Travel Gear, 2025

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Trip Types & Packing Philosophy
• Travel Bags
  • Camera Bags
• Cameras
• Electronics
• Watches
• Other Travel Essentials
  • Sunglasses
  • Shoes
  • For The Beach
• Things I Don’t Bring Anymore
• Final Thoughts

Introduction

Back in late 2019, I wrote a post outlining my go-to travel gear: a snapshot of what I was carrying and why. It was simple, practical, and served me well through a lot of trips. Then the world… well… pressed “pause” on travel for a while.

Fast-forward a few years (and many clandestine weekend trips, some of which violating absurd “lockdowns” and circumventing crazy masking rules), and much has changed. Of course, technology marches on–some items got upgraded. Other items were retired after too many tangled cords, mask-induced rage moments, or “there’s now a better way” epiphanies.

So it’s time for a fresh look. This new and improved guide is more than just a list — it’s a breakdown of what I pack but also when I pack it, depending on the trip. Whether I’m doing a quick weekend getaway, flying across the country, heading overseas, or just chasing my kids across a beach, I can tell you now more than ever that good gear makes a big difference.

If you’re curious what works, what’s worth it, and how to pack like someone who’s made all the mistakes already, you’re in the right place: read on.

Trip Types & Packing Philosophy

There’s no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” travel packing list — despite what r/OneBag may tell you. (Washing my underwear with diluted hotel hand soap in the shower doesn’t exactly get me excited about exploring the world, if you get my drift.) What I bring depends heavily on where I’m going, how long I’ll be gone, what I’ll be doing, and how much tolerance I have for carrying things I’ll never use (spoiler: very little).

Here’s how I think about trip types — and how they shape what ends up in my bag.

📅 Weekend Trips

• Duration: 1-2 Nights
• Philosophy: Pack light, move fast, avoid roller bags. NEVER check a bag.
• This is the realm of backpacks and duffel bags. One pair of shoes. Minimal tech. Think: hotel stay, short flight or drive, minimal outfit changes, and very little “just in case” gear.

🇺🇸 Domestic Trips

• Duration: 3-9 Nights
• Philosophy: Flexibility without overkill. Avoid checking a bag.
• For a typical domestic family vacation, I’ll bring a carry-on roller and a personal item. This is the sweet spot for gear choices — you’ve got enough space for camera gear, a laptop, and a few luxuries, but still enough limitations to keep things efficient. Packing cubes start to earn their keep here.

🇪🇺 International Trips

• Duration: At Least 7 days
• Philosophy: Durable, organized, and power-conscious.
• International travel demands smarter packing. You need gear that handles long-haul flights, jet lag, voltage differences, and the occasional cobblestone street that wants to eat your luggage wheels. This is where travel-tested gadgets, comfortable clothing, and a well-designed bag setup really shine.

🏖️ Beach Trips

• Duration: Usually 2-3 nights (at least for our family).
• Philosophy: Less tech, more SPF.
• Beach trips are their own beast. Most of my usual electronics get left behind. I swap chargers for sandals and spend more time thinking about quick-drying fabrics than megapixels. In short: simpler gear, fewer layers, more focus on staying cool and not getting sunburned (and being ready if the unthinkable sunburn happens).

Philosophy: How To (and How Not To) Use a Packing Cube

Packing cubes are helpful right up until they become tiny suitcases inside your bigger suitcase. When used well, they organize your clothes, compress bulkier items, and make living out of your bag less chaotic. You can also use packing cubes to help minimize re-packing in trips where you’re moving around a lot. (Fill one cube for the first 3 nights in hotel #1, Fill one cube for the next 2 nights in hotel #2 and the following night in hotel #3, etc.) After you are done running your packing cubes correctly, you can layer and organize your load to make the guts of your bag more manageable.

When used poorly, packing cubes become a clunky system where you must unpack every cube to look for an item. Also, if you’re sitting on a cube to get it to zip shut–you’re doing it wrong. The best strategy is to use a few small and medium sized cubes, and to select cube sizes that work well with the specific travel bag that you select.

