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floresgavriil-blog · 5 years

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If you have plans to visit Machu Picchu here are tips to have the best experience possible. There is no need to stress over plans as the site is easily accessible despite its location in the middle of the Andes. We were successfully able to plan our trip to Machu Picchu only days before our arrival.

It was happenstance when we had five free days between Ecuador and Mexico. With the cheapest flights involving a layover in Peru we booked our flights to Cusco, the former Incan capital and gateway to Machu Picchu. To see the famous Incan citadel is a dream and we feel fortunate to be some of the few in the world to visit. It may be the well-beaten path, but we’ve never met a person with a bad thing to say about visiting Machu Picchu.

Tips For Your Visit To Machu Picchu

Bring your Passport

You will need your passport number to purchase tickets for your visit to Machu Picchu, but also you need to make sure you actually bring your passport to the site when you visit. The gate agents will check that the name and passport number on your ticket matches your passport, so don’t forget it!

Have your ticket printed

Again, the gate agents will be checking for your tickets before you enter Machu Picchu. You will need to hand them a hard copy of your ticket.

You can get your passport stamped

Another reason you may want your passport is to get it stamped! After exiting Machu Picchu you will find a small stand with a stamp and inkpad to document your trip to one of the seven natural wonders of the world. I read that it is 1 sole to get your passport stamped, but I didn’t see anyone paying. Nevertheless, you should have a few soles handy just in case. We chose to forgo because space in our passports is precious.

Purchase your tickets beforehand

You’ll need to purchase your tickets to Machu Picchu before you arrive. Tickets are limited to 2500 a day, and sometimes in the high season, these can sell out. It’s best to purchase tickets once you know for sure you’ll be headed to Machu Picchu. It’s possible to buy tickets in Cusco upon arrival, or you can even buy them in Aguas Caliente, but the easier and more convenient way is to buy them online. You cannot buy tickets to Machu Picchu at the gate.

A quick Google search will yield many tour operators acting as a middleman to sell tickets to you. The cheapest option is to buy them off the Ministry of Culture website. We bought our tickets from this website, which actually doesn’t look like it’s been updated it since 1995, but it is indeed the real and cheapest deal! Be patient as the website can take awhile to load and make sure to switch it to English if you are not a Spanish speaker.

How to get the best price for your tickets to Machu Picchu?

Definitely try the Ministry of Culture website first. Prices are as follows.

Machu Picchu foreign adult: 152 soles

Machu Picchu + Montana Machupicchu foreign adult: 200 soles

Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu foreign adult: 200 soles

Children under 8 are free of charge (with proof of age).

You cannot get the discounted children or student fare on this website. It must be done with a tour operator. See more info regarding student fares here.

Follow the steps and enter payment at the end. When you get your ticket number, write it down and take a screenshot of your ticket. I never received an email confirmation from the site, but because I had the reservation number I was able to get my hotel to access it and print it out.

If you want a no-hassle way to get to Machu Picchu try here. Services like this are a bit more expensive, but only by a few dollars.

There are two ways up from Aguas Calientes

Once you reach Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu town you still have some work to do to reach Machu Picchu. The site sits about 600m above the town and the valley floor.

Bus

Buses run regularly to and from Machu Picchu town to the ruins. They cost $12 or 40 Soles a person one way and it takes around 25 minutes to reach the top. This is tourist price gouging at it’s best! The road is bumpy and zig-zagged, so be prepared if you get motion sick easily. We were told that in the high season the lines to get on the bus can take one hour or more to board.

However, on the second day we visited Machu Picchu we walked right up to the bus and got on with no lines, so it just depends on the time of day and season. Buses start running at 5:30 am and you’ll have to make sure you’re on this bus if you want to catch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Just be aware this is probably one of the busiest times you can take the bus up so you’ll likely need to be in line at 4:30 am.

Hike

You can also hike up to Machu Picchu from town. The hike up is steep, but stairs are well maintained and wide. It should take you an hour and a half to hike up. We opted to sleep in and be lazy so we took the bus up to Machu Picchu and hiked down.

The hike down was very enjoyable and took us 45 minutes, but we definitely had our New York walking pace on. The hike up/down from Machu Picchu is the free option, but depending on your physical ability it may tire you out.

There is no free entrance to visit Machu Picchu

Don’t think that you can hike up to Machu Picchu yourself and avoid paying to get in. Machu Picchu is literally located in the middle of the Andes and is inaccessible except by the entrance. Seriously, I don’t know how the Incas built this here because the location is scary as hell.

I feel like I shouldn’t have to say this, but you could die if you try to hike yourself in without paying. We overheard one of the guys telling stories about people trying to break in and risking their lives. Just pay the money – it’s worth it.

What are the hikes around Machu Picchu?

The fun doesn’t have to stop after you marvel at the magnificent Inca ruins. There are a number of hikes you can do to make the most out of your visit to Machu Picchu.

Huayna Picchu

The most popular hike to do is Huayna Picchu, or sometimes called Wayna Picchu. Huayna Picchu is the mountain directly behind every photo of the famous Inca ruins. It’s been nicknamed the mountain of death for its incredibly steep climb and terrifying stairs. Huayna Picchu is no joke and should only be conquered by the more experienced hikers.

Only 400 permits to climb Huayna Picchu are issued a day and usually sell out months in advance. Since we booked last minute there was no way we were getting a ticket to Huayna Picchu unfortunately. The 400 are split into two – 200 groups so that visitors are staggered by time. Tickets are purchased and combined with your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.

Montana Machu Picchu

If you can’t get tickets for Huayna Picchu but want to hike try for Montana Machu Picchu (or Machu Picchu Mountain). 800 passes are granted per day for Machu Picchu Mountain so you are more likely to get a ticket here if you are booking last minute. Machu Picchu Mountain is definitely considered the less scary of the hikes as the trails and stairs are wider and not as steep, although it is a much higher elevation at 3082 meters above sea level.

The views at the top are to die for and we really enjoyed the hike. We both are decently fit and found the hike challenging at points, but not terrible. The hike up took us one hour and 10 minutes with stops for photos and took us about 45 minutes down. Round trip we spent three hours here with a packed lunch at the peak. These tickets are sold in conjunction with the tickets to Machu Picchu.

Sun Gate

The Sun Gate, or Inti Punku, was once the entrance to Machu Picchu. This hike is the least demanding of all the hikes mentioned and takes 3-4 hours round trip to complete. Once you enter Machu Picchu you’ll find signs pointing you in the direction of the Sun Gate. The Sun Gate is the only hike that is free with your ticket to Machu Picchu.

