essentials for work travel

12 packing essentials on every business traveler’s list

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Everyone has the packing essentials they never travel without , but the list can look a little different for business travelers, who tend to take shorter, more frequent trips and must juggle packed schedules once they touch down at their destination. 

Business travelers need to stay organized, connected, comfortable, and well-rested as they shuffle between time zones. Anything that helps achieve this balance makes for a happier — and more effective — businessperson, so before you send your most trusted employee off to the international office, make sure she has these products and services packed. 

There are the obvious options, like a reliable, expandable carry-on suitcase and a portable battery pack , but also consider smart and innovative additions like work shoes you can actually walk a whole day in and a notebook that saves all your meeting scribbles to the cloud. 

Here are 12 things that should be on every business traveler's packing list. 

Wireless earbuds.

Jabra Elite 65t Wireless Earbuds, $109.90, available at Amazon

While over-ear wireless headphones offer better sound quality, earbuds are better suited for travel when you have limited bag space. The battery life of these earbuds is five hours (15 hours with the charging case) and once you're off the plane, you can make clear phone calls because they're optimized with four-microphone technology. They're also Alexa-, Siri-, and Google Assistant-compatible. For an affordable, under-$100 option, check out these  SoundCore wireless earbuds from Anker .

A foldable Bluetooth keyboard

Jelly Comb Pocket Size Portable Bluetooth Keyboard, $29.99, available at Amazon

If you're not packing your laptop but want to get some work done, this foldable keyboard that can connect to your tablet or phone will let you do so without taking up as much space. It's light and sturdy, but a drawback to its portability is that the key positions are squeezed together, so typing might not be as seamless of a process as usual. Still, the convenience might be worth the compromise . 

A battery pack

Jackery Bolt 6000 mAh Power Bank with Built-in Lightning Cable, $26.99, available at Amazon

It's always a good idea to have a battery pack on hand when you travel, and this doesn't change when you travel for business. While there are many battery packs on the market to choose from, our pick is Jackery's because its built-in cable charges your phone twice as fast as the original charger, and it's neither so small that it can only charge your device once nor so bulky that it weighs you down. 

Performance workwear that never wrinkles

Shop the Men's Kinetic Collection starting at $145 at Ministry of Supply here

Shop the women's kinetic collection starting at $125 at ministry of supply here.

Instead of worrying about how you're going to pack your best suit without damaging it, simply get one that always stays wrinkle-free . Ministry of Supply's stretchy, comfortable, and water-resistant suits and dresses prove that you can have it all, without paying more than you would for normal workwear. The styles are sleek and classic, so you'll always be prepared for meetings, coffee chats, and lunches. 

A fast pass through airport security

Enroll in a two-month free trial of CLEAR here using code "INSIDER"

Seasoned business travelers will already have TSA Pre-Check to help them breeze through the nightmare that is airport security, but another security service that's worth adding on if you want to save even more time is CLEAR. The CLEAR lane at the terminal verifies your identity with a biometric screening (a fingerprint or eye scan) so you can skip the part of the line where the TSA officer checks your ID. 

An expandable carry-on bag

Travelpro Platinum Magna 2 Carry-On Expandable Spinner Suitcase, $246.28, available at Amazon

You want a carry-on bag that will comfortably fit your clothes, last through countless trips, and is easy to maneuver. Travelpro's suitcases are a flight crew staple because of their organized compartments, durable nylon exterior, and signature MagnaTrac technology that keeps the bags rolling in one straight line. This one also comes with a removable garment bag. 

A travel pillow

Trtl Pillow, $25.49, available at Amazon

Business travel means putting your body through its paces and realizing quality sleep is a precious commodity that shouldn't be taken for granted. Recover and recharge in the plane or bus with the Trtl travel pillow , which will keep your neck supported for a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. It might look a little strange, but it's soft and comfortable, not to mention easy to store. 

A travel wallet

Bellroy Travel Wallet, $119, available at Amazon

Checking in to your hotel or flight becomes much less stressful when you're not fumbling for your documents and you know exactly where they are. This wallet organizes everything you need as you travel between offices and airports: your passport, boarding pass, bills, cards, and IDs. It even comes with a small pen so you'll always be prepared to sign documents or fill out forms. 

A good unlimited data plan

Join T-Mobile ONE here

T-Mobile's unlimited plan is the best of the major carriers because you get 50 GB of 4G LTE data and unlimited talk and text. You still get unlimited 2G data and text in more than 200 countries, so you never have to deal with hotspots and new SIM cards and can start connecting with people immediately. Select flights will also offer free Wi-Fi for T-Mobile customers. 

Comfortable work shoes

Shop Wolf & Shepherd dress shoes starting at $229 here

For men, Wolf & Shepherd makes beautiful Italian leather dress shoes that you can actually run in — the founder confirmed this claim by wearing them during the 2018 Running of the Bulls in Spain. They feature sheepskin lining, plush memory foam insoles, and an "HDeva" heel that absorbs the shock of heel strikes. They're pricey but worth the comfort and you'll find yourself wearing them for any work occasion, travel-related or not. 

Day Glove, $115, available at Everlane

For women, the Everlane Day Glove is the flat that truly fits like a glove . These simple, rounded leather flats come in a variety of versatile colors and can transition seamlessly from office to dinner. With a back pull tab, small side vents, and a cushioned insole, they're just as functional as they are stylish.  

A small smart notebook

Rocketbook Everlast Reusable Smart Notebook, Executive Size, $29.97, available at Amazon

Rocketbook combines the convenience and satisfying feeling of physical note-taking with the organization and eco-friendliness of digital note-taking . After you write in the pages with the included pen, you can send your notes to your cloud service of choice, then wipe the pages clean and use them all over again. You'll never lose notes in the shuffle of traveling with this smart notebook. 

Hand sanitizer

Purell 1 oz. 8-Pack Travel-Sized Jelly Wrap Bottles, $9.51, available at Amazon

Germs abound in the airplane and hotel room, and you'll be shaking a lot of hands. Keep yourself and others healthy with a quick rub of hand sanitizer. Purell's one-ounce bottles are discreet and fit conveniently in your bag. 

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Business Travel Essentials: 15 Products to Simplify Your Life

Business , Electronics , LUGGAGE

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Traveling for business has its perks, but packing for it is another story. While many business travel essentials are great for leisure travels as well, there are a few things you should definitely have on your work trip!

Business Travel Essentials

Table of contents.

Business travel can be exciting and fun, but making sure you’re fully prepared can be a bit tedious at times. If you’re constantly on the go for work, these business travel essentials will be amazingly helpful while on the road — and many are awesome for leisure travel as well!

Top Business Adventures to Pack

Compass Rose Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes to Keep Your Luggage Organized

If you’re headed out on a business trip, you’re going to want to be well-organized, and the best way to organize your luggage is with packing cubes !

Here at TFG, we love packing cubes because they can keep your things coordinated, easy to access, and help you travel carry-on only, which if you’re headed out on a business trip is a good idea.

Watch the packing tutorial on Youtube !

Watch this packing cubes video tutorial to learn how to maximize space and never check a bag at the airport again. These are the top 12 reasons why I prefer packing cubes to other organizers .

The secret to traveling light is to create a functional but minimalist capsule wardrobe. Learn more in my guide !

pack-all Water Resistant Travel Shoe Bag

Shoe Bags to Protect Your Favorite Shoes

Speaking from experience, you can easily ruin your favorite pair of dress shoes by throwing them into your suitcase with everything else.

These pack-all shoe bags will keep your pretty shoes clean and protected, covering your business trip essentials in the appearance department.

Readers also love that they are useful to stash wet or muddy running shoes or anything else you need to sequester from clean clothes. 

Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5 Rolling Underseater

An Underseat Carry-On to Travel With Ease

If you’re hopping on a plane for work, then underseat carry-ons should be listed as business travel must-haves. Readers love Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 rolling underseater as it features incredible organization and is designed to fit under the seat of most airlines. 

Plus, while most underseat luggage tends to have too many compartments limiting their use to business documents, this bag has a spacious interior where you can fit just about everything you need for a simple travel itinerary. An added bonus is that it’s lightweight. 

We’ve rounded up a list of the best under seat luggage and we’re showing you how to pack strategically to make the most of low-priced airfares!

Away Weekender

Weekender Bag for a Quick Trip

If you’re heading on a few-day trip and just need a change of clothes or two, a weekender bag is a perfect option that’ll make your travels easy breezy! 

Away’s The Everywhere Bag will fit all the essentials and has interior and exterior pockets and a 15” laptop sleeve to keep everything neat and organized. It’s finished off with a durable, water-resistant shell and a trolley sleeve. The Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe is another TFG favorite. 

A weekender bag makes a great carry on for a longer trip, too!

Lo & Sons Rowledge

A Travel Purse or Bag to Keep Your Things Organized

If you’re headed out on the road for work, one of the most important business travel necessities is the right travel bag, specifically one big enough to hold your laptop in it.

If you choose a bag like the beautiful Lo & Sons Rowledge backpack , you’ll have plenty of room to hold all your essentials, including your laptop. Readers love that it slides easily over your carry-on handle so you can wheel it through the airport, and it’ll easily fit underneath the airplane seat. 

It has a minimalist design with maximum organization, and will be perfect for your next business trip!

Find out which of these anti-theft purse options our readers love the most!

Travelon Anti-Theft Convertible Clutch

A Travel Clutch to Grab-And-Go

The best thing about Travelon is that they make travel friendly and anti theft bags which are definitely business travel essentials.

It’s always nice to have a compact purse or clutch on a trip, especially if you’ve packed for work, not travel. Chances are you won’t want to lug around your laptop bag everywhere!

The Travelon Anti-Theft Convertible Clutch is a super choice for a grab and go clutch. It’s slash resistant with locking compartments and the card and passport pockets are RFID protected. 

Having a clutch on-hand is great because you can use them to keep your essentials organized in your laptop bag, and then pull it out to use as a purse at lunch or dinner with colleagues.

Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody

Anti-Theft Crossbody to Protect Your Things

While having an anti-theft clutch is a great idea because it’s easy to pack away, it doesn’t necessarily fit the bill all the time. Sometimes it’s not big enough to hold all of your things!

In that case, using the anti-theft crossbody from Travelon is perfect! A bag like this should definitely be on your business travel essentials list. 

It is also travel friendly, made with slash resistant material, has locking compartments, an RFID protected card, and passport slots. Plus, it has ample room for organization and comes in a bunch of cute colors.

Anker Portable Charger

Portable Charger to Keep You Going

Having conference calls and multiple emails can drain your phone’s battery quickly. This Anker portable charger can really change your life while on a business trip.

This is our readers’ top portable charger pick, loved for how compact and lightweight it is while holding a LOT of power (over 2 full charges for an iPhone)! 

When it comes to business trip essentials, and just travel essentials in general, TFG readers agree that this is right at the top of the list!

Find out the best portable power bank chargers for your next travel!

Newvanga Universal All-in-One Travel Adapter

Travel Adapter with Multiple Charging Options

Hotels never seem to have enough outlets –  even those that cater to business travelers. This is something that will always baffle me! To help combat electronic musical chairs, bring your own portable charge strip. 

If you’re traveling to multiple countries in Europe or around the world, for example, you’ll want to bring a universal adapter, which is much easier than taking several different adapters for each country. 

And this one will help you make the most of limited hotel charging space! It works in over 150 countries and can charge up to three devices with its two USB ports and a universal plug.  

Take a look at this power outlet guide for travelers to see a full list of plugs and outlets by country! And then dive into more of the top power strips for travel here !

