My Go-To Travel Basics
Is this interesting? I don't know. People have asked. Not often, but, you know, more than twice. It seems like the kind of thing you should put in a travel blo...I mean ONLINE TRAVEL MAGAZINE. Anyway, here's some things I always pack. I didn't get any of these items for free, and I don't have any paid affiliations. Hey, unrelated real quick, does anyone know how to get paid affiliations?
Is this interesting? I don't know. People have asked. Not often, but, you know, more than twice. It seems like the kind of thing you should put in a travel blo...I mean ONLINE TRAVEL MAGAZINE. Anyway, here's some things I always pack. I didn't get any of these items for free, and I don't have any paid affiliations. Hey, unrelated real quick, does anyone know how to get paid affiliations?
Rucksack
I like the security features of this KORIN Clickpack Joy. It has a combination lock and a retractable wire that you can use to lock it to heavy objects. I almost want someone to try and pinch it just to see their surprise. An explosion proof (?!) zipper, knife-resistant exterior, and a pocket so people can’t scan your credit cards. Holds a laptop and a tablet, foldable waterproof cover, removable pouches. You can also hook up a battery to recharge devices via USB cable. 
Water bottle
I like the Contigo models. This one has a lock and a soft spout, and a carabiner attachment. The only thing you have to watch for is untwisting the cap to equalize the pressure before drinking if you’re on a plane. Otherwise it squirts all over your face. It’s easy once you remember. I’ve only embarrassed myself about 15-20 times. 
Plastic bag
This might seem basic, and it is. But you can temporarily waterproof electronics, shelter under it, carry wet swimwear, store unwrapped food from markets, place it on unsavoury surfaces and sit on it …it’s a plastic bag, you know what it can do. Always worth carrying one. 
Portable bidet
We don’t need to go into the technicalities, but these battery-powered wonders are hygienic and I take one everywhere. I mean, not everywhere...I don't take it with me when I go out to dinner. But to hotels. Listen, bathroom situations are unpredictable. Everyone's got their own protocols. 
Noise canceling earphones
I live in America, where indoor voices are an alien concept. Also, the world over, braying executives act like every public space is their office and are content to loudly spray their business everywhere like sonic skunks. I happen to have AirPods because I got a really good deal, but there are dozens of good brands - anything to keep the acoustic stink at bay. |
Digital Watches
Oooh, look at me, I need to know the time in different cities like I’m working on a Foreign Exchange desk in the city. OK, I know every smartphone has a world clock but I like watches, alright? This model is cheap and can show you 31 time zones (why are there 31 time zones?). Ten year battery, waterproof up to 10m/30ft, less than $30. You can set five alarms over multiple time zones, though that does sound complicated and I haven't tried it. I have both, I think of the metal version as my formal one. 
Weighted eye mask
I have a weighted blanket at home but that seems unwieldy to pack. I can barely lift it to get it into the washing machine, to be honest. I don't think that this blocks light any better than a regular mask, but it feels more secure or reassuring or something. It’s like a hug for your eyes. 
Anamorphic lens
Phone cameras are all pretty decent these days of course, but for a cinematic flourish, I use this attachable anamorphic lens from Moment. It’s good for stills and video, comes with a free phone app, and provides those arty, evocative flares. JJ Abrams would be proud. 
Bluetooth speaker
Sometimes you just want to blast ABBA in the morning, or maybe there’s an impromptu party in your hotel suite, or you want to prove how cool your music taste is to the entire floor. There are hundreds of brands. I like this INSMY splashproof one. Cheap and cheerful, and you can use it for your shower karaoke session. 
Silicone ear plugs
Again with the silencing. Foam and plastic versions just don’t cut the mustard for me these days. I find that even cheap silicone earplugs do a much better job, and block out pretty much everything. As you can probably tell, I’m a bit sensitive to ambient noise (awww, poor thing, I know) but I swear by these. |