What should I pack for Machu Picchu?

Make sure to pack in layers for Machu Picchu as mornings and evenings can be cool, but when the sun pops up during the day things can turn hot. You’ll also be walking quite a bit so best not to arrive with a sweater on and nothing underneath. Here is our full Peru packing list.

Do you need a guide for Machu Picchu?

We had read a few times that we would need a guide to venture around Machu Picchu. While a guide is certainly helpful in providing you with information and leading you through the site it is not necessary.

If you do want a guide and don’t have one booked don’t worry. When you arrive at Macchu Picchu there will be plenty of guides outside the entrance offering their service to you.

Are there bathrooms?

There are no bathrooms once you enter Machu Picchu so prepare yourself beforehand. The only bathrooms nearby are located outside gates and cost 2 soles.

There isn’t much at the site

Other than bathrooms there isn’t much else at the entrance of Machu Picchu. There are two overpriced restaurants, a souvenir shop, and the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. That’s it! So again, arrive at Machu Picchu with all that you will need for the day. We made sure to have a packed lunch for our independent day at Machu Picchu. Our day with a guide we enjoyed afternoon tea at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.

Stay in Aguas Caliente

There is only one property to stay at Machu Picchu and that is Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. At $1400 per night, this hotel may not be an option for everyone, and there is no camping at Machu Picchu. Your next best option to stay nearby is to stay in Aguas Calientes, ie the base town of Machu Picchu and where you will find the train station, restaurants, and all the hotels. There are many accommodation options in Aguas Calientes ranging from campsites to high-end properties.

We personally stayed at The Sumaq which is one of the highest rated hotels in the area and loved it. The Sumaq has a unique location right along the Urubamba River and is away from all the hustle and dare I say uncharming Aguas Caliente town center. The 5-star hotel is just a five-minute walk from the train station and will deliver and pick up all your luggage for you upon arrival and departure.

The Sumaq is elegant, comfortable, and beautifully decorated with decent WiFi speeds so you can enjoy Netflix after your long day (that’s what we did anyway!). Most of the rooms have a private balcony overlooking the river as well. The staff here are well trained and were able to answer all of our 20 questions about Machu Picchu.

Some of the highlights of our stay a The Sumaq was the daily tea service, complimentary Pisco Sours in the bar, and enjoying the cocktail making class offered. The Sumaq also offers half board which was great because we didn’t feel like leaving our hotel for dinner after our two long days at Machu Picchu. Their local food and presentation are fantastic, especially their ceviche.

How long should I spend at Machu Picchu?

The site of Machu Picchu is huge and in my opinion, deserves two days of exploring. It is incredible and looks unreal to the point it’s overwhelming when you first visit. It’s hard for me to even believe it was built hundreds of years ago as it would be hard enough to build in modern time.

That’s why we found ourselves visiting two days in a row. The first was with a guided tour around the actual site, and the second day was to hike Montana Machu Picchu and explore Machu Picchu on our own time. On our second day, we were able to sit above the site and allow for it all to sink into our memories.

How do ticket times work for Machu Picchu?

If you are booking your own Machu Picchu tickets rather than going with a tour you may notice that you either have two ticket times. Your first option is in the morning from 6-12 and your second is an afternoon visitor from 12-6.

In our experience, you just have to enter between the times shown on your ticket, but there is no one who is going to come to hunt you down among the other 2500 tourists to kick you out when your time is up. We had a morning pass and entered at 10 am and left the sanctuary at 2 pm. If you’re looking for the best value a morning ticket will ensure more time.

There are ATM’s in Aguas Calientes

You’ll find plenty of ATM’s to access cash in Aguas Calientes, so make sure you have the right travel banking details to avoid any problems while in Peru. While I heard that there is one ATM located at Machu Picchu we never saw one.

Do they sell Alpaca sweaters in Aguas Calientes?

While there are many small shops and stands to buy your typical Peruvian tourist gear around Machu Picchu I found the prices higher and people less willing to barter with you than in Cusco. Also, you can forget about finding any real baby alpaca in Aguas Calientes. So if you are on a mission for the authentic (and expensive) baby alpaca I would recommend shopping at authorized retailers in Cusco like Sol Alpaca.

Every seller will swear up and down that they sell real baby Alpaca, but it’s almost always a mix of adult Alpaca with acrylic yarn. Don’t let that put you off from the cheap sweaters they’re still cute, some are Alpaca (not baby), and it supports local shopkeeps. The real stuff is pricey, soft, and cool to the touch. Cameron was able to pick up a real sweater for about $88 USD while on sale, a good deal.

Bring the right clothes+sunblock

Don’t forget that you’re near the equator in Peru and that Machu Picchu is very high in elevation. You will most definitely need sunblock while visiting the ancient site to protect your skin. It’s also advisable to wear proper clothes while visiting. Depending on your interest you may be walking a lot and climbing many stairs so its best to wear breathable and loose clothing. If you are hiking either Montana Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu I would recommend a packable daypack, shorts, hiking shoes, sunglasses, and a hat.

I saw a few interesting outfits while visiting Machu Picchu. Particularly some girls in heels trying to get the perfect Instagram shot. While they may have looked good I don’t think that Machu Picchu is the place for heels or anything not comfortable to walk around. Whether you’re hiking or not I would recommend good walking shoes.

When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

It rains often at Machu Picchu during the wet season (November – March) this makes for muddy trails and cloud obscured views. If you want the best chance to see Machu Picchu sunny and in all her glory you should plan to go in the dry season (May-October).

The busiest periods are from June to August. We visited mid-June and had clear sunny days, booked our tickets just days in advance, and didn’t find the crowds too bad.

Bring enough water!

Especially if you are doing any hiking and if it is the dry season. We brought two travel water bottles each. Take note that once you enter through the gate you won’t be able to purchase any water, but just outside you will be able to buy a few bottles for triple the price that you would down in Aguas Calientes.

Travel elegantly

The main gateway to Machu Picchu is the Peruvian city of Cusco. But Cusco, as you may or may not know, is quite far from Machu Picchu and you will still have quite a journey to reach the ancient city. From Cusco, most people either hike the Inca Trail or take the train to Machu Picchu.

Hiking the Inca Trail

Hiking the Inca trail is one of the most popular things to do in Peru. It also books our months in advance, must be done with a tour, and is not cheap. The Peruvian government 200 passes per day to hikers so if you’re booking last minute you won’t be doing the hike. The hike is also hard work and you’ll probably arrive at Machu Picchu tired and ready for a shower. To hike the Inca trail will run you anything between $500-$1000.

