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Travel Essentials

Keep reading to learn about my favorite travel essentials, trip gear, and lifestyle brands. Note: Many of the companies below also help empower women, support causes, and give back to the community, which will be mentioned in their description.

Love shopping on Amazon? You can also view my recommended products on Amazon here.

Note that some of the links below are affiliate links. I only recommend products & brands I love and that I think you would love, too! 

best travel gear

Clever Travel
Companion

This line of pickpocket-proof clothing and undergarments allows you to carry money, IDs, credit cards, and cell phones in hidden interior pockets so robbers won’t even know you're carrying valuables.

best travel gear

Fox Sonic Blast Safety Whistle 

I love hiking, the outdoors and getting lost in new cities, though as a solo female traveler I sometimes get nervous on my own. This is why I always carry a safety whistle to scare off potential danger and alert others to my distress.

She's Birdie Personal Alarm

She's Birdie Personal Alarm

This portable device emits a loud alarm with one pull to scare away potential attackers, both human and animal. Bonus: The brand donates a percentage of profits to organizations supporting women’s safety, shelter, and health.

woman on laptop in cafe

NordVPN

A VPN hides your online activity, which is especially important when using public WIFi in cafes, hotels, and airports. NordVPN in particular is top rated and has a number of powerful features, like Threat Protection, which makes your browsing experience safer and faster without tracking your actions online.

Speakeasy Hidden-Pocket Scarves

These jersey-knit scarves are actually lovingly crafted by my blogger friends over at Beers and Beans. Showcasing over 40 different patterns, the cozy, handmade accessories are made in the USA and feature a pocket large enough to fit your passport, phone, glasses, and more! They also come with a self-locking zipper to make sure nothing falls out or gets stolen.

SafetyWing

This is my travel insurance of choice. SafetyWing offers a flexible, pay-as-you-go alternative to typical travel insurance with straightforward pricing. They offer robust coverage, have a large network, one overall deductible ($250/year), long-term coverage if needed, and access to private healthcare providers.

Jase Case medications

Jase Case

This emergency antibiotic pack is made & prescribed by doctors and contains Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline, and Metronidazole. You'll also get an Emergency Antibiotic Guide sharing how to use the included medications to treat a wide variety of conditions. Snag $10 off with code JESSIEONAJOURNEY10.

PacSafe anti-theft bag

PacSafe Anti-Theft Bags

There are many bags on the market, though if your goal is to keep your belongings secure then PacSafe is exceptional. The bags are lockable and slash-proof to protect against pickpocketing and thieves. Moreover, an RFID-blocking design keeps your identity safe.

Garmin Personal Locator Beacon

Garmin inReach Mini

This personal locator beacon (PLB) is a must when hiking solo or going on an adventure somewhere with spotty or non-existent cell service, as it allows you to send an SOS message.

Saving Money On Travel

Going flight deal platform

Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights)

This platform can help you save hundreds of dollars on flights with its discounted and mistake fare alerts tailored to your preferred airport. Plus, you'll get cheap flight deals delivered straight to your inbox!

FareDrop logo

FareDrop

This tool searches millions of flights each day and sends you flight deal notifications that can help you save up to 80%!

Priority Pass logo

Priority Pass

With Priority Pass, you'll snag access to over 1,300 airport lounges in more than 600 cities across 148 countries - all for one budget-friendly annual fee. Comfortable couches, free food and drinks, and fast WiFi make waiting for a flight a lot more fun!

Staying Connected

Powerbank on a white table

RETMSR Rechargeable Power Bank

This rechargeable power bank is lightweight yet durable, and offers high-speed charging capabilities. Not only that, but it can charge your phone up to 10 times before it needs to be charged again. Bonus: It also features an LED flashlight!

wireless router

TPLink Wireless Travel Router

This tiny 1-ounce device converts a wired to a wireless network as well as streams and backs up media. Super handy and portable on the road, and can save you on Wi-Fi/internet charges.

