Wander With Wonder – Discovering Wow Moments Around the World or Across the Street
When it’s time for your next flight or road trip, you’ll want to carry the best travel products with you. Read on for my list of recommended travel products.
As a lifetime traveler, I have discovered many travel products—some that work and others that are a complete waste of money. I have compiled a list of my must-have travel products to save you some time and money. These are the best travel products I never leave home without.
STNKY Washable Laundry Bag
STNKY Bags are the best way to sort, store, carry, wash, and dry your dirty laundry when you travel. I don’t use these for plane trips—I use the space-saver bags below for plane trips—but these are great for road trips and trips to the gym.
STNKY Bags are great for road trips and camping. Photo courtesy STNKY
STNKY Bags keep your dirty laundry separated. Then, when it’s laundry time, you open the bottom zipper, turn the bag inside out, and your STNKY Bag becomes a wash bag. Throw it in the washer and dryer, and then you can gather your clothes and be ready to go.
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Cozy Essential Travel Space-Saver Bags
I chose these Cozy Essential space-saver bags rather than ones that require a pump because I need to maximize every inch of storage space in my suitcase. These are the bags I use for dirty laundry when I’m on a trip that involves flying.
Cozy Essential roll-up compression bags for travel. Photo courtesy Cozy Essential
I flatten a couple of the bags and put them on the bottom of my suitcase on the outbound trip. When I arrive at my destination, I use the bag as my dirty laundry bag in the hotel room. When it’s time to pack for my return, I roll the bag up, pushing all the air out, and pack it in my suitcase. That usually makes enough space for the goodies I’ve picked up during my travels.
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NOMATIC Compression Packing Cubes
I never pack without using my NOMATIC Compression Packing Cubes. These are great for packing more items in less space. When I started using these, I had no idea what a game-changer they would be for packing. You pack them full size, and then as you zip them, your clothing compresses and takes up half the space it would have before using the compression zipper.
NOMATIC packing cubes will change how you pack. Photo courtesy Nomatic
They are made from durable materials and fit well in my LEVEL8 carry-on suitcase (see below). I can also tuck one into my backpack if I’m going somewhere overnight. They come in various sizes, so I use a large one for jeans, pants, and dresses, a medium one for tops, and a small one for undergarments and socks.
NOMATIC compression packing cubes fit nicely inside a small suitcase. Photo courtesy NOMATIC
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LEVEL8 Carry-on Luggage
I have the 18-inch LEVEL8 carry-on in a beautiful yellow color, and this is the best carry-on bag I’ve ever owned!
My 18-inch LEVEL8 carry-on suitcase. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
I have the 18″-model, which is actually 20.3” x 13.8” x 9.2” (including wheels and handles). The suitcase weighs under 8 pounds, so it’s ideal for weekend trips and international travel. I can pack for a few weeks in this mighty little bag.
The bag is made of a 3-layer polycarbonate hardshell, making it strong and sturdy, but it is lightweight and has elasticity and resiliency. The micro-diamond-textured design minimizes unwanted marks during checking. There’s a built-in TSA-coded lock and smooth zippers that prevent snagging.
My favorite design element is the wide, aluminum telescoping ergonomic handle with four height levels for easy maneuverability. And because of that wide handle, you have more room for packing inside because the handle goes down the sides of the interior compartment, not right down the center. I have used my bag for a year now, and I LOVE it!
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Samsonite Elevation Plus Backpack
I’ve had some expensive backpacks, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Samsonite Elevation Plus Backpack. At less than $120, it’s one of the more reasonably priced bags I’ve used. I LOVE this backpack! It goes with me everywhere.
Samsonite Elevation Plus backpack. Photo courtesy Samsonite
It’s a great design for a simple backpack or, thanks to its 1.5-inch expandable zipper, as a weekend bag. The bag is made of a sturdy Recyclex RPET fabric with pockets everywhere. I especially love the zippered pocket under the magnetic flap on the front. There’s a holder for my AirTag, a laptop pouch that keeps the computer up higher in the bag so I don’t bang it on the floor, a water bottle pocket, and a pocket on the back for smaller luggage handles.
