Packing

Wondering what a world traveler packs in her carry-on? Take a look at my travel go-to’s, various packing lists, and advice.

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My Favorite Items

Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent

There are all sorts of reasons to love this laundry detergent. Less environmental impact, compostable packaging, all sorts of good stuff. Aside from that why do I love them? Packing! It takes up less space in your suitcase, can even be put in your carryon, and doesn’t risk spills or messes with your other clothing or items.

These laundry detergent sheets have been a huge win for me. Want to know more about using laundry detergent sheets for travel? Take a look at this review.

Electric Toothbrush – Chargeable by USB

I made the switch long ago to an electric toothbrush. They make my teeth feel all clean and shiny and I love that. There are quite a few electric toothbrushes on the market ranging from relatively inexpensive all the way up to hundreds of dollars. Regardless of what your budget is – if you travel a lot I love an electric toothbrush that can recharge with a USB. You’ve already got some sort of USB charger in your bag, so this is just one more gadget that can be charged using that handy dandy charger.

Bonus points if the toothbrush you pick has it’s own travel case!

Amazon Kindle

Not going to lie, the Kindle was easily among the most important things I had onboard with me during the cruise ship shut down of 2020 where I spent 100 days at sea. I was able to download books onto my Kindle to read which kept the monotony of being onboard at bay. I love how light they are, how long the battery lasts, and that the backlight is adjustable and gentle on your eyes for night time reading.

Mi Fo Ear Buds

It took me a while to get onto the ear-bud wagon. To be honest, my first impression of ear buds in general were that they were posh in an obnoxious way. My first experiences with them were with a boss that would have one ear bud in, come into my office while having a conversation through his ear bud but not indicate it in any way. I would start responding and he would look at me like I was somehow in the wrong for responding to his phone conversation.

After years and years of lugging around big noise cancelling headphones I decided to get my husband a pair of ear buds for his birthday. He had them for about a week and liked them so much he got a pair.

They’re less expensive, and while they don’t work quite as well as the full sized noise cancelling headphones, their small package and significantly lower price tag make them a win-win for me.

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones

Do you need true noise cancelling? Maybe you don’t like the feel of ear buds or maybe you just need it to be truly quiet. For nearly a decade my noise cancelling headphones of choice and on a long haul flight – or with obnoxious roommates – they can be a game changer.

Google Fi International Cell Phone Plan

Having a cell phone plan that works internationally has been a huge game changer for my international travel. While there are some different plans available, I personally use Google Fi. I signed up for it a few years ago and really haven’t looked back. Their coverage in some of the more rural parts of the United States is a bit lack-luster (but seems to be improving), but it is more than made up for by their massive world-wide coverage. Their plans start at $20 a month and go up to $70 a month for unlimited data. If you plan to travel internationally long term I recommend getting your phone switched to something that you can rely on will not cost you hundreds of dollars a month for service.

Referral Link for $20 off your first bill: https://g.co/fi/r/N49FFD

Read all about why I made the switch to Google Fi and how it has worked for me while I have travelled around the world (and used it in more than 20 countries).

Chase Sapphire Preferred Travel Credit Card

Just like having a cell phone plan that you know will work abroad is important, so is having a credit card that will. This is a great credit card and not just for the sign up bonus (the sign on bonus is currently 60,000 points after qualifying purchases)! There are no international fees, 2x points on travel and restaurants (currently higher than that!), and 125% bonus when redeeming for travel. Among the biggest bonuses to this card for me is that you can redeem it for cash back or you can move them to travel partners such as United. The points can also be combined with other Chase Cards such as the Chase Freedom.

Referral Link: Earn 60,000 bonus points with Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Away Luggage

My husband and I were gifted Away luggage for our wedding and it has been a game changer for our travel. We have their roller carryon that includes a USB charger and slot for charger, as well as their larger roller checked-bag. So far the hard shells have held up to a few trips around the world. The zippers are holding strong and the functionality of the suitcases is superb. They feature a lot more than suitcases and if you are interested in any travel related packs I would recommend giving them a look. Plus, use this link referral code for $20 off!