Revealing Our Secrets: Sharing Some Of Our Favorite Travel Items
- Samantha Musso
- Jun 24
- 9 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
As New Destinations Travel advisors, it's no secret that we travel A LOT. We are often asked for the details on particular items that we use ourselves during travel. We've finally compiled a list of some of those favorites to share with you all.
You might notice that the list leans more heavily into cold-weather items. That's primarily because that is harder to pack for, and where we can provide the most value in our suggestions. We're also currently preparing for our Iceland & Greenland expedition cruise this summer, so the cold-weather items are more heavily on our mind right now.
Please note that if you purchase any of the Amazon-referenced items through these links, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, but with no additional cost to you.
Conair Mini Pro Dual Voltage Travel Hair Dryer
Anyone who has traveled with me knows that although I love to pack light, I won't leave home without this baby unless I have a guarantee that a good hair dryer is waiting for me at every stop. Dual voltage means that you can use it in both the US and internationally with the flip of a switch. (Just make sure you've flipped it for proper voltage for the location you're in before turning it on!) It's small, but very powerful. In fact, when using internationally on the 220 voltage setting, use on low speed only.
This is another old reliable standby. I have a few different colors and sizes now, but the first one I purchased back in 2017 is still going strong. It's traveled with me everywhere - from Italy to South Africa to Alaska to Bora Bora, and more. Still not a single tear. Very lightweight and packs into a small pouch when not in use. Amazing how much can be squeezed into it. It's not waterproof but is water-resistant and extremely durable.
Clear TSA Approved 3-1-1 Liquids Bag
The 3-1-1 rule for carrying on liquids may be withdrawn in the future. But until then, you need to have your liquids in 3.4 ounce or smaller containers, placed in a clear 1-quart bag, limited to 1 bag per person. The good ole plastic zipper-top bag can work, but these PVC bags are sturdier and I find hold more. There are several brands out there; this is the just the one we use now.
Columbia Waterproof Winter snow boots
I've got a pretty reliable "uniform" for staying warm and comfortable during winter travels, and this is one of the key items. You're going to be miserable if your feet get cold and wet, so a good pair of warm, waterproof boots is highly recommended for visiting Europe in winter, such as on a Christmas Markets river cruise. Not only do these keep me warm and dry, they are perfectly comfortable for sightseeing on cobblestones all day long. So much so that if I'm bringing them, I'll likely wear them on my flight instead of packing them.
Meet the tool of my trade, my companion for (nearly) every trip. I've used Away suitcases for almost all of my trips the last 7 years or so. The only reason I got a new one was to switch to this upgraded Flex option. This allows you that possibility that IF you need to expand the bag and check on the way home, you can; but you can still get away with carrying-on on the way there. Lifetime guarantee too!
Buy this 4-pack and stick one in each of your bags - checked, carry-on, backpack, or purse. It's great for locating any lost luggage or misplaced bags. Be sure to tuck them away in a hidden spot at much as possible, to delay having the tag found in the unfortunate event the item is actually stolen.
ThermaJane women's thermal underwear
I love these thermals so much, I'm actually EXCITED when the weather turns cold enough on a trip that I need to wear them. So incredibly comfortable and warm. ThermaJane also makes different versions of this such as v-necks and scoop necks (which i personally prefer over this crewneck). Instead of packing bulky sweaters, bring a couple sets of these and layer under thinner shirts and pants.
Weerti Men’s thermal underwear
Same idea, just for men.
PS, this brand in the women's style is also a good option for the ladies, very similar to the ThermaJanes above.
Don't get stuck away from your hotel or cabin with a dying phone and no chargers in sight. The Clutch charger is thin, light, and powerful. It is compatible with most iPhones and Android Phones, and comes with it's own built-in USB-C or Lightning cable. The magnet holds it to your phone when in use, and an adhesive magnet is provided to add to your phone if one is needed. I love that there are tons of fun colors to choose from.
TravelPro Maxlite International 20-in Carry-On
I've got a love-hate relationship with this one. I really hate having only two wheels. It's incredibly annoying moving through the airport like this once you've gotten used to the smooth four-wheeled bags. But I LOVE the freedom it gives you when you are flying on a small plane or international airline and you don't HAVE to check your bag. It is incredibly light, helping to keep that weight limit down. And with a capacity of 45 L, it holds almost as much as my regular bag, my beloved Away Bigger Carry-On above (49 L).
Clients brought the KÜHL brand to our attention, and now we don't leave home without them. Lightweight, so they work well both for warm climates or paired with thermals for colder weather. Pack well and wear comfortably. Quick-drying, so when you get soaked in a rainstorm on top of the wall in Dubrovnik, they are perfectly dry in just a few hours or so. (Yes, that is from personal experience!) Lots of different styles for both men and women, including those of us on the shorter side.
There are tons of adapters out there, and everyone's needs are different regarding how many and what type of connections they need. If you plan to travel to many different countries in the future (we hope so!), then a universal set may be better for you long-term over individual new adapters each trip. This is one we purchased specifically because it also works in South Africa. We will only pack the attachment(s) we need for a particular trip and leave the rest at home.