Note that the luggage sleeve won’t fit over my LEVEL8 bag, but I can put one strap around each side of the wide suitcase arm, which works great! While this model is unavailable from Amazon, you can use the link above to purchase it directly from Samsonite. Amazon has a similar expandable backpack available here.
Hydro Flask 24 Oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle
I won’t go anywhere—not even to the grocery store—without my Hydro Flask 24 Oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle.
I don’t go anywhere without my Hydro Flask water bottle. Photo courtesy Hydro Flask
I have it in a beautiful yellow, and I use the flex straw cap so I don’t have to unscrew the top to get water. It keeps my ice and cold water cold for up to 24 hours, which is very handy on long flights. It is dishwasher safe, leakproof, and fits in the cupholder in my car. It also fits perfectly in the water bottle slot on the side of my Samsonite backpack. While these bottles are pricey, they last forever and keep your water cold. With the screw-on cap, you can also use the Hydro Flask for hot liquids. You can keep hot coffee hot for up to 12 hours.
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Spot Laundry Detergent Sheets
Spot Laundry Detergent Sheets are great for travel. These sheets contain laundry detergent, so they fit flat in my suitcase and don’t have to be taken out for TSA since there’s nothing liquid.
Spot Detergent Sheets have changed the way I do laundry on the road. Photo courtesy Spot Detergent Sheets
When I travel, I rarely check a bag, so if I’m gone for longer than a week, I usually need to wash a few things in the hotel room or on the cruise ship. These are perfect for that. If I’m in a place with a laundry room, I simply toss one of the sheets into a washing machine. If I need to wash something by hand, it goes into the sink, I swish it around, and my clothes are clean.
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BAGSMART Electronics Organizer Travel Case
The BAGSMART Electronics Organizer Travel Case comes in several colors (I have this one in black with a pretty pink interior) and is big enough to organize my cables but small enough to fit nicely in my backpack.
Bagsmart Electronic Organizer Travel Case fits perfectly in my backpack. Photo courtesy BAGSMART
The bag measures 9.4″L x 6.7″W, and I love that it’s less than 1.5″ thick. It keeps everything in one place. It has five elastic loops for iPhone and iPad cables, earphones, or even pens. Two large elastic loops can fit a mouse. There is a mesh zippered pocket and five elasticized mesh segments where I keep plug adapters and memory cards for my camera. There’s also a pocket under the zippered pocket to store my portable charger.
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PACKISM Clear TSA-Approved Toiletry Bags
The PACKISM Clear TSA-Approved Toiletry Bags are perfect for travel. The 7.5 x 5.5 x 2.2-inch clear travel toiletry bag follows the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule for carry-on bags, so I can clear airport security. I have Global Entry, which includes TSA Pre-Check in the US, so I don’t even have to remove it from my bag.
PACKISM Clear Toiletry Bags are TSA-approved for easy airline travel. Photo courtesy PACKISM
If you are used to taking those 1-quart plastic bags out, having the zipper break, and having an issue getting your liquids through security, this is the answer. It is made of 0.5mm thick transparent PVC with reinforced seams. I’ve used the same bag for about two years, and it’s excellent! The bag doesn’t break. The zippers don’t rip. TSA can see what’s in the bag. I can see what’s in the bag. And if something happens to leak, it doesn’t get on my clothes inside my bag.
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myCharge Portable Charger
The 10050 mAh myCharge Portable Charger provides fast charging via a wall plug. The external battery pack can provide up to 55 hours of juice for my iPhone and iPad. It has a USB plug for external charging and built-in lightning and micro USB cables, making it possible to charge three devices simultaneously. I can charge my cell phone about five or six times when the charger is fully charged.
My go-to for keeping my iPhone charged is the myCharge Portable Charger. Photo courtesy myCharge
This is the best portable phone charger I’ve ever used. I like that the plug folds up so it fits flat in my cable bag, or I can slip it into my purse or backpack when I’m out for the day. If I travel overseas, I can plug it into my travel adapter, which works great.
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Anker European Travel Plug Adapter
I do have a universal plug that works if I travel in Asia, but most of my travels are in Europe, so I love the Anker European Travel Plug Adapter.