Train to Machu Picchu

The train to Aguas Calientes is no doubt the easiest and quickest way to see Machu Picchu. The two main operators are PeruRail and IncaRail. Both of these operators offer different types of train service, from affordable to panorama view trains, to luxury.

We decided if we were going to Machu Picchu we may as well do it in style and went with the luxury option. The Belmond Hiram Bingham is a once in a lifetime journey and definitely the most carefree way to travel to Machu Picchu.

The train owes its name to the explorer, Hiram Bingham, who rediscovered the citadel of Machu Picchu. Once you arrive to Poyro station in Cusco you are immediately transported back in time to the 1920’s. The whole train is decorated in the style of the Pullman cars, each with polished wood, beautiful bronze details, and comfortable seats. There is a main dining car as well as a lounge area, bar, and entertainment area where the live band will play throughout the journey to and from Machu Picchu.

Guests on the Belmond Hiram Bingham are served neverending Pisco Sours as well as whatever else they may want from the bar. Three-course meals are also elegantly served on the white tablecloth and paired with wine. Truth be told it’s the first train ride I didn’t want to get off of, and that’s speaking for both journeys to and from Machu Picchu. The staff and the ambiance truly make you feel special and welcomed and I don’t think there is any other way we would want to travel to Machu Picchu again.

Sure, at $950 round trip the Belmond Hiram Bingham is far from cheap. However, we factored in that this price included the journey from Cusco, meals, drinks, bus to and from Aguas Calientes to the citadel, entrance to Machu Picchu with a guide, and afternoon tea. Regardless of all that the journey truly was enjoyable and hassle free from beginning to end. If you can swing it I would highly recommend following in our footsteps.

There is no bagcheck

We brought a backpack in both days to Machu Picchu expecting to have our bags checked but it never happened. I’m not saying to bring something illegal in obviously, but what I’m trying to get at is don’t be hesitant to bring in food, snacks, and whatever else for your journey.

There are no tripods allowed + selfie sticks

It’s true! Those annoying selfie sticks are banned at Machu Picchu – rejoice! Along with the banning of selfie sticks are camera tripods. If you are seen using these you will likely get yelled at by one of the guards. You’ll just have to get your photos the good old fashioned way and ask strangers to help you out!

Bring a good camera

You’re heading to one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World, so make sure to bring a good travel camera. Drones are not allowed at Machu Picchu.

Don’t expect llamas to be everywhere 🙂

A few guys on our train told us they expected llamas to be everywhere at Machu Picchu. I must admit even I wanted the ancient site to be overflowing with llamas everywhere. Sadly, (or happily, if you have llama-phobia), we only saw five or so llamas grazing around Machu Picchu. I saw more hanging out in Cusco with their Quechua lady owners than at Machu Picchu, so if you want to guarantee yourself a photo wait until Cusco and pay a few soles to take their picture.

Plan Your Visit to Machu Picchu

We rely on a few trusted websites that help save us money and time when booking hotels, flights, and car rentals. Check out some of our preferred partners below:

Wondering what to bring to Machu Picchu Check out our ultimate Peru packing list.

Travel Insurance: We never travel without travel insurance with World Nomads. Natasha is a bit of a worry wart and would rather stay safe than sorry. World Nomads is ideal for flexible and great plans!

Water: It’s not advised to drink the tap water in Peru.

Guide Book: You may not have internet to do research in Peru. For wireless nights we typically turn to Lonely Planet.

Read: Turn Right at Machu Picchu.

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floresgavriil-blog · 5 years

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This is the best travel packing list to make sure your next trip. It’s pretty tough to nail down one packing list for any type of trip so we’ll share all of your basic needs on a trip and then share a few destination specific packing lists.

After years on the road filled with tons of successes and failures, I hope we can shed some light on how to pack for a trip.

Travel Packing List

This is such a broad subject because no trip is the same, but if you follow the right guidance you’ll be able to pack for any trip or destination without a problem. To make it easiest we break down the key accessories you don’t want to leave at home.

A lot of people allow the task of packing to stress them out, but the idea here is to remove some of that stress. With the best travel essentials, clothes, and a quality piece of luggage you’ll be prepared for your next trip whether it’s to The Maldives, Peru, Italy, Bali, Tanzania, or Iceland.

Travel Packing List Table of Contents:

Travel Packing Checklist

Luggage

Travel Backpack

Hiking Backpack

Carry On Suitcase

Suitcase

Duffel Bag

Daypack

Camera Backpack

Luggage Accessories

Packing Cubes

Toiletry Bag

Makeup Bag

Shoe Bag

First Aid (not always necessary)

Laundry bag

Clothes

Underwear

Sports Bra

Socks

Performance T-shirts

Technical Shirt

Sweater

Down Jacket

Shell Jacket

Chinos

Hiking Pants

Outdoor Shorts

Swimsuit

Cover-up/Sun Dress

Sun Dress

Athletic Gear

Buff Headband

Belt

Shoes

Leather boots

Sneakers

Hiking/athletic shoes

Black Flats

Dress shoes

Sandals/flip-flops

Toiletries

Prescribed Medications

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Deodorant

Eco-Friendly Toiletries

Dopp Kit

Dental floss

Brush/comb

Contact lenses/solution

Shaving supplies

Feminine-hygiene products

Nail file/clippers

Birth control

Tweezers

Sunscreen

Electronics

Travel Adapter

Camera

Portable Charger

Kindle Paperwhite

Headphones

Laptop

Accessories

Water Bottle

Sunglasses

Sports Watch

Hand sanitizer

Insect repellent

Umbrella

Collapsible totes

Essentials

Passport

Keys

Wallet

Boarding Passes (Printed or Confirmed)

Travel Insurance (Printed)

Luggage For Travel

The right piece of luggage is the first step in creating a good travel packing list. You need a quality piece of luggage that fits your travel style of destination. For young backpackers that could be a backpack or for a business traveler the right hard-sided suitcase.

Travel Backpack — Osprey Farpoint 55L

The Osprey Farpoint is the bag we would recommend to anybody for travel. It’s a unisex bag and one of the best Osprey backpacks for women and men as well. The Farpoint has become the golden standard for travel backpacks.

The backpack is referred to as front loader meaning it opens similar to a suitcase for easy access. It’s pretty lightweight, features a removable daypack, zip-away suspension, and a side handle to top it off. The side handle of the bag is an added bonus, making it easy to grab out of an overhead bin and carry it off of a plane. Most backpacks are built for hiking, but with the Farpoint, you get a travel-specific bag.