Bagsmart Travel Cord Organizer

Travel Cord Organizer for Your Tech Gear

As a business traveler, you’ll no doubt have lots of cords , chargers , flash drives, and all kinds of tech accessories to keep track of. Keep everything untangled and neat as can be in a travel cord organizer! 

The TFG reader top pick is this cute cord organizer from Bagsmart , which has variously sized mesh pockets and elastic loops to keep everything secure, visible, and easy to access. Plus, it’s water-resistant and padded to keep your gear safe! 

These bags take up very little space and will be immensely handy when you’re on the go! 

S’well Insulated Water Bottle

Sleek Reusable Water Bottle

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Seriously! Staying hydrated is an important part of staying healthy and alert while traveling, even for business. 

A sturdy and cute water bottle like this S’well stainless steel insulated water bottle is definitely a business travel essential. It’ll keep your water at an ideal temp and is much better for both you and the environment, rather than the cheap plastic found in disposable water bottles. 

Plus, you’ll also save money, especially in airports where everything is notoriously overpriced!

FaceShadow Double Glasses Case

A Cute Case to Protect Your Glasses

Whether you’re traveling with eyeglasses, reading glasses, blue-light blockers, or sunnies, you’ll need to keep them safe from dust, scratches, and damage while keeping them handy, so be sure to bring along a durable glasses case. 

Readers love the FaceShadow double glasses case , which features two slots so you can easily switch back and forth between pairs, or keep them both securely stored at the same time. They have spongy padding and are made of soft microfiber that comes in a wide range of absolutely adorable prints! 

Having your classes kept clean and easy to reach during a work day is super helpful, but these are truly great for any kind of travel, and for day-to-day excursions, too! 

PurSteam Portable Garment Steamer

A Portable Steamer to Keep You Looking Sharp

Chances are if you’re headed out on a business trip you’re going to meet people essential to your job, so you’ll want to look professional. 

Wrinkles are a really fast way to take your business fashion down a level. But fear not, the PurSteam Portable Garment Steamer is the work travel essential to solve your problems!

This bad boy is quick heating and compact making it a great and easy addition to your morning routine.

The Downy Wrinkle Releaser spray is a great alternative that’s great for wrinkles that aren’t as severe. Perfect for removing wrinkles from your clothes after a flight! 

Choose the best travel steamer for your next journey!

Quince Eye Mask

An Eye Mask for Restful Sleep

Staying rested and ready for whatever the day brings is essential on a work trip, but it can also be tricky when flying on red-eyes, switching time zones, or just adjusting to a new environment. A sleeping mask is a great way to enhance your rest and get hours of rest in.

Quince’s silk eye mask is a dream — readers love that it feels so soft and light while efficiently blocking out light, and the silk fabric has amino acids that are nourishing to the skin!

SanDisk Ultra USB 3.0 Flash Drive

Flash Drive for Digital Storage

Flash drives allow you to easily share documents (especially large file sizes—like presentations), make back-ups, and print documents from hotel business center printers (never fun); so it’s a need for any business trip.

Personally, I keep at least one flash drive in my laptop bag at all times, so there have been many times when I was grateful to have my Sandisk flash drive .

Wandf Packable Duffle

Packable Duffle Bag for Any Occasion

If you’ll be displaying items at a trade show, bringing samples to clients, or snagging some freebies, a packable duffle is a way to go. 

This Wandf packable duffle bag is spacious and sturdy but surprisingly lightweight, and it folds up super small to take up very little room in your luggage! It’ll fit in overhead bins or under airline seats and can even slide over a suitcase handle. 

Plus, a packable duffle is great for bringing home souvenirs or some great shopping finds, too! 

Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Headphones

Noise-Canceling Headphones to Keep Your Focus

Whether catching up on work in a busy cafe, taking an important call while on the go, or drowning out the noise on a flight, noise-canceling headphones are a must for the business traveler. They’ll offer crystal clear speech on a phone call, get rid of any unwanted background noise, and help keep you focused. 

Bose’s QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth headphones are amazing! Readers love that they connect wirelessly to any of your devices, have a comfy, adjustable fit, stellar battery life, and have both quiet and aware modes depending on your situation. And your music will have never sounded better!

Apple AirTag (4 Pack)

Apple Airtags for Peace of Mind

If you’re checking a bag or traveling with valuable items, Apple Airtags will allow you to easily keep track of your belongings, even if they’re far away! 

These little trackers are SO handy for travel, and so many TFGers don’t go anywhere without them in their luggage, handbags, and clipped to their valuables. They’ll make lost luggage, misplaced keys, or any other travel mishaps a lot easier to deal with, as the “Find My” network on your iPhone will track these items in real time and give you a precise location. 

If you don’t have an iPhone or want an alternative option, these Tile trackers are amazing, and you can take a look at our post on the best luggage tags and trackers here ! 

What are your business travel essentials? Tell us in the comments!

For more tips on travel essentials, please read:

• Women’s Business Clothes for Travel
• Airplane Essentials: Top Items to Make Flights More Enjoyable
• Female Travelers Love Ponte Pants. Find Out Why!
• Best Messenger Bags for Women: Functional and Adorable Options

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Hope you liked this post on business travel essentials. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio:  Emily is a lifelong travel fanatic who is constantly making additions to her “upcoming destinations” list. (Yes, she is also a list person.) She is currently based in the Netherlands, where she lives with her husband.

I’m headed into some more international business travel next month and this list is such a great reminder of what to add to my pre-flight checklist. I almost forgot to pack my noise cancelling headphones! Based on some other TFG articles and recommendations I now have the Lo & Sons OG 2 bag – and I think I prefer it to a weekender or backpack for business trips. It holds everything in a super organized way and looks chic for business travel.

I need to buy the air tags TODAY! I am also checking out the other items, also! Thanks for a great article!

Great article! I’ve already purchased several items from this list. The eyeglass case, Away weekender and headphones are great!

For someone traveling three times in a month, this list of business travel essentials kept me top of the game. I ended up sharing this with so many of my friends and co-workers. Thank you for putting this together

I agree on the Swell water bottle and the packing cubes for sure! I’ve tried so many water bottles and always go back to Swell. They keep my drinks cold and never peak. Ever! These particular packing cubes are the most rugged I’ve found—and I have MANY brands. Don’t sleep on these!!

I was just looking for something else and came across this list which reminded me to put my wrinkle releaser in my bag! Thank you!

Just starting back to doing business travel. The suggestions and top picks are great. Thanks

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• Careers That Travel

A Business Travel Blog

August 26, 2018 By Michelle Maraj 35 Comments

The Ultimate Packing List for Work Trips

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that we will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. All opinions are those of the author.

As you start to travel almost every week, your business trip packing list will become routine. You might find yourself packing for your corporate trip in less than fifteen minutes! When trying to create my packing list for a work trip, I consider what items I will pack for personal travel as well. My work trip packing list is similar to my regular travel packing list, just the types of clothes that I bring will change. If you travel frequently enough, you might find it helpful to keep some items permanently in your suitcase, and only repack your clothing every week.

Building a Packing List for a Work Trip

Since I travel on a weekly basis, this Ultimate Business Trip Packing List is broken up by the following:

• Essentials left in my suitcase each week
• Items refreshed each week
• What’s in my laptop bag
• What I expect at the hotel

Packing Essentials for a Business Trip

If you travel for work frequently enough, it may make sense to have “doubles” of your toiletries, so you do not have to include them on your business trip packing list and pack them every single week. I keep the following items in my suitcase at all times:

Umbrella  // It is a good habit to check the weather before you start packing, but I have a small travel umbrella that I leave in my suitcase at all times, just in case. If you have an outer pocket on your bag, I would recommend leaving the umbrella in that pocket for easy access.

Toiletries // I keep travel-sized bottles of all of my usual toiletries in my suitcase at all times. This includes small bottles of: shampoo, conditioner, face wash, make-up remover, lotion. I then refill these every few weeks as needed. In addition I will keep a double of my toothbrush, toothpaste, cotton balls, deodorant, hairbrush and hair ties, and razor so that I do not need to repack these each week. As a woman, I also keep tampons and pads in my suitcase at all times.

Spare phone charger // I have a habit of leaving my phone chargers behind at home or at the office, and I have accidentally traveled without a phone charger before! Now, I always leave an extra phone charger in my bag, just in case.

Laundry Bag // My  Away Bigger Carry-On  suitcase came with a laundry bag inside, and I use this to keep my dirty clothes separate from the clean clothes I have not worn yet. I would recommend bringing some type of reusable bag to use as a laundry bag in your suitcase, so you can keep dirty underwear and socks at minimum separate from your work clothes.

All of my toiletries on my business trip packing list are travel sized, so that I do not have to worry about checking a bag. I keep shower items (shampoo, conditioner, face wash) in a separate plastic bag from my remaining items, so that when I am fast to unpack after arriving at the hotel. I use this TSA-approved clear toiletry bag to keep my items organized.

Refreshed Each Week While Traveling for Work

When I am traveling for work, I always bring enough clothes for the number of days that I am traveling, plus one extra day. You never know when you will spill something on your shirt, or you get stranded somewhere overnight! If I was traveling for work Monday through Thursday (3 nights), and I dressed business professional and wore a suit on the plane there, then I would pack in my suitcase:

4 Button-Up Tops // I primarily wear Express Portofino Shirts to work. I like these tops because you can wear them with a blazer, without a jacket, and even out to dinner in the evening. They are very versatile, and a staple in my work uniform. I always pack one extra shirt than days I am traveling – if I am staying 3 nights, I will pack 4 shirts to have one as a back-up.

2 Work Bottoms (Pants or Skirt) // If you include the dress pants that I wear on the plane, I would typically pack two additional bottoms to rotate between. I will bring additional bottoms that coordinate with my blazers for the week. For example, if I am wearing a black blazer, I would choose black bottoms. Navy blazer, navy bottoms.

1 Additional Blazer // Some people can get away with only bringing one blazer (worn on the plane) with them during the week, especially if you only wear your blazer while traveling but then take it off during the day while working. I personally like to bring a blazer to rotate between, and as a back-up in case I spill something on my other blazer.

1 Pair of Jeans, No Holes // It is a good idea to bring a pair of casual pants for when you are going to a team dinner or running errands after work. Occasionally I will wear my work pants to dinner as well, so I do not feel a need to bring more than one pair of casual pants. I opt for no holes or tears, to remain slightly more professional.

1 Pair of Heels // Assuming I already wore a pair of heels on my travel day to the client, I will bring an additional pair of heels to rotate between. I find that if I try to wear the same pair of heels everyday for a week, that they will start to smell.

1 Pair of Casual Shoes (Sandals or Flats) // It’s a good idea to bring a pair of casual shoes, for both team dinners or walking around the hotel. If you need to run down to the front desk, it’s a bit awkward to do so in pajamas and heels.

4 Pairs of Underwear // Always bring an extra pair, just in case!

4 Pairs of No-Show Socks // Whether you need no-shoe socks for your heels or dress socks for your shoes, don’t forget to pack your socks in your suitcase.

1 Set of Pajamas // You will not want to sleep in your dress clothes at night; don’t forget to pack a set of pajamas in your suitcase. My pajamas are usually a free firm shirt and a pair of shorts!

Work-out Clothes // I don’t typically work out during the week while I am traveling, but I threw this on the list so that you do not forget. It is a good idea to work out on the road, but you will need to find extra space to fit your work-out shoes and clothes. It’s possible, though!

