There’s nothing comparable to seeing a new place or taking part in a new experience for the first time. It’s a big world out there, and there’s so much we haven’t seen yet!
As a explorer, I chase that feeling of awe and inspiration with every trip I plan. I get excited to sit down and plan out my itinerary. Where are the best places to eat? What languages should I brush up on? Take me to the scenic route! Reaching the top of the mountain, traveling the world or introducing your kids to your country’s coolest landmarks are such rewarding experiences, but making them happen takes blood, sweat and tears.
I’m thankful to have a family that loves to travel and spend time in nature. I know how many hours of research and deal-hunting it takes to put together the perfect trip, and what to watch out for once you’re there. Based on my experience, the items below are going to make traveling so much easier for you, whether you’re a flight attendant or family of four.
No microwave? Not a problem with this food warmer!
This is my favorite item on the list, so I’m putting it first! There are so many times I’ve been on a trip and didn’t have access to a microwave or stove top – annoying when you bring your own groceries or want to reheat leftovers. Now you can cook and reheat food from your car! I’ll take two!
Disinfect after the airport with these Clorox wipes
It’s been nice not getting head colds since 2020 and I’d like to keep it that way. These wipes are a must-have for people who travel a lot. They’re bleach-free, so you can use them on your phone, luggage and other accessories without damaging your stuff.
This car charger is essential for long drives
Stick it in the car power outlet and boom: endless energy. Bonus: It’s a two pack, so there’s one for the back-seaters too!
Seal your dirty laundry, trash and stinky pet toys in this smell-proof bag
It’s going to be a long drive home. I don’t want to smell our collective BO the entire time.
Invest in extra peace of mind with this wireless driveway alarm
My parents live in the back country and I’m sure glad they have one of these. I house sit for them all the time and I would be scared to death being alone all the way out there without any kind of alarm system. Pair this with some motion sensor lights and you’ll be all set.
Stay dry on the trail with this rain tarp
It’s no fun sleeping under the stars if it starts to rain in the middle of the night. I would have a heart attack if I suddenly woke up wet! Then again, you won’t see me camping without a tent. This rain tarp will help you enjoy the rustic camping experience you’ve been craving without getting soaked. It’s also great for keeping the sun off your back on sunny excursions.
This Mini Slice Makes Box Cutting Safe And Precise
Do you know how many times I’ve wished I had a box cutter on me? This mini version has a blade that hides away safely in my pocket. I use it for the piles of Amazon boxes I order weekly and even standard things around the house like envelopes, snack bags, drink boxes, or anything annoyingly shrink wrapped. Plus, it’s magnetic so it can live on my fridge! This is so handy, it makes for a great gift.
Wrangle those loose coupons, bills and receipts with this car seat organizer
This might be a bit passive-aggressive as a gift, but if you’re buying for yourself or your kids, go right ahead. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better organizational gift.
No Pain, Big Gain
Whoever said, “No Pain, No Gain,” has clearly never tried this pain relief ointment before. One of the reasons I avoid working out at the gym, other than laziness, is the inevitable muscle soreness afterward. Other creams have deterred me because of their nasty smell and sticky residue, but I don’t have to worry about that with this Rescue brand. It’s so effective that I don’t need to constantly reapply it either!
The best seat cushion for back pain
Your dad’s been complaining about sciatic nerve pain for the past year, but he’s the designated driver this summer vacation. You’ll be his new favorite adult child if you get this for him before the trip.
The Perfect Workout Buddy Bands
There are certain muscle groups you just can’t strengthen quite the same without resistance bands. That’s why these premium resistance bands are a must-add to your daily workout routine! They’re sturdy, snap-resistant, and safe so you don’t have to worry about replacing them. I love these because I can use them for a full body workout at home or at the gym. Summer body, here I come!
A new kind of camping lighter
Have you seen these spark lighters yet? They’re so cool! No lighter fluid required. Perfect for camping, grilling and lighting candles.
Warts, Be Gone!
Warts are like pop-up ads. No one likes them, yet they always seem to show up at the most inconvenient times. This wart remover liquid gel is the perfect remedy. After application, a wart will begin to die within 1-2 days and could be completely eliminated within 2 weeks!
If you don’t have time to shower, try these body wipes
Yes, they really do work. This is an essential item for all campers, rave moms and workaholic sales reps.
Kick Snoring, Not Your Partner, Out Of Bed!
I love my partner with all my heart, but I will make him sleep on the couch if his snoring gets too loud. I know that sounds evil, but I need my beauty sleep too! So, in an effort to stay happily married, we got this anti-snoring mouthpiece that positions his jaw forward to widen its airway and reduce the loud snoring noise. It’s been a game changer. We also got this nasal dilator for the nights he doesn’t feel like wearing a retainer. Now he has no excuse not to cuddle me every night, muahaha!
Block out Dad’s snores with this white noise machine
Sleeping in new places has always been a challenge for me, so I never leave home without one of these. When the party goes on past bedtime, plug this baby in and start counting sheep.