The only drawback of the pack is the less comfortable suspension and its unisex design which means it is not ideal for every woman or every man. It also really lacks any proper organization compartments and instead has one big open space.

However, the portability makes it an awesome choice for the best women’s travel backpack or men’s travel backpack. The front load and the ability to keep your clothes folded is awesome. The 40L is great for carry on luggage, while the 55L and 70L backpacks are good for long-term trips. Since the Farpoint really does not have organizational sections we suggest pairing this bag with packing cubes.

Shop on AmazonShop on REI

Hiking Backpack — REI Co-op Flash Pack

We love to shop at REI and love their gear. Their backpacks are a great value and we’ve used them for years. The Co-Op Flash Pack is one of the best lightweight hiking backpacks on the market. If you plan on hiking with your backpack this is your bag!

It’s made out of ripstop nylon and is a great 45 L trekking backpack for both men and women. With 45L it’s manageable for a gear-heavy day hike, an overnight trip, or a minimalist multi-day trek. The REI compression technology helps keep your belongings up and in to help your balance, stability, and posture while hiking. Its super lightweight frame is great and where the bag saves a few ounces.

There are attachment loops on the front to allow ice axes, poles, and other tools to be stored as well as snappable water bottle pockets on the hip belt. The mesh back panel allows for airflow keeping you cooler when walking in the sun and the removable top lid offers customizable pack volume. We think this pack is perfect for those on a long weekend hiking trip in the mountains, Inca Trail Trek, or to the base of Mount Everest.

Men’s Version on REI

Women’s Version on REI

Best Backpacks For Backpacking

Carry On Suitcase — eBags EXO 2.0 Hardside

We picked up the full set of this suitcase and absolutely love it. Even after a full year of use, the bag has held up like new. Previous hard suitcases we have used have shown serious signs of wear at this point in time. It’s our go-to for international travel and survived at least 60 flights in the last year.

The hard shell outer case ensures all your valuables are well protected. We travel with a lot of electronics that are fragile so we love having a bag that has a tough outer shell. The bag opens at the center to two separate sides of compartments. Once there it is so easy to stay organized with this bag.

There are two compartments within the bag, one designed for clothes with a compression system and the other is designed for shoes, toiletries, and where we store our electronics. Included with the bag is a nylon dirty clothes bag to separate clean from dirty and keep your clothes looking fresh.

We also love the security of the bag with a built-in TSA approved lock. It’s also extremely stylish and looks great when traveling and fits easily into overhead luggage space. The best part is you can buy this with achecked bag component as well, making it one of the best luggage sets by eBags!

eBags EXO 2.0 Hardside

Extended Suitcase — Samsonite Winfield 2

There are a number of instances in which a large checked bag is necessary. If you’re on extended, professional, or specialized trips you’ll likely need a checked bag. Generally, we suggest bringing a checked bag if you will be traveling for two weeks or more. It’s pretty often that people overpack and using too large a bag is the first step to overpacking.

For extended trips try out a 28″ wheeled hard-sided case. Above we recommend the eBags set which comes with a 28″, but this Samsonite is similarly priced and an excellent choice.

The hard shell outer case ensures all your valuables are well protected. We travel with a lot of electronics that are fragile so we love having a bag that has a tough outer shell. It’s a clamshell suitcase that comes with a divided separator, comes with a divided clothing organizer, and TSA approved lock.

Samsonite Winfield 2

Duffel Bag — Patagonia Black Hole

A duffel bag is a tremendous option for a large multitude of trips. If you’re on an active holiday with gear, headed to the beach, or a safari in Africa a duffel bag protects your belongings and is easy to transport.

The Patagonia Black Hole is an established classic for adventure travel. We’re avid fans of the companies products and it’s likely anyone who’s big into outdoor adventure sports is loves them too. The Patagonia Black Hole bag is one of the largest of the Patagonia brand and perfect for extensive travel.

The bag can pack down small when empty so it’s great to stick in your bag. It was also plenty easy to stuff and organize, thanks to the large U-shaped zipper and two mesh pockets on the top flap. It’s also super lightweight an important aspect we look for in our travel gear.

Black Hole on Amazon

Black Hole on Backcountry

Travel Daypack — Osprey Daylite

This is one of my favorite daypacks! The bag is tremendous for the average traveler with the ability to hold everything you could need for the typical day. It’s one of my favorite travel purchases and has held up marvelously. That is to be expected as Osprey backpacks come with a lifetime guarantee.

The pack is sleek, feels great on your back, and can carry a fair amount of stuff. It’s not the biggest pack with only 13L of space, but the two water bottle holders free up some space you can store on the exterior. It’s also made by Osprey who make some of the best large travel backpacks on the market.

Daylite on REI

Lowepro Whistler BP 450 AW

This is the latest addition to our collection of backpacks and I couldn’t be more stoked on the bag. The camera bag is purpose-built for those who shoot photos and video in the harsh elements, specifically winter conditions such as climb or ski. It’s definitely one of the best backpacks for photographers, but it does come with a high price tag. Since it is designed for tough winter elements the build quality and design are truly impressive.

I love that the bag opens from the backside and allows you to comfortably throw the bag on the ground and reach for gear without fear of the bag tipping. It also has side and front straps designed to carry a snowboard, skis, ice axes, or hiking/ski poles (massive win for our snowboard season). I like the pullout rain cover for heavy weather. The suspension system is also the most robust I’ve found in a camera bag so far, which is great when carrying 40lbs of gear up a hill.

My only complaints would be the size of the top compartment which would be great for storing thing like a phone charging cables, or whatever accessories I may need on the mountain. There is a front compartment on the bag, but it’s one large section directly next to the camera gear so it needs to be able to bear weight. I’d also love a water bottle holder on the sides. For carrying such a large bag designed to be outdoors I need some form of hydration.

This bag is the perfect kit addition for any outdoor enthusiast looking to carry some gear high into rough conditions.

Lowepro Whistler BP450

Luggage Accessories

Packing Cubes — Eagle Creek Pack-It

Packing cubes are a great way to organize your clothes for easy access in your suitcase. They are tremendous for smaller items like undergarments, shirts, socks, or even your pants. We like the Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression set a few years ago on a mega sale at The Container Store. The Eagle Creek brand is great.

They are slightly more expensive than most other packing cubes on the market, but that’s what you get for brand recognition. We like the compression set because it compresses, but to be honest it doesn’t save a ton of extra room in my luggage! I love stuffing my packing cubes full and then having the option to zip them even tighter. In my opinion, these are the very best packing cubes for backpacks like mine.

