Timeless Favorites
Amazon Essentials Strappy Sandals: these casual, comfortable sandals are perfect for travelers on the go. It has latex padding for extra cushion.
Waterproof Beach Tote: whether you’re headed to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or California, this will be your new go-to weekend bag. It’s also waterproof, making it perfect for the beach.
Floppy Beach Straw Hat: you can’t go wrong with a floppy beach hat, and these ones come with a little extra sass! Choose from embroidered messages like “Always on vacay,” “Do not disturb” or “Beach please.”
Five-Minute Gratitude Journal: wake up every morning, whether you’re at home or on the road, with a heart full of gratitude by using this mood-boosting journal. Five minutes is all it takes.
Circle Rattan Bag: whether you’re traveling to Lake Como or Marrakech, this chic bag is the perfect accessory. Handmade in Bali by local artisans, it’s spacious, yet lightweight.
Bath and Body Work Japanese Cherry Blossom Mist: smell divine wherever you are with this cult-favorite floral mist inspired by the cherry blossoms of Japan.
DIFF Eyewear Gia Sunglasses: look cute and make a difference in these classic square shades by DIFF Eyewear. For every pair of shades you purchase, reading glasses are donated to someone in need.
Fonyve Silk Medium Headscarf: A headscarf is the perfect accessory for any look, and these ones from Fonyve are extra cute! They also go well with any outfit.
Clever Fox Travel Planner: want to stay super organized when planning your travels? The Clever Fox travel planner makes putting together your itinerary and packing list a breeze.
VOTEPRETTY White Dress with Pockets: a cute white dress with pockets? Sold! When you’re running around Rome or Bangkok, it’s super convenient to toss things into the pocket
Carry-on Essentials
Sweat Block Clinical Strength Antiperspirant
Sweat Block is the only antiperspirant I can count on to keep me dry and smelling fresh. It’s a pack of clinical-strength towelettes that you apply before you go to bed. No sweating for up to 7 days! For me, it usually lasts 4 days. This is recommended for those who suffer from excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis.
Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam Travel Pillow
For long flights or just extra comfort, make sure you have a foam pillow. The Cabeau neck pillow so much comfier than your average neck pillow because its made with memory foam that conforms to the shape of your neck. You can remove the cover and throw it in the washing machine for super easy cleaning.
Woman on the Go Travel Kit
This is a convenient toiletry bag that comes with 14 must-have products for women on the go. The items inside include shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, comb, body wash, facial wipes, and a shower poof. All products come in a TSA-approved size for a no-hassle security screening. I think I’ve purchased at least 10 of these.
Eos Smooth Lip Balm
Evolution of Smooth (Eos) makes some great skin care products. Their lip balm smells great and keeps my lips moisturized for hours. It also comes in a super cute, egg-shaped packaging. I don’t leave home without it!
Juvia’s Place I Am Magic Velvety Matte Foundation
Juvia’s Place is a black-owned makeup brand that I’ve been using for over five years. Their I Am Magic Foundation is my go-to foundation, and it’s perfect for my combination skin. When I’m touring places for hours, I need a long-lasting foundation. I can count on this to keep my face flawless even in the desert.
Taha 100% Natural African Shea Butter
Shea butter is like a miracle product because it has so many uses. You can use it to style your hair, moisturize your skin, heal cracked lips, reduce redness, and treat itchiness. I love this multi-functional product because it makes my skin radiant and saves me space in my carry-on.
Must-Have Electronics
Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones
At 30,000 feet, the sound of the airplane’s engine and noise in the cabin can drown out your music. These Sony headphones take care of that problem. You can hear only the sound you want – the songs on your playlist. I used Beats headphones prior to these, and could barely hear any music. This is an improvement.
Nikon D3400 Camera
At 30,000 feet, the sound of the airplane’s engine and noise in the cabin can drown out your music. These Sony headphones take care of that problem. You can hear only the sound you want – the songs on your playlist. I used Beats headphones prior to these, and could barely hear any music. This is an improvement.
Newvanga International Universal Adapter
Every continent uses a different type of power socket so a universal adapter is a must for international trips. I’ve been using this brand for the past 5 years – in Europe, Africa, and Asia – and can’t recommend it enough. It comes with two charging ports so you can charge your phone and camera at the same time.
Tep Wireless Pocket Wifi
If you don’t have an international data plan, then portable wifi will make your life and your travels much easier. I used to have to go to Starbucks to access wifi but not anymore. This device, called a Teppy, provides 4G wifi for at least 6 hours. In my experience, it lasts 9 hours. I charge it, throw it into my bag, and I’m good to go. Quick tip: turn off the device when you’re not using it so that the battery can last longer.
Apple iPad 9.7-inch Retina Display
The Nikon D3400 is the ideal DSLR if you’re new to photography. The best thing about this camera, other than the professional-quality photos, is that it’s so simple to use. You can start with the auto mode that automatically adjusts the settings for you. As you learn more about shutter speed and aperture, you can start using the manual mode like the pros.
Apple 13″ MacBook Air
Once you go Mac, you can’t go back! I used to love PCs but grew tired off getting viruses. Four years ago, I purchased a MacBook air on Amazon and never looked back. I still use the same laptop today, although I should probably upgrade. The best thing about this computer is the sleek, lightweight design! I can just slide it into my carry-on and it won’t take up much space.
Find Cheap Flights
Skyscanner.com is my go-to website to search for flights. It’s hard to beat the prices! I’ve snagged a $24 direct flight to Milan, a $30 flight to Berlin, a $400 roundtrip ticket to Colombia, and a $500 roundtrip ticket to Japan. I’ve been using Skyscanner since I studied abroad in Spain back in 2012. I check the website along with the Hopper app to determine the best time to buy tickets
Find Hotels for Any Budget
Booking.com is my go-to website for booking hotels and apartments anywhere in the world. Even when I book last minute, I can always find good deals. I also use Expedia.com, but I’ve found that it’s mainly good for all-inclusive hotel deals, like in Cancun. Booking.com is great for booking 2-5 star hotels at a discounted rate. When you book using this link (or the book now button), you get a $25 reward after your stay. The link can only be used once.
Travel Insurance
When I first started traveling, I didn’t see the point of travel insurance. I figured I probably wouldn’t need it anyway. Why not save some money? That changed when I became a solo traveler. With no companion to help me out if something went wrong, I needed to make sure I was covered. That’s where travel insurance comes in.
Let’s say there you get food poisoning and have to go to the hospital. Your travel insurance will cover the cost of your treatment (up to a certain level depending on the type of policy you purchase.) I’ve been using Allianz Global Insurance for most of my solo travels. I normally purchase the basic coverage.
Luggage
The Cabin Zero 36 L carry-on backpack is my go-to travel bag. I almost never check in luggage so I need a carry-on bag that is spacious, sturdy, and comfortable. The Cabin Zero 36 L fits the bill. It’s great for long trips and also comes with a tracker in case it gets lost. Check out my complete review of the backpThe Cabin Zero 36 L carry-on backpack is my go-to travel bag. I almost never check in luggage so I need a carry-on bag that is spacious, sturdy, and comfortable. The Cabin Zero 36 L fits the bill. It’s great for long trips and also comes with a tracker in case it gets lost. Check out my complete review of the backpack.