I always carry the Anker travel adapter when I visit Europe. Photo courtesy Anker
It plugs into the wall and has a US plug on the top and the front. It also has a USB port and two USB-C plugs on the bottom. So, I can charge my cell phone, my husband’s cell phone, my iPad, my earbuds, and plug in the myCharge all at the same time.
It’s also great for plugging in my flatiron or my computer.
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TYMO Cordless Hair Straightener Brush
The TYMO Cordless Hair Straightener Brush has been an excellent tool for me in the RV, and I’ll use it on my next flight.
TYMO Cordless Hair Straightener is a great travel alternative to a flat iron. Photo courtesy TYMO
I first bought this for the days we stay at a Harvest Host location in the RV. Harvest Host is a network of businesses—wineries, breweries, museums, golf courses, restaurants, farms, and more—that lets you park your RV for the night at no cost. But there’s no water, sewer, or electricity. We’re fine using our solar panels for almost everything, but they don’t power the air conditioning or my flat iron. With curly hair and bangs, it’s a mess without my flat iron, so I searched for this portable version.
I can plug it in and use it with the cord, but I like the cordless mode. It charges up ahead of time, and then I can use it on the mornings without electricity. I will take it with me on my next international flight to touch up my hair before landing after a 12-hour flight. Now, this is not as powerful as my regular flat iron, and I don’t think I could straighten my entire head of curly hair with it, but it’s great to straighten my bangs and run through my curls to give them a bit of control.
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Brookline 800W Portable Steamer
The Brookline 800W Portable Steamer solves the issue of wrinkled clothes. It is tiny yet powerful, only about 6.5″ tall, and fits well in my suitcase.
Brookline 800W Steamer is great for keeping clothes wrinkle-free during your travels. Photo courtesy Brookline
The steamer is pretty simple. You pour water into the bottom, attach the top, plug it in, and the water boils. It works so well that I got rid of my bulky steamer and always use this one in the RV. On a recent trip, I had my tea bags but no teapot in the hotel room. I added water to the steamer, plugged it in, and boiled water. I poured that into a cup and enjoyed my tea. I love a multipurpose tool!
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Beurer BR90 Insect Sting and Bite Relief
I am a mosquito magnet and I get horrible bites every summer. They swell. They itch. They drive me crazy. And then I discovered the Beurer BR90 Insect Sting and Bite Relief. I cannot believe it, but this thing works!
Beurer Insect Bite Relief really does stop the itch. Photo courtesy Beurer
I will admit that I was skeptical, but now I don’t go anywhere without it. It is an easy, chemical-free way to relieve the itching of insect bites, including mosquitoes. You place the bug bite pen directly on the bite, press the button, and wait until you hear the beep. You can choose to do a 3- or 6-second treatment. The quick-warming ceramic hot plate puts out enough heat to stop the itch, but not enough to burn your skin. It does tingle a bit when you use it, but it is painless and easy.
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OFF! Deep Woods Mosquito Wipes
As I mentioned above, I am a mosquito magnet. I prefer not to get bitten in the first place, so I always keep OFF! Deep Woods Mosquito Wipes with me. It is easy to tuck some individual packets into my suitcase on plane trips. I always keep a couple of packets in my purse or backpack to reapply if I’m out in the elements all day.
OFF Deep Woods Mosquito Wipes come in individual packets for easy travel. Photo courtesy SC Johnson
I know using DEET is controversial, and there are other non-DEET options, such as Murphy’s Naturals Wipes, made with essential oils such as lemongrass and citronella. However, those don’t work for me. But if you prefer natural wipes and they work for you, these are a great alternative.
WonderWink Women’s Convertible Hood Jacket
The WonderWink Women’s Convertible Hood Jacket is my new go-to for a travel jacket. The jacket is from a Medical Scrubs Collection, and I have reviewed the jacket in detail here. It’s super lightweight and has ample pockets (think what a doctor or nurse might need). I love the pen pocket on the front and the wide lower pockets with a hidden cell phone pocket.