Make-up Case //  My make-up case contains all of my daily-wear make-up, and since I use the same make-up on the weekends I will repack this each week. Depending on your routine, it may make sense to have doubles of your make-up on your business trip packing list as well

Hair Dryer  // You may be fine with the hotel hair dryer, however I have been working on improving my hair maintenance. I recently invested in the T3 Featherweight Compact hair dryer – it is so fast at drying my hair, and it is great for traveling. This hair dryer came with a dust bag and the hair dryer folds in half, for easier packing.

Jewelry // Depending on the level of formality, I might bring my jewelry case while traveling . I prefer studs or small hoops for a professional look, and might bring a few necklaces and bracelets to rotate between.

I also have developed a wardrobe that will work for both the work day and the evening. The shirts or blouses that I bring are usually convertible and fine for dinner in the evening. However, if you are wearing nicer shirts or dresses during the day, you may also want to consider packing casual tops for the evening as well.

My Laptop Bag Necessities

My biggest fear is leaving my laptop charger at home. Most of these items are always in my work bag and travel with me even to the office, but I wanted to go ahead and include on the packing list for work trips here. 

Work Laptop & Charger // Make sure that you bring your work computer! It’s difficult to get anything done without your laptop and you do not want to waste time waiting on it to be shipped. The single most important thing for you to bring is your computer.

Wireless Mouse // You can order a cheap mouse off Amazon  for less than $10, and you can bring it on the road to increase your efficiency. I always opt for colors other than black, so that it does not get mixed up with anyone else’s belongings.

Headphones // I love my AirPods as they are great for taking calls, but any type of headphones are a good idea to keep in your work bag. You may have to take phone calls or watch videos in a conference room with your colleagues, and it is much easier to take these calls hands-free.

Phone Charger // I leave a phone charger in my work bag as well, so that I can charge my phone on the go. Especially if you are wasting time at the airport, it is important to keep your phone charger so you can contact coworkers when you land, or call an Uber if necessary.

Office/Client Access Badge // If you have been traveling to a client for a while, you likely received some sort of access badge to get into their building. You do not want to have to bother your client to get another badge assigned to you, or go through the hassle of speaking to security each time. If you have an access badge, make sure to leave it in your work bag so you do not forget it.

Pens & a Notepad // Even though we primarily use our computers these days, you may need to jot down client notes while your computer is loading, or draw out a sketch to explain an idea. It is a good idea to leave pens and a notepad in your bag at all times, so you never have to worry about asking your coworker to borrow one.

Gum  // Especially after a long flight or lunch, you will want fresh breath over the course of your work trip. Make sure to pack some gum in your laptop bag, so that you always feel fresh.

These items are always in my bag, so I will usually have them on my work trip as well. You never realize how badly you miss your wireless mouse until the day that you accidentally leave it at home!

Packing for a conference? Check out our post on What to Pack for a Business Conference . 

Hotel Expectations During a Business Trip

There are a few items that I do not have on my packing list for work trips, because I expect my hotel to have them. If you are not picky about your toiletries like shampoo or conditioner, it would be much easier to just use the hotel versions rather than worrying about leaks in your suitcase. These items include:

Hand Lotion // I am picky for my face, but not for the rest of my body when it comes to lotion. It’s one less bottle that I have to pack, so I do expect to be able to use the hand lotion available in the hotel room.

Water Bottles // You typically get free water bottles with Marriott Platinum! It is greener to bring your own reusable water bottle, however I will admit I do not usually remember to. I do expect that there will be water in my hotel room, or at least easily accessible in the hotel, when I arrive.

Iron // One day, I do hope to invest in a portable steamer. For now however, I do expect an iron in the hotel room so that I can iron my clothes. I like to unpack the night that I arrive at the hotel, and I iron all of my clothes for the week at once. It can be difficult to iron all of your clothes the first night since you are likely tired from traveling, but you will thank yourself later in the week.

Towels // I know some consultants are particular and prefer to bring their own towels, rather than using those available at the hotel.  I, however, expect towels in the hotel and will gladly use those.

The single most important thing to bring on your business trip, honestly, is your work laptop. If you need toiletries that aren’t found in your hotel room, you can often call the front desk and they can bring additional toiletries to you. I ran out of toothpaste and forgot to re-pack it, and fortunately the hotel always has toothpaste packets to offer. Everything else, you can buy on the road.

Packing Your Suitcase for a Business Trip

When packing my suitcase for a work trip, 50% of my suitcase will be clothing. I use three packing cubes that fit in the compression compartment of my suitcase – one cube for my blazers and pants, one cube for shirts, and one cube for underwear.

If you liked the Ultimate Business Trip Packing List, you can download a free pdf checklist below. If there’s anything missing from this packing list, let us know in the comments below.

Learn more about traveling for work

• 10 Work Trip Instagram Captions
• Why a Trolley Strap is a Requirement for Your Next Work Bag
• 5 Challenges of Managing Remote Employees
• Matt’s Flights Custom Search – Here’s Our Review of What He Found
• Jey&em ONE Suitcase Review

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45 Business Travel Accessories You’ll Need for Your Next Work Trip + Packing Tips!

Tips on How to Pack for a Business Trip

People think going away on business trips all the time is so fun and relaxing but what they don’t see are the long waiting hours at the airport, lack of sleep, and the many phone calls from home. That is why aside from the right accessories for business travel, you also need to know some helpful tips and tricks to make every work trip not as tiring as it would be. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Plan your look before you pack. Three things you must remember: First, know what the weather is going to be like where you’re going. Then, build your outfits around a single coat so you won't have to pack two or more, losing valuable space in your luggage. And lastly, choose versatile clothes that can be mixed and matched so you can create different outfits.

2. Put your best pair of shoes forward. Make sure to pack your best, comfiest, and most stylish pair of business travel shoes. But don't forget to pack a pair of cozy walking shoes for when you're strolling around the city during your spare time.

3. Wear your heaviest and bulkiest clothing items. Save space and luggage weight by wearing weighty garments to the airport rather than packing them.

4. Know when to roll or fold. Generally speaking, rolling is recommended for t-shirts, casual dresses, swimsuits, pajamas, and other small and flimsy pieces of clothing. Button-up shirts and pants, on the other hand, must be folded to prevent getting creases in them.

5. Travel with carry-on bags only. Mobility is of the essence when traveling for business. You have all your important documents and techs in there so you'd want to keep an eye on them all the time. Packing light is always the best way to go on a business trip.

6. Keep separate, ready-packed travel essentials. This will minimize your time for packing, especially if you’re a frequent business traveler. Have extra toiletries, chargers, office supplies, and business cards ready so you can just grab and pack them in your bag each time you travel.

7. Use dry cleaning bags or dress cubes for dress shirts. The best way to  prevent wrinkles in your dress shirts when packing them in your suitcase is to use plastic bags from your dry cleaner or use a dress cube . As for your suits and other formal shirts, you can have them laundered and pressed when you arrive at your hotel.

8. Pack your electronics and liquids in an easy-access place. Knowing TSA's security protocols when passing through security checks will definitely make your business trip smoother. Place your laptop and other electronics in the front pocket or on top of your garments so you can easily reach into your bag and grab it. Have a TSA-approved toiletry bag ready with your liquids, gels, and creams in 3.4 ounces containers or less.

9. Invest in your business travel gear. Don’t hesitate to splurge on quality travel & tech accessories like the Galaxy S24 phone case . It's available in Atomic Slim, Covert, and Nautical designs. Choose the style that suits you best! Most importantly, upgrade your travel system every now and then to make sure it fits and meets all your travel needs.

10. Bring items that will help you sleep and rest well. Make sure to bring a comfy pillow, headphones, eye mask, a nice playlist, or whatever it takes to help you be comfortable when sleeping at a hotel or on the plane.

Must-Have Travel Accessories for All Business Travelers

Make your next business trip as productive and stress-free as you’d want it to be by investing in these business travel accessories that you must not leave without. Whether it's an overnight or a week-long business trip, these accessories will help keep you organized, energized, and relaxed.

✅ For Packing

1.  AmazonBasics Oxford Expandable Carry-On Suitcase

Frequent business travelers need a bag that's both time and space-saving exactly like this AmazonBasics Oxford Expandable Suitcase. It has a fully-lined interior with multiple zippered pockets and ample space just enough for organizing all your travel essentials, from the smallest to the biggest, so you won't be tempted to overpack. This awesome spinner luggage is scratch-resistant and expandable so you can have extra space for bringing home some souvenirs and gifts.

2.  UGRACE Laptop Backpack

This stylish bag makes a great daypack for both men and women with impeccable style for business travel. What we genuinely love about this bag is that it's built to keep you organized. It has front zippered pockets for storing small travel items and a large main compartment for keeping flight essentials. It's made with wear & tear resistant Oxford fabric that keeps rain and grime away. It has adjustable ergonomic shoulder straps designed for the ultimate comfort.

3.  Starter Set of Clear Packing Cubes

The best way to pack in an organized way for your business trip is to use packing cubes. These cubes are available in different sizes so you can store clothes of various sizes as well. This is the perfect way to keep your items neat and organized to help lessen the creases and wrinkles. Plus, it's very easy to unpack as well; just unload the packing cubes from the suitcase to the drawers and set them up on any flat surface (or drawers) and you’re done.

4.  Clear Dress Cube

Worried about getting wrinkles or creases on your suits and formal dresses in your checked luggage? This spacious dress cube is to the rescue! It's made of sturdy Cordura and vinyl covering, with an easy-grip handle, a two-way zipper, and reinforced stitching for extra durability. Plus, it's clear and splash-proof so you can easily see what's stored inside and protect your formal clothes from getting wet in case something happens to your suitcase during transit.

✅ For Clothing and Shoes

5.  Van Heusen Men's Traveler Dress Shirt

Go for business shirts that don't easily wrinkle like this traveler dress shirt from Van Heusen. It's made with fabric that's wrinkle-resistant so you won't have to bother with ironing. It’s also stretchable and comfortable so you can move easily the entire day. This is a great casual staple both for attending meetings and strolling downtown, just wear and pair it with either a pair of dress pants, blazer and tie, or your favorite jeans and you’ll still look proper.

6.  LEE Women’s Business Pants

For all the #ladybosses out there, try a pair of these LEE Women’s Business Pants . They have a loose fit at the waist for a natural and relaxed fit, which is very comfortable especially when sitting. These pants are designed with a classic look that you can wear to any evening events straight from the office and still look great.

For men, there will be no more wrinkly pants when you're off to your business trips with a pair of these Amazon Essentials Men’s Chino Pants . This pair of dressy pants looks very classy but feels super comfy. It's made with wrinkle-resistant, durable, and soft fabric to give you that timeless relaxed fit. Get ready to rock any business meetings and on-the-side casual sightseeing trips.

7.  Lark & Ro Blouse for Women

Get comfy in this Lark & Ro formal blouse made from high-quality fabric and gain the ultimate confidence in facing business meetings and conferences. It's a button-down shirt with a classic, versatile look that you can wear at the office, business trips, seminar, or just for day to day casual wear. Look good and feel good with this feminine, stylish, and comfy blouse!

8.  Cable Stitch Women's Work Dress

We absolutely love, love, love this perfect little black sweater dress for business travel! Its fabric is smooth, almost silky and it's not itchy or bulky like others tend to be. The turtleneck is perfectly loose but not floppy, and you can dress it up or down according to the occasion. Who says you can’t look your best while attending a meeting or conference? 

Pro Tip: Keep a monochromatic scheme. Go for darker colors because they go well with almost everything and look more formal and business-like.

