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.
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!
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. Comes in resealable packaging with 10 sheets per pack. Convenient, light, and travel-friendly.
Travel Compression Socks
Very comfortable, particularly during long flights, reducing leg swelling. These socks are specifically crafted to boost blood circulation.
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.
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 🛎️🧳
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.
Portable Streaming Media
Set up your Mi TV Stick in an instant. Three easy steps: plug into TV, connect to WIFI, start exploring.
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.
On the Beach, In the Park ⛱️🥥🌅🌊
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.
Sand Proof Beach Blanket
Lightweight and portable, saving space in your beach bag. It is good quality, while being water resistant, and is easy to fold back into its pouch.
Beach Cup Holders
2-in-1 bottle opener and cup holder. The base is equipped with 4 strong sand spikes, ensuring a secure fit.
In the Jungle 🏝️🦜 🦍🐒
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.
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.
LED Travel Headlamp
SUPER BRIGHT - Experience apowerful hands-free LED camping lights that generate a brilliant, long-lasting beam with daylight color and definition, boasting a runtime of up to 10+ hours on the low setting making it the perfect travel headlamp.
🦟 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.
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
Mosquito Repellent Balm
Stay protected with Murphy’s Naturals repellent products, powered by plant-based ingredients like oil of lemon eucalyptus, citronella, and rosemary. The DEET-free formulas provide long-lasting defense against mosquitoes and ticks—without synthetic chemicals or greasy residue.
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.
In the ‘Gadget’ Bag 👜🔌📱
Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer
This gimbal works well and is intuitive to use, with easy setup via the app. The 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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