Eagle Creek Pack-ItThe Best Packing Cubes

Toiletry Bag — Hudson Travel

This men’s bag is simple and that’s what makes it great. Dopp bags don’t need to be full of sections, dividers, or new features.

I’ve often traveled with a simple bag and it’s the only way. Synthetic bags are tremendous when you’re traveling in coastal regions and in constant humidity. We were thankful our synthetic bags in the Seychelles, Mozambique, and Zanzibar! In my opinion, synthetic bags like this are the best toiletry bags on the market.

Hudson Travel Toiletry Bag

Makeup Bag — Yeiotsy Cosmetic Bag

Make up can easily ruin clothes or other toiletries so it’s best to keep cosmetics separated in your luggage. This bag has a stylish design and plenty of features to help keep your toiletries organized. What makes this bag stand out is its organizational elements. Elastic bands on the lid allow you to store cosmetics. The outer shell is durable and water resistant and will be right at home in the wet environment.

Yeiotsy Cosmetic Bag

Shoe Bag — Lermende Travel Shoe Bag

We always travel with at least two pairs of shoes since we workout on the road. I’m a minimalist so I will wear a classic boot and then pack my lightweight trail running shoes in my luggage.

To protect my clothes and luggage I like to use a nylon bag to store my dirty shoes. If you’re looking for a quick packing hack to find a suitable bag, steal one of the disposable laundry bags from your hotel room.

Or you can buy these ones for a pretty affordable price. We just picked up a set of this shoe bag as we liked the clear mesh that allowed for damp shoes to dry and easy selection.

Lermende Travel Shoe Bag

Laundry Bag

We like to travel with a small nylon or mesh bag for our dirty clothes. This keeps the rest of our clothes from getting dirty and smelly. It’s really important that you do not use a plastic bag or something that does not breathe as it will cause damp clothes to mildew.

If you have a wet bathing suit and don’t have time to dry it before packing, try using a waterproof bag like this one here. What’s great are these bags are cheap and easy to order online. Plus with an abundance of manufacturers, you can often find a cute set for a couple of bucks.

Travel Laundry Bag

It doesn’t hurt to carry a small first aid kit on any trip. There is always the option to buy a kit, but I find it’s lighter and cheaper to just make your own and throw a few essentials in a container or ziplock bag.

The key here is to have something small that won’t eat up a lot of luggage space which is why we recommend you create your own kit. As another tip avoid medications that are the same color or shape that way you know the difference.

Here is what we recommend you pack in a basic first aid kit.

Ibuprofen — NSAID. Treats pain, fever, swelling.

Tylenol — Pain reliever that does not thin blood in case of a concussion or medical issue.

Benedryl — Bites, stings, allergies, and a sleep aid.

Pepto Bismol — Antimicrobial that helps treat stomach issues.

Imodium — This is is used to prevent dehydration in the event of diarrhea, but should be avoided as it does cause constipation. (Good for developing nations)

Bandaids/Gauze — Great for cuts, blisters, or scrapes.

Medical Tape — This is great for compression to reduce swelling, a deep cut, building a splint, or stabilizing a rolled ankle.

Antibiotic Ointment — Use the disposable packets as it helps to save weight with only one or two in your bag.

Petroleum Jelly — This one never hurts as it’s great for treating cracked skin or aiding in a burn.

Medical Supplies

Clothes For Travel

Travel Underwear

You should try to pack several pairs of travel underwear. We like to pack a mix of underwear and garments on extended trips. Sports or travel specific underwear is often antibacterial and quick drying. This way it stays fresh for longer and you can easily wash in a sink if you run out of clean clothes. In general, we’ll pack in our suitcase five to seven pairs of underwear for a trip. As a woman, Natasha likes to pack a little more based on the length of the trip.

For men, I have a couple of pairs of the ExOfficio boxer briefs I’ve been traveling with for years now. For women, it’s all about personal preference, but the Patagonia Barely underwear comes in both bikini and thong versions.

Men’s UnderwearWomen’s Underwear

Sports Bras

No need to wear push up bras as they’re often cotton based. Tasha likes to pack several pairs of sports bras as they’re more versatile and like sports underwear hold up better than a traditional bra.

It’s easy to forget bringing a sports bra as you might not be headed to the gym, but they’re tremendous for active or hot summer days. This one from Patagonia is tremendous as it provides support in a more a subtle cut.

Patagonia Sports Bra

Wool Socks

We’ve learned to love our feet with a good pair of socks. You will want to keep your feet nice and dry while you walk around. Most importantly wool socks stay fresh for several days as they have natural antimicrobial properties.

We travel with a couple of pairs of the Darn Tough Merino socks and our feet have never felt cold or wet. You have several options for size, but on the average day or the summer, we like to wear thin wool socks. However, in the winter months or on an adventure, a thick pair of hiking socks are always good to have in your luggage.

Darn Tough Merino Socks

Performance Shirts

I love to wear a comfortable shirt on hot days. It’s best opt for shirts that are made from a performance fabric that handles sweat and the sun. A good number of tee shirts to pack for a trip is around three.

You should look for a fabric that is lightweight, breathable and has quick dry qualities such as merino wool, nylon, or polyester. Even if you don’t plan to work out they work great as undershirts.

Hanes Performance Shirts

Technical Shirt

A technical long sleeve shirt looks great and is typically well constructed. You should look for a nice blend of synthetic materials that allow for quick drying. A long sleeve shirt like this allows for greater comfort moving from chilly mornings into warm days.

It’s a great travel shirt as it avoids wrinkles, resist stains, and looks better than a relaxed tee. It’s a tried and true wardrobe staple for travelers all around the world. Of course, a good dress shirt definitely has its time and place and should not be neglected. However, we feel pretty safe recommending a shirt like this for almost any trip or environment.

Tamiami II Long Sleeve

Dress Shirt

I’d look pretty ridiculous wearing a T-shirt or a flannel out to a nice meal in Europe. Men should pack at least one or two dress shirts for a trip to Europe. I like to stick with a classic color like blue or white that will never go out of style.

I recently ordered a new selection of shirts and ties from the Tie Bar and so far I’ve loved my clothes. All stylish, nice quality, and affordable. Plus their online website makes it easy to order a new wardrobe with suggestions for what matches and inspirations for outfits.

Blue Dress Shirt

Wool Sweater

If there is one article of clothing made for travel in cool climates it’s the wool sweater. Sweaters are a tremendous travel outfit staple. They’re comfortable, stylish, and warm. It doesn’t matter the season either as most of many of our favorite destinations around the world are temperate and remain cool year round. This means comfortable day time temperatures during the day and chilly evenings in the summer.

