my travel happier shopping list

December 19, 2023June 3, 2025 | Suzi Beerman

Travel can be incredibly rewarding and fun, and in my opinion it is much better if you are well prepared. Here are some tried and true products that I use myself when I travel, and I believe will help make your adventures happier and easier.

Note: I may receive a fee from Amazon affiliate links.

Check out my international travel checklist too! And if you are thinking of booking travel, please reach out to me at suzi.beerman@fora.travel.

Pacsafe GO Anti Theft Saddle Crossbody, Jet Black is a great choice for a medium sized crossbody bag with all the protections offered by Pacsafe. This may not be available so look for a bag that can be locked to a chair. One that has zipper locks. And one that has a steel or wire mesh through the bottom of the bag and in the shoulder strap. Lots of options but pacsafe is best in my opinion. The Pacsafe Citysafe Cx Anti Theft Convertible Crossbody is also an option, though not as roomy for me.

SKYSPER Lightweight Packable Backpack 30L Hiking Daypack with Wet Pocket Foldable Travel Carry-on Backpack – This is great to have on hand to carry any purchases as you walk around town or to throw on your back for a quick hike or tour. I recommend NOT putting valuables in the outer pockets in order to thwart pickpockets. Take a look at the running belt below to keep valuables close to you.

StashBandz Unisex Running Belt, Travel Money Belt, Slim Fanny Pack and Waist Pack, 4 Large Security Pockets and Zipper, Fits All Size Cell Phones, Passport Holder – This is an excellent place to keep your passport and extra cash and cards when you are out walking around and as you are going through the airport.

Universal Travel Power Adapter – EPICKA All in One Worldwide International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor with Smart Power USB for USA EU UK AUS Cell Phone Laptop (TA-105, White) – International travel means different plugs than what you are used to at home. This one adjusts to be compatible with most plugs around the world and it is not too heavy and bulky to pack.

Pentax AD 8×25 WP Binoculars suitable for outdoor live event travel or even mountaineering, Green – This is a great idea for everything from concerts to sightseeing. It’s amazing what you can see!

Dr. Motion women’s 2pk Compression Low Cut Socks – I find the knee sock version of compression socks too uncomfortable but I wear these socks even when I am not on an airplane. Comfortable and should keep the blood flowing. You can also choose different versions of this excellent brand.

Wolf Essentials Cozy-Soft Microfleece Travel Blanket, 50×60 Inch, Lightweight, Compact, Perfect for Airplane and Car, Royal Blue – Have you noticed that airplanes are ALWAYS cold? And airlines gave up supplying blankets years ago, outside of First Class. Having your own packable travel blanket also means you have something that is nice and clean to keep you snug.

Lightweight Travel Tote Crossbody Weekender Carry On 15.6″ Laptop Bag for Women – This is the best personal item carryon I have ever used! The interior is light in color so you can see what’s inside more easily. It has a luggage sleeve and lots of roomy zipped pockets. It fits a lot and it also slides easily under the seat in front of you. Perfection! The Baggallini Weekender Expandable Duffel – Lightweight 11×17 Inch Overnight Travel Bag is a good replacement if this one isn’t available.

Phinus Lock Combo, Total 21PCS Clips Anti-Theft, Locks Anti-Theft for Luggage – Great inexpensive protection against backpack pickpockets. Not failsafe of course.

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32 GB) takes me on journeys without leaving home, but it is also an important travel accessory for me. I love that I can load multiple books and magazines to read in the airplane or on the beach or wherever I go. If you love to read, this is a must for your travels.

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones are the gold standard for fending off airplane engine noise, weary toddler screams, or an overly chatty seatmate. Plug into your aural bliss with these babies and have a more peaceful flight.

Apple AirTag 4 Pack – Put one in your luggage, attach one to your keychain, put one in your purse or wallet and keep track of your things. So many people have helped the airlines find lost luggage with these. I won’t travel without them!

GORILLA GRIP Powerful LED Tactical Flashlight, 750 FT High Lumens 5 Adjustable Modes – We were in Portugal during the great multi-country blackout in 2025 and this came in very handy when we were trying to navigate our hotel room in the dark. The flashlight on your phone is not enough. This is brighter and won’t use up your phone battery.

Compact Travel Power Strip, 4 Outlets 3 USB Ports (1 USB C) with 4FT Wrapped Short Extension Cord – We all have multiple devices, and this is a convenient option for each traveler to be able to manager all of their charging from one outlet.

Yeti 30 oz Tumbler is a useful take along to help stay hydrated without having to buy plastic water bottles. Toss this in your carryon and fill it at the airport. Great for long drives or sipping beverages by the pool.

Jettle Electric Kettle – Hotel coffee pots are so gross! We drink tea, and the water from the in-room pots usually tastes like coffee. Plus, you hear stories about what people use those coffee pots for. Ew. So, I pack this and a few tea bags and we end up saving at least $10 a day on morning beverages. I like to be caffeinated before I face the world, TBH.

SUITEDNOMAD Compression Packing Cubes Set,Ultralight Zipper Travel Organizer Bags, Caribbean Blue – I like compression bags to allow me to get a little bit more in my checked bags. I also use one of the smaller ones to squish my down coat and travel blanket into a smaller size and put into my carryon bag.

SONO Disinfecting Wipes – Medical-Grade, Alcohol-Free, No Bleach – Multi-Surface Cleaning Wipes for Home, School, Office – 3-Pack Travel Size (20 Count Each) + 1-Pack Hand Sanitizing Wipes (20 Count) – Sono wipes are high quality. No perfumy scent and no harsh chemicals. When I get to my airplane seat, I grab one of these and wipe down the tray table, seat back, and seat arms. Airlines have admitted again and again that they do not really sanitize the airplanes between flights, so this is peace of mind for me to help avoid the germs left behind by others.

Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Sunscreen + Hydrating Serum with Broad Spectrum SPF 60 & Antioxidants to Help Skin Glow, Oil-Free, Fragrance Free, 1.7 fl. oz – My favorite sunscreen! Buy sunscreen at home – not at resorts – to keep costs down. Resort sunscreen is ridiculously overpriced and usually not the quality brands we prefer. Gary recommends EltaMD sunscreens, btw.

Neutrogena Revitalizing Tinted Lip Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen, Moisturizing Lip Balm with a Sheer Tint for Softer, Smoother, Healthier-Looking Lips, Sheer Sunny Berry 30, .15 oz – You have to have a pretty lippy AND it is vital to get moisturizing and SPF protection. This little tinted balm fits the bill.

baleaf Women’s Long Sleeve Running Shirts UPF 50+ Sun Protection Full Zip Athletic Jackets Lightweight Zipper Pockets – I’ve bought about five of these in different colors. They are super lightweight and can be stuffed in a backpack for sun protection or just to add a little light layer to a sundress.

Travelon Compact Hanging Toiletry Kit – I have this in lime green and I keep it in my carryon bag for toothbrush/paste, hair ties, flashlight, and anything I might need easy access on the airplane. I can just grab this and go brush my teeth during the flight or at the airport.

Ring Wired Doorbell Plus with Ring Stick Up Cam, Battery White – You can answer your doorbell from anywhere and you can see inside your house too with this kit.