Speaking of which, there’s no time like the present to discuss…

Travel Bags

Ask five frequent travelers what kind of bag you should use, and you’ll get six different answers — all delivered with passionate certainty. The truth? There’s no perfect travel bag. There’s just the right bag (or bags) for the trip you’re on. Over the years, I’ve tried everything from minimalist backpacks to feature-rich carry-ons to full-blown roller bags, and each has its place.

For any of the bags below, I’d purchase the bag in a darker color so the inevitable marks that you’ll get on the bag while traveling won’t show up, but more importantly, you don’t want some bright yellow bag (or similar) which is going to make you stand out and draw attention to yourself when traveling abroad. In this case–less is more.

For the way that I travel, I buy into 3 travel bag “philosophies.”

1. The Minimalist “Bucket” Bag: Not many built-in zipper pockets or other frills, just one large compartment and a few token pockets. These work great for short trips when you want simplicity and durability. My go-to bags in this category are GoRuck bags. In this category, I have a GoRuck GR2 (40L), GR1 (26L), and a GR1 (21L). The GR2 has a few pockets and a front compartment, but the main storage area is the back compartment. The GR1s have one main compartment and a few zipper pockets. All of these models have a nifty (and well-protected) laptop pocket that rests up against your back directly. These models range between $335 and $400 and are super expensive, but totally worth it. Note: My GoRuck GR2 (40L) probably has gotten used more than any other bag in my collection. If you could only purchase one bag for an Overhead Bin backpack, I’d buy this one. Also, if you can get the “Made in America” versions, pay more for it.
   
2. The Pocketed “Smart” Backpack: I’m a fan of bags like the Tom Bihn Synik (22L, 26L, or 30L–though I think they’ve made different sizes at different points of time), which have just the right amount of structure and organization without overcomplicating things. (As you start to use the bag, your gear will find a way into specific pockets, making organization really easy.) I use the Synik 22 for lighter weekend and domestic trips where I don’t think I’m going to be brining a lot of extra stuff back with me. The internal laptop compartment, built-in organization, and clamshell design hit the sweet spot between minimalism and functionality. Also, there’s a built in trolley sleeve with a stiff divider that allows you to slide it over your suitcase roller-bag handle while still protecting your laptop. (Bonus on the Synik 22L: it should work as your “under the seat” bag. (The 26L will as well, if you don’t stuff it too much.)
   
3. The Full-Fledged Suitcase: When I’m traveling internationally or need to pack bulkier gear (read: camera, CPAP, multiple pairs of shoes), I roll out the Away Carry-On. It’s fairly lightweight and usually rolls pretty easily through whatever environments you’re trying to navigate. I really avoid having a roller bag whenever possible, but sometimes (especially with kids) you just need the capacity–especially if you want to leave room for souvenirs. For Away bags, I use “The Bigger Carry On” and “The Large.” Of course, “The Large” must be checked. (And in many cases in Europe, “The Bigger Carry On” must be checked due to weight, anyhow. Check with your airline for details.)

Again, I don’t necessarily subscribe to “One trip, one bag” methodology. Here’s kind of how I’d roll:

Application	Bag(s)	Notes
Quick Business Trip (1-2 nights)	GoRuck GR1 (21L) or Tom Bihn Synik (22L)	Intended as an “under the seat” bag, minimally packed with just a laptop, clothing, and minimal business gear.
Family Weekend Trip (1-3 nights)	GoRuck GR2 (40L)	Outfitted with a single packing cube and a section to expand
Longer Domestic Family Trip (4-9 Nights)	Away “Bigger Carry On” and GoRuck GR4 or Tom Bihn Synik (26L)	Depending on what kind of a vacation it is, we may want to include a good amount of space for carry-on items, so I start with a less-packed GoRuck to allow for expansion while
Weekend Beach Trip	GoRuck GR2 (40L)	I don’t generally need to bring a lot here.
European Vacation with my Wife	Tom Bihn Synik (22L) and “The Bigger Carry On” Away Suitcase	If we can swing it, we will do this in such a way where we don’t have to check a bag, though some carriers (especially European ones) are less concerned with size and first concerned with weight. In this circumstance, I may just pack “The Large” Away Suitcase instead and plan on checking a bag.
European Vacation with my Family	Tom Bihn Synik (22L) and “The Large” Away Suitcase	With the kids, we always plan on packing a checked suitcase with the intention of brining back any purchases we want from Europe. The packed bag vs. the carry on bag allows us to stay within the weight limits more easily.
Beach Trip	Varies	This varies on if we’re traveling by plane or by car, and varies based upon what we’re taking to the beach.