We have become recent converts to the practice of traveling with merino wool socks that can be used more than once before washing. (One of us is willing to push that usage up more than the other - not naming his name though.) These Darn Tough ones worked great for us in Scotland recently. Michael used the lightweight hiking socks for his 96-mile West Highland Way trek. I found the women's lightweight lifestyle crew socks to be a great everyday sock while touring there. Lifetime guarantee too!
Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets
When you are ready to wash those socks but don't have access to a washer or laundry service, these laundry sheets and a bathroom sink can save the day. They're pretty large, so I will cut them in half first and then pack several in a zip-top bag. Takes virtually zero space, so great to throw in your suitcase as a "just in case" item.
OM System (formerly Olympus) OM-5 Camera
We go to some beautiful places. And while phone cameras today are amazing, they just can't capture detail at long-range like a handheld digital camera can. I specifically wanted one that was compact and weather-sealed. As any camera owner can tell you, the purchase doesn't end with the camera body and this isn't a cheap hobby. I am using two lenses (for now): the M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ for standard use, such as visiting the tulips in Amsterdam, and the M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4.0 Pro for distance, such as Alaska glacier sailings and safaris. I can pack all of that in a camera bag that fits into my 'personal item' backpack along with most of my usual items there. I don't normally bring it for trips where my phone will work just fine. But you better believe this baby is coming with me to Iceland and Greenland in August.
Another daypack option for those days you're looking for something a bit more stylish than the New Outlander daypack above. The real attraction to this one though is the anti-theft qualities. The zippered opening rests against your back, making it difficult for a pickpocket to reach in without you knowing. Heavier and not as packable, but holds a lot as well. Even in the smaller size, I can fit my 14-in laptop if needed. I will usually use this one somewhere like Rome or Paris but use my New Outlander one in places like Alaska or on safari.
Love when we can stay in a hotel with some sort of nightlight to help you find your way around an unfamiliar room in the middle of the night. But since that doesn't always happen, we bring one of these when staying in a location requiring Type C plugs.
EU 2-Pin MacBook Power Block Connector
Along the same lines, if I need to travel with my laptop to a country using the Type C plug, I will bring this to charge my MacBook. More direct connection than having to use an adapter.
I have a confession. For someone who preaches about packing light and minimizing what you bring, I have a bag problem. On trips where we are going out at night, I usually want a purse that will at least somewhat coordinate with my outfit. And for me, that normally means both a black and a brown purse. Luckily, I found these. Available in tons of colors. Only 0.15" D, meaning they can be thrown in a suitcase flat without taking up much room. The strap can be shortened from a crossbody to shoulder bag length, or it can be removed and replaced with a short wrist strap to become a clutch. Just big enough to hold those few items I might need for a dinner out, but small enough to justify bringing two. :)
Charming Tailor Fashion Convertible Clutch Purse
Again - because we've already established I have a problem - sometimes that small purse above is a bit too small or casual. Enter her big sister. Larger in size, but still stores mostly flat in a suitcase. The chain strap can be removed to convert to a clutch. I've been able to use this one for dressier occasions, carrying everything from a light wrap to flats in it.
REI XeroCloud 3L Rain Pants - Women / Men
Expedition travel sometimes requires more specialized items, such as rain pants, in places like Alaska, Greenland, and Antarctica. Waterproof - not just water-resistant - is a must. Velcro is discouraged, as it can cause contamination issues in the delicate environments visited. It's also important that they are not tight-fitting at the bottom so they can fit over boots. These REI pants come highly recommended as meeting these requirements while also keeping you dry. They are also very light, thin, and packable. We'll be trying them out ourselves in Greenland soon.
Marmot Women's PreCip Evo Full-Zip Rain Pant
I actually wasn't a fan of the fit of the women's REI pants above when I tried them on, so I went back to a brand that is more comfortable for me. Everyone is different, so be sure to make sure whatever you get is comfortable. The old Marmot Eco pants I've used before have been upgraded to these Evo ones, which now have zero velcro and are stretchier than the Eco material was.
Don't you just love it when you get to your hotel or cruise cabin and you find a large closet with 6 hangers for two people for 7 days? Throw some of these into your suitcase to be able to hang more items. Granted, this is one of those "extra" items that won't make the cut if I'm running out of carry-on space. But they fold up small enough that I can usually squeeze 4-6 or so in each of our suitcases.
Mikede Magnetic hooks
If you are taking a cruise and your cabin has magnetic walls (most do), packing some magnetic hooks can be a good idea. You can use them in your cabin to hang all kinds of things - lanyards, clothing, wet swimsuits, bags, etc. We've tried a few types and sizes, and the sweet spot for us is these 50 lb magnets. Too light, and they will slide down. Too strong, and you won't be able to move them at all. (And we can tell you from experience that the 150 lb ones ARE too strong. Trust us.)
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