Anker 60W 6-Port USB Wall Charger

Anker 6-Way USB Charger

Hostels are notorious for lacking outlets, while hotels hide them all over the room. I like to keep all my gear charged in one spot with this handy and inexpensive gadget.

 

Travel Photography & Video

Nikon Z6II

Nikon Z6II Mirrorless Camera

Along with taking tack-sharp images and video, this camera is incredibly lightweight and portable for travel. A few of its many features include high-speed shooting, 273 autofocus points, and 4K Ultra HD footage. Personally, I almost always use (and love) the Nikon 24-70mm f/4 lens with it.

pack a moukey microphone to have a travel essential

Moukey MCM-1 Microphone

This small microphone works great with DSLR cameras and smartphones. You'll get high-quality audio at a budget-friendly price.

GoPro Hero11 Black

GoPro HERO11 Black

This lightweight, portable, and waterproof action camera is a must for travelers. A few of its many features include high resolution photos, 5.3k video, HyperSmooth Stabilization, and more.

best travel gear

GoPro 3-Way Arm

I use this as a selfie stick of sorts, though it also works as a tripod and monopod. It's versatile and sturdy, especially considering the size.

best travel gear

GoPro Head Mount

The head mount is my favorite GoPro accessory. It makes it easy to throw the camera on my head and have my adventures without needing to think too much.

best travel gear

Joby GorillaPod

While I love my large tripod, I often find it impractical to take with me if I'll be moving around a lot. For this, the Joby GorillaPod is perfect.

a smartphone stabilizer is on my best travel gear list

Ulanzi U Rig Pro Phone Video Stabilizer

Say goodbye to shaky cell phone videos! This budget-friendly video stabilizer doesn't require batteries and there is no learning curve required. Pair it with your tripod for a more professional setup.

Lightroom

This is my go-to tool for editing photos professionally. It's also a huge timesaver, as you can batch edit photos taken in the same location.

dji osmo 3 is a travel essential for videographers

DJI Osmo 3 Gimbal

This smartphone gimbal allows you to shoot smooth shake-free video footage even when you're moving or walking. I also pair it with a mini tripod stand for hands-free video recording.

Insta360x3

Insta360 X3

This pocket-sized camera takes unique images and videos that aren't possible to capture on a phone or DSLR. The 360-degree footage allows for endless creativity - made even easier with their AI-power app - not to mention the camera captures video in 5.7k

Packing

solgaard backpack best travel gear

Solgaard Design Lifepack Backpack

This all-purpose backpack has so many features, like secret pockets, an anti-theft lock, a Solarbank S3 (with a solar panel, 6x powerbank, and Bluetooth speaker), and drop-proof laptop storage. Bonus: It's super stylish, too!

travel essentials deuter backpack

Deuter ACT Trail Pro 34

This rugged backpack is uber comfortable, with tons of compartments and pockets to help keep you organized. Other pluses include back ventilation, adjustable padded hip, back and shoulder straps, a wet pocket, a wet laundry pocket, compression straps, a detachable rain cover, and an SOS label with emergency numbers.

this dakine bag is a true travel essential

Dakine Carry On Roller 42L Wheeled Travel Bag

I love this carry-on suitcase! It features a split-level design with a mesh divider for easy organization, as well as compression straps to fit more items and keep things in place. There is also an exterior pocket with a laptop sleeve. Bonus: The bag comes in a wide array of colors and designs.

you must pack these compression and packing cubes

Cambond Compression Cubes

The first time I used these compression cubes my jaw literally dropped. It's amazing how much you can fit inside! Labels on the cubes help you keep garments organized, and the zippers are reinforced so they don't break easily.

