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 76k global ratings and over 68% 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.
Get vacuum compression storage bags
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.
Best Travel Dual USB Charger
This Anker USB-C charger
Meet the Anker 735 Charger (Nano II 65W): the only charger you need. Fast charge your phone, tablet, and USB-C notebook with one device. It powers up a 2020 MacBook Pro 13″ at full speed or efficiently charges three devices simultaneously. Despite its compact size, GaN II technology ensures maximum power. Enjoy an 18-month warranty and friendly customer service.
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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 thousands of great reviews with the most critical complaint about shedding which I have not experienced. Several colors are available.
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.
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.
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.
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 the portable propane gas grill
Emergency Weather Radio Portable Power Bank with Solar Charging, Hand Crank & Battery Operated, SOS Alarm, AM/FM & LED Flashlight for Outdoor Emergency
Let the 34,000 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 $40 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 the Emergency Weather radio
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.
Get the Solar Charger power bank charger
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.
Get the Solar phone charger with 4 solar panels
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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.
Get the Fusion2Go 3.0 RV cell signal booster
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🪫Anker 2 pack Nylon USB-C to USB-C 3.3 ft charging cable – Get up to 60W high-speed charging for all of your USB-C devices when paired with a USB-C charger.
⚡️USB-C Cable 3A Fast Charge cable 2 pack – Great for using an airline USB power jack with more convenient shorter cables while onboard a plane. (Never allow data to connect to your device from the airline USB power port)
🔌 200W USB-C 8 port Charger – Enough plugs can often in short supply when traveling, this 8-port charger will charge 65W laptop along with its 5 USB-C ports and 3 USB-A ports.
⚡️ Ceptics European Travel Plug Adapter 2 pack – 4-in-1 inputs including 1 three-prong grounded socket and 3 two-prong sockets on the sides.
🔌 Snug Plug – these are my saviors on flights that keep my chargers from falling out of the sockets
⚡ Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station – This is the perfect power station for your family’s summer road trip; lightweight at around 11 lbs with a powerful 40W solar panel, it’s ideal for camping or on-the-go. Plus, top-notch safety features, fast charging, and a smart app for control.
📸 FHD 1080P Dash Cam – I like this crystal clear dash cam that comes with built-in 2.4G WiFi for easy smartphone control. Its compact design ensures a hassle-free installation, while features such as 24-hour parking mode and collision detection offer reliable protection & evidence for your peace of mind.
🔌 Charge 5 Devices Simultaneously – With multiple ports charging up to 5 devices simultaneously at top speed & built-in intelligent chip protection, this is a must-have for any trip, keeping everyone connected and powered up safely.
📱Unique Biaxial Extension Arm – Had to include this ingenious twistable arm that attaches to the back of your headrest to hold your devices. Effortlessly adjust the view distance for shared entertainment between seats, so the kids never fight over who gets to hold the iPad again.
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