The Sober Globetrotter

Even when I’m not traveling, I use this mug every single day. I own five. That should tell you everything you need to know.

It’s the perfect size, fits in cup holders and side pockets, keeps drinks the exact right temperature for hours (very important when you keep forgetting where you set it down), and comes in a delightful range of colors. The lid has a satisfying magnetic closure thingy that I never thought I’d care about—and now I can’t live without it.

When I travel, I stuff my little tea bag stash inside the cup, pop the lid back on, and toss it in my carry-on. It comes everywhere with me.

I love using bar soap when I travel—no liquid rules, no surprise shampoo explosions, no added water weight.
What I don’t love? A soggy, slimy soap brick sloshing around in a puddle at the bottom of a plastic case.

Enter: this travel soap box with a built-in drain tray.
It keeps your bar high and dry between uses, so it actually lasts longer and doesn’t feel like a damp regret every time you pick it up.

Simple. Brilliant. Not gross.

These are my current favorite TSA-approved bottles—and not just for shampoo.

I use them to create a travel mocktail kit: lavender syrup, ginger shrub, maybe a little citrus cordial… then just add soda water on the plane, and voilà: hydration and drama.

They’re lightweight, leak-proof, and the flip-tops actually stay closed (unlike those sad squeeze bottles that ruin your dopp kit). Bonus: the squared-off sides mean less wasted space.

Whether you’re packing body wash or a beverage, these little bottles deliver.

It took me ages, but I finally found the one.
This sling backpack is light, folds up small, and—despite its compact look—fits my DSLR, a massive zoom lens, snacks, wallet, chapstick hoard, AND whatever other chaos I need for a day of urban wandering or mountain meandering.

It’s got just enough organizational pockets to keep things tidy without being over-engineered, and it’s actually comfortable to wear all day (no digging-in straps or sad neck cricks).

Basically: I can carry everything I need in one bag, and still look like a mildly functional adult.
Freaking brilliant.

When it comes to toiletries, I have two packing modes:

1. One big bag — perfect for trips where I’m staying in one place.
2. The two-bag method — one for shower stuff, and this bag for counter stuff.

This little bucket bag keeps all my counter essentials neatly corralled, easy to see, and quick to grab when it’s time to move on. No rummaging, no scattering across a stranger’s sink, and no “did I leave my mascara in the hotel bathroom?” panic.

It’s organization that travels as well as I do.

This little foldable kettle is a road trip hero.
Being able to boil water without running it through a questionable hotel coffee maker? Absolute game-changer.

It keeps your coffee and tea tasting the way they should (read: not like mildew and old filter baskets), and it opens up a whole world of quick food options—instant oatmeal, miso soup, ramen, hot chocolate—without leaving your room.

It folds down small enough to tuck into your bag, then pops up ready to work whenever you need it.
Your taste buds will thank you.

I tend to pack my suitcase to the absolute limit before I even leave home—whether it’s crammed full or teetering on the weight allowance. And then… I shop.

That’s when a thin, lightweight extra bag saves the day. This foldable duffel packs down small, opens up big, and swallows all those “oops” purchases with ease. Even if you have to check it on the way home, it’s usually cheaper than paying overweight baggage fees.

This version has a couple of pockets, decent straps, and just enough structure to make carrying it less of a juggling act. Consider it my official permission slip for souvenir shopping.

bought this before a recent trip to Greece and I’m officially obsessed. My sun hat was essential for surviving the scorching summer, but every time I went inside, I wanted it off my head—without having to hold it or risk leaving it in some random café.

Enter this brilliant little clip: it loops around any bag strap, holds your hat securely, and unclips easily when you need it. No damage, no weird creases, no “where the hell did I put my hat?” moments.

Small gadget, big sanity saver.

Honestly, if you’re looking for anything else in a travel mirror, I can’t imagine what it is. This one’s earned permanent residency in my makeup bag.

Listen, if I let things slide, I could grow a respectable little goatee. My secret weapon? This lighted 8x magnifying mirror.

It’s a bit bulky for minimalist packing, but when I’ve got the space—or I’m heading out on a long road trip—it’s absolutely coming with me. On a recent trip, the place I stayed in had no bedside lamp (horror!), and this mirror doubled as my emergency reading light.

Bulky? Yes. Worth it? Also yes.

This floating, waterproof pouch with a touchscreen front and a neck strap has been my MVP in some pretty wild places:

• Waterfall hot springs in Greece
• Behind Niagara Falls
• Kayaking on Lake Superior
• Whale watching in the Azores
• Poolside shenanigans
• That time I had a weird umbrella-shower photo shoot (I do it all for you, kids)

I take it everywhere, and it’s the reason I have some truly amazing shots while everyone else is nervously clutching their phones on dry land. Risk-free photography, anywhere.