9.  Retractable Lint Roller

Have this compact lint roller with you wherever you go so you can look as presentable as ever whether you're at a meeting or just casually strolling in the city. It’s very small and measures just 5.5 inches when closed so barely takes up any space in your work bag. It's made with high-quality adhesive so you can get pet hair, dust, and everything in between out of your suit and pants. It's retractable, portable, refillable, and easy to use, so basically, it's everything you need in a lint roller for travel!

10.  Travel Folding Boards

Having trouble folding your clothes? These travel folding boards will guide you. Now you can fold your clothes perfectly and precisely on-the-go! This set of three comes with three different folding board sizes so you can fold all sorts of clothing items from the smaller to the larger ones. There are printed instructions on the shirt folder so you know exactly what to do step by step until you get the hang of it.

11.  Plastic Collar Stays

Look professional and presentable with your collar on point using these plastic collar stays. They're 3 times the thickness of the flimsy plastic stays that come with your shirts, making your collars stiff all day long. These collar stays are available in different sizes so you can choose the ones that best fit your collar.

12.  Wurkin Stiffs Magnetic Collar Stays

Wurkin Stiffs can straighten and smooth out any collars with stubborn curls. Designed with power buttons, these magnetic collar stays can tame and straighten unruly collars so you can look sharp during your business trip. First, insert the metal collar stays in your collar, then tuck the power buttons under your shirt, and finally adjust your collar to any position you like. It's that easy!

13.  Downy Wrinkle Releaser

Wrinkles and creases on formal clothes can be very undignified especially when you have important business meetings to attend to and you're facing important clients. Have this Downy wrinkle eraser with you so you can spritz the wrinkles on your clothes away very easily!

14.  Travel Laundry Bag

Separate your dirty clothes from your clean ones using this drawstring travel laundry bag. It will prevent the stench of used clothes from sticking to your clean clothes and the insides of your suitcase. This travel laundry bag can be washed and reused over and over again so it's a very smart investment for all your business trips. It's lightweight and can be folded and packed in the extra spaces in your luggage.

  15.  Steamfast Mini Steaming Iron

If there’s one thing business travelers should never leave without, it would be this mini steaming iron! Your hotel room or accommodation might have faulty or rusty ones so you best be ready with your own iron. Don't worry, this one's pretty tiny - fits right into your hand - so you can pack it right into your carry-on suitcase like it's nothing. This little iron may be small but it heats up quickly so you can get right on to ironing when you get to your room. The steaming feature helps sanitize your clothes by killing 99.9% of germs and bacteria on it.

16.  Travel Shoe Bag

Don't let your dirty shoes stink up your luggage and other clean clothes by storing them in this travel shoe bag. It's a drawstring bag that lets you fit a pair of shoes or two! It's machine washable so you can reuse it again and again for all your trips. It folds neatly into a piece of nothing so you can simply insert it in your suitcase and you won't feel the weight or space difference. Definitely a business travel must-have!

17.  Stone & Clark Shoe Shine Kit

Keep your shoes clean, shiny, and stylish on your business trips to make the best impression. This kit can help ensure you always put your best foot forward. It's small and lightweight and comes with a convenient, sleek travel case. It also includes a black shoe polish tin, soft horsehair shoeshine brush, a sponge, a shoehorn, and a durable shine cloth. You'll have your shoes looking good as new in no time!

✅ Toiletries & Other Essentials

18.  TSA-Approved Toiletry Bag

This TSA-Approved Toiletry Bag will be the best storage for all your travel-sized liquids in containers not exceeding 3.4 ounces. It has a clam-shell opening so you can easily access your essentials when needed and a clear design so you can see your essentials at a glance. The durable reinforced stitching and comfortable handle means it will last a long time. Be sure to place it in an easy-access place for easy inspection when you get to the security checkpoint.

19.  Ammax Travel Bottles for Liquids

Get yourself some of these TSA Approved silicone travel bottles to store your carry-on liquids. They're made of food-grade, BPA-free silicone material that's 100% approved by the FDA, making it safe for your liquids to be stored in. These bottles have no-drip valves which help in preventing leaks and spills.

20.  Wet Ones Anti-Bacterial Wipes

One of the most important travel items to pack for business travelers, especially in this time of pandemic, would be these antibacterial wipes. It's made of eco-friendly recyclable packaging, and it's free from BPA, bleach, alcohol, paraben, dye, and cruelty! You can use these to sanitize any handles, doorknobs, and other surfaces that you might come in contact with during your trip. Make sure to pack a good amount of these antibacterial wipes enough for the duration of your travel.

21.  Eco Finest Hand Sanitizer

This hand sanitizer is the perfect travel size item to fit in your TSA-approved toiletry bag. But don't worry, recent TSA policy on hand sanitizers have changed during this pandemic. Each passenger is now allowed to bring up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizers on the plane. But if you still prefer to travel light, this will be the best option for you. It contains 75% ethyl alcohol with moisturizers and Vitamin E so it won't dry your skin as much as other hand sanitizers would.

✅ Electronics and Entertainment

22.  Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise-Canceling Headphones

These incredible bluetooth noise-canceling headphones fold up really small in its travel case so it fits right into your personal items bag. When you wear them on the flight and activate the noise-canceling feature, you'll have your very own peace and quiet zone. You can also plug it into the entertainment unit of the airplane with the little adapter they come with.

23. Tablet  / Laptop

Whatever type of traveling you're doing, packing light is always the right way to go. Choosing to take your tablet over your bulky laptop is a wise choice for a smart traveler like you. Although more compact and handy, a tablet can do as much work as a laptop so you wouldn't feel like you're leaving behind so many things. You can include a portable keyboard to go with your tablet so it wouldn't be too hard for you to type or edit something. But if you’re more comfortable using your laptop for doing business transactions, you can get a laptop that can double as a tab when folded. Also, make sure that your tablet has a protective case to reduce the impact of damage should it happen.

24.  iClever Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard

It would be wise to travel with the least technology as possible when going on a business trip. If you're going to take a tablet only, make sure to have this foldable bluetooth keyboard as well. It has a mouse touchpad that lets you control your device easily. It's compact, convenient, and foldable so you can easily pack it in your suitcase and not worry about it taking up too much space.

25.  3M Privacy Screen Filter

Protect your screen from prying eyes with this laptop privacy filter. It'll prevent anyone who's sitting beside you from seeing the personal or confidential information you're keeping on your computer. It blocks out the views from both sides while allowing you to have a clear screen from your point of view. It's black, frameless, lightweight, and has a glare-reducing matte finish to it that you can easily attach using either attachment strips or slide-mount tabs. Make sure to select the size that fits your laptop screen.

26.  Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle

Do you have trouble sleeping? Why not read a page or two of that book you've been trying to finish for a long time? Instead of packing a few paperback novels or magazines, bring a Kindle instead and download your favorite books to help you relax or fall asleep.

27.  Satechi Portable Power Bank

It can be a bit difficult to find a power source while traveling. Having a portable charger lets you easily charge your devices while you're on the go. This compact charger has two USB-C PD ports and a USB-A port so you can charge three devices simultaneously up to 100W. It's an intelligent charger that adjusts its power output according to the connected devices. Very convenient for business travel!

28.  Toshiba Portable Hard Drive

Another necessary item for business travel is a portable hard drive that lets you save bigger files and have access to them right away when you're on your trip. It's also very convenient when you need to transfer files from one device to another (like when you’re printing). This hard drive has a compact design and up to 2 TB storage capacity to store all your files and content. It has a storage backup software that you can download to retrieve your files if ever something happens to your hard drive and a storage security software that you can also download so you won't have any problem with unauthorized access to your data.

29.  TP-Link Portable Hotspot

Hotel WiFi may be the only internet you have access to while you're on a business trip and it may still be too slow or expensive to use. With this pocket-sized wireless portable travel router, you can easily access the internet anywhere, anytime without worry. This device will enable you to create a secure WiFi hotspot so you can send an email or get some work done on-the-go. It can reach up to a speed of 300 mbps so you can comfortably work lag-free. 

Pro Tip: Make sure to use a VPN when you're using public wifi connection to keep your information safe.

30.  Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device

If you're looking for the best downtime entertainment, this Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device is the perfect business travel accessory for you. It's a powerful streaming media stick that enables you to watch all your favorites from Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, and more! It's the perfect device to help you relax, recharge, and recover from jet lag.

31.  Kensington International All-in-One Travel Plug Adapter

If you're going on an international business trip, you must have this worldwide adapter so you can plug in on foreign outlets and power up your devices. Each plug is built into the adapter so you can easily choose the right plug that you need with just the push of a button. It also has a built-in safety release button and internal fuse to ensure that you and your devices are protected from external shock and short circuit when charging. It's practical, functional, durable, safe, and high quality so you can comfortably charge your devices at the same time.

32.  Cocoon Accessories Organizer

Being organized is key to any travel experience, and even more so when you're on a business trip. You're going to need something that can help you organize your phone, chargers, keys, passport, credit cards, sunglasses, and other travel necessities. You can't just stuff everything in your pocket or your bag because these things tend to get tangled, sink to the bottom, or magically disappear when you need it. You need this Grid-It gadget organizer so you can travel with your chargers, cords, headphones, and other handy gadgets in perfect harmony.

✅ Safety and Security

33.  AirBolt

Get a smart TSA-accepted lock like this Airbolt, that you can conveniently access and control from your phone through an app. This makes it super easy to lock and unlock your luggage especially when you're on a business trip.  It has customizable security settings that lets you create tons of ways to get it unlocked and you'll be the only person that knows about it. This is perfect for those who always forget their luggage lock combination. Don't worry, it has a backup code so you can still unlock your luggage if ever something happens to your phone.

34.  Portable Door Lock

This safety device is great for additional security especially if your business trip involves going to a place that you're not familiar and comfortable with. You can install this device without any tools. You just simply insert the security bracket into the door latch pocket and simultaneously turn the doorknob. Close the door to lock the bracket into place. Then, slide on the security bars, and your door is secure. It serves as an additional portable security system in your hotel room by preventing any unwanted key entry in your private space. It's small enough to fit in your pocket and can be used on most doors that are hinged.

35.  Fossil Women's Leather RFID-Blocking Wallet

Protect your credit cards and other important IDs when going on a business trip using this minimalist RFID leather wallet. It has 12 credit card slots, 1 ID window, 4 bill compartments with 1 back slide pocket and 1 back zipper pocket on the exterior. It can protect and fit all of your important cards, cash, and IDs without looking too bulky. This is the perfectly sleek product that you will need in any trip!

36.  Emergency Alert KeyChain Whistle

This device is especially useful for businesswomen going on frequent business trips in places they're not familiar or comfortable with. This innocent-looking keychain actually serves as a personal alarm system that lets out a loud sound and bright light that startles attackers and alerts people within the vicinity of the emergency situation. Just pull the pin, press and hold the button to activate the alarm with flashing light whenever you feel in danger. Be safe and stay safe with this smart device!

✅ More Business Travel Essentials

37.  IRIScan

A scanner on the go? Sign us up! This smart and simple scanning device is the perfect business travel accessory if ever you need to scan your documents on the go. It's portable, compact, and rechargeable so you can use it multiple times during your trip. It can connect through WiFi, USB cable, or SD card and doesn’t require a computer to work. With this portable device, you can scan any documents hassle-free anywhere in the world.

38.  FitKicks

Wearing a pair of comfortable shoes is of the essence when going on a business trip.  And what could possibly be more comfortable than a pair of these FitKicks foldable shoes? They're the best shoes to wear especially when you're on long-haul flights. They slide on and off quickly so getting through airport security will be a breeze. They're foldable and don't take up too much space in your luggage so they can fit right in together with your other travel essentials.

