre reason hydration packs haven't found their way to the Caribbean. You could substitute with Pedialyte or coconut water (even actual coconuts), but if you are trying to be space efficient, a clump of coconuts won't fit in your day pack.