This bottle nails the Goldilocks zone: big enough to keep you hydrated, small enough that it doesn’t feel like you’re hauling a kettlebell around.

It keeps water (or whatever you’re drinking) icy cold for hours—a huge relief on a hot day—and fits perfectly into cup holders, side pockets, and the random little mesh pouches on backpacks.

Basically: refreshment without regret.

If I’m heading out for a longer trip—say, two weeks or more—those little TSA-approved bottles just aren’t going to cut it.

When I’m already checking a bag, I bring these bigger versions of the same smart, space-efficient design. At 6.7oz, they hold enough shampoo, conditioner, or lotion to get me through the trip without rationing like I’m on a reality survival show.

Same shape, more capacity. Simple, effective, and sanity-saving.

I usually fly perilously close to the weight limit, and there is nothing worse than paying a fortune for a few extra pounds—or frantically redistributing your underwear and shoes in front of an audience at the check-in counter.

This tiny gadget has saved me from that fate more times than I can count. It lets me weigh my bags before I leave for the airport, even if I’m staying somewhere without a bathroom scale. That way I can shuffle things around in the privacy of my own space… not while blocking the baggage drop line.

We’ve all seen “that guy.” Don’t be that guy.

I’m an espresso gal—but I want it before I have to face other humans. Enter the AeroPress: my savior in the battle against terrible hotel coffee.

All you need is this little gadget, some ground espresso, and boiling water, and you’ll be caffeinated enough to rejoin society. I own the full-size version at home, but this compact travel version packs into its own mug and is absolutely on my wish list.

Because no one should have to start their day negotiating with life on an empty caffeine tank.

There’s nothing better for a travel-weary body than a good stretch—whether it’s a quick child’s pose or a full vinyasa flow.

This folding travel mat packs down neatly, so you can bring your practice along without having to roll up a bulky mat or (shudder) put your face anywhere near a questionable hotel carpet. Light, portable, and just enough cushioning to make you forget you’re on the floor of an Airbnb.

It took a million searches and an embarrassing number of hours reading reviews, but I finally found it: my perfect travel backpack.

It’s roomy without being comically huge, opens fully like a suitcase, is water-resistant, has a laptop sleeve, a dry compartment, a water bottle pocket, a few interior pockets (but not so many I lose things), and one small exterior pocket for the stuff I grab most often.

Oh, and about ten other thoughtful features I didn’t even know I needed until I had them. This bag is it—my unicorn.

Few travel horrors rival opening your bag to find your shampoo—or worse, your lotion—has exploded everywhere. Even if it’s contained inside a waterproof toiletry bag, it’s still a sticky mess and a waste of product.

These little silicone “bottle condoms” (yes, really) slip over your toiletry lids to give you an extra layer of protection. No leaks, no mess, no tearful bathroom counter scrubbing when you should be sipping your welcome cocktail.

I didn’t know I needed this until I had it—but now I’ll never fly without one. Being able to elevate your feet, even just a little, makes an airplane seat so much more comfortable.

This clever sling straps right around your tray table (even when it’s closed) and gives your legs a much-needed break from the awkward “dangling feet” position. It’s like turning your cramped economy seat into a tiny personal lounge chair.

Small gadget, big comfort boost.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: pill cases are brilliant for organizing any small items.

My favorite use (besides, you know, pills) is for jewelry. This particular version is inexpensive, durable, and keeps all my necklaces from becoming one big knot. Bonus: it’s compact enough to tuck into any corner of your bag without getting squished.

Simple, effective, and way cheaper than “official” travel jewelry organizers.

I love organization. Love. It brings me peace, and these packing cubes bring me even more—they actually squish everything down so I can pack more options without cramming.

The variety of sizes in this set is perfect, they’re ridiculously durable (I regularly overstuff them and they’re still going strong after years), and they make packing, unpacking, and finding that one specific shirt a breeze.

Basically: more outfits, less chaos.

This is just a great purse, full stop—the right size, with the right number of pockets.

But it also packs in a bunch of clever security features: anti-cut straps, zippers that hook closed, and even an anti-theft clip on the strap so you can detach one side and hang other bags or gear from it. It keeps your essentials secure and saves your shoulders from carrying multiple bags.

Form, function, and a little peace of mind—without looking like “tourist gear.”

I’m a big believer in pouches—various sizes, various uses—and these are my favorites. The added bonus? A zippered flat pocket or two, which means my band-aids stay flat and clean, and my hair bands aren’t playing hide-and-seek in the bottom of the bag.

Small, simple, and the backbone of my travel organization system.

This is one of those things that just makes sense. Round bottles leave awkward gaps and waste valuable bag space—especially in slimmer day bags or purses.

This flat water bottle slides right in alongside books, laptops, or other gear without creating a weird bulge. Same hydration, smarter shape.