I have a number of sweaters, but my favorites are from organic materials like wool or Alpaca. It’s even become my favorite travel souvenir and I treasure my Scottish wool and Peruvian Alpaca sweaters. Ever since then we’ve been living out of them in the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Ireland.

Of course, you can still find a great sweater at home. I love this recycled one from Patagonia, one of our favorite outdoor brands.

Patagonia Recycled Wool Sweater

Down Jacket

There are only a few travel items we recommend everyone has and one of those is a down jacket. A down jacket is a staple for travel and outdoor activities as it’s tremendously versatile.

We always recommend you bring a great packable down jacket on just about any extended trip. When you’re dealing with the mountains and wide temperature shifts it’s a great way to keep warm without eating up too much space in your hiking backpack. Plus if you have any last minute plans and find yourself in a cool environment they’ll help you out in a pinch.

Best Packable Down Jackets

Shell Jacket

A great item to have on the road is a shell jacket that is designed to protect you from the wind and rain. This is not about wearing a winter jacket, but a rain jacket that lends a little more versatility when combined with a down jacket.

The alternative to a shell jacket is something light like an anorak or more stylish like a trench coat. Either way, you can’t always expect the skies to be sunny when you’re traveling.

We both have rain jackets made by Kathmandu and Patagonia. They are lightweight, durable, packable, waterproof, and windproof. Any jacket can do the job, but the top dollar ones will hold up and really help in inclement weather. The reason we love shell rain jackets are their ability to pack down and fit inside your suitcase.

Kathmandu Rain Jacket

Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket

Chinos

A pair of chinos works on both sexes for a classic look that works in a multitude of enviroments. It’s a classic look that when combined with a sweater, dress shirt, tee shirt, or blouse.

We love to go for simple colors that will work with multiple shirts. A good brown, white, pastel for women, or grey is always a safe bet. What’s great about chinos are they look equally good on the beach as they do a nice restaurant or bar.

Women’s Chinos

Men’s Chinos

Hiking Pants

Lightweight pants that are made from synthetic material are tremendous to add to your travel packing list. As with many technical clothes, their shelf life in your bag is much longer than cotton-based alternatives. There are many kinds that work as a more casual pant and will be just as comfortable on the city streets as the mountains. For example our favorite hiking pants down below.

For women, Tasha likes a pair of hiking pants made by prAna that roll into capris. For men, prAna makes the Stretch Zion Pant, one of the best pairs of hiking pants on the market for a reasonable price. If you want to check out more of the best travel pants we have a post for that!

Women’s Pants

Men’s Pants

The Best Travel Pants

Outdoor Shorts

A great pair of shorts are self-explanatory for keeping yourself cool on hot weather days for that we love a pair of hiking shorts. Even if you’re not an adventure or outdoor trip outdoor shorts can have a nice style while retaining technical details that help with travel. Things like quick dry, wrinkle resistant, and comfort.

prAna makes some tremendous lightweight hiking shorts that are both comfortable and affordable.

Men’s Stretch Zion Short

Women’s Tess Short

Swimsuit

I don’t think there has ever been a time we regretted having a swimsuit in our luggage. Everything on this list about comfort and being prepared, but a swimsuit is the one thing you’ll kick yourself if you don’t have in your luggage. There have been numerous trips any time of the year or destination where we had the chance to swim whether that’s a real beach trip of a heated pool in the Alps. You never know.

For active swimsuits, Tasha loves swimsuits made by Patagonia. Many of their pieces retain some style, offer support, and are not too revealing. So if you have plans to go surfing, bodyboarding, or play beach volleyball these swimsuits are for you. For affordable and stylish bathing suits check out AdoreMe.

For men a classic pair of board shorts are staples. A lightweight surf pair from a company like Billabong or Quicksilver won’t eat up much room in the bag and they’re super comfortable.

Shop Bathing Suits

Sundress

It’s a tremendous idea to have a comfortable sundress. Not only is it more comfortable, but it’s also cute and doubles as a cover-up. Tasha got the Krawcheck Dress from Title Nine who have several different colors of this sundress.

It has built-in support and sturdy straps, so you can be active in this dress. It’s even possible to take easy hikes in the dress, like in Waimea Canyon on Kauai. We’ll admit this one probably belongs a little more in the beach or city packing lists, but it’s so versatile we thought we’d add it here.

Title Nine Dresses

Athletic Gear

It never hurts to bring some athletic gear in your backpack or suitcase. Just because you’re traveling or on the road doesn’t mean you have an excuse to not be active.

Athletic Gear

Buff Headband

We have a collection of buff headbands and bring them everywhere. They’re great for a multitude of reasons such as sun/wind protection, a scarf, headband, or an ear warmer.

We always have one in our suitcase or backpack no matter the destination and consider it one top travel accessories. I imagine most people have one or two of these by now! They aren’t the most stylish thing in the world so maybe a scarf will make a better fit.

Buff Headbands

Belt

This is one of those obvious things that can be really easy to forget at home. I’m partial to the simplicity of a canvas belt that has a locking buckle. I’ve had one that I use almost every day and it’s lasted for almost four years.

Canvas Outdoor Belts

Shoes For Travel

Leather Boots

These are great all year round as you can never go wrong with a pair of leather boots. Women can wear them with a pair of chinos and a blouse while men can pair them with just about anything from jeans, chinos, and even a suit.

With the right pair of boots, you’ll be ready to climb the Alps, stroll through The Louvre, or eat to your heart’s content in Italy.

I’m a leather boot fiend and love a classic boot. For an affordable option check out Clark’s or Timberland for leather boots. However, if you want quality and boots to last a lifetime check out Chippewa, Danner, or Red Wings boots all manufactured by hand in the United States.

Chippewa 6″ Boots

Sneakers

Hitting the sidewalk and letting the city or world unfurl around you is one of the best ways to get familiar with a new destination. A comfortable pair of shoes for both men and women are essential when packing your bag for a trip.

However, I wouldn’t recommend packing those terrible clunky hiking shoes or athletic shoes many tourists like to bring. You want a stylish shoe that is both relaxed and comfortable.

We like to opt for a pair of casual Vans. These old school skate shoes have a great look to them that will keep your feet comfortable and look great with a pair of jeans, shorts, or chinos.