Health

best travel gear

SleepPhones

I usually listen to soothing sounds and ASMR while drifting to sleep, though sleeping with traditional headphones is super uncomfortable. Enter SleepPhones, a soft headband with flat, built-in headphones. You can get SleepPhones that pair with Bluetooth or ones that plug into your device.

best travel gear

Sinus Saline

One thing many travelers - especially frequent fliers - have issues with is their sinuses. A simple saline spray allows you to cleanse your sinuses and remove irritants and pollen. This one is carry-on friendly.

earplanes

Earplanes

These ear plugs are made to relieve head pressure inflight. Put them on before the cabin doors close and you'll feel so much better in the air.

best travel gear

TheraBand

These bands take up almost no space in your luggage and are great for working your entire body. I love using these for arm workouts I'd usually do with free weights.

yogadownload

YogaDownload

For $10/month, YogaDownload gives you access to 2400+ yoga classes for all levels and goals, from weight loss to back pain to waking up. And, you can do these classes anywhere there's Wi-Fi.

compression socks are a travel gear essential

CEP Compression Socks

These snug yet comfortable compression socks relieve pressure and are a travel gear essential on planes. Moreover, they're made from merino wool to wick moisture away and keep the body dry, temperate, and odor-free.

woman using cork travel massage balls on her neck

Rawlogy Travel Massage Ball Set

This massage bundle — which includes two 100% cork ball massagers of different sizes — is essentially a portable spa. All easily fit into a purse and can provide relief on-the-go with a simple roll.


eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus Oil

I like to dab a few drops on my temples, the crown of my head, on my neck, and behind my ears for sinus relief while flying.


bug bite thing is a great travel item

Bug Bite Thing

This portable and chemical-fear travel essential allows you to suction out bug bite poison, venom, and saliva to relieve itching instantly. It's budget-friendly, too!

silk & sonder journals

Silk & Sonder Monthly Journals

Traveling offers the perfect time to reflect, and journaling is a healthy daily self-care practice. Silk & Sonder offers monthly themed journals focused on productivity, introspection, and lifestyle. Each journal is unique and allows you to start fresh every month!

Modibody underwear

Modibodi

Their period-proof underwear are cute, stylish, and comfortable - not to mention eco-friendly, as they're waste-free. They also sell bras, activewear, and more.

Style & Beauty

able apparel shoes are great for travel

ABLE Accessories & Apparel

This ethical fashion and accessories brand trains, educates, and invests in women. I'm particularly obsessed with their She’s Worth More Collection, though you'll find loads of great travel items.

the helm offers great travel gear

The Helm

If you love traveling with high-quality products from female-founded brands, you must check out this website selling clothes, accessories, beauty, housewares, aromatherapy, and more!

novica offers unique travel items

NOVICA

This online marketplace is run in partnership with National Geographic, and features apparel, art, and goods made by artisans from around the world. Find really unique travel essentials with a story!

travel modeling Aviator Jeans

Aviator Travel Jeans

When traveling, it's not easy to find jeans that blend style, comfort, and functionality. Luckily, Aviator does seamlessly. Additionally, they feature two deep front pockets as well as two back pockets that contain interior hidden zipper pockets, which are great for hiding valuables!

best travel gear JR Liggett Shampoo Bar

JR Liggett Shampoo Bar

I’m all about packing light, and JR Liggett's 100% natural shampoo bars — which are sulfate- and detergent-free — allow you to carry one small soap-sized bar instead of shampoo and conditioner. Bonus: They come in a variety of ingredient combinations, and are 100% biodegradable with minimal packaging.

best travel gear

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

This serum moisturizes the skin while visibly tightening and brightening. Personally, I use it when I don't feel like wearing makeup but want some extra glow.

pack petit vour makeup for an ethical trip
Petit Vour

Ethical travelers will love this cruelty-free lifestyle brand. Their beauty and accessory items are high-quality, and they have a zero-waste section on their site. Make sure to take the free Foundation Quiz on their website!

travel essentials kimono

Kenny Flowers Kimono Collection

Not only are their kimonos and sarongs cute for photos, but they're as comfortable as a beach coverup and can even be worn layered with a tank top and jeans. Kenny Flowers has a huge collection of swimsuits and resort wear, so definitely check them out before your next trip.