Long flights can do a number on your legs—swelling, discomfort, and even potential health risks from sitting too long. Compression socks are an easy fix, and these are my favorites.

They’re comfortable, come in both fun patterns and classic colors, and double as perfect boot socks when you’re exploring once you land. Style, comfort, and a little inflight health insurance, all in one.

This little wonder is the Swiss Army knife of travel charging. It combines:

• Adaptors for every outlet variety (that snap together into one neat block)
• A voltage converter
• A surge protector
• An extension cord
• A power strip with three outlets and four USB ports

All in one compact, lightweight package. Perfect voltage, perfect compatibility, anywhere you go—and no fighting over who gets the only outlet in the hotel room.

This thing is practically a small suitcase, but when I’m on a long trip with minimal lodging changes, it’s the way to keep all my toiletries contained and organized.

Plenty of compartments, enough space for full-size products if you want them, and everything stays in one place—no scattering your skincare across the bathroom counter or digging through multiple bags. For the right trip, this is my MVP.

Even if you’re not trying to block out the noise of crying babies or roaring jet engines, these earplugs are brilliant for preventing the pain and endless popping that come with in-flight pressure changes.

They make ascents and descents so much more comfortable—and as a bonus, they let you politely (and silently) opt out of small talk with overly chatty seatmates.

Travel-sized hair brushes usually feel like sad, flimsy versions of the real deal—but not this one. The Wet Brush Pop & Go is sturdy, compact, and actually works just as well as its full-sized counterpart.

The bristles fold in for packing, so they won’t snag on anything or get bent out of shape, and the built-in mirror in the handle is pure bonus. Functional and a delightful throwback to those 90s pop-out brushes we all carried around.

These are the ultimate overnight flight accessory. I don’t like sleeping with earbuds in, or with anything pressing directly on my eyelids—but I do want uninterrupted darkness and maybe some quiet music or an audiobook to drift off to.

This ultra-comfortable combo delivers: Bluetooth over-ear speakers built into a soft, breathable band, plus a molded eye mask that keeps all fabric and pressure away from my actual eyes. Darkness, sound, comfort—check, check, check.

Love.

Sometimes a pillbox really is best used as… a pillbox. This one fits the bill perfectly—it’s palm-sized but has 10 separate compartments, so I’m never caught mid-flight, mid-road trip, or mid-wandering without a fix for whatever’s ailing me.

Mine is always stocked with ibuprofen, Pepto pills, antacids, antihistamines, decongestants, anti-diarrheal pills, laxatives, melatonin, and a few days’ worth of my essential prescriptions. Basically, it’s my portable problem-solver, and it makes me feel ready for anything.

I’ve had this wallet since early 2018, and it’s been around the globe with me. It keeps all my essentials together—credit cards, cash, passport, house key, loose change, stamps, a pen, and any travel documents I need paper copies of.

It blocks RFID, has pockets that fit even my oversized phone (inside or outside), and still manages to stay slim enough to tuck into my bag without fuss. After years of use, I can confidently say it’s one of my most reliable travel companions.

I only have a few non-negotiables for a good travel umbrella:

• Small enough to tuck into any bag
• Easy to get back to that small size after use
• Durable enough to actually keep me dry

This one nails them all—and as a bonus, it comes in a range of fun colors and prints so you can stay dry and stylish when the skies turn on you.

Sure, there are plenty of tiny charger blocks that’ll keep you limping along in a pinch—but this bad boy will charge your phone (and other gadgets) multiple times, fast.

I use it when there’s no outlet near the bed, on long travel days, or in countries with unreliable power grids. It’s peace of mind in battery form—so I can keep my phone alive for maps, photos, and the occasional frantic “where’s my hotel again?” search.

I am not a hair wizard—my super-straight locks have always laughed in the face of curling irons. Until this tool.

This curler–flat iron combo changed everything: I can finally get amazing curls that last all day, thanks to a built-in setting fan. Plus, it straightens my bangs when they inevitably go rogue.

It’s compact, easy to pack, and somehow manages to make me look like I actually know what I’m doing with my hair. Pretty sure it’s magic.

I love my Kindle. LOVE it. I used to agonize over which books to pack—how many, which ones, will I be in the mood for this one or that one? That is now a thing of the past.

With my Kindle, I can carry an entire library anywhere, adjust the lighting so it’s gentle at night (for me and anyone else in the room), and always have the perfect thing to read—whether I’m on a plane or dining alone.

And the case? Top notch. It protects my mobile library, puts it to sleep when I close it, and provides an excellent blank canvas for my niece and nephew’s sticker art.

Absolutely indispensable.

It telescopes. It stands on its own. It adjusts to any angle. And it comes with a little remote so I can take the picture or start/stop video from a distance.

