Today on the blog I am super excited to share with you travel essentials you absolutely need for your next trip. These items made our recent trip to Europe much easier and I know you will thank me later! Just click on the image/carousel above or click on the item link below to shop.
1. Rockland Luggage 3-Piece Set
I got this luggage set 2 years ago and it has stood the test of time with our domestic and international travels. I even recommended this set to family and friends and they agree it was one of the best purchases they’ve made.
You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars for sturdy durable luggage! Just buy this set at a fraction of the cost with the same quality and features of the expensive brands. The set comes with a 20 inch, 24 inch and 28 inch. Each piece is extremely light weight. You get the multi-directional durable spinner wheels on all pieces which are a life saver when you are walking the old cobble stone streets of Europe. You have so many color options to choose from – with some color options as low as $107 for the entire set! Again, buy now, thank me later.
2. Packing Cubes
How did I ever travel without packing cubes? This made packing and unpacking so easy and kept all our clothes (family of 4) so organized. I purchased 4 sets (each with a different color) for each one of us. Each set comes with 7 pieces with varying size pouches for your clothes, undergarments, shoes, toiletries, etc. The airline rep at the airport could not believe we are checking in 2 bags for a family of 4 for a 10-day international trip! The cubes saved us so much space in our luggage.
3. Canvas Backpack
I carried this canvas backpack as my carry-on and wore it practically every day on our trip. The best part is, since it is neutral, it went with everything I wore. I packed it with our everyday essentials (extra outfits, bathing suits and towels, camera, toiletries, etc.). I was so worried it would get dingy and dirty but it is still looking new! So glad I walked into Target two nights before our trip and decided to get it because I almost opted out for a tote. But the backpack was so much easier to carry since it kept my hands free.
4. Bed Liners
A couple of years ago I watched a hotel-cleanliness documentary and I could never forget the gross things I saw. It makes me cringe just thinking about it. Ever since that show no matter where we would stay, I would pack my own flat sheets, covers and pillows. I know, it was not ideal and I hated the extra luggage but I could not get myself to sleep on hotel beds. But a few years ago, imagine my joy dance when I discovered these bed liners! Basically, this is a thin version of a sleeping bag. There is a protective layer between you and the mattress and a protective layer between you and the comforter. Plus, the liner goes over and around hotel room pillows so you don’t have to bring your own pillow cases. I purchased 2 queen-size ones, and each fits 2 adults or 2 kids comfortably. We never travel without these liners. Ever.
5. Sony Alpha a5100 Camera
I spent hours researching compact cameras comparable to my existing Nikon D90 DSLR. My Nikon D90 is bulky and heavy. And my dilemma was finding a compact size camera with a close-enough sensor size as a true DSLR so I don’t have to sacrifice picture quality.
But after watching numerous YouTube videos, and reading review articles and watching more YouTube videos, I decided on the Sony Alpha a5100. I can’t say enough good things about this camera! Picture quality – fantastic! Video quality – amazing! It is compact and light weight and I love the Wi-Fi feature so I can easily transfer pictures to my phone right then and there.
Now, keep in mind, this is my perspective based on what I needed from a camera. Each photographer has different needs. I would say do your research and prioritize your requirements because there is a camera out there for everyone. But if you are looking for an affordable compact camera that takes great pictures and videos, this is a great starting point!
6. Camera Screen Protector
If you are considering the above camera, you need a screen protector. Period.
7. RFID Blocking Passport Holder/Case
I kept our passports, credit cards, money and other important travel documents organized in this case. The neat thing about this one is that it comes with built-in RFID blocking material. What does that mean? Well, today’s credit cards, passports and driver’s licenses come with an embedded radio frequency identification chip. And not only do we need to worry about the traditional pickpockets, but there is a way for your identify to be stolen via these chips without you knowing! So having a RFID insulated wallet or case gives you that extra protection.
8. Travel Pillows
I bought these for my kids to sleep comfortably on the flight. Plane pillows are flimsy and small. These travel pillows were bigger and had more cushion but still compact enough to fit easily in their backpacks. You can also buy for them, travel pillow cases, to keep the actual pillow clean and germ free.
I hope this post was helpful to get you prepped for your next trip! If you ever purchase or use any of the above items, I would love to hear your feedback.
As always, thanks for stopping by! Be sure to subscribe to the blog and follow me on Instagram and Facebook.
This post is not sponsored but contains affiliate links, which means Jolie and Grace receives a small commission if you click a link or purchase an item. Please check out the full disclosure policy for more details.
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