The WonderWink jacket, designed to cover medical scrubs, is ideal for travel. Photo courtesy WonderWink
There is a detachable hood and both a zipper and an easy-snap placket at the front. It has a drawstring inside if you want to tighten the waist. It works well in light rain, but it’s not ideal if you expect to be in pouring rain. However, it’s excellent on the plane and is easy to bunch up and tuck in my backpack if I need to take it off.
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Dr. Scholl’s Lace-Up Sneakers
I’ve worn many walking shoes over the years, but Dr. Scholl’s Lace-Up Sneakers are the best pair I’ve ever worn! In fact, I love them so much that I have them in three different colors. I’ll be honest. I first discovered these in a viral TikTok video and was skeptical, but I decided to try a pair and see. They are so comfortable!
I have three pairs of Dr. Scholl’s Lace-Up Sneakers. Photo courtesy of Dr. Scholl’s
I love that they’re sustainably crafted from recycled bottles. I have two pairs of microfiber and one made from canvas. I love the stretch laces that make them easy to slip on and off, which is ideal for getting through the airport.
The insole has the signature Dr. Scholl’s support, which I find essential after years of abusing my feet. I can wear these all day without any discomfort—and I could wear them all day from day one when I took them out of the box. They’re lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about foot fatigue. I wore them all over Paris, and they were great. The next big challenge will be wearing them multiple days at Disney World!
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Cell Phone Lanyard
When traveling, I like to keep my cell phone handy, but I don’t want it in my back pocket or sitting on a table where it might be stolen. I’ve discovered that using a lanyard is a perfect way to keep it close for photos while on the go. The KINGLINK cell phone lanyard is easy to use, and I pop it off while I’m not traveling.
The KINGLINK cell phone lanyard works with any cell phone. Photo courtesy KINGLINK
The lanyard works with any phone. You put the base piece inside your case, with the loop sticking through the bottom where you charge the phone. It’s flat, so it doesn’t interfere with charging cables. The lanyard itself is made of braided PPM (polypropylene). It is lightweight, and you can adjust the length so it hangs in the correct position around your neck.
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Hiker Hunger Outfitters Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
While I don’t carry the Hiker Hunger Outfitters Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles on plane trips, I do keep them in the car for road trips. Made of 100% Carbon Fiber, each pole weighs only 7.6 oz. They are easy to attach to my backpack or I can use them all day without getting tired of carrying them when not in use.
Hiker Hunger Outfitters carbon fiber trekking poles are lighter in weight than aluminum. Photo courtesy Hiker Hunger Outfitters
The carbon fiber is lighter than aluminum, and the ergonomic cork grips conform to my hands, so these are ideal for hiking! There is also a nonslip EVA Foam Grip extension under the cork grip for quick use on steep climbs, and the neoprene padded hand straps prevent chafing.
The flip-lock lever technology makes the poles easy to adjust and lock in place securely. They adjust from 24” to 55”, so they even work for me, who stands 5’2″ on a good day. I also love that the company is US-based and features a 3-year warranty.
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POCKT Slim Card Holder Wallet with Write Lanyard
I was looking for a slim wallet that I could put in my pocket when I hike but keep handily in my purse or backpack when traveling. I discovered the POCKT Slim Card Holder Wallet with Wrist Lanyard and I LOVE it!
POCKT Slim Card Holder Wallet and Wrist Lanyard. Photo courtesy POCKT
It comes in various fun and colorful designs, and I chose the pretty poppies. The wallet is barely bigger than a credit card and is made of 100% genuine leather. It fits perfectly in my back pocket or I toss it in my purse. That makes it easy to pull out the wallet with the wrist lanyard during road trips. My car key is attached, so I only have to carry the wallet. I can use the wrist strap to hang it on a restroom door and keep it close while I’m browsing stores.
I use one pocket on the back for my ID since it’s tight and secure. The middle pocket has a pull tab with a couple of business cards, a folded $20 bill, and my press ID. The patterned elastic front pocket is for the card I use most often, and I can fit three of them, including a hotel room keycard.
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Must-Have Travel Products
These are just a few of the best travel products I’ve discovered. If you have other recommendations, please share them in the comments. We invite you to explore Wander With Wonder for more packing tips and check out some of our favorite destinations.
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