Oh, and it folds up small and neat for travel—because of course it does. This selfie stick/tripod combo even uses MagSafe technology, so I no longer have to fumble with the clip, misalign it, and accidentally call the police mid-photo shoot.

Highly recommend for solo travelers, content creators, and anyone who doesn’t want to rely on strangers for the shot.

When you’re out adventuring, you never know when you’ll need to dry off, sit down somewhere questionable, or improvise a scarf or wrap.

This little gem folds up small, dries fast, and is endlessly useful. It’s one of those things I toss in my bag “just in case” and end up using all the time.

Regular earbuds? They pop out of my ears, feel uncomfortable, and are basically auditioning to be lost forever. These, with their over-ear hooks, have stayed with me for three years without a single disappearance.

They sound immaculate, the battery life is excellent, and people can actually understand me when I use them for calls. Comfortable, secure, and reliable—what more do I need?

I have very sensitive skin, and removing eye makeup used to be a nightmare—either my skin would get irritated, I’d still have eyeliner ghosts the next morning, or I’d lug around a leaky oil-based cleanser that made everything in my bag greasy.

This little travel-sized solid balm solved all of that. It gently melts away makeup and dirt, leaves my skin soft and moisturized, and—best part—there’s zero risk of spillage. I can’t travel without it.

You might not think of an Apple Watch as a “travel item,” but one feature makes mine indispensable when I’m exploring new places: plot a route in Apple Maps on your phone (walking or public transit), and each step pops up on your watch screen as you go.

That means I’m less likely to get lost and I don’t have to walk around glued to my phone, basically shouting “I’m a tourist and lost!” to anyone who glances my way.

Bonus: at the end of the day, I can see exactly how far I walked (and how many calories I burned), which makes 20,000-step days in Tokyo extra satisfying to brag about.

Pairs well with: Phone & Watch Screen Protectors — so you’re protected from more than just getting lost.

Sure, there are apps for translation—but when I was in Greece last year and faced a menu entirely in Greek characters (so I couldn’t even guess), Google’s translation was pure gibberish.

Enter this little gadget. The voice translator is quick, clear, and ridiculously easy to use, it has an offline mode, supports a bazillion languages, and even nailed the tiny Korean text on my skincare bottles.

I’ve only tested it at home so far, but I’m very excited to have it for future trips—especially in places where language barriers could turn “ordering dinner” into “mystery meal roulette.”

I am obsessed with this little gadget—so much so that I bought one for everyone in my family last Christmas. I’ve only been wearing glasses for a couple of years, but the smudges drive me absolutely nuts.

The Peeps cleaner gets rid of every trace of grease and fingerprint, and it even has a tiny pop-out brush for when you’re dealing with grit or dust. Compact, effective, and deeply satisfying to use. I love my Peeps. Love it.

This pill organizer has 14 compartments—one for each day of a two-week trip. I use each “day” as a single spot (instead of separating morning and night meds), and I love that I can pop out just one little two-compartment section at a time.

For short trips, I toss one or two into my toiletry bag. On overnight flights, I keep one handy for easy access, while the rest live deep in my bag with the backup undies and delicate items. Flexible, compact, and perfect for staying on track, no matter the trip length.

I’ve been known to pack an entire cheese board for a long flight (no regrets). Whether I’m separating cheeses from crackers and jams, or keeping Chex Mix dust off my gummy bears, this little lunchbox keeps my snacks tidy and my bag crumb-free.

The best part? The patterns. You can go full whimsy with dino bones or fairy princesses, or opt for slightly more grown-up color schemes if you want to blend in. Practical and adorable.

When you’ve got less room in your bag but still want to bring a full meal or an assortment of snacks, this bento box set delivers. It’s airtight, has multiple compartments to keep everything in its place, and even includes flatware—so you’re always ready for an impromptu picnic or desk lunch.

Sure, it doesn’t have sharks or fairy princesses printed on it, but it does come in some great colors. Perfect for pretending you’re a serious adult… while still living your best snack life.

Keeping track of all my essentials can be a pain, so I love a phone case that also holds my ID and a few important cards. This one is especially great because the phone sits in its own protective shell with a built-in magnetic ring, which lets it snap securely into the outer wallet cover or onto a magnetic phone holder.

The best part? It detaches with a firm tug, so the wallet feature never gets in the way when I want to use my tripod or other phone mounts. Safe phone, cards in one place, and no blocked photos—perfect.

One time, I went just four days without a screen protector on my Apple Watch because the old one was scratched and the new one hadn’t arrived yet—and in that tiny window, I smashed the corner and rendered it useless. How? No idea. But now I don’t take chances.

With this sturdy little cover for my watch and this shield for my phone screen, I only ever have to replace the inexpensive protector—not the whole device. Both options are under $10, come with multiple shields, and ensure I always have a backup.

For me, they’re completely non-negotiable.