Camera Bags

I’ve gone through more camera bags than I care to admit. This is partly because camera gear is addictive, and partly because a “perfect bag” was a bit of a unicorn. I started with a rotation of Lowepro bags (especially the Stealth Reporter series) and gave the Tenba Skyline 12 a run for a couple of years. Both brands were okay, but I always found myself wishing for something a little more streamlined, padded, hip, and easier to live with on the go.

Then I discovered Crumpler’s Million Dollar Home series, and I haven’t looked back.

• Four Million Dollar Home (4L): Perfect for a minimalist setup — something like a Fuji X100VI, one extra battery, and a few small accessories and/or your sunglasses.
• Five Million Dollar Home (5L): My go-to for most travel. It fits a mirrorless camera with a lens attached, a second lens, and still has room for batteries, SD cards, and a few extras.
• Six Million Dollar Home (6L): The big rig. Ideal for longer trips when I bring more glass or want to stash my CPAP gear in a safer, padded space.

(Also: I’ll pause here to note that the Crumpler Million Dollar Home series makes for an IDEAL CPAP bag for traveling with the ResMed AirMini, a mask, a tube, and a power cord. Even the Four Million Dollar home is perfect for this purpose, and it’s accessible enough to be able to swing it open quickly to clear your pockets as you go through TSA or you need to demonstrate to an overzealous Ops Agent that you’re only carrying CPAP gear in your bag.)

All three bags are well-padded without being bulky, discreet enough not to scream “expensive camera inside,” and they fit under the seat on pretty much every plane I’ve flown and still allow room for your feet. They also pair beautifully with a larger travel bag like the GoRuck GR2 40L, making a great combo for one-bag international travel where photography is a priority. There’s one catch… they are $200 – $300 a piece on Crumpler’s website, and sometimes specific sizes are retired. However–you should check Ebay. You can usually find them for between $30 and $60 each. They’re probably worth the $200 to $300–but it’s a bonus if you can snag one for less than $100!

That said, none of the Crumpler bags I mentioned are a great choice for theme parks. This is especially true in Disney parks, where security can be obnoxious. Bulky camera bags in amusement parks will slow you down and will get you flagged at bag check. (They do make smaller Crumpler bags, and if you see one out there that looks like it’ll work for you, it’ll probably be a great fit.)

For theme parks, I go with something small and easy to swing around for security:

• A hip pack (worn cross-body) like the Cotopaxi x Hoka Kapai Hip Pack is roomy, durable, and park-friendly.
• If I want something more compact (and more on-brand for Disney), I use a Lug Skeeter Mini bag. These come in tons of variations: Haunted Mansion, festival exclusives, character prints, resort-specific designs, you name it–and they hit the sweet spot of functional and fun.

The Skeeter Mini fits a Fuji X100VI, a FuelRod or MagSafe battery, and a few other small essentials like a lens pen, chap stick, nail clipper (more on those later), or anything else you don’t want to be digging for mid-day. It’s my go-to bag for Disney days when I still want a real camera, but don’t want to feel like I’m smuggling gear onto Splash Mountain.

Cameras

Choosing the right camera for a trip isn’t just about image quality — it’s about size, weight, discretion, battery life, and whether I want to look like “that guy” standing in front of a gelato shop with a DSLR with a coke can lens.

Here’s what I bring, when I bring it, and why:

Fuji X-T4

This is my main interchangeable lens camera — compact enough for travel, but powerful enough for almost anything I throw at it. I have the X-T4 as I don’t think it’s worth the upgrade to the X-T5, though either body will do a great job for you. (If you’re in the market for a mirrorless, I’d consider both (including used ones), and get the one that you think you can get the most value out of.)

Fuji’s image quality is fantastic, the film simulations are fun (and sometimes save some work in editing later), and the controls feel right — tactile and analog-inspired without being clunky. It’s also small enough to not be too conspicuous.