39.  ThinOptics

You don't have to carry your reading glasses around on your trip when you can have these bendable and foldable glasses instead. ThinOptics glasses come with a universal case that attaches to your phone or any hard, flat surface. You can take these glasses anywhere with you. They are made to fit comfortably and stay put on your nose when in use.

40. Anti-Nausea Travel Wristband

If you feel queasy during flights even though it's your tenth time flying for business, this wristband can help you find relief! It works by applying pressure on the wrist with the built-in plastic stud to help restore balance in the body. Just wear the wristband and position the button between the two tendons on the underside of the wrist. Press it for two minutes until you feel relief.

41.  MLVOC Travel Pillow

Don't let a stiff neck or aching back throw you off your A-game on your business trip. This memory foam neck pillow will keep you comfy when you’re sleeping on the plane, on the train or anywhere else. It provides the ultimate support to keep your neck and head from falling forward, relieving you of neck pain during travel. It's made with a sweat-resistant design, breathable and super soft fabric that can be washed so you can use a fresh and clean pillow for all your journeys.

42.  Ovener Travel Luggage Tag

Never lose your luggage again with these bendable and flexible silicone luggage tags that come with an ID card. They're extremely durable, compact, lightweight, and easy to spot on the baggage claim area. It has a sturdy steel loop that you can easily attach and remove on your luggage's handle.

43.  Buzio Insulated Water Bottle

Keep yourself hydrated during your business trip with this Buzio insulated water bottle with straw lid and flex cap. This bottle is made with a unique TempArmour technology that keeps your beverage cold for up to 2 days and hot for an entire day. It's made of non-toxic durable food-grade stainless steel that protects that water flask from oxidation and flavor transfer so your drink remains clean and fresh all the time.

44.  Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook

For writing down ideas or coming up with an outline for business proposals, this environment-friendly Rocketbook smart reusable notebook will be your best bud. You can easily wipe the pages off clean with a damp cloth and write new ideas again. Your notes will also be saved online so you can keep a digital copy of your thoughts and ideas and organize them on your phone. Just download the app on your phone, scan the notes on the page, and voila! It will be automatically saved in your folder.

45.  Clear Circle Pouch Set

These pouches are great for organizing any loose travel items that you have lying around so you won't miss anything. These cute pouches are made of vegan leather piping and suede interior lining with durable plastic sides that lets you see what's inside. You can use it as a clear cosmetic bag, toiletry bag, charger and earphone pouch, clutch bag, or a storage for any other travel-sized items you might have. These can be easily kept in your tote bag or carry-on luggage for better organization.

More Useful Tips and Tools For a Smooth Business Trip

Hold on, we’re not done just yet. Here are other helpful tips to make your business trip as smooth as possible. With the best business travel accessories and these tools and hacks for travel, you’ll be looking forward to more business trips in the future!

✔️ Join rewards programs - Does a flight upgrade to first class seats, access to free meals in an exclusive airport lounge, free stay at a hotel, and other lucrative perks sound good to you? If it does, well, you better get yourself some travel rewards cards and save up on miles or points so you can earn premiums and discounts for your next business trip. You can find everything you need to know about travel rewards cards and how to get one right here .

✔️ Charge electronics before you fly - Forgot to charge your phone? No big deal. Just make sure you’ve got your power bank all juiced up and ready to go before you leave. While you’re at it, make sure your laptop, tablet, and other handy tech you’re planning to bring with you on the trip are at 100% so you can use them whenever necessary.

✔️ Use trusted traveler programs that speed up your travel - There are a handful of trusted traveler programs that you can apply for. There's TSA Pre-check , Global Entry , Nexus , and more. If you become a member of any of these programs, you can use expedited lanes at the U.S. airports where these programs are available, and even when crossing international borders. In other words, no more removing of shoes, laptops, belts, or jackets or wasting precious time standing in line going through security checks. Each program has their own perks so make sure to check out which suits you best.

✔️ Book non-stop flights - For a faster and more convenient way of getting to your destination, make sure to book non-stop flights. Without stopovers or connections between cities, you will encounter very few unexpected airport delays. This will be more expensive than connecting flights but it will save you precious hours, allowing you plenty of time to rest or prepare for your meetings.

✔️ Pay for an airport lounge membership -  Having airport lounge access can significantly improve your entire business travel experience. Aside from having your own cozy space away from the busy and noisy airport, your peace and quiet also comes with complimentary snacks, drinks, reading materials, free Wi-Fi, and some even have shower facilities. Check out this article on how to score airport lounge access .

✔️ Print important confirmation numbers - You can't really rely on your phone all the time, especially when all your confirmation numbers and emails are in there. Even though the chances of losing your phone when going on a business trip may be highly unlikely, it can still happen. If not, you may run out of battery just when you need your boarding pass or confirmation number. Make sure to print a few copies of these important documents and keep them in an easy-access place.

✔️ Download useful apps for business travel - A busy corporate traveler such as yourself needs mobile apps that can keep up with your needs for your trip. For example, cancellations or delays are sometimes unavoidable and you will need a mobile app that will enable you to adjust bookings or modify accommodations in real-time. Or you may need to snap photos of your receipts and file them, or perhaps digitally sign a document, and many more! These useful business travel apps will make even the toughest business trip seem like a walk in the park.

In a recent article , American business magnate Bill Gates says that more than 50% of business travel will disappear in the post-coronavirus world, which will pave the way for a new approach in conducting business trips. This doesn’t necessarily mean that going on business trips will vanish entirely, only that it will be less frequent. Despite the gripping effect of the pandemic altering the way people travel for business, these business travel accessories, as well as the tips and tricks, will still prove useful to your future trips.

Have a safe and productive business trip ahead!

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• Packing Lists

Business Trip Packing List for Overnight, 3-Day, and 5-Day Trips

Published September 19, 2023

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Laura Lopuch

Laura’s first trip was when she was 3 months old, instilling an insatiable wanderlust. She hasn’t stopped traveling, or writing...

Fred Perrotta

Co-founder, tortuga.

Fred Perrotta is the co-founder and CEO of Tortuga. His first backpacking trip to Europe inspired him to start the...

The Tortuga Promise

At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Table of Contents

Whether you’re heading out on a last-minute, overnight business trip, or a five-day conference abroad, packing for business travel is always different than prepping for a fun vacation.

Your work trip packing list will likely include more electronics and gear. So you’ll need to plan around the extra items and weight.

Also, traditional business clothes are notoriously delicate and wrinkle-prone, so they can be difficult to pack.

This article will break down how and what to pack for your business trip. We’ll cover men’s and women’s business clothing , advice on managing your electronics, and more.

Protect your laptop when you fly.

• Personal-Item-Sized
• Comfortable to carry
• Built to last

How to Pack for a Business Trip

Carry on plus personal item.

When packing for a work trip, use carry-on-sized luggage plus a personal item that can carry your laptop.

How to Pack Your Laptop for Travel

Pack your laptop in your personal item when you travel, ideally in a backpack, briefcase, or messenger bag with a dedicated laptop sleeve for protection. If you’re using a tote or other bag that doesn’t have a padded area for your laptop, invest in a laptop sleeve to protect it.

If you’re one-bagging, make sure you choose luggage that has a dedicated laptop compartment. Remove your laptop before stowing your bag in the overhead compartment so that you can work during your flight.

Whatever you do, never, ever put your laptop in a checked bag and risk it being broken, lost, or stolen while in transit.

Roll Your Clothes and Pack Them in Packing Cubes

Once upon a time, I didn’t use  packing cubes . And my bag was a disaster. It took long minutes to find the shirt I was looking for or clean socks. Not anymore, thanks to packing cubes.

To look your best, you should fold your clothes along the seams then roll them . Yes, this even applies to most dress clothes. When you arrive, hang your clothes in the closet or even in the bathroom when you shower to release more wrinkles. Your hotel should have an iron for any necessary touchups beyond that.

For maximum organization, use packing cubes and assign each one a purpose. For example, a smaller packing cube holds underwear. A larger cube keeps your shirts organized and wrinkle-free. Then, roll them before zipping them away to make each item easy to find while preventing creases and wrinkles.

How to Pack Your Suit: Fold, Don’t Roll

A traditional, wool suit must be packed properly to keep its shape while in transit. To pack a suit in a carry on , fold it, don’t roll it.

Alternatively, you can try a wrinkle-free suit from Bluffworks or Ministry of Supply ( men’s , women’s ). Wrinkle-free, synthetic fabrics have improved dramatically from the early days of stiff, plastic-y dress shirts.

Stuff smaller, soft accessories like your socks, tie, and pocket square in your shoes to preserve their shape.

Business Trip Packing List

A good business trip packing list is built around a solid core, personalized to your needs and style. “Work clothes” can vary depending on your industry and the nature of your trip. You could be dressed anywhere from a three-piece suit to a shirt and slacks to a hoodie and jeans. Pack and dress as makes sense for your business trip.

Let’s start with the basics.

• Copy of itinerary
• Boarding pass
• Transportation and accommodations

If your business trip takes you across borders, don’t leave home without your passport. If you’re traveling abroad for your business trip, know that some countries won’t let you in without a guarantee of when you’ll leave. Pack a copy of your complete itinerary, including evidence of when you’ll leave the country, to show border security.

After your passport, your boarding pass is your most important document. Mobile boarding passes are convenient, but make sure that you’ll have internet access via your phone if you plan to use one. Or, take a screenshot of the boarding pass and use it offline through your photo app.

For your own convenience, print out the details of your transportation from the airport to your accommodations (if you’ve booked anything), the address of where you’re staying (for customs forms and taxi drivers).

I use  TripIt  to aggregate all of my trip details in one place. Using the app is more convenient than carrying a stack of printouts with me. However, paper copies are better for border crossings and for when you don’t have WiFi access or a local SIM card.

Electronics

• Phone and charger
• Headphones or earbuds
• Laptop and charger
• Adapter (if traveling abroad)

Carry earbuds if you want to travel light or noise-canceling headphones if you want a quieter trip. For the latter, we like Bose’s QuietComfort line.

The  Macbook Pro  and  Macbook Air  are the most popular choices for Apple users. We recommend the lightest computer you can get that doesn’t sacrifice the performance you’ll need. Dave at Too Many Adapters wrote a helpful guide to  choosing a laptop for work and travel .

• Eye mask and ear plugs
• Water bottle
• Kindle or book
• Pen and notebook

If you’re taking long flights or overnight trains, earplugs and an eye mask make for all-natural, compact sleep aids.

Get a reusable, refillable water bottle for your travels so that you can stay hydrated without generating the extra trash of plastic bottles.

I’m still old-school and read physical books instead of using a Kindle. Either way, don’t forget a good book to pass long hours waiting or traveling.

Clothes: Business Travel Wardrobe

When packing clothes for a business trip, look for items that pull double-duty and that can be dressed up or down.

Meaning: that black dress looks equally stunning with a scarf for a casual business meeting or a statement necklace for a client dinner. Whatever your personal style is, pack items that make you feel comfortable and confident.

Although the exact items will differ depending on your style and gender, the clothes section of a 3-day business packing list looks like this:

• 3 tops; 2 dress tops and 1 casual top
• 1-2 bottoms
• 3 pairs of underwear
• 3 pairs of socks
• 1 set of pajamas
• 2 pairs of shoes : 1 dress shoe and 1 athletic/casual shoes
• Workout clothes (optional)

Women’s Business Travel Wardrobe

Use the above business trip packing list template and add the following for a 3-day business trip.

