TRAVEL GEAR & RESOURCES
I am often asked exactly what travel gear and resources I use to optimize my travel... So here's some of my favorite gear and websites that I highly recommend for traveling better!
I only recommend stuff that I actually use and I have tested every recommendation on this page.
For more information about my recommendations, check out the disclosure here.
Packing Gear
Suitcase - eBags Weekender
This is my absolute favorite bag! If you change ONE THING in the way you travel, I recommend switching to one bag instead of two and using a backpack style bag with straps. This one opens like a suitcase, is extremely light at only 3.7 lbs and of course is carry on size.
Messenger Bag - Ogio Newt
In addition to the bag above, I travel with a small messenger bag that I can bring to a meeting or coffee shop. This one is very slim and fits nicely inside the other bag so everything can fit in one bag. It has padding for electronics, space for a laptop and an iPad and everything zips up so nothing falls out!
Cable Organizer - Bagsmart
One of the hardest things to keep organized in your travel bag is all those cords that seem to get tangled on EVERYTHING! I really like this Bagsmart Cable Organizer that can keeps everything in place and easy to access when you need them.
Packing Cubes - Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Compression
I have tried many different packing cubes, but these are my favorite because they are the lightest I've found so far, they compress the contents so it's more compact and they have strong zippers.
Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Toiletry Bag
I like this toiletry bag for the same reasons I like the packing cubes by the same company. Most toiletry bags are actually extremely heavy, which adds weight to your suitcase, but not this one. It's light and still has several zippered compartments.
Trigger Point Massage Ball
If you travel a lot, you're bound to get a few knots here and there. And while you may not have time to get a full massage, this Trigger Point Massage Ball works wonders to get the kinks out. I always travel with one in my bag and use it on the plane or back at the hotel.
North Face Thermoball Jacket
If you're headed somewhere cold or that even might be chilly, you're obviously going to want to pack a warm jacket. But a jacket can be extremely bulky and hard to pack. That's why I love this North Face Thermoball jacket because it's extremely warm and still can compress into just about any tiny space in your bag.
Ikea Upptacka Bottle
Ah, the ongoing search for bottles that don't leak. I am still looking for even better ones but so far, these are the best I've found. Ikea used to carry them, but I haven't seen them in store for a while. They are still on amazon though.
Flat Travel Umbrella
While some travel experts don't recommend bringing an umbrella, I find it one of the handiest things to have with you as you're jet-setting between cities. Who wants to get soaked on their way to that important meeting. The reason I really like this one is that it folds up flat, so it's easier to pack.
Small Containers
These are perfect for odds and ends like earrings or medicine. I like to keep a pair of earplugs in the small container in my bag in case the hotel room is a bit noisey.
Tarriss Digital Luggage Scale
I never travel with a digital scale, but I do keep one at home so I can weigh my bag every so often. As a Jetset Genius, you know our goal is to see just how light we can get our suitcase and a luggage scale is perfect for that.
PreCheck Screening Programs
US Global Entry
If you don't already have TSA Precheck, you are wasting SO MUCH TIME! And if you're thinking about TSA Precheck, then you might as well get US Global Entry which included everything you get with TSA Precheck but with the added bonus on quick re-entry to the USA via faster kiosks. For more info on PreCheck programs, checkout podcast episode 004 Perfect PreCheck.
Clear
Now that TSA PreCheck lines are getting longer, it's a good idea to add this additional program that brings you to the front of the security line when you're in a hurry. For a complete buyers guide to all precheck programs listen to episode 004 Perfect PreCheck.
TSA Precheck
If you're not into getting Global Entry, then TSA Precheck is your next best option. Faster security lines, don't have to take off your shoes, remove your laptop or remove your liquids. If you travel even 2 trips a year, this is more than worth it!
Travel Websites
SeatGuru
If you have an international flight, this site is well worth a quick check to see if you have a good seat. You can quickly look at a seat map for your flight and the site rates the seats based on leg room and noise. Probably not worth your time for quick domestic flights, but if you're in the air more than 5 hours it's worth a quick look.
Tripadvisor
It is so frustrating to go through the trouble of searching for hotels, booking one and then arriving and it's horrible. I love this site mainly for the feature where you can sort hotels by the best in the city. In addition, recent photos of the hotel posted by recent guests give a good indication of what the hotel is REALLY like.
Travel Apps
Audible
Let's take all that wasted time at the airport and on the road and put it to good use... READING! One of my favorite times to catch up on great books is when I travel and audio books is an easy way to do it. They have a free 30 day trial here.
Dark Sky
Best app so far for checking exactly what times during the day it might rain. Great for checking to see if you need to bring that umbrella with you.
Flightview
I use this app to track my flights and even if I am picking someone up from the airport. It shows you exactly when flights are scheduled to take off and land as well as actual times.
Yelp
There are tons of great restaurant apps out there, but I still use Yelp most often. It seems to have reviews in most cities and is the fastest way to find a great restaurant or coffee shop.
Travel Health & Fitness
Calm Mediation App
This is one of my favorite apps to wind down after a stressful travel day. It's simple and I just use it for a few minutes before going to bed to relax.
Relax Mediation App
This is another meditation app that I love and one of the cool things about this one is that you can add and remove certain sounds based on what you like. It's a great way to customize your meditation.
Ear Buddy Ear Plugs
If you want to get a better night's sleep, toss these in your bag and keep them handy in case your hotel room is a bit too noisy. These are comfortable and work great.
My Favorite Travel Movies
Up in the Air
Great movie about business travel and George Clooney's travel tips are hilarious!
"Last year I spent 322 days on the road, which means I had to spend 43 miserable days at home."
George Clooney as Ryan Bingham
Lost in Translation
I don't know of any movie that better captures some of the loneliness of traveling abroad.
"The more you know who you are and what you want, the less you let things upset you."
Bill Murray as Bob Harris
The Terminal
This will make you feel better about your flight getting delayed.
"You told me you were delayed, you never said it was for nine months!"
Catherine Zeta-Jones as Amelia
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Reinvigorate your passion for travel!
"To see the world, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life."
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Disclosure
Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I have independently tested all of these products, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. Feel free to read more about this here.
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If you find these recommendations useful, I'd appreciate you using these links. Thanks!