I’m gearing up for some upcoming travels and it got me thinking. As someone who’s traveled relentlessly since my early 20’s, I have a tremendous appreciation for great travel gear. Over the past year I’ve logged more than 150,000 frequent flyer miles, and along the way I’ve learned how important it is to get a few key items right. So after many of you have requested this exact post, I’m happy to share my Top 8 Essentials for the Modern Traveler.
Backpack
My top choice here is the Venque Flatsquare backpack. Everything at Venque is clean, modern and super versatile for either casual or high end work settings. Second choice goes to Everlane Modern Snap Backpack. You can’t go wrong with either choice.
Carry-On Luggage
This is the single most important item in any road warrior’s arsenal. I’ve been a Samsonite fan for years, and their new Silhouette Sphere 2.0 line is best bag I’ve ever used. It’s big enough to fit everything you’d need while small enough to make sure it always fits in standard overhead spaces and doesn’t have to be checked.
Eye mask
Most people use the standard eye mask you get in the airline’s comfort kit, but once you commit to the Bucky Eye Mask you’ll never go back. The innovation here is that the super light material is shaped with a cupped eye area so it doesn’t actually touch your eyelids at all. It just creates a pocket of darkness around your eyes. Trust me, this is by far the best eye mask on the market and it’s $10.
Earplugs
Just like the eye mask, this is a hugely underrated purchase that will change your entire travel experience. It’s only a few bucks more to get high quality earplugs, and the Hearos Xtreme Protection are my favorite by far. They block out plenty of sound, mold to your inner ear, and don’t cause the pain that many others produce.
Headphones
This is probably the hardest item to pick just one winner. There are so many amazing headphones, and it really depends on your price range. Given that I prefer earbuds since I can keep them in my pocket and yet I lose a pair every six months, I tend to go for value above all else. The one thing I really care about is that they don’t fall out during workouts, and the Skullcandy Fix was made for that reason specifically. On longer trips though I might bring a full size set of cans, and in that case I go with the LSTN Troubadours. They not only sound phenomenal but they have a social mission so each purchase helps someone hear for the first time. Win-win.
Airplane socks
Another completely overlooked item in the road warrior’s repertoire. When you take that cross-country redeye you want to make sure you’re extra comfortable and can pass out on command. My secret trick here is a pair of extra cushioned socks. Trust me, the best in the game is the Wigwam 40 Degree Below socks. They are amazing.
Ultra Light All-Weather Jacket
The weather in each location you travel to may differ, so you need a lightweight jacket that’s versatile enough to keep you warm in chilly weather, protect you from the rain, and yet not take up much space in your bag. My top pick here is the Uniqlo Ultra Light Water Defender.
Writing Journal
Every traveler should keep a journal with them at all times. My favorite are the beautiful hand-crafted journals from Iona Handcrafted Books. If you commit to buying one of these you’ll cherish every word you write on the papyrus paper that fills the leather-bound interior of these pieces of art.
Bonus: The Essential Toiletry Bag
I used to scoff at the traditional dopp kit, but once I got one I realized how amazing these are for the modern traveler. It really pays off to simply keep one of these fully stocked with all the necessary items too. My favorite from a design standpoint is the Pendleton Essential Bag. If you like solid, no frills then go with the Herschel Toiletry Kit.
Now I’m turning it over to you. What are your favorite essentials when you hit the road?
Ingeborg
Very good blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m totally overwhelmed ..
Any ideas? Bless you!
Michelle @ Modern Acupuncture
Totally agree with the lightweight jacket, especially one that has a hood (a must!) and that folds up as flat as can be in my backpack when I don’t need it. I also typically bring a cheap, used, lightweight paperback that I don’t mind leaving behind when I’m done with it. I just donate it to whatever hostel I’m at for the next reader, and then I don’t have to carry it around anymore.
Adam
🙂
Jennie Ma
For me, must practical must-have I want to mention is my Uniqlo coat… You can roll it up when you don’t use which I can use as a back pillow or its just easy to carry around.
Safe & happy travels to all!
Adam
Love those coats… so so functional.
Michelle Mshanga
Super helpful. What I never leave home with is my portable phone battery, my ear phones (greatest buy), and sanitizer.
Adam
Great call!
Frank C
Good stuff Adam. Only things I would add is a nice neck pillow. Especially for those trips 3 hours+. Also I’ve found cell phone batteries that you can plug into your phone for extra juice just in case you use up all your cell battery on all your media. Again, in case you didn’t have a chance to charge in one of the charging stations at the airport.
Adam
I don’t personally use a neck pillow but my wife does and she loves them.
amy
Awesome tips thank you…
I could not leave home with out my Young Living essential oils and infused products… pure pristine earth products…. they protect me on the plane from coughing etc…. they nourish all my cells, vitalise, energise and and help me rest….
Adam
I haven’t checked those out but I’ll definitely be looking into them now.
Fritzi
Thank you Adam Braun! Practical as always…
Adam
Glad they were helpful Fritzi!
Fritzi
Thank you Adam Braun! Practical as always…
Allie Fleming
I live in the Midwest with a commute to work from Milwaukee to Chicago. With the cold weather and dreadful winter approaching these are all great items to consider. Especially that sleep mask for my morning train ride! Thanks!
Adam
It’s THE BEST Allie, enjoy.
Steve Kohn
Adam, I like your suggestions. My all time favorite line of suitcases to travel with, especially for carry on, are from Tutto. http://store.tutto.com/regulation-carry-on/
Their 4-wheel technology is balanced and the frame folds inward to fit into smaller spaces….or folds up nicely for storage. Plus it’s a great cart for hauling other luggage…just stack it on top…I’ll check out the Samsonite but I like this design. Much easier on the arm when you pull it, too, especially if you keep the wheels lubed with some WD40 or silicon spray regularly.
Adam
Just checked it out, great suggestion.
Steve Kohn
Adam,
One more item for International travel that I have found to be outstanding because you can use it in multiple countries and it packs easily into your backpack or briefcase…Simran SM-60 Universal Power Strip 3 Outlets for 110V-250V Worldwide Travel with Surge/Overload Protection, here’s the link on Amazon for like $20…just about every international plug attaches to it and you just need the adaptor for the country you are in to plug into the wall:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UHYDYO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00