2 Blouses and 1 T-Shirt

• 1 lightweight t-shirt to dress up or down

Pack two business-appropriate blouses or collared shirts and wear the more casual t-shirt on the plane. I love J.Crew’s vintage cotton t-shirts as they look chic (and feel comfortable) with jeans or slacks. 

Everlane has a range of modern, basic shirts that work for both business and casual attire. Their Japanese GoWeave line is especially good for travel since the fabric is durable, wrinkle-resistant, and comfortable.

• 1 dark-colored blazer or suit jacket

It’s no secret that I’m a huge J.Crew fan. Their women’s blazers fit well, look chic, and last a long time. Consider a wool blazer that keeps you cool in hot boardrooms and warm on chilly airplanes.

If you’re willing to make the investment, consider a wrinkle-resistant blazer, like the Kinetic Blazer by Ministry of Supply , that you can pack without worrying about it turning into a rumpled mess. En route, wear your blazer so it doesn’t get wrinkled in your carry on bag.

2 Bottoms and 1 Dress

• 1 pair of slacks or skirt
• 1 pair of dark-wash  jeans , worn on the plane
• 1  dress (optional)

Opt for  Betabrand’s Yoga Dress Pants  for sleek black pants made from stretchy material like your favorite yoga pants. Alternatively, look at ADAY’s line of pants for a wrinkle, odor, and pill-resistant pair of business travel pants that are technical, travel-ready, and fashionable.

I live in jeans, and even on the dressiest business trip, I’d yearn for a pair. If you’re like me, wear your jeans on the plane. My favorites are Lucky Brand jeans with some stretch woven in.

Love your dresses? Pack a versatile dress like one from  Draper James  or any of the odor-and-wrinkle-resistant merino wool dresses by Wool& .

3 Pairs of Underwear and Socks

• 3 pairs of  socks
• 3 pairs of  underwear
• 2  bras

If you want to hand wash your underwear, you can get away with packing less. However, for a short 3-day business trip like this one, pack one pair per day. Because you’ll save more on time vs packing space.

2 Pairs of Shoes

• 1 pair of business-appropriate shoes
• 1 pair of athletic shoes, worn on the plane

Pack one pair of professional shoes that are small, light, and comfortable, like this  pair of classic black heels from Clarks , or a simple and easy-to pack pair of flats or loafers by Rothy’s .

You can wear your heels through the airport, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Instead, I wear a pair of black athletic shoes that I can use for a run or workout at my destination.

1 Set of Pajamas

• 1 lightweight shirt
• 1 lightweight, athletic pair of shorts

My favorite packing light secret? Make your pajamas and workout clothes the same outfit. Snag a quick, sweaty workout in the AM and hand wash your clothes in the sink. By the time you’re ready for bedtime, your clothes will be dry and ready for you.

Men’s Business Travel Wardrobe

Use the business trip packing list template and add the following for a 3-day business trip.

2 Dress Shirts and 1 Casual T-Shirt

• 2 wrinkle-resistant dress shirts
• 1 casual shirt that’s suitable for after-dinner drinks and on the airplane

Ironing dress shirts is a pain. Instead, opt for a wrinkle-resistant dress shirt (or two), like one from Bluffworks . They are made from 98% polyester (that’s a good thing), have lots of stretch, are breathable, and dry quickly. The best part is that they’re machine washable. Perfect for happy hour or the boardroom in any city you visit.

For your casual shirt, opt for a versatile merino wool t-shirt that will stand up to the rigors of travel.

2 Pairs of Pants

• 2 pairs of pants and/or  jeans

For a pair of pants that can easily work for business and leisure alike, pack a pair of basic, but high-performance pants, like the good-looking  Outlier Slim Dungarees . If you prefer jeans, try  Bonobos’ Extra Stretch Travel Jeans  which are made from lightweight, 10.5 ounce denim and have a 1% stretch.

Stick to 1-2 pairs of pants and wear your more casual pair on your flight.

Avoid doing laundry on a quick, three-day business trip and, instead, pack three pairs of underwear and three pairs of socks.

1 Blazer or Jacket

Read the full Buyer’s Guide to Travel Blazers for all of our favorites. Or, jump right to our top pick, the wrinkle-free  Bluffworks Gramercy Travel Blazer .

• 1 pair of dress shoes
• 1 pair of athletic shoes for workouts (optional)

Think small, light, and comfortable for your shoes. Like the  Lenox Hill Cap Toe Oxfords from Cole Haan  or  Vivobarefoot Ra II.

Packing two pairs? Wear the heavier or bulkier pair through the airport and pack the lighter pair.

• 1 lightweight, athletic pair of shorts

5-Day Business Trip Packing List

For a longer, five-day business trip, be prepared to hand wash your clothes mid-trip. Or, have the hotel do it for you. Check with the front desk to see if they offer a laundry service for guests. Make sure to ask how long it will take and the price.

Not keen on doing laundry? Prepare to pack a little more in your luggage. You can still pack carry-on-only for a five-day trip. Some of our customers travel for weeks, months, or years out of just a carry on .

When your clothes get a little wrinkled or smelly, hang them up in the bathroom while you take a hot, steamy shower. The hot, moist air eases wrinkles and smells from your clothes.

What to add to the base list above for a five-day business trip:

• 2 pairs of socks
• 2 pairs of underwear
• 1 blouse or dress shirt
• 1 casual shirt to dress up or down

Overnight Business Trip Packing List

Ready for a quick, easy packing list for a one-night business trip? Reduce the number of items in your one-day work trip packing list by two.

Pack an outfit, wear an outfit, and add the non-clothing essentials.

What to pack for an overnight business trip:

• 1 dress shirt
• 1 casual shirt
• 1 pair of dress pants or skirt
• 1 pair of casual pants
• 1-2 pairs of shoes (one dress pair and one athletic)
• 1 pair of underwear
• 1 pair of socks
• 1 blazer or jacket
• Book or kindle
• Notebook and pen
• Ear plugs and eye mask
• Travel adaptor and passport (if international)

Steal a page from George Clooney’s well-refined playbook from  Up in The Air  and streamline your airport experience by packing only in a carry on bag . You’ll save time at the airport and feel more confident.

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Laura’s first trip was when she was 3 months old, instilling an insatiable wanderlust. She hasn’t stopped traveling, or writing about it. As an expert in carry on travel, she’s flown on over 100 flights with only a carry on bag. Even on trips with her husband and kids.

She believes travel is the great educator — and vital to our humanity.

Read more from Laura

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The complete business travel checklist

• Passport/ID
• Boarding pass
• Laptop and chargers
• Phone charger
• Notebook and pen
• Cash and credit cards
• Reusable water bottle
• 1 set of workout clothes
• 1 suit with two matching shirts
• 1 pair of pants/jeans
• 2 nice tops
• Light fleece
• 1 pair of dressy shoes
• 1 pair of travel shoes
• Swim suit (depending on destination)
• Glasses/contacts
• Coat/rain jacket
• Razor & shaving cream
• Mini shampoo and conditioner
• Dry shampoo
• Prescriptions
• Pain reliever
• Tsa-approved first aid kit
• Moisturizer
• Portable charger
• Downloaded movies, music and podcasts
• Healthy snacks

How to create a business travel checklist

• Travel documents (forget your passport – or Real ID after October 2020 – and your trip will end before it begins)
• Business supplies/work documents
• Laptop and other tech gear and accessories
• Personal items (ID, cash, credit card)
• Personal tasks associated with getting ready to travel (itinerary planning, bookings, notifications to be made, etc.)
• It streamlines both trip planning and packing
• It keeps you focus on necessities (and ensures you forget nothing essential)
• It helps you say no to non-essential “might-needs”
• It allows you to continuously refine your business travel packing skills

What should you consider before creating a business travel checklist?

How do you know your business travel checklist is complete, best business travel checklists, what makes a good business travel checklist.

• There are the things that will vary according to the details of each trip (your wardrobe, business documents, etc.)
• And there are things that will always go, no matter what – things like toiletries. You can set yourself up for maximum business travel packing efficiency by pre-assembling these necessities so they are grab-and-go ready.

Before you use your business travel packing list

Invest in quality luggage, use suitcase accessories to your advantage, read up on how to boost your immune system before flying, consider a tech-forward travel bag, read up on hotel safety tips, buy a tsa-approved first aid kit, steps to preparing for business travel.

• Prepare to do business, whatever that entails for this trip  -- daily schedules, documents, presentation materials, etc.
• Prepare your itinerary and other travel documents  -- unless your trip will be a quick turnaround, be sure to build in some time to yourself to hit the gym, the pool, the local shops or the pillow for a nap. You’ll be happier and more productive if you’re better rested
• Prepare personally to travel  – booking your flight, hotel, etc. and making arrangements for whatever work must continue in your absence
• Prepare your trip-specific packing list  and get ready to fill your carry-on luggage

How do you know what you'll need for a business trip?

What travel documents will you need, what will you need to conduct business, what personal items will you need, how will you pay, will your phone work at your destination, will you need travel insurance, things to do before traveling on business, secure all necessary travel documents., secure travel insurance., decide which credit card to take., fully charge all electronic devices., prepare your trip-specific packing list., pack like a pro by sticking with carry-on luggage., purchase a travel wallet., research your destination ahead of time, use social media to connect with peers, plan your in-transit entertainment., set your home to “away” mode., what happens if you don't get everything done before you go on a business trip, how far ahead should you plan before going on a business trip.

Make business travel simpler. Forever.

• See our platform in action . Trusted by thousands of companies worldwide, TravelPerk makes business travel simpler to manage with more flexibility, full control of spending with easy reporting, and options to offset your carbon footprint.
• Find hundreds of resources on all things business travel, from tips on traveling more sustainably, to advice on setting up a business travel policy, and managing your expenses. Our latest e-books and blog posts have you covered.
• Never miss another update. Stay in touch with us on social for the latest product releases, upcoming events, and articles fresh off the press.

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Business Travel Essentials For Men: What’s Worth Packing

Published on October 3, 2023 by TMM Staff · Travel

An extensive guide to travel essentials for men, from toiletries to tech gadgets, that will make your trip free of excess, less stress, and thus more enjoyable!

Table of Contents

What’s your packing plan? Are you heading out for a quick business trip? Embarking on a leisurely world tour? Or are you in for a laid-back weekend at the beach? 

Regardless of your travel destination, selecting the right travel essentials can be a daunting process. Sometimes you have to make tough decisions about what to take and what to leave behind.

Choosing the ideal set of travel accessories can be a complex equation influenced by factors such as your destination, mode of travel, and your planned activities. 

Also, how much you bring depends on your willingness to lug around your stuff on your trip. 

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the entire process, then you have come to the right place. 

I’ve assembled a curated list of travel essentials that every man needs to prepare for the adventures that lie ahead.

For men traveling near or far, one absolute necessity that he should have is a Dopp kit . Alternatively referred to as a toiletry bag or grooming kit, it is a compact travel pouch for all your essential personal hygiene and grooming items. 

Dopp kits are great for men on the move, for business expeditions, leisure trips, or even for basic organization of grooming necessities at home. 

With a Dopp kit at our disposal, you can place all your core items in one convenient location. You can typically find the following essential items in a Dopp kit.

Razor and Cartridges

Razors are a must for men on the road to maintain a fresh, clean-shaven look as part of the grooming process. Or, if you keep a beard, a razor can help you keep your beard lined up and looking fresh.

Shaving Cream

To save space and weight when traveling consider getting small-sized tubes of shaving cream.  I’d suggest investing in shaving gel with moisturizer to maximize the effect to replace the oils you lose due to weather changes.