travel shampoo and beauty products

Strength x Beauty Travel Set

Skip the cheap hotel soap and opt for these luxurious vegan hair and body products. Everything is sulfate and paraben-free, with all products available in your choice of deluxe 3.4 oz. or TSA-friendly travel size.

female travelers wearing Wolven

Wolven Threads

This community-based sustainable apparel brand sells stylish and consciously-made clothing that is climate neutral and made with recycled PET plastic. Their Reversible Collection comes in particularly handy on the road, helping travelers pack light while looking cute. Get 20% off with code "EPICUREANDCULTURE".

cool-jams pajamas

Cool-Jams Pajamas

These high performance pajamas come in an array of styles and are designed to not only look cute but regulate body temperature in both warm and cool climates with moisture-wicking fabric that feels like cotton.

Eco Travel

best travel gear que water bottle

que Collapsible Water Bottle

Continuously buying plastic bottles is bad for the environment. Instead, opt for a reusable BPA- and plastic-free bottle. This one collapses when empty to take up almost no space. Plus, it's super stylish, and the mouth is large enough to fit ice cubes!

best travel gear

Project 7 Gum

Gum isn't just great for having pleasant breath and popping your ears on planes; it can sometimes help change the world. Project 7 Gum provides tangible benefits (think planting trees, providing malaria treatments, etc) through its nonprofit partners when you buy their product. The Birthday Cake flavor is the best!

rheos sunglasses offer some of the best travel gear essentialsRheos Floating Sunglasses

These are the only sunglasses that don't give me a headache! They come in a variety of styles, they float, and they offer 100% UV protection. Plus, 1% of profits get donated to environmental charities.

finalstraw

FinalStraw

Single-use plastics are killing the planet. Luckily, you can say no to plastic straws by carrying your own portable re-useable FinalStraw. It even comes with a super cute case!

Sustainable Tour operators

intrepid travel tours

Intrepid Travel

This sustainable tour operator offers multi-day experiences around the world, with an emphasis on showing local life and supporting locals. By the way, how incredible do these Women Only Expeditions look?

lokal travel

Lokal Travel

This platform for booking sustainable tours, hotels, and experiences features unique listings - from spending the day shadowing locals at their job to staying in amazing private ecolodges - that have been hand-curated by their team.

backstreet academy tours

Backstreet Academy

This platform offers sustainable tours and experiences throughout Asia. Their goal: “To improve communities at the Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP).”

book yoga retreats travel

BookYogaRetreats

This platform lists immersive yoga retreats happening all over the world. You'll find a wide variety of yoga styles, accompanying experiences, and local opportunities.

eatwith

EatWith

This platform allows you to connect with locals and other travelers while having a meal in a local home. You can also book tours, cooking classes, and other culinary experiences led by locals.

Blogging

Along with having the best laptop for travel bloggers, a few other essentials include the following. Note that for my full, organized list of recommended blogging essentials, you should click here.

beaver builder logo

Beaver Builder Theme

This is the lightweight, SEO-friendly theme I use for Jessie on a Journey. It has a much smaller learning curve than many other themes, in my opinion. Bonus: Beaver Builder offers incredible support.

beaver builder plugin

Beaver Builder Pagebuilder Plugin

I use this budget-friendly plugin to create gorgeous landing pages / blog pages, like this page. Also check out my About Page for an example. Basically it allows you to edit pages using a drag-and-drop pagebuilder. On Jessie on a Journey, I love using the Beaver Builder Theme in conjunction with the Beaver Builder Plugin.

best travel gear

Bluehost

If you're trying to create a professional blog you'll likely be using WordPress.org, and will then need a hosting provider. Bluehost offers 24/7 customer support, the potential to host up to 100 sites, free domain name, unlimited space and transfer bandwidth, backups of databases and files, and competitive pricing.

flywheel hosting

Flywheel

This is the hosting platform I use. In terms of speed, it is much better than many other popular hosts, though is also more expensive. You get what you pay for though, so if you've been blogging for a bit and have the budget to upgrade your hosting, I highly recommend this or WPEngine.

rev captions and transcripts

Rev (45 minutes free!)

