2025 Must-Have Travel Essentials and Gear
Aloe Up Sport Performance Sunscreen I discovered this sunscreen recently in Key West at Saltwater Angler. Now, it is a go-to for us when we go on vacation, pool, beach, etc. And it is reef safe, so that very important for me. It goes on CLEAR with not much of a scent and no greasy feel, which my children love. This can be hard to find, so I’ve been buying it directly from Amazon.
Portable phone charger I have been traveling with this portable charge for almost two years now and it has not let me down. We love that we can plug it into the wall and do not need to bring extra cords to hook it up to charge or use it.
Ben’s Bug Spray We always bring this little bug spray along on vacations. It fits perfectly in bags and purses. It keeps the bugs and mosquitos away, which is priceless.
Lairds Creamer This creamer has an excellent taste and pairs great with morning coffee. I have been using it for many years now, every morning. And, it goes with me on every trip so I can have my coffee just the way I like it on vacay. Great flavor, texture, vitamins, and minerals. Easily packable, but the seal is not great, so I always have it in a Ziploc bag.
Luggage Scale – This always comes in handy before we take off for the airport, to ensure checked bags are under 50 lbs. It has saved us many times from getting to the airport and having to re-arrange luggage contents at the ticket counter. Weight has always been accurate. Simple and reduces stress level.
Packing Cubes I have used many brands of packing cubes and they tend to tear easily at the seams and zipper. Do yourself a favor and don’t buy any packing cubes. These are built to last, high quality and durable. Each of us have our own packing cube – it usually takes 2-3 per person for 7 days of clothes. The cubes fit easily into a suitcase and do not add weight to your luggage. Help yourself stay organized. I use the big one to store dirty clothes.
Packable Panama Hat – I love this hat while on vacay, especially when pools and a beach are involved, and this one is super chic! It packs easily and holds its shape, even after getting wet. There are several colors to choose from and this hat is the very best in quality.
Cosmetic Bag – This is the best makeup bag to use for travel and to easily find what you need. The only question is, “Why did I wait so long to buy one?!”
Ray-Ban Aviator Women’s Sunglasses –
Apple AirPods Pro Definitely a must-have travel essential. These AirPod Pros are so much better! The noise canceling is amazing and sound quality is great. If you have not upgraded your earbuds yet, these are worth it!
Book – I always travel with a few books and this one I could not put down! Check out other books here.
Beach Bag -The #1 beach bag. Easily packable in my luggage to take on all your beach vacations. It is light, mesh material and sand does not stick to the bottom. After returning from vacation, you can toss it in the wash, and it comes out as good as new. And, it is super cute!
Sun Bum Sunscreen – We are huge fans of this face lotion, and it does not burn our eyes. Not oily and does not require tons of rubbing into the skin. A great sunscreen for the face!
Kids Goggles These are my children’s favorite goggles. They go with us on every trip. We spent a lot of money on the wrong goggles for many years that constantly leak with flimsy straps. We do not have any issues with these goggles- they work perfectly. Do not leak, do not fog and fit nicely with a solid strap. These are the goggles your kids need if they prefer to have their nose covered.
2. Gear Travel Finds
Yeti Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Cooler What we like most about the Yeti Hopper M20 backpack soft cooler is the fact that you can comfortably wear it on your back to carry it. This is essential when trekking through the airport with luggage, fishing rods, etc. When the Yeti Hopper arrived at our house, I immediately took it out of the box and tried it on to see how it felt. I was pleasantly surprised at how the cooler was form fitting to my back and the straps felt good on my shoulders.
Delsey Paris Helium Softside Suitcase – A super light weight suitcase that is easy to maneuver by a high quality brand. This is always my carry on when I travel for work or leisure. Cannot say enough about this luggage.
Calpak Luka Duffel – My personal item on all flights. It fits perfectly underneath the seat in front of me and has many useful pockets, there is a place for everything. Soft, not bulky and easy to maneuver over your luggage handle. The shoe pocket at the bottom is perfect for my flip flops. I just love this bag!
Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler We are hooked on this bag for family trips! It is our one check-in bag if we decide that we need extra space beyond our carry-on bags. It is our go-to. This bag is durable, spacious and sturdy! A well-built bag that will last.
Yeti Hopper M20 Backpack Cooler – We carry this cooler on the plane and fill it with all sorts of things – mainly snacks.
ALOHA Collection Reversible Tote – We have several of these splash-prooof bags for travel. Reversible, waterproof, light weight, actually weighs nothing, and always with the cutest patterns!
Shibumi Shade Tent – We love to travel with this tent. It is compact and easily fits in our checked bag. Our Shibumi has traveled with us everywhere. We cannot say enough about it – it is light, easy to carry, and simple to set up. If you are a beach goer, you’ll need this tent!