Complete Travel Gear Packing Guide
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Must Have travel gear
Packing for a trip should feel like the exciting first step of an adventure… but if you are like me, sometimes it feels more like a chaotic game of suitcase Tetris. 😅
Do I really need three jackets? Where did that charger go? And who snuck the kitchen sink into my carry-on?!
After years of travel from RV life across the U.S. to castles, cable cars, and cute chalets overseas, we’ve learned one thing:
👉 The right gear doesn’t just make travel easier…
It makes it more fun.
So we put together the ultimate list of the things we actually use, love, and trust on every trip across the ocean. From must-have gadgets to comfy basics, this guide will help you pack smarter and travel happier.
Of course, not every item will be perfect for every person or every trip, but these are our essential items. And when it comes to electronics, it takes a lot to keep us connected and working abroad. So you may not need everything on our list.
Travel Bags & Such
We have an Apple AirTag in every bag: checked luggage, carry-on, backpack, purse… if it zips, it gets a tracker. This is an essential item for everyone who wants to know where their bag landed.
After watching someone get skimmed at a train station in Europe, we take it very seriously. All of our credit cards, driver's licenses, and passports are in sleeves or covers to prevent skimming as we travel through crowded airports and train stations.
Because if the airline decides to send our suitcase on its own European vacation? At least we’ll know where it’s partying. 🎉
We also have the iPhone card wallet GPS tracker in our wallet and purse. It works just like the AirTags.
Compression packing cubes don’t just help you fit more into your suitcase. They allow you to stay organized, too! We use them to plan overnight stops. For example, if we’re staying in a hotel before a flight, I’ll pack the outfit for the next day in one cube. That way, I can grab exactly what I need without digging through every bag.
If you are looking for a carry on the anti-theft crossbody, sling and mini crossbody bags are a great option. They are pickpocket resistant and RFID blocking with several colors and styles to choose from. Below are three different size options.
If you are in the market for suitcases, these are great options. We’ve had the Mother Lode backpack and duffle for almost 10 years and still love them. You won’t believe how much you pack into the backpack. They are the size of checked luggage. The brand was called eBags when we purchased it, but Samsonite now owns it.
I recently discovered this leather laptop backpack and I am in love! Well, as in love as you can be with a bag. It is big enough to hold both of our laptops, camera gear, and more. It is also super comfortable on my back.
Cables & Cords
When traveling from the U.S. to Europe, you’ll notice the outlets look different, but it’s not just the shape that changes. The voltage is different, too. The U.S. runs on 110–120V, while most of Europe uses 220–240V. An inexpensive plug adapter only changes the shape of the plug, but not the voltage.
That means if you plug in a U.S. device with a large draw without the right protection… poof! 💥🔥 Say goodbye to your favorite hair dryer or flat iron (ask me how I know). A voltage converter and dual-voltage travel gear ensure your electronics get the right power and keep working throughout your trip.
Keep Your Devices Safe While Charging: Airports and hotels often have those handy USB charging ports, but here’s the thing: you don’t actually know what you’re plugging into. 😬
Public USB ports can be vulnerable to “juice jacking,” where malware can be transferred to your device just by charging. So we never plug our phones directly into public USB ports. To keep your devices safe, always use your own charging blocks and plug them into a standard wall outlet, not a charging port, because no one wants their vacation ruined by a hacked phone.
Having some extra phone juice makes a big difference when traveling. This iPhone charging case does double duty. It protects the phone while giving it an additional full charge.
Oh, those long international flights, there is always a baby somewhere! These Bose headphones are just the thing to block out the noise so Phil can sleep like a baby.
Miscellaneous Travel Must Haves!
When it comes to lotions and potions, TSA does not mess around! It took me a lot of experimenting, but I finally found refillable bottles that push the product up to the top so you can use every drop! These bottles are so good, I use them daily in the RV.
The makeup container was perfect for my foundation. It’s more than enough to last more than a month. And both meet the TSA requirements for carry on luggage.
Packing Essentials
And there you have it! Our favorite travel gear that has survived airport chaos, bumpy RV roads, surprise rainstorms, and every “Wait… where’s my passport?” panic moment in between. 😜
Of course, you don’t need all the things. Start with what fits your style, your destination, and your packing patience level. The goal isn’t to overstuff your bag. It’s to fill your days with adventure.
Because the memories you’re about to make?
🧳 They’re worth every zip of the suitcase.
So explore, wander, get lost (in the good way), and discover places that change the way you see the world. Pack smart… then get out there!
Meet Stacy! Stacy and her husband, Phil, are a wanderlust couple who have been roaming the great USA for an epic 5 years! They ditched the daily grind to embark on thrilling adventures and inspire fellow dreamers to chase their travel dreams. Curious about how they do it? Check out their awesome youtube channel, Today is Someday, where they're spilling all the secrets to living a life on the move. Get ready to pack your bags and join them on this incredible journey.