Van’s Unisex Old Skool Shoe

The Women’s Travel Shoes

Trail Running Shoes

When it comes to athletic gear and travel we love versatility such as trail running shoes. This way you get more value out of your shoes because they’re capable of handling the gym, street, park, or trail.

We both picked up the Hoka One One’s Speedgoat 2 last summer had a great time on the trails. They’re pretty heavily cushioned so they protect your feet from uneven or rough surfaces and can even double for hiking shoes.

I would recommend you look at the weather and your shoe preference before you pick either a nice hiking boot/shoe or trail running shoe. In the cooler temperatures we appreciate the added insulation in hiking shoes, but in the warmer months prefer the breathability and lightweight nature of trail running shoes.

The Speedgoat’s are rated as some of the best trail running shoes on the market and so far they haven’t let us down add them to your travel packing list.

Trail Running Shoes

Black Flats

A pair of black flats is always great to have in a suitcase. They’re stylish comfortable and they take up minimal space in your luggage.

My tip, stay away from heels as many destinations around the world have uneven streets and you don’t want to break an ankle trying to look good.

Black Flats

Dress Shoes

It never hurts to to be prepared for a more formal environment. When we were younger and backpacking around the world there were numerous occasions when we were underdressed. It’s a crumby feeling, so we always try to pack a shoe for more formal occassions.

If you plan on spending any time in a big city you’ll likely want a decent pair of dress shoes or casual shoes.

Dress Shoes

Sandals

Sandals are meant for the beach or hot weater destinations, but considering how many destinations that fall into they are an easy add to your travel packing list.

We travel with our Rainbow leather flip flops and they’ve lasted for years.

Rainbow Sandals

Toiletries For Travel

Prescribed Medications

This should be at the top of the list, but if you have any prescribed medications make sure not to leave them at home. It’s best to keep them separated from your first aid kit as to not confuse.

If you have multiple types of medication try using a pill organizer instead of traveling with a handful of pill containers that consumer luggage space. Just make sure to have any prescription forms in case you’re traveling with any controlled substances, like pain killers. To further that point you should do research if traveling internationally to make sure you’re within legal restrictions.

Pill Organization

Toothbrush

This should be a no brainer, but don’t forget your toothbrush. We’ve actually taken to packing two toothbrushes. We pack a toothbrush in our carry on bag and our electric one in checked luggage.

You never know if you’ll be separated from your checked baggage and if you’re on a long haul flight it’s great to be able to brush your teeth so always have one on you. Another great item to have for your toothbrush is a small toothbrush cover to protect it from germs and allows to throw in your bag.

Pill Organization

All Natural Deodorant

Dedoerant is a travel kit essentials items. I like to bring my special all natural deodorant with me when I travel since the all natural stuff can be really hard to find abroad.

If you use specialty products like this make sure to bring it with you when you travel as sometimes they can be very hard to find. However, generic roll-on sticks can be found at pharmacies around the country.

Shop Deoderant

Eco-Friendly Toiletries

We’ve taken the pledge to lead a more environmentally friendly life. Ethique makes some of the best eco-friendly skincare products on the market right now. Ethique has a wide range of toiletry products ranging from shampoo to face cream. All of their products use natural and organic ingredients and use completely eco-friendly packaging on their products.

Oh, yea it doesn’t hurt that this small business was started by a woman and every product is Cruelty-Free, TSA Friendly, and Compostable. There are 80 billion shampoo and conditioner plastic bottles thrown out every year and they all make their way to the ocean. By purchasing one bar from Ethique you are saving three plastic bottles from ending up in a landfill.

We have a whole post on eco-friendly products and it’s jam-packed with more great travel accessories aimed at reducing waste. Essentials like shampoo, conditioner, face wash, toothpaste and body lotion can all be bought

Eco Friendly Toiletries:

Shampoo

Conditioner

Face Wash

Toothpaste

Body Lotion

Solid Toiletry Products

Dopp Kit

Within your toiletry bag make sure not to forget all of your other necessities. These are all of the things that we like to make sure are in our bags.

It’s easy to forget something like dental floss or contact solution, but they can be a pain in the ass to grab once you’re on the road.

Dental floss

Brush/comb

Contact lenses/solution

Shaving supplies

Feminine-hygiene products

Nail file/clippers

Birth control

Tweezers

Makeup

This one is for the ladies, and I wanted to make note of it for anyone still wondering what to pack for a trip. If you’re coming from America the makeup in Europe can be expensive in comparison to prices in the States.

On her first trip to Europe Tasha had enough to laste almost a year. It’s nbest to have enough mascara, eyeliner, and foundation to get through your trip plus a week or so.

Shop Cosmetics

Sunscreen

Skin cancer is for real! Don’t forget your SPF during the summer. We recommend ordering some online before leaving the house as you will need it underneath the sun.

We highly recommend getting an eco friendly sun cream that does not contain harmful chemicals. They’re mineral based and usually only cost a few dollars more to help protect our oceans.

If you’re not going to swim in the ocean or lakes just go with a reliable name brand. You can learn more about eco-friendly travel products here!

Mineral Based Sunscreen

Electronics For Travel

Travel Adaptor

You will definitely need an adaptor for your electronics on your packing list for Ireland. We always keep one handy in our carry-on bags, that way we can charge electronics on arrival or at the airport.

You’ll need the British “Type G” three prong adaptor for the United Kingdom. However, most of Europe uses theType C, F, and E adaptor. Check out the one I have which is good for all of Europe.

Travel Adapter

Roku Express

Best this travel accessory must have is one you haven’t thought about. Just because we are traveling doesn’t mean we like to fall behind on our shows and movies.

We have traveled for three years now with a Google Chromcast and Roku Express and it seriously makes Airbnb’s and hotel rooms so.much.better. We just plug in the streaming device to any TV when we travel and Voila – Netflix!

Roku Express

Camera

A high-quality camera is an important packing item for Ireland if you want some great shots while on your vacation We travel with a bunch of cameras, but the one we universally recommend is the RX 100.

They make a number of models at different price points, but it’s a simple to use point-and-shoot camera that anyone can operate. It also takes superb images with a 20mp resolution and full manual controls.

Cameras For Travel Blogging

Kindle Paperwhite

While I love having a good real book when I travel sometimes it’s just not practical because of the weight. I’ve recently switched to a Kindle Paperwhite which is small and compact, plus it has a backlight for reading at night without a harsh glare.

Pick Up A Kindle

Headphones

Almost all international flights have entertainment systems on board, but the headphones are often lackluster. That��s why I think headphones are a airplane travel essential you need. It’s best to travel with a decent pair of noise canceling headphones to save your ears.

