5 Items You Need for Your Next Vacation
To Pack or Not to Pack?
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We’ve all overpacked, under-packed and everything in between. I’ve had overweight luggage and still needed to buy items along the way. Regardless of location or length of trip, there are a few things that should be staples in your luggage. I get questions about things I carry, and I’ve narrowed down my favorite and most used items. Most importantly, I’m not making any commission off these products. I’m just letting you know what I use and what works for me, so feel free to buy or not buy. Here are 5 items you need for your next vacation!
- Portable Door Lock: As a person with high functioning paranoia, this was a going away gift from my sister that I didn’t know I needed! Anytime I use it, I sleep so much more peacefully because the door will absolutely not budge. One con, I’ve noticed with this product that some older buildings have much larger locks and it doesn’t fit. This has been rare though. (Read: throughout Europe!) Mine was purchased here: Portable Door Lock
- Portable Charger: It’s 2023. There is no excuse for you to still be one of 100 people struggling for an outlet in the airport! I carry two Anker power banks, one for USB and one for USB-C. And they’re awesome. I purchased both on Amazon and I don’t know what I was doing in my life before traveling with these. Each one recharges my iPhone 3-4 times before needing a recharge, so I only need to charge it every few days. Mine was purchased here: Portable Charger.
- Universal Adapter: I thought this went without saying! Do not leave the US expecting to find US outlets. Don’t play yourself. Years ago, I would buy one for the country I was going to. Skip that and learn from my mistake. Save money now and buy one universal adapter to cover them all. If it’s in your budget, splurge for the one with multiple inputs so you can charge everything at once. Lastly, make sure to read carefully that it isn’t just for USB’s, so you can plug your laptop, flat irons, etc.
- Tripod: Duh. There will not always be someone available to take your pics and even if they are, chances are they won’t get the shot you want! And let’s be real, nobody really wants to take 50 shots of you. Easy fix, take it yourself. Be sure to get a tripod with a Bluetooth remote. They pair great with the Apple Watch camera timer too, so hands-free! Pro tip: spend the extra bucks for a 5-6′ tripod. You don’t want all your pictures angled up like they were taken by an unstable child. Do yourself a favor, don’t cheat yourself on the base, or the wind will knock that thing down. Now please… stop asking me who takes my pictures! You can purchase the same one I have here: Tripod
- Collapsible Water Bottle: I thought this was an overrated item I saw on dozens of lists. But I decided to give it a shot. I was wrong. I’ve lost count on how many bottles of water I didn’t have to buy because of this. It easily fits in a small purse to pull out when you’re walking around town or once you get through TSA. When space is a concern, every bit helps. Mine was purchased here: Collapsible Water Bottle
Of course, traveling with a checked bag and a backpack, I could list 50 more items. But these are definitely 5 items you need for your next vacation. Again, these are not sponsored items. These are actual products that I use, and think are incredibly helpful. If you don’t already have them, give them a try and let me know what you think! While you’re prepping, make sure your phone is prepared too. Start here: 12 Travel Apps You Need
