Friends who know how often I travel find themselves asking my advice about what I bring along my journey and why. Here are some flight essentials I never leave home without.
Best Travel Gear for Packing
Vacuum Compression Storage bags
With over 48k global ratings and over 70% 5 stars, try this 15-pack of assorted-size vacuum storage compression bags great for travel. It includes a hand pump for sucking the air and is also convenient to use while traveling. Otherwise, you can connect the valve to your standard vacuum cleaner hoe for faster compression.
- 15-pack of assorted size vacuum storage compression bags for storing off-season clothes, towels, linens, and more
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Best way to keep your toiletries from leaking
LeakLocks
This 4 pack of toiletry skins allows you to stretch and seal most full-sized and travel-sized toiletries. These are especially great to protect those toiletries you put in your luggage and carry-ons from leaking due to air pressure changes.
- PATENT PENDING 4 PACK TOILETRY SKINS FOR LEAKPROOFING TRAVEL CONTAINERS: Covers shampoo bottles, conditioner, makeup, sunscreen or whatever else may leak in luggage while traveling.
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Best Travel Dual USB Charger
This Anker 36W dual USB-C charger
This Anker 36W dual USB-C charger is perfect onboard a plane, train, or hotel. If you are an early adopter, you will love this upgraded version that combines one powerful charger into 2 fast-charging plugs. I use to charge my iPhone, iPad, and MacBook.
- Universal high speed - from iPhone to Samsung to USB-C tablets and more, Anker signature power 3. 0 technology provides high-speed charging to virtually any mobile device.
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Best Gear for Comfort
Fleece Travel Blanket 50” x 70”
I like to bring a blanket on board that I would care if it was lost or forgotten onboard. The truth is that I spill all kinds of stuff when I fly and this is my shield while also keeping me warm. Not too hot, not too cool… just right. It gets hundreds of great reviews with the most critical complaint about shedding which I have not experienced. Several colors are available.
- 280GSM FLANNEL FLEECE- The flannel fabric we choose is originally made from 100% microfiber polyester and brushed to create extra softness on both sides,the throw is designed to be simple but elegant
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Travel Pillow 12” x 16”
MoonRest 12×16 inch synthetic down alternative. Feels great as a travel pillow insert, can be thrown in the washer, and is a great price.
- MACHINE WASHABLE - Soft and Sumptuous Yet Plush it will fit wonderfully into your pillow shams - Synthetic Down stuffer insert Will look superb in any decorative pillow cover, toss pillow - FULL CORNERS Down Alternative pillow inserts for perfect fit to all types of Decorative pillow shams / Sofa pillow covers - Non Allergenic - Get All of The Softness of Down Pillows with no feather sticking out to poke you
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100% Egyptian cotton case 2-pack
These 500 thread count cotton shams are my favorite. They are not expensive yet great quality. I pick the white color so that I can wash in hot water to give them a thorough disinfecting after a trip.
Add this along with the travel blanket into the compression bag mentioned above for your onboard bag. I put this combined bedding in one medium compression bag and then into my carry-on backpack.
- Pack of Two pieces of 12 x 16 Inches Size, With 2” flange on all four sides and overlapping fabric in back for finished look (Pillows Are Not Included)
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SleepPhones Wireless Sleep Headphones
Designed by a doctor, SleepPhones aim to be the world’s most comfortable, bed-friendly headphones. The speakers inside the fabric headband adjust for the right fit. Hold the power button for 5 seconds to pair SleepPhones to your phone or any Bluetooth device. Remove from velcro enclosure before machine washing the headband. Recharge with the included micro-USB.
The SleepPhones fit snuggly and really help with anyone trying to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer without being awoken by snoring in the middle of the night. I sleep like a baby and cannot wait to take the SleepPhones to go on a long-haul flight.
SleepPhones are comfortable and easy to use. They have volume controls built into the band’s Bluetooth module for easy adjustment. Try these either in fleece fabric (for warmth) or Breeze fabric (which is more breathable and has moisture-wicking good for when you’re exercising or running. Available on Amazon.
- NATURAL SLEEP AID DEVICE INVENTED BY A DOCTOR. A family physician co-created SleepPhones because she couldn't find any comfortable sleeping headphones to wear in bed after taking late night patient calls. Today, the invention she and her husband created at their kitchen table has helped more than a million people sleep better without resorting to drugs. (And it even saved a few relationships in which one partner snores!)
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Best Gear for Camping, Fishing, Hunting, and Hiking
Trauma First Aid Kit with Survival Gear
This military-grade first-aid system is great for travel, camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and anywhere you go. What I love is that it not only has all of the first aid essentials, it also packs in outdoor emergency survival equipment including a compass bracelet, SAM splint, and an emergency blanket.
