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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Staying Connected
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!
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.
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
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.
This small microphone works great with DSLR cameras and smartphones. You'll get high-quality audio at a budget-friendly price.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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".
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
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!
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!
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.
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
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?
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.
This platform offers sustainable tours and experiences throughout Asia. Their goal: “To improve communities at the Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP).”
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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