In short, if I want to be able to swap lenses, this is usually my travel camera.

Fuji X100VI

This is the camera that makes me want to just walk and shoot. It’s compact, fast, has a fixed, fast, and sharp lens (like a built-in pancake lens), is discreet enough that most people won’t notice it or make a big deal out of it. Also, it’s small enough to not trip the Disney security screen, making it my go-to for theme park photography.

It is also ideal for international travel, city exploring, or when I want to carry something light that still packs a punch. (Added bonus: it looks cool.) The only downside of the Fuji X100VI is that so many people have found it on TikTok that you may have a challenge finding it. (Protip: Don’t pay more than retail for one. As of this writing, retail is $1600. If you can’t find one, and you don’t mind paying a little more, there’s a heck of an argument to be made to purchase an X-T4 or X-T5 and purchase the pancake lens for it. It’ll be a little bigger and heavier than the X100VI, but you’ll get the same basic experience–and you’ll be able to change lenses!)

Nikon D7500

I still have a soft spot for my Nikon D7500. It’s built like a tank, the autofocus is lightning-fast, and the optical viewfinder you get from a DSLR is always a treat, especially if you’re shooting action or wildlife.

That said, it’s also big. And heavy. And loud. It’s not the kind of camera I want to sling over my shoulder for a day of walking in Rome. But if I’m heading somewhere where I’ll be doing more intentional photography, like a road trip or national park, it sometimes makes the cut (though usually along with my X100VI.) I don’t travel with it as much anymore as I once did, but when I do, it still delivers.

Other Cameras

I used to pretty regularly carry a Ricoh Theta for fun travel selfies, immersive shots, and the occasional “this will look cool later” experiment. But the novelty wore off, and post-processing software often made editing a pain. (If I owned a Meta headset, I’d probably take more advantage of these cameras and capability.)

If you’re more interested in video than stills, I’d argue your money is better spent on something like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. It is a small, pocketable, gimbal-stabilized, practical video camera, making it ideal for travel vlogging or capturing smooth B-roll of your kids quickly and easily.

I also recently bought a Instax mini Evo camera, but the camera is kind of a gimmicky lomography bonus–it’s the ability to print little pictures on-the-go and give them to people that makes the camera totally worth it. (Even pictures that you don’t take on the camera itself!) You can also just get the printer, but I think it’s worth the delta to have a little basic camera with some fun effects built into it. (It’ll also make you re-think brining that extra Holga toy lens with your kit as well.)

Electronics

Traveling with electronics is always a balancing act. Too much gear and you start to feel like a mobile RadioShack. Too little, and you’re stuck tapping out long journal entries with your thumbs like it’s 2009. Over time, I’ve refined what I bring based on two main factors: how much I want to write or edit pictures on the airplane, and how much time I might need to kill.

At the heart of my travel journaling setup is DayOne, my favorite app for logging trip notes, memories, and observations. Whether I’m recapping a day in Tokyo or adding in pictures from my adventures during a three-hour road trip through Alaska, DayOne keeps everything synced, organized, and easy to reference.

For a while, I ditched the laptop and tried journaling on my iPhone with a Bluetooth keyboard (Specifically, the Logitech Keys-To-Go 2). It works okay until you’re on the plane and trying to work around a million other Bluetooth devices and the interference that gets in your way. Re-pairing a flaky keyboard at 35,000 feet is not my idea of a productive writing session.

These days, I use iPhone mirroring on macOS, which lets me type directly into the iPhone Day One app using my MacBook’s keyboard and screen. It’s smooth, reliable, and eliminates the need for clunky Bluetooth accessories.

When I know I’ll be writing a lot or editing photos and working on trip journal content, I’ll bring my MacBook Pro. It’s powerful, portable, and best of all, it charges via USB-C, which means I can plug it directly into the in-seat power outlets on Southwest Airlines flights (when they’re available). That’s one less charging brick in the bag.

Portable Game Device

Sometimes you just need something basic and handheld to survive a line at Disney World, a train ride between cities in Europe, or even a transatlantic flight that’s somehow too short to sleep and too long to enjoy.