Rev creates caption files for your videos. I also use this to create transcripts of my videos to turn into blog posts, which saves a lot of time. Best of all, it only costs $0.25/minute of video!

envato marketplace for bloggers

Envato Market

Discover a huge collection of themes, plugins, email templates, and photos to make your blog look snazzy and your marketing more effective. This is almost always the first place I look when I need anything for my blog.


webinarjam testimonial

WebinarJam ($1 trial!)

Webinars offer a powerful way to engage, nurture, and authentically sell to your audience. In terms of software, WebinarJam has all of the features necessary to run a successful webinar, from automated attendee notifications to clickable calls-to-action during your webinar to beautiful landing pages and more.

teachable for bloggers

Teachable

One way I've been able to monetize my site is through travel blogging-focused ecourses, and I couldn't have done it without Teachable. This easy-to-use platform lets you quickly create beautiful courses with options to add video, PDFs, quizzes, text lessons, coupons, bundled upsells, an affiliate program, and more!

ultimate bundles for bloggers

Ultimate Bundles

This is hands down my favorite affiliate program. Click the link to sign up, and then you'll be able to promote their bundles — which cover everything from travel to blogging to wellness to finances and beyond — and even contribute a product to them to increase your commission.

ConvertKit logo

ConvertKit

This email marketing service was created specifically for bloggers. It's incredibly user-friendly and has loads of powerful features like visual automation creation (to help nurture new subscribers and increase income), simple segmentation within emails (to better target your community), auto-resending to those who didn't open your email the first time (to get more eyes on your content), and more!

influencer networks

31 Must-Join Influencer Networks

These networks make landing blogger brand partnerships and landing paid press trips easier as the networks link you up with campaigns that are a great fit.

try interact quiz maker

Interact Quiz Builder

Grow your email list by creating beautiful free quizzes that engage your audience. You can use this strategy to grow your email list by asking people for their email address in exchange for their quiz results.

tailwind

Tailwind ($15 credit!)

A great tool for scheduling Pinterest pins during optimal times to keep your account healthy and active. Their *Communities* feature allows you to collaborate with other pinners in your niche to share each other's content.

flexjobs

FlexJobs

An incredible resource for finding high-paying remote work, often including benefits and sometimes even free travel. If you want to find remote jobs while building your blog, or just want to ramp up your income on the road, check them out.

WPRocket for bloggers

WPRocket

This caching and performance optimization plugin does a lot. Once I installed it, it analyzed my blog and gave me some suggestions. After simply pressing some of their caching clearing buttons I was already seeing a boost in performance.

keysearch

Keysearch (20% off!)

This budget-friendly tool allows you to kick your Search Engine Optimization (SEO) up a notch to more easily rank on Google's first page and increase your traffic. You can use code JESSIEONAJOURNEY for 20% off!

Jasper AI logo

Jasper AI (Free Trial!)

This platform uses artificial intelligence (AI) to make it faster & easier for you to create high-quality content for your blog, social media, and more. Get a 10,000-word free trial through my link!

Surfer SEO logo

Surfer SEO (Free Workshop!)

Do you ever wish there was a tool that would tell you *exactly* how to improve your content so that it ranks higher in organic search results? Surfer SEO is the closest thing to SEO magic I’ve found! There are loads of features, plus they offer a free SEO Writing Masterclass.

skimlinks

Skimlinks

This is actually a set-it-and-forget-it affiliate platform where you add their code to your website once and then they automatically turn your non-affiliate links into affiliate links. Once I set this up I started earning money immediately, and it's fun to check your dashboard and see your income go up without doing any extra work.

best travel gear

Gleam

There are a few free tools out there for hosting contests, though none are as user- and design-friendly as Gleam. It's got an eye-catching design and offers a slew of options for non-paying subscribers.

map

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