Shampoo/Body Wash 2-in-1

When traveling, sometimes you have to make compromises, and this is one compromise that most men can get behind. 

A 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash combination saves you precious space in your Dopp kit and reduces the amount of liquids you may have to bring through security scans.

After a nice, clean shave, the best complement is aftershave for that fresh feeling. Invest in a small bottle that is ideal for the climate.

Deodorant/Antiperspirant

Another absolute for any journey is deodorant to keep body odors at bay. Most brands have travel versions, so find your favorite and include it in your Dopp kit.

While some men prefer antiperspirants, know that the zinc and aluminum can cause yellow pit stains on light-colored shirts. 

Travel Shaving Brush

Keep you beard tamed with a travel-sized beard brush . You can choose one with its own container to keep it from getting damaged in your Dopp kit. 

Travel Toothbrush and Toothpaste

A spare toothbrush and toothpaste for your Dopp kit is a must. Consider investing in a retractable one with its own case.

Hair Products

Whichever products you typically use on your hair, consolidate them into small vials and bottles and place them in your Dopp kit for on the road use.

Laptop Case

If you choose to bring your laptop on your journey, you want to ensure that it is protected from point A to point B. Most often, that means having a proper laptop case is essential. 

As one of the most expensive items you will bring on any trip, you want to be 100% assured it is safe from harm no matter where you go.

In the digital age, most people use headphones of one kind or another. With so many options out there, it’s ultimately up to you to decide which ones are essential for your travel plans. 

There are the regular wire headphones that can get the job done and those that come with noise cancellation. 

For many men, however, wireless headphones are the best bet to listen to everything from music to podcasts and audiobooks. AirPods are a favorite due to their premier sound and extended battery life.

Whether at home or on the road, no one wants to run out of precious energy for their devices; this is where a great power bank comes into play.

Invest in one that can efficiently charge up your devices to be always accessible. 

Oh yeah, and don’t forget the proper cord(s)!

Bluetooth Speaker

Another must-have (at least for me) while traveling is a trusty portable speaker for your hotel room or when enjoying the beach.

Take a portable Bluetooth speaker as part of your travel package and never miss a beat.

International Travel Adapter

For the true jetsetting men out there, owning an international travel adapter is a device that is crucial to keeping all of your devices up and ready for anything. 

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From your smartphone and laptop to your portable speaker and more, an international adapter will pay off in dividends no matter the country.

Another absolute while on the road is a cord organizer to make any remote work you do on your laptop as seamless as possible. 

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Having all your electronic equipment in a sprawling mess while traveling is quite easy, so bringing a tech kit along for the journey can make all the difference in the world. 

With one in your arsenal, you can easily organize all your tech gadgets in one convenient place and never have to worry about locating them while on the go!

Passport Cover

You definitely can’t leave home without it if you’re leaving your country, and a passport cover is the best way to ensure that one of your most precious documents is protected. 

Use one to store your identification and your visas, vaccination cards, and any other essential documents you may need on your journey.

Compression Socks

Now this one is going to be a bit controversial. I find that the support you get while traveling from a trusty pair of compression socks is immeasurable.

They are great for reducing swelling while on a long-haul flight and you can also use them while cycling, running, or any type of endurance sport.

Neck Pillow

Comfort is a much sought-after commodity while traveling, and a great neck pillow will ensure that your next vacation is as comfortable as possible. 

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Many versions are available on the market, all intent on maintaining proper posture and reducing cramps and swelling while seated in planes, trains, and automobiles.

Water Bottle

When traveling, whether on the road or in the air, staying hydrated becomes a top priority, necessitating a proper water bottle. Depending on how you travel, you will need one that is of a certain size and diameter in order to meet restrictions. 

Invest in a compact bottle that is lightweight enough to fit into a carry-on bag and in designated spots in public areas. A sturdy water bottle may wind up being your favorite new accessory for your travel adventures.

Noise-Blocking Earplugs

The hustle and bustle of traveling means you will be exposed to more noise than normal, so you should be prepared.

From the loud city traffic and roars of jet engines to the honking of cars and screeching of trains, noise-blocking earplugs help keep those volumes to a minimum.

This grants a respite from the elements as well as enhances your sleeping when you’re exhausted after a long day.

Tips for Buying Travel Accessories

Expert travelers understand the importance of being as prepared as possible when planning a journey. Organizational skills will allow you to thrive and enjoy your trip, making buying the right travel essentials a key component. 

Whether you are gone for a weekend or a fortnight, packing wisely and lightly will reduce your stress levels and increase the enjoyment of your trip. 

The following are some tips for maximizing your time:

Consider the Length of the Trip

The distance you travel will dictate what you need to bring along with you on your journey. Artful packing entails knowing what to bring as well as what you can leave at home. 

For a weekend trip, two jackets and an umbrella are not necessary. If you are not going to be using your laptop, then a tech organizer also may not be needed. 

Before you start packing, mentally note the absolutes versus the rest, and you will be one step ahead of the game!

Acknowledge Items With Purpose

If the items you bring on a trip don’t bring enough value to your overall experience, the best bet is to leave them home to make your trip more enjoyable and efficient. 

Depending on what your plans are for your stay is crucial to knowing what to bring along. 

Travel essentials may differ based on your activities, so if you are away on a camping experience versus a stay in a new city, you can adjust the necessities based on your agenda.

Multi-Purpose Essentials Can Fill the Gap

The more versatile items you have with you that provide multiple purposes, the better, as they will save you time and money while you are on the road. 

That means packing pants and shoes that work in the woods or on concrete jungles. The same goes for backpacks that can function in the wild or excursions to the grocery store.

Pack Lightly

Of course, no one wants to leave anything they feel they may need at home, but on the other side of the spectrum, you don’t want to pack too much either. 

The mission is to pack as lightly as possible, avoiding the urge to overstuff your bags. Bearing this in mind, you should select items that fit snugly in your suitcase and are compact enough for an entire trip. 

Comfort as a Priority

More often than not, when you are traveling, you don’t use the heavy things that you thought were “essential.” Take this into consideration to maximize your experience. 

Check all your essential travel items before taking off, and be prepared to update any pieces that don’t pass inspection. That extends from your Dopp kit and headphones to your razors and tech kit. 

Each plays a vital role in your overall comfort, and you want everything to be in alignment at the end of the day.

The Non-Essentials, aka ‘Things To Leave at Home

We have provided an extensive list of items deemed necessary for travel.

The following are the non-essentials you can leave at home so you can be as light as a feather while traveling.

Expensive Digital Camera

Who doesn’t want to capture those special moments with a great camera? Of course, you may want to have proof of your amazing experiences, but the truth is that unless you are a professional photographer, bringing along your expensive camera isn’t worth the risk. 

After all, the average smartphone can take high quality photos too. Besides, most expensive cameras are larger than most, taking up precious space in your travel bag. 

Leave it at home and save yourself the undue stress.

Excessive Toiletries

As a general rule of thumb, if it can’t fit in your Dopp kit then it’s probably best to leave it at home. That means leaving the nose trimmers at home since you only need them occasionally. 

Also, you can purchase face wash and body lotion once you reach your destination, so you don’t have to compromise your luggage space.

Expensive Watch

More than likely, you have more than one watch in your collection, so leave the expensive ones at home and swap it out for an understated one that gets the job done.  

Besides, your smartphone can tell you the time just as accurately.

Final Considerations

This is an extensive list of essential items, but it also serves as a base as varying trips dictate different needs. 

Embrace minimalism, and use these suggestions as a starting point and streamline it to your own travel objectives. The most important thing is to make a final list of travel essentials that get the job done most efficiently.

What one of your travel essentials did I miss? Let me know in the comments!

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About TMM Staff

The Modest Man staff writers are experts in men's lifestyle who love teaching guys how to live their best lives. If an article is published under TMM Staff, that means multiple writers worked on it. For example, sometimes several of us have experience with a certain brand, so we collaborate to publish a more thorough review. Or, if an article was originally written by one person, but then it was updated by someone else, we'll re-publish it under TMM Staff. Remember: all of our articles (including those below) are written by real people with decades of combined experience in men's fashion and lifestyle topics.

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Remote Work Essentials: 15 Best Items for Work and Travel

It is important to set yourself up for success while traveling and working remotely. These remote work essentials will give you all of the luxuries of an office anywhere in the world.

Like most people, I started working remotely in 2020. Then In 2021 I made a jump to independent contracting and now work full-time for myself. It has been life changing in the best way! I can now work from anywhere I want without any explanation. Honestly, I probably won’t ever return to an office unless it is a really great offer and absolutely necessary.

With that said, there are some mindset adjustments that need to be made while working remotely. Some days I am most productive simply laying in bed. Other days I need to get dressed and walk to a coffee shop to focus. Every human is unique in what system works for them to increase productivity! No matter my location though, one thing that always helps me focus is to set up shop with all of these remote work essentials as if I am in an office.

15 Remote Work Travel Essentials

SHOP ALL OF THESE ITEMS IN OUR AMAZON STOREFRONT!

Portable monitor.

There is a statistic out there that says working with a second screen increases work productivity by 42% and I believe it. Whenever I have my monitor set up, I know it is time to focus and also I can work so much faster. I can research for a blog post on one screen and write on the other. I never travel without my second monitor which makes it a remote work essential!

Laptop Stand

This laptop stand is perfect to create a standing desk for yourself or just change the angle. This one collapses to fit in a backpack no problem! It also improves your set up when you add in the wireless keyboard and mouse.

Wireless keyboard and mouse

I love working with wireless keyboard and mouse. There are so many options out there that are sleek and barely take up space in your bag. My mouse also fits in the electronic organizer!

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Noise canceling headphones

I have worked in some crazy places and you never know when you will need to take a call or are just surrounded by outside noise and can’t focus. Noise canceling headphones are a total game changer for focus while working remotely!

People prefer either ear buds or the full over the ear headphones. If you have limited space, you will be better off going for the ear buds even though they may block less sound than the over the ear versions. Do what is best for you and your packing situation!

Mic and camera upgrade

If you are recording any podcasts or video calls, I would consider this a travel remote work essential. It does not pertain to everyone but definitely worth it if you need to look and sound your best anywhere in the world!

Retractable extension cord

I can’t tell you how many times I have set up shop in a coffee shop or a remote work area and there’s no outlet! This retractable extension cord gives you so much more flexibility to set up your remote office anywhere. Goodbye to crowding around the only outlet in the room!

Wi-Fi extender

Leave your Wi-Fi worries behind and purchase this Wi-Fi extender. As much as traveling the world and working remotely sounds glamorous, unfortunately Wi-Fi is not always as reliable as hotels and Airbnbs say. This Wi-Fi extender is a lifesaver! It extends the Wi-Fi so you don’t need to worry about dropping on your meetings.

Blue light glasses

I basically live in my blue light glasses! I used to get constant migraines from staring at my phone and computer screen all day. Blue light glasses will protect your eyes from the harsh light and there are so many affordable cute styles out there!

Use code JLJ10 for 10% off all eSIM purchases.

Converter with multiple outlets

This is our favorite converter for travel. It even has multiple outlets! Not only does it adjust to work in almost any country, you can plug in all of your devices at once. Seth and I are always fighting over who can charge and comparing battery percentages. This ends that debate and you can charge everything you need in one spot!

Electronic organizer

I truly can’t believe I used to just throw all of my cords and plugs into my backpack without a real system! This electronic organizer is a travel remote work essential because I have everything consolidated in one place and I know I am not forgetting any chargers. Everything has a place and when you travel for a long time, organization is key!