They’re also great for entertainment with long layovers. These headphones by Sennheiser may not be the best in the pack, but they’re affordable and will sound great to the average ear.

Shop Headphones

Portable Charger

I love traveling with a power bank to make sure my phone never dies. The majority of the time I don’t need to use it on long flights as some of the nicer airlines provide entertainment systems with USB ports! We also make sure to find a charging point during layovers, but getting to a new city without your hotel reservations and map can be a major pain in the ass.

Check Prices Here

Laptop

We travel with our MacBook Pros to keep up with this website and YouTube when we are traveling; however, a MacBook is probably not necessary for most travelers!

We just got our hands on the Google Pixelbook which is an ideal computer for most travelers who don’t have to work all the time on the road. It’s super slim, lightweight, and does everything your computer at home can do. We love the way it flips around too so that we can stand it up and watch movies on the plane with it.

Some other fantastic features of the PixelBook is that it houses all apps, like a phone – except it’s a computer! An all-day battery delivers up to ten hours of power from just one single charge. If you don’t have the time to charge it I love that you still get 2 hours of battery life from only 15 minutes of charging. It also has automatic security, software, and features from Chrome OS.

Shop Pixelbooks

Accessories For Travel

Water Bottle — Grayl Ultralight Water Purifier

A water bottle is a travel must have to save money and cut down on plastic. Like my other favorite, the Lifestraw Go this bottle also features a filter. However, the filter design is entirely different than the Lifestraw. Most important is that this water bottle system purifies water vs. filters which removes viruses and virtually removes all threat of waterborne illnesses.

It’s the perfect water bottle for those spending a significant amount of time in developing nations with questionable water supplies. We love filtered water bottles because they save space in our daypacks when we’re on a hike.

Take note, this is an expensive water bottle and it may make consumers think twice about purchasing. However, as avid travelers who’ve spent more than our fair share of time in developing nations the Grayl Filtration Cup is a travel essential item for us every time.

Grayl on Amazon

Grayl on REI

Hand Sanitizer

Walking around and taking part in everyday activities in can get pretty dirty.

It has been a reoccurring theme to not find hand soap while traveling. You can’t go wrong bringing some hand sanitizer and baby wipes in your bag.

Travel Hand Sanitizers

Insect Repellant

If you’re headed to a warm destination it’s very likely you could face the dreaded mosquito. It’s pretty common for the unsuspecting travelers to leave with legs full of mosquito bites.

We’d recommend to pack a bottle of insect repellant that has DEET in it so you’ll scare away those annoying biting demons. And in the worst case scenario and it reduces the chances of Malaria or Yellow Fever in places like South America, Africa, or Asia. Just keep in mind that DEET can destroy plastics so mind your sunglasses or camera when applying.

Insect Repellant

Sunglasses

Make sure to protect your eyes from the sun since you’ll likely spend a lot of time outside. There are a lot of options for sunglasses and everyone should own at least a pair. It’s best to make sure they do have UV protection for the health of your eyes.

We made our first investment in quality polarized sunglasses with a pair of SMITH Optics Lowdown 2. Truthfully, not everyone needs to invest $150 in a pair of sunglasses; however, we love ours and will never buy cheap ones again.

Smith Lowdown 2.0

Sports Watch

This is a travel staple that’s often overlooked, but having a watch on the road has become a must for me. It helps keep me on time when I’m out in the water, on a hike, or catching the next plane on a layover.

Men’s Sports Watch

Travel Towel

We always recommend bringing a travel towel when you’re on the road. If you plan on staying in hostels or more budget accommodation you’ll often need your own towel.

If you head to the beach or want to take a hike it never hurt to have a towel packed away in your day bag. Consider a towel an essential for your Europe packing list.

The biggest complaint about travel towels is that they often feel nothing like the plush cotton towels we are accustomed to at home and in hotels. However, with the PackTowl you can forget about all of that because they set out to create a towel that mimics its cotton counterparts with the technical features of a travel towel.

Best Towels For Travel

Travel Pillow

We’ve suffered through enough red-eye flights to never forget to pack a travel pillow for international flights. My favorite travel pillow is the Cabeau Evolution Pillow, but we break down more of our favorite travel pillows here.

The Best Travel Pillows

Ear Plugs

These are small but essential travel necessities as they can be crucial to your sleep. Whether you’re flying in business class or sleeping in a hostel a good pair of earplugs will help you sleep.

You also never know if you may have noisy neighbors, have a room on the ground.

Check Prices Here

Umbrella — Repel Windproof

Whether you’re hurrying to an important business meeting on the road or you’re only visiting a particular city for a couple of days and need to see the sights, a little rain shouldn’t be allowed to stand in your way!

We’re more impartial to rain jackets, but they are not great for formal occasions or professional trips. For that, you’ll need an umbrella that can pack up in your luggage.

Repel Windproof

The Best Travel Umbrellas

Herschel — Strand Tote

No matter where you plan on venturing, it’s pretty much a given that you’ll need something to hold your daily items when you set out to explore a new place; whether that means wandering through cobbled streets in bustling European hubs or boarding your next plane ride.

Herschel — Strand Tote

Travel Essentials

Passport

If you’re taking a trip internationally don’t leave without your passport and appropriate visas! It really helps to have a travel wallet that holds your passport or at the very least some form of protection. It’s not a good idea to travel with your passport unprotected as it the most vital document you carry abroad.

Keys

Another essential before you leave home, but we need to add to the list. Make sure to do a full rundown of your place before you leave we like to turn the A/C up or the heat down and enter a power saving mode whenever we leave our home.

Travel Wallet

Even if you’re a grizzled veteran, a good travel wallet is a relatively small investment, considering the headache it could save you down the road. This guide to the best travel wallets will help you make a wise purchasing choice.

Travelsafe Wallet

Boarding Passes (Printed or Confirmed)

If you’re catching a flight you better have your boarding passes ready before you arrive at the airport. We like to check in online and then have a mobile version on our phones beforehand. Most things these days are fine to be stored on your phone and save paper.

However, if you are depending on your phone make sure important documents are saved in your email or cloud as a backup. The powerbank we mentioned above is also important in case you find yourself with a dead phone and need to access your documents.

Travel Insurance

We never travel without travel insurance with World Nomads. Natasha is a bit of a worry wart and would rather stay safe than sorry. World Nomads offers incredible flexible and great plans!

You never know if the worse could happen while you’re abroad and often your insurance plan at home will not cover medical emergencies abroad. Having the peace of mind that we have a good backup plan helps us sleep at night.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

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