In My Bag

Backpack

If I’m working remotely while traveling, I bring this backpack, which is perfect for digital nomads. I love that it slides onto the handle of my suitcase! If I don’t need as much space, I bring my Fjallraven Foldsack (pictured above)

20-Inch Suitcase

The carry-on bag size for many regional airlines abroad is much smaller than in the US. Because of this, I typically bring a small suitcase like this one from Amazon basics.

Cotopaxi Fanny Pack (Day Pack)

I usually bring this fanny pack as a small day pack for exploring cities and to store my essentials on travel days. It fits a small water bottle, phone, wallet, and more.

Jewelry Organizer Case

This exact jewelry organizer has been a game changer for me. I love to wear necklaces, but necklaces do not like to travel! Thankfully, this case keeps my seven necklaces from tangling and has plenty of room for earrings, rings, and other accessories. Best of all, it takes up virtually no room in my bag!

Zippered Bags

I will admit, I’ve bought my fair share of special travel organizer bags, like a cord organizer bag and a passport case.

But simple plastic ziplock bags and reusable pouches win every time. Why? Because they’re compact. All the special organizer bags I’ve bought take up too much space with all of their fancy pockets and bulky fabric. Now I prefer organizing my things with simple one-pocket bags like these reusable pouches.

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes help me to fit so much more into my bags. You won’t ever understand the difference they make until use them!

I love Cotopaxi’s packing cubes, which are made from colorful recycled materials.

Shampoo Bars & Travel Containers

I highly recommend swapping out your liquid toiletries for solids and grabbing these soap bar travel containers. This simple switch has helped me save so much space and money, while also traveling more sustainably.

My hair loves this shampoo bar, and I always use Dr. Bronner’s soap bars instead of body wash. I also use a solid face bar I bought in Mexico.

Kindle

I recently replaced my physical books with an e-reader and it was such a great decision! A Kindle takes up so much less room (and weight) in my bag and allows me to read as many books as I want!

Check current Kindle prices on Amazon.

PS: Scroll to the bottom for my favorite book recommendations!

Mirrorless Camera & Lens

I was a photographer long before I was a travel blogger, but my frequent travel made me switch from a Canon DSLR to a mirrorless camera that is lighter and smaller.

I shoot with a Sony A7RIII and I absolutely love it. My lens of choice for travel is the Sigma 24-70mm due to its size, price, weight, and quality.

GoPro (or Underwater Phone Case)

As a travel creator that focuses on tropical destinations, my GoPro HERO11 is an essential tool! But I highly recommend a GoPro or Underwater Phone Case to anyone traveling to somewhere like the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, where so many of your best memories will happen in the water.

MacBook Pro (for Blogging)

Ideally, I leave my laptop behind when traveling for vacation. But as a digital nomad, I travel and work remotely. Don’t worry, I still take time off, but I typically have all my work gear with me.

I have a 14 inch MacBook Pro. Instead of getting an Air or 13 inch Pro, my husband and I upgraded to this one because he produces music and I edit photos, so we need speed!

Bluetooth Headphones

Whether I’m on a plane, bus, or just reading on the beach, it’s important for me to block out the noise and listen to music. I have AirPods, but any wireless headphones work.

Portable Charger

You never know when you might need a portable charger. I’ll admit I barely use mine, but I’m always thankful that I have it when I need it.

Portable chargers especially come in handy if you have long travel days on buses and planes that don’t have outlets.

Power Adapter

Depending on where I’m traveling, a power adapter can be an essential on my packing list.

Since most Latin American and Caribbean countries have the same outlets as the U.S., I haven’t needed to pack a power adapter lately, but when I head to Asia, Europe, or the Middle East, I alway make sure I have plenty of adapters packed.

Birkenstock Sandals

I don’t think I’ve ever traveled abroad without Birkenstocks in my adult life.

Regardless of location or weather, sandals almost always come in handy, and Birkenstocks are the most comfortable and versatile ones I’ve found.

I love these plastic Birks that can be dressed up or down. They’ve replaced my flip flops and I wear them in cities, in the airport, and on the beach.

Cheap (But Beautiful) Ring

I have a gorgeous wedding ring with a large moissanite stone (zero conflict) that looks like an expensive diamond. I wish I could wear it all the time, but most of the time, I switch it out for a cheap jade ring when I travel.

The jade ring is less flashy, and I don’t have to worry about losing my real ring on the beach or in the water.

Warm Socks

No matter where I’m traveling, I always pack some warm socks.

If I’m flying, I make sure to pack the socks somewhere I can easily reach during the flight, since it can get cold on flights.

Extra Sunglasses

I always bring two pairs of sunglasses when traveling. Can’t risk a week of squinting after losing a pair!

My favorite sunglasses are SOJOS. They’re affordable (usually under $20), fairly good quality, cute, and always fit my small face surprisingly well (and my husband’s face too). I always have a pair of their vintage round frames, plus a second pair.

Reusable Water Bottle

A reusable water bottle is an essential no matter where I travel.

I love the MiiR narrow mouth insulated water bottle, but any bottle works!

Badger Itch Relief Stick

Depending on the place I’m traveling, I may bring some bug spray with me. But more important than the bug spray is the itch relief treatment. Mosquitos always get me, regardless of how hard I try to fight them with bug spray!

I never travel without this natural itch relief stick. It comes in handy almost everywhere!

Multivitamin

It’s easy to go deficient in essential vitamins and minerals while traveling long-term.

Even though I still cook a lot of my meals when I travel, it can be difficult to find all the nutrient dense food I typically buy at home.

These plant-based multivitamins help me get all the nutrients I need on the go.

Homegoing
by Yaa Gyasi

An incredible novel that follows the genealogy of two West African half-sisters—one who remains in Africa, and one who is sold into slavery in the U.S.

Firekeeper’s Daughter
by Angeline Boulley

Another brilliant novel that immerses you into a native Ojibwe community through the eyes of an 18-year old trying to solve a murder she witnessed.

City of the Beasts
by Isabel Allende

Originally written in Spanish, this playful yet meaningful novel is about a boy who joins his crazy grandmother on an expedition to find a mysterious creature in the Amazon jungle.

Strength to Love
by Martin Luther King Jr.

If you haven’t read a book by MLK, order this one for your next vacation (or read it now!) Strength to Love gets to the heart of who MLK was and what drove him to lead one of the most important movements in history. We all have something to learn from this challenging work.

Living Fearless
by Jamie Winship

After spending over 30 years resolving conflict abroad, Jamie Winship writes about his experience, and shares how we can break free from fear that keeps us from being our truest selves. This book is an impactful read for anyone, especially those who travel in ‘dangerous’ places.

The Lemon Tree
by Sandy Tolan

As someone who has lived in Palestine and Israel, I consider this book a must-read for anyone traveling to the Holy Land. As a reader, you’re immersed in decades of history, through the eyes of a Palestinian family who encounter the Jewish family that moved into their home.

Travel as a Political Act
by Rick Steves

From one of the most inspiring figures in the travel industry, Travel as a Political Act explores how travel can be used as a vessel for positive change. It’s a powerful book and an easy, enjoyable read.

Born a Crime
by Trevor Noah

Comedian and political commentator Trevor Noah shares stories from growing up in Apartheid South Africa. This book is hilarious and educational all at the same time.

Separated by the Border
by Gena Thomas

In this eye-opening memoir, American foster parent Gena Thomas tells the harrowing story of her Honduran foster daughter’s journey to the U.S. border, and what happened to her mother when they were separated.