When you travel as often as we do, you quickly learn what’s worth packing—and what’s just extra weight. On this page, we’re sharing the travel essentials we personally use on our trips, from long flights to weekend getaways.
Every item listed has earned a permanent place in our luggage because it’s practical, reliable, and makes travel easier. We’ve included links to Amazon for convenience, so you can quickly find the same gear we trust when planning your next adventure.
**Wandering Works for Us contains affiliate links is part of Viator, Get Your Guide, Booking.com, Trip Advisor, and Amazon Services Associates Program LLC. If you make a purchase using one of the links, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Electronics
Battery Pack
Adapter: Europe
Tripod and Selfie stick
We love this battery pack. It can charge up to 3 devices at a time and we don’t have to carry the cords with us.
This one comes with one plug and 2 USB, USB-C. This one can be used for the UK, USA, Ireland, and Australia
Gotta have a selfie stick! Plus it turns into a tripod when needed. This has been great for filming videos.
Travel bags and totes
Travelon Bag
Beth uses this purse when traveling because it can hold so much! It comes with two water bottle carriers and locks down for safety.
PacSafe Bag
I personally love this bag for so many reasons. One, I can carry a lot in it! Keys, phone, wallet, jacket, notebook, battery pack, umbrella, selfie stick–and it locks down in crowded areas. Perfect for travel!
Venture Pal Backpack
We take our venture pal when we know we have day trips or shopping to do. It folds down in an easy packable state and carries food, water, and all the goodies we buy.
Toiletries Bags
We use these still–even though most airports are not checking liquids now. We find them easy to see what we need and easy to pack.
Soft suitcase
We love the soft case TravelPro Luggage because it is expandable and durable. We ALWAYS recommend 4 wheels!
Hard suitcase
We also like the hard shell Traveler luggage in case we want to bring back something fragile, like wine!
Other Travel Essentials we use
Wind proof Umbrella
IF you are coming to Portugal in the winter, this is a must! We love this umbrella. It stays in tact in the wind and is compact enough to fit in my water bottle section of my bag.
Cable Organizer
We always take a bag of cables with us to keep our chargers and such organized. It is very helpful to have it all in one place in airports and airplanes.
Charging Cables
Just in case we forget to bring a cable, one craps out on us or we forget the charging cable for the batter pack. This one works for everything!
We love these rain jackets! They are light-weight, breathable, and you can stuff it nside a bag for easy carry and packing.