The more I travel, the more I appreciate good Travel Gear. Last year, after doing some research, I purchased some great new items for our trip to Europe. We realized after that trip, that our luggage (which we have had a very, very long time) is on it’s last legs. This year I plan to watch for a good deal on some very good quality pieces to replace it with.
Please leave comments at the end of the post as to what your thoughts are on Luggage? Soft Side, Hard Side? Is there a brand or style you really love? It is always important to me to consider the recommendations of others!
Here is some of my favorite Travel Gear:
Travelon Crossbody Anti-theft Travel Bag
This bag has been perfect for not only our big European Tour vacation, but several small trips that we have went on. It has plenty of room and the perfect place for EVERYTHING.
- Padded Tablet Pocket
- RFID blocking compartments
- Waterproof easy clean exterior
- Security latches
- A cut proof strap.
My full Travelon Crossbody Bag – Review – Posted earlier this year.
Samsonite Underseat Carry On Bag
Like my Travel Bag, this carry on bag has plenty of room and lots of well placed pockets for organization. It is small enough to go under the seat or in any overhead bin. Very durable and has a wipe clean exterior. Great for our plane bag that fits a change of clothes and any important items that we need close at hand. Also big enough to fit all the essentials for those weekend trips when you don’t want to check a bag at all.
On our Tour this summer, luggage all got stowed under the bus. Bags averaged 30 minutes or more to get delivered to our rooms upon arrival. We kept this bag with us and filled with the essentials so we were always able to do a freshen up if the bags had not yet arrived but we needed to get ready quickly.
Good Quality Packing Cubes
Packing Cubes are a great source of organization in a large bag. They also make stacking things into your suitcase a breeze…kind of like Tetris!
Travelon Multi Purpose Packing Cube
This one worked great for socks in the 3 mesh slots, a slip in the zippered portion, underwear folded in the bottom with bras on top. One stop shopping for undergarments.
Travelon Expandable Packing Cube
I used this one similarly for Hubby. Skivvies folded in the bottom and socks rolled in the upper pockets. There are bonus pockets on the outside for flat sandals or flip flops.
I also had one additional set of 3 packing cubes (with the daisy print). I was able to get scarves and cardigans in the small one, tops and dresses in the medium one, a hat, pants and dresses in the large one. Everything fit perfectly.
The cubes made it super easy for us since we were on a tour and not in any hotel more than 2 days. I never “unpacked” but I always knew where everything was. They are also great for organizing a small weekender bag or backpack.
Super Comfy Walking Shoes
Sketchers On-The-Go Boat Shoes with memory foam soles.
Tested these out on our 2 weeks in Europe this summer. Averaged about 5 miles per day walking and they worked great. Bonus, I think they are super cute too.
Crazy Luggage Tags
Big durable rubber luggage tags that are easily identifiable on the airport turnstile. These cartoon tags were unique, fun and heavy duty. So fun.
My favorite Hat and Good Sunglasses
Especially in the summer months, I love to wear my favorite bucket hat. It helps keep the sun off my face (I am very pale and burn easily) and helps keep my hair in check. My vision is not so great, so I have to splurge for Prescription Sunglasses. No matter what time of year I travel, I make sure to take them along. You get sunny days in the winter too!
Travel Journal
Great for jotting down miscellaneous notes for the blog, beer/wine tasting notes, writing down suggestions for places to eat/visit or any other important travel information I need to keep track of.
Thoughts…
When talking to my friend Cody last year about travel gear he said:
“Spend a little more up front, but get stuff that’s good quality. You will get your money back over time due to how long it lasts.”
Good advice! So that’s what I have been doing. Adding new pieces and replacing old ones with good quality items that will stand the test of time.
I find that my favorite items are very organized and efficient pieces. You don’t have to have a lot of travel gear, just the right functional pieces that make travel easier and help you get the most from your adventures.
Looking forward to reading your Luggage Suggestions!
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