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 ✈️🚝🚍
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.
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.
Disposable Paper Toilet Seat Covers
A flushable toilet seat cover with large dimensions that covers all sides of the seat. Made of 100% thick virgin wood pulp.
Travel Compression Socks
Very comfortable, particularly during long flights, reducing leg swelling. These socks are specifically crafted to boost blood circulation.
Restful Legs PM for Travel
These supplements work within 15 minutes and help with restless leg syndrome, allowing you to fall asleep quickly. The tablets dissolve quickly under the tongue and do not leave an aftertaste.
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.
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.
Backpack Sling Travel Bag
This spacious crossbody sling bag has plenty of pockets and room for water bottles, with a compact size that accommodates thin jackets and raincoats. It sits naturally on either shoulder.
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.
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.
Waterproof Dry Bag
Effective at keeping belongings dry and highly durable, with top-quality sewing on straps. The bag works well for various activities, including kayaking, beach days, and boat outings, while being spacious enough to fit a 40 oz water bottle and multiple items. Can be rolled down to become a small bag.
In the Jungle 🏝️🦜 🦍🐒
🦟 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.
Sound Grenade Travel Alarm
Compact sound grenade emits an ear-piercing 130dB alarm to deter potential threats and draw attention in emergencies. Simply pull the pin to activate. Lightweight and equipped with a keychain ring
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.
Travel Poncho
Designed to fit over most backpacks, this mylar poncho allows you to carry essentials hands-free while keeping both you and your gear dry, perfect for hiking and survival kits.
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
Underwater 🐠⚓🥽
Waydoo Underwater Scooter
This underwater scooter is fun and easy to use. It's compact size means it's easy to transport in a backpack. The water mobility is excellent, and it works well for pulling you along 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.
Hiking & Climbing 🥾🎒🧗
Compression Knee Brace
No Pill & Injection Relief: Avert pain, inflammation, and injury. They offer optimum support for hikers & climbers
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Each aluminum pole is designed to be lighter, stronger, and more durable than other trekking poles for hiking.
Collapsible Water Bottle
Silicone collapsible water bottle folds up small, making it easy to transport.
Hooded Rain Poncho
Waterproof and Sturdy Material, the size is large enough to cover up a backpack as well.
Altitude Sickness Prevention Patches
Effectively relieve headache, nausea and shortness of breath caused by high altitude sickness.
Advanced Blister Care Pads
Provides twice the instant pain relief than regular plasters, relieving pressure and rubbing during hiking or climbing
In the ‘Gadget’ Bag 👜🔌📱
Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer
This device makes professional-looking videos, offers super steady hold on the phone, and folds down to a portable size.
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.
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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