Enter my NOMADs (Nostalgic Offline Mobile Arcade Devices). These are embedded devices that run on Linux-based operating systems and can be bought off-the-shelf, but allow you to tweak the software to create one heck of a mobile gaming device (with a pretty stellar battery life). For this purpose, I currently recommend the following hardware:

• TrimUI Brick: A jeans-pocket-sized retro handheld that is great for quick hits of nostalgia — like squeezing in a few rounds of Tetris or revisiting Maniac Mansion for the eighth time.
  
• TrimUI Smart Pro: A larger, more ergonomic version with a larger screen, though the analog sticks and size make it somewhat less pocketable.

Both are offline, lightweight, and won’t eat your phone’s battery. If I want something with more power–something that can run Red Dead Redemption 2, Fallout 3 / Fallout New Vegas / Fallout 4, or other full-blown PC games–I bring my ASUS ROG Ally II. It’s bulkier, isn’t really pocketable, and will only last for a couple of hours of gaming, but for heavier-duty gaming on the go, it’s a luxury that’s totally worth it. Plus, it’s also fantastic for watching downloaded content. It has a built-in MicroSD slot, which is great for copying over movies quickly and easily. Also, like my aforementioned MacBook Pro, it charges via USB-C. Also like the MacBookPro, the 60W Southwest Airlines in-seat outlets are able to charge the unit (assuming the aircraft has one). Most transatlantic flights will have one for sure, making the Asus ROG Ally a real tempting device to bring transatlantic as well, though it will take up a good amount of space.

Smart Phones

I use iPhones, always springing for the Pro versions, and generally hang on to each one for 2 to 3 years. I’m currently using an iPhone 14 Pro, and the main reason I go Pro is the camera system — the multiple fixed focal lengths are genuinely useful, and the image quality is good enough to leave the mirrorless at home on some trips. It’s not that I’m a Mac or Apple fanboy (as some credit me to be), it’s the ecosystem–if you’re using a Mac Book Pro, having an iPhone is kind of a no-brainer and you can benefit from using some really cool features, even offline (like AirDrop).

When buying a phone, regardless of if you want an Apple device or not, I recommend opting for the larger storage size, especially if you’re shooting a lot of video or photos. I generally avoid the “Max” models, as they feel a little too big for everyday use, but with the size differences shrinking between models lately, I may go back to the Max format eventually. Either way, it’s hard to overstate how nice it is to have a 2 legit cameras, a GPS unit, music player, journal, flashlight, payment wallet, and translation device all in one slim rectangle.

Headphones

My go-to headphones for travel are the AirPods Pro 2. No, they’re not the most amazing headphones I’ve ever owned — but the combo of portability, solid noise cancellation, and seamless integration with the aforementioned Apple ecosystem makes them hard to beat. I can switch between my iPhone, iPad, and Mac without tapping through menus or re-pairing. They just work.

That said, I haven’t totally abandoned the old-school over-the-ear crowd, but I almost have. I’ve traveled with Bose QC35s and Bose NC700s, both of which sound better and have noticeably stronger noise cancellation — especially when you’re near a jet engine or in a noisy cabin. But they’re big. They take up a lot of room in a backpack, and they don’t play as nicely with Apple devices. If sound quality is your top priority, though, the Bose over-ear headphones are still unmatched in my experience.

Bluetooth Speakers

I don’t always bring a Bluetooth speaker, but when I do, it’s usually a Bose SoundLink model. These speakers have held up well over the years, and I’ve used them in beach houses, on cruise ships, and even to provide white noise in a hotel room next to a suspiciously lively elevator shaft. They’re expensive, but I feel like they’re pretty affordable.

• The Bose SoundLink Micro is my go-to when I want something compact, water-resistant, and sturdy. It’s great for beach days, and it won’t cry if it gets splashed. My one gripe: it still charges via Micro USB, which is really unfortunate.
  
• The larger Bose SoundLink Flex or similar models are better for cruise ships or beach trips, assuming you’ve got the luggage space. Pro tip: some cruise lines have banned Bluetooth speakers due to guests blasting music on deck. I recommend checking your cruise line’s policy before packing one. Personally, I use mine not for pool parties but for playing quiet music or white noise overnight in my cabin, which makes the tiny, humming room feel a little more livable (and the obnoxious loud people in the hallway harder to hear).