Make fresh, tasty drinking water with this collapsible filtered bottle
If you’re picky about the flavor of tap water or you’re looking for a way to safely filter lake water on your backpacking trip, this is the water bottle for you. This thing is next gen! It filters down to .01 microns and can fold up to fit in your pocket. For less than $30, this is a steal.
Take your phone for a dive with this waterproof pouch
Why drop hundreds on a GoPro when you could get great underwater footage with your iPhone? With a IPX8 waterproof rating, this see-through case is good up to 100 feet deep. The pouch also doubles as a secure go-bag for the airport.
Don’t forget the snacks!
Worried about hangry kids on the road? Throw this healthy snack mix into the trunk and you never have to worry about it again.
Suitcase stuffers, check out the collapsible kettle
So many plusses about this item: it won’t break in your suitcase, it takes up less space and you no longer have to use those gross hotel coffee makers.
Navigate with ease using this phone mount
Get one of these before your road trip – trust me, you’ll need it. You don’t want to miss those traffic jam or speed trap alerts, especially in a new city.
Keep everyone safe with these trackable wristbands
As they grow older, your kids and teens will want to venture out on their own during family trips. As bittersweet as that seems, you know they will have a blast doing their own thing. Thankfully, technology like this lets you keep an eye on them from a distance – everyone gets what they want!
These ice packs will keep your groceries fresh for the road
Eating out every day of your vacation can get expensive! If you prefer to take your own food, you’ll want to invest in some of these and a good cooler.
Light your path with this bike light
Perfect for signalling drivers, illuminating rough patches on the road and spotting animals.
Take this dry bag kayaking, fishing or river rafting
Your loved ones won’t react well if check in time comes and goes without a word from you. Do the smart thing and stow your phone in this dry bag before you hit the water.
You’ll want this hands-free reversible umbrella for unexpected rainstorms
No more struggling to get into the car while closing an umbrella. Even the strongest of winds can’t break it!
HotHands for cold places
I don’t know if anything like this existed when I was a young kid, but I’m soooo glad they exist now. I get cold easily, and these little packets have gotten me through so many camping trips.
Breathe comfortably with this mini air purifier
As soon as I step off the plane, allergies set in. I would say I’m allergic to travel, but I love it too much to give it up that easily! If you can relate, get yourself one of these for your next trip.
The ideal travel accessory for relentless multitaskers
Stop juggling your coffee, boarding pass and phone – get one of these!
Remember to check your tire pressure between destinations!
Thankfully, I’ve never been stranded in the desert with a flat tire, but I shutter at the thought of it.
Be prepared for anything with this car emergency kit
It’s got jumper cables, bandages, zip ties, a flashlight, scissors, an ice scraper, work gloves, a poncho, a whistle and any other tools you could possible need to survive the unknown.
Take a nap on the plane with this neck pillow
Sleep mask up, headphones on… Paradise, here I come!
Make the most out of the hotel room closet with these space-saving hangers
If you’re planning to stay more than one night, you might as well air out your clothes. It’s better to smell like a hotel than baggage claim! These are also a great find for RV travelers with limited storage space.
For flawless makeup, take one of these light-up mirrors with you
You never know what the lighting conditions of the next office, hotel or conference hall might be – why take the risk?
Sleep masks with a sense of humor
Why should sleep masks be boring and basic? This way, when your partner comes to wake you from your nap or tickle you during your meditation, they’ll think twice before disturbing you. (My boyfriend says he would pick the “Shut Up” mask because I won’t stop talking at bedtime. Fair enough.)
Crease Release Spray = No more ironing!
After 12 hours of compression, your neatly packed outfits are going to need a little TLC. Spray a little of this and the wrinkles will fall right out!
Eat in style with this iridescent silverware kit
Wow, these are the coolest travel utensils I’ve ever seen! They’re made with stainless steel, so they’re durable and dishwasher safe. Mother Earth will thank you for buying these instead of single-use plastic sporks.
21 TSA approved leak-proof bottles for your next flight
The last travel bottles set you will need. Package includes 21 various items, 4 silicone bottles (3oz/89ml), 4 cream jars (20ml), 4 toothbrush silicone covers, 2 spray bottles (2oz/60ml), 2 pump bottles(2oz/60ml), 2 pieces of tag paper, 2 trowels, 1 funnel. Muti-color & Various kinds of travel bottles, toothbrush covers guarantee your whole family a comfortable, pleasant travel.
Keep your lunch cold with this backpack cooler
A lightweight, easy to carry alternative to massive Igloo coolers. Take it fishing, up the mountain or on your next road trip.
An inflatable sleeping pad for people on the go
Stuck at the airport overnight? Need a new mattress for backpacking? Try this lightweight sleeping mat!
Go off grid with this high-capacity phone power bank
Your phone died because it sat out in direct sun for too long, but your charger is back at the hotel – ugh. It’ll be the last time you go anywhere without a spare battery pack.
Record your best moments on the road with this dash cam
A drive through towering trees or along coastal bluffs screams to be a time lapse. This dash cam will also help you document any suspicious behavior or crash incidents that could happen out on the open road. With the way people drive now, we all really need one of these.