Amy's Travel Gear
I get questions daily about what items are the best to bring on a cruise or a land adventure. Here are my tried-and-true pieces of travel gear that I use on my own personal trips.
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These are a few of my favorite "Everyday Travel" pieces
These are items that you'll use regardless of the type of trip you're taking, CLICK THE ITEM NAME to be taken to the item.
This is a newer version of my workhorse carry-on backpack that I take EVERYWHERE. The amount of things it can fit is invaluable for its size - and it can expand as well. But it's the variety of sections and pockets that make it a lifesaver. And the back strap slides easily over my roller carry on.
This is a travel hill I will die on. Traveling in Europe, a top-opening suitcase is a MUST. Hotel rooms can be small and a clam shell will take up too much space - plus if you follow my packing tips, I promise you will be shocked at how much you can fit in this small little thing. KEEP IN MIND: this is the largest carry-on European airlines will allow. Most US carry-ons won't be allowed. This one works. An identical match to the one I was quoted in Parade Magazine about.
Everywhere I go, internationally or locally, this coat gets compliments and demands on where I got it. It's seriously the most referred item I own. And it's a workhorse. It's just the perfect weight and length to look classy on any trip, versatile and the hood is removable. I actually bought a second one because I liked it so much. Size up. Buy it before they stop carrying it, which will be a sad day.
This was the travel wrap Parade Magazine quoted me on when asked what's a must-have item for travel. It's lightweight, UPF sun protection, won't wrinkle - I don't leave home without it. Serves as a blanket on chilly planes, versatile with any outfit (even on the beach to shade your shoulders after a long day in the sun or wrap around a swimsuit). Also comes in clutch as a shawl for churches in Europe.
I cannot love this item any more than I do - I took this on every trip and loved it so much that it became my everyday purse. I wore out the first one after years to the point where I had to order a second one. Peace of mind that there are ample theft-proof features built into the purse, but just the perfect small size. Space to store a bottle of water or travel umbrella on the side - and just enough room inside to easily store sunglasses, wallet, and whatever you may need for the day.
Trust me when I tell you that I have tried every type of travel skirt (with shorts under) on Amazon. This is truly the only pair where the shorts DO NOT ride up. They are also the perfect length for visiting churches in Europe as these WILL cover your knees if you're tall (I'm 5'7").
Safety-smart travel gear
While these are smart to have on ANY trip - these are definitely must-haves while visiting Europe.
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Zipper S Locks - helps keep your zippers from being opened by pickpockets.
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Phone wrist strap - the number one thing thieves target in Europe is your phone. This makes you less of a target. Plus, can I tell you how many times it's saved me from dropping a phone over a railing or out a window while taking photos?? I still have mine on my phone even when I'm not traveling.
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Crossbody purse - see above. :)
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TSA-approved Luggage locks and Airtags - self-explanatory
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Traveling by train or bus? Even if you have your larger bags onboard with you, if you are not immediately next to them, they can be stolen off the train/bus from the luggage rack if not secured to the rock (or each other) and / or contents rifled thru. Don't forget to use these types of locks!
Other Must-Have General Travel Essentials - Especially for Europe
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The perfect packing cubes for my favorite top-open carry-on suitcase - these allow you to pack them like a book on a shelf, getting WAYY more into your carry-on!
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Lifesaver for laundry and stinky clothes while traveling. Store them in these - and the bags roll up into almost nothing, saving a ton of space on the way home. Also good to pack anything that could leak on the way home.
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Universal Travel Adapter - All-in-one electrical adapter for whatever country you visit (note: this is not a CONVERTER, but will help most modern electronics plug into the wall while traveling.)
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Anker Portable Power bank - Days exploring by map and photographing sights will drain your phone battery faster than you expect. This is a super speedy charger that will quickly recharge your (and friends') phones.
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Expect to buy souvenirs while traveling? Pack this foldable bag into your luggage just in case = an extra carry-on ready to go to bring your purchases back.
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Travel umbrella that truly is no larger than a water bottle, fits into the side pocket of my favorite crossbody bag and won't break the first time you use it.
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Dual Voltage Travel Curling Iron - don't even think about bringing your regular curling iron to Europe. This one will work there and save space in your suitcase!
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Hear me out - travel-size Kleenex and travel wet wipes are a must-have in Europe - as often times toilets don't reliably have toilet paper or soap.
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Don't be smelly or wrinkly. In case of limited laundry facilities, consider packing: travel-size laundry soap for sink washings, Febreze fabric refresher travel size spray, or Downy wrinkle release travel size spray.
Ocean Cruise & Water-Based Vacation Essentials
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Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack - Hold on, a dry bag and a backpack?? Yes indeed! We used this when hiking the Faroe Islands and visiting rainy Alaska. Great way to keep your electronics and your essentials dry - while also serving as a backpack. Always get tons of compliments and questions on where we got it.
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Clear Luggage Tag holders for Celebrity Cruises and Holland America
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Towel bands for chaise lounges - these also are key for securing wet clothes onto cruise cabin balcony chairs to dry while preventing blow-away.
Have you tried any of these items - or have a few of your own beloved travel gear pieces? Would love to hear what you think! Email me.