Watches

I always am wearing a watch–always. I love watches and have a huge collection. But traveling with flashy, expensive watches isn’t a winning strategy. When I travel with a watch, I want it to be accurate, durable, and easy to use.

Here are a few of my go-to travel watches and why they’ve earned a place in my rotation:

Longines VHP (Very High Precision)

Longines VHP watches are a marvel of engineering. They have a quartz movement with insane accuracy that doesn’t require a radio sync or smartphone pairing. Hack it once and you’re good to go for months. It just quietly keeps perfect time.

Even better: changing time zones is a breeze. You don’t have to re-hack or reset anything — just adjust the hour hand independently and move on with your life. It’s the ideal watch for hopping between time zones without messing up your internal clock (or your watch’s).

Even better still: If you get the GMT version, you can use the Longines VHP app to send over a series of flashes from your smartphone that automatically sets the home and away time zone and syncs it with the atomic clock.

Unfortunately, I think Longines has stopped producing the VHPs. But–now’s the time to get one, especially at Swatch Brand’s outlets, “Hour Passion.” They are heavily discounted. And–if you’re worried about changing the battery, I’ve got just the blog article for you…

Citizen Eco-Drive World Timer

I’m also a fan of Citizen’s Eco-Drive line — especially the Blue Angels Worldtimer. It’s solar-powered, has legit world time functionality, and packs more information onto the dial than some airplane cockpits. It’s a little busy, but in a good way. Also, mine survived a car accident with no damage, which says a lot about its build quality. If you want a rugged, tech-forward watch that looks a little like a fighter pilot might wear it (but won’t break the bank), it’s a great option.

Apple Watches

I don’t wear one daily, and I’ll be honest: it’s a little boring. But, credit where credit is due: it’s extremely handy in certain situations. In Europe, being able to make contactless payments from your wrist without fishing around for your phone or wallet is slick. And I’ll sometimes wear one when I know I’ll be tracking health metrics or notifications in a more connected way. That said, the daily charging ritual is annoying, especially when outlets are limited or you’re constantly on the move. It’s convenient, but it doesn’t spark joy for me… it just checks boxes.

Casio G-Shocks

If I had to recommend just one travel watch for anyone, regardless of budget, experience, or destination, it would be the Casio G-Shock GWM5610-1. It’s:

• Tough enough to take virtually any hit
• Solar-powered, so no battery anxiety
• Atomic clock synced, so always dead-on accurate
• Subtle and comfortable
• Easy to read (the negative display is somewhat harder to read)
• It is sleek (and not huge like most G-Shocks)
• And best of all, affordable–you can usually get it for around $100.

It’s the kind of watch that just works — no frills, no drama. Whether you’re hiking in the Alps, navigating Tokyo’s rail system, or standing in line at TSA, this watch won’t let you down, and you won’t be afraid to wear it.

I have close to 150 (good) watches in my collection, and this watch boasts the lowest cost per wear ratio of the whole collection–illustrating how ridiculously practical the watch is.

If the old-school Casio square is not your look of choice, generally all G-Shocks fit into this category of practical watches that can stand up to virtually any abuse, though you can spend thousands on a G-Shock (if you are so inclined).

Other Travel Essentials

Some gear doesn’t fit neatly into a category, but still earns a permanent spot on the packing list. These are the odds and ends that consistently make travel more comfortable, more secure, or just a little less annoying.

Moneybelt: I’m not saying you need to walk around like you’re in a spy thriller, but when you’re in pickpocket-prone areas like Rome, Barcelona, or Paris, a moneybelt can give you real peace of mind. I don’t wear it constantly, but it’s a great way to stash critical items like your physical credit cards, your passport, and larger bills out of sight when traveling through crowded transportation hubs or during long sightseeing days. (And yes, you should wear a Moneybelt UNDER your clothing.)

Nail Clippers: Travel brings out the worst in my nails and if I don’t bring a good nail clipper, I’ll regret it. Specifically, I pack high-quality Japanese nail clippers: the kind that catch the clippings, but I generally find that the actual blades of these are a “cut above” (pun intended).

