Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park // May 2019
After 15 months of sitting still, I started traveling again this year after I was vaccinated! I also have some EXCITING NEWS—I’m going on a last-minute work trip to Antarctica in December! I’m not doing just one trip but TWO in a row. (My initial plan was to live in South America for the winter anyway, so I already had flights booked!) I literally leave next week so I’m scrambling to prepare! This will be my last blog post of the year. I’m also taking a break from Instagram until December 9th when I leave for Antarctica. (I’m working on some big location guide posts for 2022 including Portugal, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Croatia and MORE! Keep an eye on your inbox come January!) Follow along on Instagram to see my Antarctica adventures. There will be penguins!
Now, back to the blog post….
I’ve collected a list of my favorite travel items that I’ve discovered this year that have made my life easier. Several of these were suggestions from friends and other travelers that I wish I’d bought years ago!
(AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Please note that some affiliate links are used in this post. If you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you, which goes toward the cost of maintaining this blog. If you would like to support this blog and are ready to make a purchase, these links are one way to show your support. I only recommend products and companies I truly love and use.)
1. Peak Design Travel Tripod
The best purchase I’ve made in the past year was the Peak Design Travel Tripod. There are two options – aluminum and carbon fiber—and both are roughly the size of a water bottle. (I opted for the cheaper aluminum model with the ultra-light conversion kit.) It holds 20 pounds, expands to 60 inches tall and has a phone attachment. In the past, I’ve either bought a cheap tripod abroad or forgone using one due to size and weight. This was a game-changer and worth the money! I also LOVE their camera straps. BONUS: Peak Design is running their biggest sale of the YEAR now with 30% off everything so stock up!!! They rarely do sales so this is a BIG deal.
2. iPhone USB-C Charger & Power Adapter
The Apple USB-C phone charger and power adapter will charge an iPhone 50 percent in 30 minutes! It’s been such a huge help when I travel, especially in airports with long layovers but it’s even helpful in everyday life. I use it as my main charger now. You need both 20W USB-C power adapter and USB-C to lightening cable. I recommend buying a quality brand (Apple or Belkin, etc.) adapter and cable. (I used to work for Apple a while back, and I saw way too many phones fried by off-brand cables from gas stations and TJ Maxx. I only buy Apple or Belkin brand cables.)
3. Roost Laptop Stand
During the pandemic, I started to have issues with eye, neck and shoulder strain because I was on my computer more than normal. This Roost laptop stand was a HUGE help. Plus, it’s very lightweight and easily portable. I’ve been traveling with it for the past month, along with an external keyboard and trackpad. Another bonus – it’s made in America! (This photo shows the stand folded up – it’s extremely portable!)
4. RTIC Cooler Backpack
This RTIC cooler is my favorite! It’s been my constant road trip companion this year, and it does a great job keeping things cold on long trips. (I drove out to New Mexico with it in May!) Plus, it’s really cute—people compliment me on it all the time. It was very handy for my hiking trip to Cumberland Island in September. I also LOVE these Artic Ice ice packs – they stay cold even for 12 hour drives!
5. Gaiam Travel Yoga Mat
My friend has this Gaiam travel yoga mat that I borrowed a few times. I loved it so much I bought my own for traveling so I can work out indoors easier. It folds up easily and lays flat when unfolded without slipping. I’m packing it for my South America trip this winter!
6. Zero Waste Caps
Since I travel for long periods of time, I often buy full-size toiletries like lotion, which usually comes with a pump that ALWAYS leaks all over my suitcase. These Zero Waste Caps have solved the problem and makes it easy to fully empty a bottle. These have been so helpful even when I’m not traveling! Each pack comes with two sizes – small and large—and works well with any size bottle!
7. Magware Travel Cutlery
My friend Rolando had this really cool cutlery set from Magware on our camping trip to Mono Lake in October. I loved how they snapped together with the magnet so easily and fit into the storage pouch. I also liked the dedicated knife, which is a massive improvement from those spork-like utensils with the built-in knife that’s terrible.
8. Patagonia Endless Run Shorts
I’m wearing these Patagonia shorts in this photo from Bombay Beach, California.
I’m always on the search for clothes that are still comfy when I’m a sweaty mess. These Patagonia shorts have been fantastic and my go-to hiking shorts this summer and fall. I wore them all over Puerto Rico as well. They double as my workout and running shorts. The best thing about them is that they have deep pockets that fit an iPhone or lens cap! (Also, these run small so I had to get a small instead of a extra small.)
9. Buff
I know these Buffs (neck warmers) have been around for ages, but I finally bought one. I’m a big scarf person, but scarves are too bulky for hiking so this has been the best solution. It was fantastic in Alaska during the summer. I have a lightweight one and just bought a fleece one for my Antarctica trip.
10. PrAna Arch Skort
PrAna is one of my favorite outdoor brand—they make both men’s and women’s outdoor clothing. Their Halle hiking pants have long been my favorite because they are comfy and cute. I bought this skort earlier this year, and it’s been great for hiking or just wearing out. It’s got deep pockets and a hidden zipper pocket, which will come in handy for traveling. (This skort it out of stock on their website because it’s winter now but it will be restocked in spring. BUT, REI has a few in their Used section for a discount!)
11. AirPod Pros
I am a very anxious flyer and didn’t realize how important noise-canceling headphones were for long flights. I can’t imagine life without my AirPod Pros now! They fit my ears better than the original AirPods, which was always an issue when I was running or watching movies on planes because they kept falling out. I also don’t like over-the-head headphones so these have been a life-changer.
Online Shopping Savings Tip
If you’re buying something online anyways, go through Rakuten.com and use their link to the store’s website to get cash back. The percentage (1-20 percent usually) varies by retailer and the amount you earn can be directly deposited into your PayPal account. This is similar to shopping through your credit card’s “shopping mall” to get extra points. I just started using this for booking my accommodation when I travel through Booking.com and other online shopping including Amazon! You get a $40 just for signing up with this referral link.
Want to skip the lines at the mall this year? Consider donating to charities as a gift or gifting subscriptions to local newspapers to support journalism. Don’t forget your local NPR station!
