When traveling from country to country…
…with a maximum rucksack load of 7 kgs, we tend to be fairly selective about what we carry and what gets left at home. It all depends on the climate of the countries we’re visiting and the type of accommodation (if any) we plan to use.
Most of our long trips are in the tropics, so bulky clothes are the least of our worries. We find the bulkiest – and heaviest – items are the photographic and related electronic equipment, snorkeling gear and medical kit. But we like to include reusable utensils for drinking and eating, lightweight blankets, and so on.
Regarding reading material, whenever possible we always select Kindle versions of the books we take with us. It’s quite alarming how much space a few real books will occupy in your pack.
Here then is a summary of the things we’ve carried during our travels – as well as the stuff we’ve purchased during our trips . Depending on your destination, you might find some of these travel essentials useful yourself…
In the Plane, Train, Ferry & Bus ✈️🚝🚍
Travel Neck Pillow for the Plane
A comfortable soft but firm support, working better than traditional travel pillows - particularly effective during long plane journeys. The pillow is easy to carry and attach to luggage, improving sleep quality without neck discomfort.
Bird Travel Carrier
Airline-approved portable bird carrier cage with adjustable shoulder straps and top padded soft handle for easy-carrying. Upgraded breathable version provides excellent ventilation design, with 4 leaf-shape mesh vents on top.
Travel Compression Socks
Very comfortable, particularly during long flights, reducing leg swelling. These socks are specifically crafted to boost blood circulation.
Travel Money Belt
Comfortable and soft against bare skin, with a sturdy clasp that holds up well over time. The pouch is spacious with double pockets, and isn't too bulky, being thin enough to fit under clothing. The RFID protection keeps passports, cash, and cards safe and convenient for backpacking trips.
Dog Carrier Adjustable Backpack (Large)
Well-made and durable, holding up to 40lbs, and suitable for activities like hiking, biking, and 10-20 minute walks. A comfortable fit for both small and medium-sized dogs.
Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition
Read in color – The new 7" Colorsoft display is high-contrast and easy on the eyes, with paper-like color that brings covers and content to life. Marathon reading! A single charge via USB-C lasts up to 10 weeks!
In the Hotel & Guesthouse 🛎️🧳
Universal Travel Adapter
Multi-function adapter that covers more than 150 countries, including US/EU/AU/UK. With 4 USB Ports, 1 USB TYPE C and 1 AC Socket to simultaneously fast-charge 6 devices.
Portable Streaming Media
Set up your Mi TV Stick in an instant. Three easy steps: plug into TV, connect to WIFI, start exploring.
Portable WiFi for Travel
This mobile hotspot works better than hotel WiFi, is easy to use and set up, and is very portable for travel. Highly recommended for its reliability and rock-solid performance.
On the Beach, In the Park ⛱️🥥🌅🌊
Insulated Collapsible Cooler Bag
A spacious cooler bag, large enough for frozen dinners! The insulation keeps contents cold throughout the day. The bag is collapsible when unused, and features a convenient top Velcro opening for easy access.
Beach Cup Holders
2-in-1 bottle opener and cup holder. The base is equipped with 4 strong sand spikes, ensuring a secure fit.
Barefoot Water Sports Shoes
Comfortable, true to size, and lightweight design that's easy to pack for trips. The shoes work well for walking on rocks, swimming, and beach use, with good grip and traction that prevents sliding.
In the Jungle 🏝️🦜 🦍🐒
Survival Bracelet
BE PREPARED FOR THE WILD - 4 camping gear must-haves in just one bracelet with a fire starter (striker and ferro rod), compass, loud emergency whistle, and 12 feet of military-grade paracord
🦟 Bite Away Insect Sting Relief
The Bite Away Insect Sting & Itch Relief pen uses targeted heat to provide fast & effective relief from the aftermath of insect bites.
Travel Mosquito Net
The net effectively keeps bugs out, particularly mosquitoes, and fits well over double beds, making it perfect for camping in mosquito-infested areas. Easy to setup and lightweight design.
Personal Water Filter
Reliable clean water anywhere: This essential travel water filter ensures 1500 liters of clean, safe drinking water, filterering particles as small as 0.01 microns.
Mosquito Repellent Bracelet
Made with Geraniol Oil, Lemongrass Oil, and Citronella Oil, offering a natural and DEET-free mosquito repellent solution. Keep your family safe with effective protection from mosquito bites.
Anti-Leech Hiking Socks
Until you've experienced the joy of leeches, you'll probably think these are the most ridiculous product you've ever heard of. That smirk will fade pretty quickly the first time you pull one off your leg. If you are going to the jungle, save your host the trouble of having to bleach your sheets after you leave, and get a pair of these.
Underwater 🐠⚓🥽
Underwater Phone Housing
Turns your iPhone into an underwater camera with advanced photo and video features, including Digital Color Correction Filters. Uses various camera modes such as photo, video, burst, and video screen capture
Barefoot Water Sports Shoes
Comfortable, true to size, and lightweight design that's easy to pack for trips. The shoes work well for walking on rocks, swimming, and beach use, with good grip and traction that prevents sliding.
Full Face Snorkel Mask
A snorkeling mask that is easier to use than traditional snorkels, with adjustable straps for a perfect fit. The mask provides a wide field of vision and dispenses with the traditional mouthpiece. Water does not leak inside and it never fogs.
Hiking & Climbing 🥾🎒🧗
Waterproof Amped Hiking Boots
A durable mid cut waterproof hiker that provides great traction and comfort.
Collapsible Water Bottle
Silicone collapsible water bottle folds up small, making it easy to transport.
Advanced Blister Care Pads
Provides twice the instant pain relief than regular plasters, relieving pressure and rubbing during hiking or climbing
Water Purification Tablets
Each tablet purifies 1 Liter of water in just 30 minutes
Altitude Sickness Prevention Patches
Effectively relieve headache, nausea and shortness of breath caused by high altitude sickness.
Compression Knee Brace
No Pill & Injection Relief: Avert pain, inflammation, and injury. They offer optimum support for hikers & climbers
In the ‘Gadget’ Bag 👜🔌📱
DJ Mavic Mini
Weighing under 250 grams, Mavic Mini is almost as light as the average smartphone. This makes it exceptionally portable and places it in the lowest and safest weight class of drones. Aircraft takeoff weight includes battery, propellers, and a microSD card.
Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer
This device makes professional-looking videos, offers super steady hold on the phone, and folds down to a portable size.
Insta 360 X5 Waterproof 8K 360° Camera
Invisible Selfie Stick: Create impossible third-person views with no selfie stick in sight! Capture everything in 360°, then choose your angles later using AI-assisted reframing—perfect shots, every time.
SandSpice Travel Essentials – The Things We Carried
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