For even smaller and high quality: check out these Victorinox folding clippers. They’re tiny, sharp, and catch clippings pretty well. Either option beats those sad drugstore clippers that feel like they’re bending steel when trimming a thumbnail.

International GaN Power Adapter: If you travel internationally, just get one of these (or some similar brand): a GaN-based plug adapter with USB-C and USB-A ports, preferably one that outputs at least 65W. GaN (Gallium Nitride) chargers are better because they’re smaller, faster, and more efficient than traditional silicon-based chargers. It won’t convert voltage for legacy appliances (always check the plug or the electrical markings on the device to ensure that the item can take a 220 V input), but it will safely charge your phone, laptop, tablet, and camera–often all at once. I don’t even bother swapping these units out for normal US plug units when traveling domestically. I just throw one or two of these in my bag and forget about them until I’m needing a charger.

These are also perfect for cruise cabins or airplane seat outlets, where plug access is weird, limited, or worn out. (Travel tip: When given the option of an international plug on the airplane, use the UK or EU plug on airplanes to get a more secured connection that is less likely to fall out of socket when you kick it.)

Toiletry Condoms: Okay, they don’t call them that, but that’s what they are–they’re like thick condoms that can be rolled over your small travel bottles in case they leak. These take up no space and essentially remove the possibility that your TSA fluid bag is going to be a mess when you arrive at your destination. There’s a bunch of generic ones, but here’s an example of what I’m talking about. Totally worth it.

An Extra, Collapsible Bag: I’m a huge fan of this one, which we found at Ginza’s famous Itoya store in Tokyo. (They have some super cool special editions!) These are great to bring with when anticipating that you’re going to want to carry some items with you that you purchased (or in the case of Tokyo, to carry your trash to the next trash bin…) It’s also not a bad idea to pack some sort of folding carry-on sized bag, like a Longchamp that can be expanded from almost nothing into a full-sized carry-on, but with a sturdy handle which won’t rip.

Sunglasses

I’m a bit of a sunglasses hoarder. But, I have many schools of thought regarding sunglasses, depending on what you’re going for.

I’ll pause here to say I used to swear by polarized lenses, but these days I’m migrating more toward non-polarized, mostly because I want to be able to read my phone, camera, laptop, and car dashboard without tilting my head like a confused pigeon.

If you want…

• Affordable & Disposable: I recommend Goodr and Knockarounds, especially their limited/special editions. Stylish, durable, and cheap enough that if they fall off a boat, I won’t cry (much). I think all of their sunglasses generally come with polarized lenses.

• High-Tech: I’ve been impressed by the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. As a recovering Google Glass explorer, I can say: these are what that tech should’ve been (though I do miss the heads-up display in the lenses). They’re great for taking pictures at the beach without getting sand in your camera, but I offer a word of caution: do not get these wet!

• Luxury Meets Style and Value: My top pick is the Venice 96 from Ottica Carraro in Venice, Italy. They are outstanding quality at a solid price point.

• Best Optics: Maui Jim lenses are still the gold standard for clarity and color, and they offer reasonably priced repairs if something goes sideways, which is uncommon but has happened to me a couple of times. (Again, I think Maui Jims are always polarized.)

• Foldables: The Persol 714SM (Steve McQueen edition) is one of my favorite sunglass models. They’re foldable, classy, and extremely expensive. (They start at $500-ish, but if you can find them on sale, you’ll have better luck.)

Shoes

I’ve made peace with the fact that I’m not sacrificing comfort to save a buck any longer–and neither should you.

My go-tos are:

• On Cloudeclipse: Possibly the most comfortable model in the On lineup.
• On Cloudsurfer: A close second on comfort.
• On Cloudflyer & Cloudrunner: Also solid, though slightly less cushy.
• On Cloudhorizon: Weather-resistant and good for cooler or wetter conditions, though still cushy.
• Hoka Bondi: Cloud-like cushioning, comparable to On’s offerings as well.

Note: I’m not a huge fan of the basic OnClouds. They just don’t hit the same comfort level as the others. I usually go for black or neutral tones, especially when traveling in Europe — both to blend in and to hide the inevitable grime.