The outdoor survival kit is made with durable double-layer waterproof military 1000D nylon & quick-release velcro panel. Take this ultimate first responder kit into any weather. On the advice of an EMT friend, I added into my kit this QuikClot clotting gauze after learning it’s the best to have on hand to keep you alive in case of an accident involving a heavy gash. I keep an extra in my glove compartment. Available on Amazon.
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | [2021 Upgrade] Trauma First Aid Kit with Survival Gear Outdoor Tactical Gear Set Military Grade Molle System for Camper Travel Hunting Hiking and Adventures（RED） | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
 | QuikClot Advanced Clotting Gauze - 3 x 24 in (2 Strips) | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon |
NOMADIQ Portable Propane Gas Grill
Swap out your briefcase, handbag and backpack for the NomadIQ Portable Propane Grill that totes around easily. At 12.3 pounds this super lightweight tabletop BBQ grill can go anywhere outside. I keep one in the back of my SUV near the spare tire. (Yes, it fits easily). Also consider adding some more outdoor cooking gear like a knife set or utensils that you can get in outdoor stores like rei burbank or their website, along with this excellent grill. Swing by the grocery store for steaks, hot dogs, burgers, chicken, or fish and within 60 seconds you could be grilling. Dual burners are serious and accompanied by a portable propane tank – the quality is a winner. It might as well be your way to delicious outdoor cooking! I’d like to meet the genius designer who’s obviously not just smart but a foodie. Get it here.
- ✅ TRULY COMPACT AND PORTABLE GAS GRILL TO TAKE ON-THE-GO - Weighing ONLY 12 pounds, the nomadiQ grills are easy to transport and can go anywhere: camp, tailgate, RV, boat, parks, hikes, boating, decks & patios, travel, apartments & tiny homes, beach, roadtrip and more. Can be used as a table top grill inside & outside. INCLUDES 2 Drip Trays, Gas Hose/Regulator, Carrying Strap (for easy transport) & Manual
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Emergency Weather Radio Portable Power Bank with Solar Charging, Hand Crank & Battery Operated, SOS Alarm, AM/FM & LED Flashlight for Outdoor Emergency
Let the 17,953 high reviews tell the story. This emergency weather radio, portable power bank with solar charging, hand crank charging, SOS alarm, AM/FM radio, LED Flashlight should be in your emergency prep kit. Imagine the power you have to recharge your phone when all else has failed. This $30 survival tech tool could save you and your family. They’ve introduced a newer model I have yet to test simply because I love the tried and true one so much. Get it here.
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Blavor Solar Charger Power Bank Charger
When it comes to emergency preparedness, the Blavor Solar Charger Power Bank with 4 outputs is what I use. It’s my failsafe for deep trouble in life when not even a car battery is available to keep your mobile phone up and running. It’s waterproof, has a solar charger bank and has a bright flashlight with an added compass. The 18-watt fast charging power bank can attach to the outside of a backpack and also simply set outside in view of the sky.
- 18W Fast Charging Power Bank：Fast Charger-Combined QC3.0 and power delivery fast charging tech, Allows to charge your phone with max 9V=2A/12V=1.5A/18W charging power,It will pair your devices the most appropriate charging results, Greatly shorten your charging time.
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Tranmix Portable Solar Phone Charger with 4 Solar Panels
This is a more portable option for charging that is also solar-powered. While not waterproof, it does have a silicone USB cover so the device will stay protected from water or dust. You can recharge it using either the 4 solar panels or by plugging it in, and the handiest feature of all: a flashlight.
- 4X Faster Solar Charging: It has 4 ultra-large foldable solar panels, the max power can reach to 6W / 1.2A in direct sun, its 4 times faster campared to single panel charger.
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Best way to boost your cell reception
Fusion2Go 3.0 RV cell signal booster
PC Magazine called it Best RV Cell Phone Signal Booster and what I know is that it’s the go-to cellular booster that delivers faster data speeds, better call clarity, and more reliable voice and 5G/4G LTE data speeds on the open road. This product extends your cell phone coverage for your safety when traveling and to stay connected to family and friends. You can quickly access maps, news apps and weather. The power it brings to stream music and video from remote areas is really the top RV selling point. The Fusion2Go 3.0 RV boosts the weakest cell signal and is easily shared anywhere inside the RV.
- PRODUCT FEATURES— Powerful cell phone signal booster for RVs that increases voice, text, and data signals for all North American cell carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint. Reduces dropped and missed calls and improves wireless coverage for multiple cellular devices inside any recreational vehicle, motorhome, trailer or any other large vehicle.
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