As we approach the holidays, I constantly see articles listing the best travel gifts one can get a traveler. We travel writers and advisors all have our favorites. Since I spend four-six months traveling, I am always on the lookout for things that are worth packing. Let me tell you about five travel gifts I think you should ask Babbo Natale to bring you this year.
Rolling Backpack
I spend months on the road, so I need a reliable piece to hold my electronics, papers, snacks, and more. Duffles and weekenders held everything, but they were difficult to manage since they didn’t have wheels. My husband talked me into a rolling backpack last year, and it’s been a lifesaver.
A lot of people (I was one) don’t like rolling backpacks, but good ones are worth the expense. If you use the straps, they can reduce strain on your shoulders during long travel days. Moving through airports and crowded streets is easier as they glide along. Most importantly, they also offer flexible storage and quick access, helping you stay organized on the go.
I bought a 15-inch Bagsmart backpack last year, and it performed well. My only complaint (other than I shouldn’t have bought pink since it gets dirty) is that it was too small. During Black Friday sales, I ordered an Arcoyard 18-inch dual-opening rolling backpack. It is a little taller, wider, and deeper, so it should hold everything without my having to smash it in there. I’ll report back.
Universal Travel Adapter
One thing I cannot travel without is a universal travel adapter. Plugs and outlets vary widely worldwide, so what works in one country may not in another. I used to travel with individual adapters, and I had plugs of all shapes and sizes spilling all over. Universal adapters offer an all-in-one solution with different plugs and USB ports. I like the Epicka and Tessan so much that I have five units, and I use them at home when I’m not traveling.
Now, if someone could figure out what to do with all of the tangled cords.
Packing Cubes
When I started traveling a lot, I tried every packing tip that exists. I rolled my clothes. I put them in plastic bags. I stacked big items and stuffed small ones in corners or shoes. I even bundle packed and taught classes for this method.
And then I discovered packing cubes.
Packing cubes separate your luggage into neat compartments by sorting clothes and accessories into types and/or outfit. The cubes come in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials, so you can choose the ones you like best. I pack my jeans, skirts, and/or shorts in the largest cubes and shirts and tees in the medium size. The smaller cubes are good for socks and underwear.
(Side note: I have friends who will pack one or two outfits in each cube. That way, they can easily take out everything that they will wear on a certain day.)
If you look at the photos above, you can see how things fit in the cubes and how the cubes fit in my luggage. I had about eight shirts in the packing cube on the left, and five pairs of slacks and shorts in the middle one.
Journal
I carry two or three small notebook/journals with me when I travel. At times, I use them to write my thoughts; other times, I draw and doodle. Journals allow you to record thoughts and memories and reflect on your adventures. They are also a very good outlet for stress reduction.
I’m leaving on a short trip later this month, and I’ll take a new journal with me. When I head to Italy for a few months in February, I plan to take the same journal and add to it. As I stated above, journals are great places to record memories and adventures. I find that even my doodles serve to document my life at that particular time. Journals are sort of the “junk drawer” of my life experiences.
Socks
Who doesn’t like getting socks at Christmas?
Laugh if you must, but I find having good socks is very important. I find I need socks when I travel more than I do at home due to weather changes. While I usually wear cotton half-socks, I agreed to try Samsox, lightweight merino wool socks made in the States.
I was skeptical because when I think, “wool,” I think itchy and scratchy. Wrong. Samsox were very comfortable, and even when the humid weather warmed up, they kept my feet dry and cool. When I head to cold Italy in February, I’ll have these in my luggage.
(Please note: Samsox did send me the socks, but the thoughts and opinions I expressed are entirely my own.)
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