For the Beach

• Microfiber Towels: They’re light, dry quickly, resist sand, and pack down small. I like Dock & Bay or Nomadix towels, but the generic ones I’ve used have been good as well. Andrew’s modeling a red, white, and blue Dock & Bay Towel in the picture above. And, he’s sitting under the shade of a…

• Shibumi Shade: If you’re doing a proper beach day, this is a game-changer. The full-size version provides shade for a family of 4+, while the mini version (which is pictured above) fits in a carry-on diagonally. Just be sure there’s some wind as it’s basically a windsail. (Luckily, there’s almost always ample wind on every beach I’ve been on.)

Things I Don’t Bring Anymore

Over time, I’ve shed a fair amount of travel gear. Some of that gear I’ve retired… Here are a couple of things I’ve happily left behind:

Dedicated GeoLogger Devices

I used to pack a GPS logger (like a BadElf) to geotag my photos, and while it scratched the “excellent GPS log with instant feedback regarding location & speed” itch, it also meant yet another device to charge, sync, and occasionally troubleshoot. (If I have a balcony on a cruise ship, though, and I want to see what path we’ve taken, I’ll pack it and stash it on my balcony with a long charge cord for the entire trip.)

Now I use the GeotagPhotos2 app on my iPhone. It runs quietly in the background, logs GPS coordinates throughout the day, and syncs up beautifully with my photos when I import them later. If you want a free option, GPX Tracker also works — but GeotagPhotos2 is worth the few bucks for the interface alone–not to mention the cloud-backup for your GPS logs!

Camera Chargers

Between battery improvements and USB-C charging, I’ve stopped packing dedicated chargers for most of my cameras.

• My Fuji X100VI and X-T4 both charge directly via USB-C, so I just use the same cable I’m already packing for everything else.
• When I travel with my Nikon D7500 (which is more rare, now), I leave the charger at home. That thing sips power like it’s rationing for a winter storm. A single battery will easily last me thousands of shots (and literally months). There’s no good reason to justify the extra charger (which takes up more space and can get lost).

Neck Pillows / Other On-Airplane Inflatable or Ergonomic Devices

I’ve never found one that’s worth it’s weight or size. My wife swears by some of these, but they just don’t help me. I wish I could find one that took up no space and could be used on a transatlantic flight, but I haven’t found anything yet. (Let me know if you have any suggestions.)

Extra Sim Cards

I’ve gone all ESIM and I’ve moved away from paying the ransom for the Verizon pay-per-day, super-limited international plan. If you haven’t already, get yourself an ESIM for your trip. I generally recommend Holafly for Europe–easy to buy, reasonably priced, and unlimited packages offered for a reasonable price. Though it doesn’t hurt to price-shop before you settle on one.

Maps and Travel Guides

Travel guides are super helpful–but I don’t see the point in brining a hard copy anymore. I generally prefer Rick Steves’ travel guides (you can probably tell from my writing style on this blog…) but I bring them all in my kindle app.

Also–I don’t believe in having hard copy maps. While I like the laminated pocket maps, I find almost always that the best thing to do is to either save your maps and content directly in Google Maps and/or GPS My City. (About the only place that I’ve encountered where these things don’t work that well is walking around Venice–but if you aren’t getting intentionally lost in Venice while you’re visiting, I think you’re kind of missing the point of your visit.)

Final Thoughts

Packing is personal. What works for me might not work for you, and what worked for past me doesn’t always survive the next trip. But over the years (and many airports, cruise cabins, cobblestone streets, and theme park security checkpoints), I’ve learned that good travel gear earns its place by being reliable, multi-functional, and not annoying to carry.

This article isn’t meant to be a definitive packing list–it’s a snapshot of highlights of what I actually use, what I’ve ditched, and why. It’ll probably change again in a year or two. That’s the nature of travel (and gear): always evolving, occasionally overthought, and usually stuffed into a bag five minutes after I said, “I think I’m packed.”

Hopefully this guide helps you fine-tune your own setup — or at least makes you think twice about bringing that extra pair of shoes or the cable you haven’t used since 2017.

Until next time–safe travels, pack smart, and may your outlets always have power!