A backpack for your electronics

It is important to have a reliable bag with you that can hold all of these remote work essentials! This backpack holds two computers and has plenty of space inside to store cameras and any other items. It has protective padding so all of your pricey products are protected!

Portable charger for larger devices (like your laptop)

There’s nothing worse than trying to be productive on a plane or long train ride and you find yourself without a charger! Or let’s say you want to take your job to the pool, but you need an outlet. This heavy duty portable charger will charge your bigger devices so that you can keep up your productivity even in the most unique locations.

Light around camera

Again, if your job requires you to do virtual interviews or you simply just want to look your best, invest in a light to go around your computer camera. This one in particular takes up very little space and will enhance your remote work set up!

External hard drive

This is a remote work essential especially for content creators. There is never enough storage on phones and computers for everything we need from pictures, videos, website graphics and so on. This hard drive holds a ridiculous amount of storage and is super durable for travel!

Always travel with a VPN downloaded on your devices. It is sometimes impossible to access websites that you need when you are traveling in different countries! Also, some companies require you to work within the United States. A VPN is a workaround to still be able to access internal resources while out of the country.

Additional resources:

This is the only Toiletry packing list you need to follow. Efficient packing is essential for travel. Learn how to pack light for long term travel!

Remote work tips

Set boundaries

When you work where you live, it is difficult to shut down the office hours. This is true whether you are traveling around the world or in your apartment. I found myself constantly replying to emails late at night when I first started working remotely because I thought, why not? My computer is right here. In reality, those emails could have waited until the next morning. When you close the laptop to take a break to workout or go to the beach, leave the work behind. Set boundaries for yourself so your brain is not always thinking about work.

Dedicate focus time

This is a huge one for me. Especially now that I work my own hours, sometimes it is hard to stay disciplined. I like to dedicate focus time so I know it is non-negotiable for me to work during that time. I will even add those hours to my calendar so it looks like I am in a meeting and I know another meeting will not be scheduled over that time. This also helps me stay focused because I know that once I get through my list, I can take a break!

Change your scenery

Some people prefer to always have a dedicated office space but I prefer to change the scenery. With all of the remote work essentials listed above, I can set up my office anywhere. Sometimes I am re-motivated by simply trying out a new coffee shop or even a different seat in the apartment!

It is amazing that remote work is growing which makes travel so much more accessible to everyone! These remote work travel essentials will increase your productivity, which will ultimately increase your revenue.

Hi friends! Welcome to The Jet Lag Journey.

This is an online destination that tackles difficult travel questions in order to make worldwide travel practical and accessible. Happy exploring!

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How to Build a Portable Office for Travel & Remote Work

Posted on Published: September 8, 2020  - Last updated: March 7, 2023

Many new digital nomads set off on long term working travel with a carefully curated packing list and a thoughtfully selected bag , but not much thought on how to set up a productive workspace on the road.

I wrote this article after my third long term digital nomad trip to share thoughts on my own portable office essentials and some questions to help you think through how to set up a portable travel office specific to your work. With care and thought, you can create a portable office setup that is ultra-light, compact, and easy to pack- ensuring you have everything you need and aren’t stuck traveling with things you don’t.

Starting out as a digital nomad, it can be tempting to just pack a laptop and wing it, but after over a year, total, of working while traveling as a blogger, illustrator, and digital nomad , I’ve learned that there is a big difference between what I need for an afternoon working in a cozy local coffee shop near my apartment back home in Seattle vs the equipment I need to be comfortable, productive, and high-performing in a makeshift workspace set up in a remote hotel, Airbnb, or coworking space.

Start by Evaluating your Portable Office Equipment Needs

It might go without saying, but before copying my list of portable office essentials, consider your work style and industry. Full-time software developers, audio engineers, digital illustrators, virtual assistants, and copywriters all have different equipment needs.

Evaluate the tech and equipment you use regularly in your current office, and research whether ultra-compact, portable, or dual-use versions are available that can still produce the quality needed to impress your bosses and clients. One strange side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic is that we all got a little more comfortable with working remotely and the ways to maximize quality output without a professional office, so you may already have a pretty good idea of what you need- in that case, your task will be figuring out what to cull or replace with a lighter-weight version for less hassle traveling.

Test Everything Before Travel

If you are planning a big trip or long season of travel while working remotely, set up your portable office well in advance and give it a few trial runs. While you are still close to home and easily able to return or replace equipment that doesn’t work well for you, try setting up your portable office in a local cafe or in a good work spot found during a regional day trip.

Evaluate: What works and what doesn’t? What can be adjusted to work and what needs to be replaced? What’s missing? Answering these questions before you are overseas and working against a deadline with faulty equipment can be the difference between success as a digital nomad and a total breakdown of productivity.

Consider your Travel Style

As you build your portable office set up for remote work, think about whether you are someone who travels slowly- setting up an office for weeks or even months at a time in a single location- or if you will be moving and changing destinations every few days. Are you also attempting to one bag travel , or are you okay with moving multiple bags on transfer days? The answer to these questions can help you decide whether to pack extensive, full-size equipment or pare down your portable office packing list to a few basic, ultra-light essentials.

About WanderBig’s Tested and Researched Reviews:

Look, we all know buying tech online in 2020 is a gamble- products appear overnight with 80 five-star reviews and disappear just as quickly- often leaving buyers who thought they were purchasing a quality product left holding the bag.

These are products I have tested in the field or researched extensively and screened with a number of counterfeit-flagging Chrome extensions (in the case of most items, both) Save the time and hassle of trying to read between the lines of product reviews with the Digital Nomad Supplies Shopping list I have created- full of products that I personally have vetted and/or tested in the field.

The following section may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Review my list below for details, tips, and specs, or just jump to my Portable Office Shopping list at Amazon .

Essential Supplies for my Portable Office for Remote Work while Traveling

Your needs will vary according to your professional field and travel style, but here’s what I pack in my portable office for the multi-media work that I do to earn an income while traveling .

Power Adaptor and Multi-Outlet with USB Ports

A compact multi-outlet USB surge protector isn’t very exciting, but it is the foundation to keeping all tech working on the road. My dream is to find this unit combined with a power converter, but to date none of the international outlet converters with multi-plugs or USB ports have lived up to the performance of the Belkin mini surge protector plugged into a dedicated power converter.

You may also wish to bring or purchase in the country a short extension cord. There’s no point in having a portable office for digital nomading if you can’t reach an outlet, work comfortably, or get your equipment charged!

Folding keyboard

When working in a remote space it’s not always feasible to bring a laptop. Sometimes, I know I’d like to find a cafe and write for an hour or two for a break in the midst of a full day of exploring a city. Due to both weight and theft risk, bringing my entire laptop for the day doesn’t make sense. Instead, I found a folding keyboard that skips into a daypack or handbag and allows me to type full speed on my phone or tablet via a Bluetooth connection.

My Sounwill Foldable Keyboard takes up about as much space as a makeup compact, works with iOS, Android and Windows systems, and has a satisfying feel to the keys while typing. When I decided to order a folding keyboard I ordered 4 keyboards to try, and this was my favorite to type on.

I especially like the folding keyboard because it makes me makes it possible to be productive absolutely anywhere. Weighing in at just 5.5 ounces, and taking up virtually no space in my bag, it’s easy to carry in my purse or backpack so I can pull out my keyboard, connect it to my phone via Bluetooth, and type up a storm from any cafe, park bench, or table. It also comes with a tiny plastic stand to hold any phone at an angle to make typing easy

The image above shows a sample of how I use this incredibly compact writing set up on the road. In this photo, I’m at a coffee shop in Punta Natales, Chile in Southern Patagonia, looking out the window at the Magellan Straight while hammering out an article on time management for another job.

Compact Keyboard

Depending on whether I’m staying in a location for a few weeks at a time or taking a one bag trip where I’ll be switching lodging often, I either take a folding keyboard or a slightly larger, compact keyboard. My compact stainless steel keyboard is significantly smaller and lighter than a standard size keyboard, without compromising on key placement or key resistance. The spacing, click of the keys, and resistance means I can type at my full speed without modifications, and I find it to be a significant productivity upgrade from my Surface Pro Keyboard Cover or most laptop keyboards.

My iPad Pro ( shop the latest mode here on Amazon ) is a must for me when I travel – forming the backbone of on-the-road entertainment (like movies and ebooks) and the foundation of my work as an artist. (P.S. Downloading the $10 Procreate app and purchasing an Apple Pen is also a fun and unique way to create a digital format travel journal ) without having to pack a full travel Journal Supply kit .

Not necessarily a portable office must, I LOVE the composition book-themed iPad case pictured below for throwing off would-be thieves, and it made my list of my top 10 tips to protect your valuables from theft while traveling.

12 pack of canvas bags

While manufactured as party favors, I love these small canvas drawstring bags for travel. Measuring just 7 x 4 inches each, they are perfect for organizing small tech items in your bag. While cables and devices can easily get tangled, mixed up, and damaged in your luggage, organizing with these brightly colored bags helps keep everything separated, easily identified, and slightly cushioned. It’s so much easier to find what I’m looking for when I’ve color-coded and know that I’m looking for the “yellow bag ” rather than just another black cable or compact portable office device swimming in a dark backpack.

Apple Pencil 2nd Gen

Even if you aren’t an artist and don’t do digital illustration or graphic management while you are a digital nomad, if you travel with an iPad you should go ahead and get the Apple pen for the flexibility and usefulness that it offers.

One of my favorite travel stories is sketching in the tiny dining room of a guest house set on a floating island in the middle of Lake Titicaca in Peru . My host in that location was a husband and wife, and when the wife noticed me drawing on a screen she was intrigued and drew near. Even she did not speak English and I knew only a few words of the language spoken by their Uros community, my digital drawing tablet became a connection where we could communicate.

She soon filled the screen with traditional folk drawings of the indigenous people group that I was visiting and taught me how to create these amazing patterns. Without the iPad and pen, I would have missed this really memorable and precious cultural exchange.

Slash-Proof Lockable Tote Bag

All the lightweight and portable office tech in the world is useless if it’s stolen mid-trip. The only thing worse than having valuables stolen while you are traveling is losing the equipment you use to produce an income are traveling. In addition to observing general travel safety , consider security just for your tech.

While you can go for dedicated theft-proof luggage, I believe one of the safest ways to travel is to obscure valuables- and carrying a banged up, used bag is one way I deliberately don’t stand out while traveling. Inside the beat-up bag, you can place a lockable, slash proof drawstring tote . I’m a fan of this bag for my tech and valuables. For day-to-day travel it can be locked and placed inside of the bag I wear on my body, and when I’m not able to wear it I can lock the entire bag (via straps that require bolt cutters to remove!) to a fixed object in my hotel, Airbnb, or even a hostel.

Dictation Software – Dragon Naturally Speaking

If your work requires writing, it likely requires an irritating amount of typing. I break up my workday, give my hands a break, and speed up my writing by using Nuance’s Dragon Speech Recognition software . Most people type around 50 words a minute, but we speak over 250 words a minute! Dictation software can help harness that speed and catch your writing speed up to your speaking speed, to increase productivity- and comfort! As I write this article I, am on the balcony of an Airbnb with a simple lapel microphone clipped to my sweater dictating via my Pixel into WordPress, for editing and publishing later.

An Interval App

A few years ago I read about how maximum productivity is achieved when we do tasks for 23 minutes at a time. I’m still skeptical of that exact timing, but I do know that when I tried it, I found myself starting and completing tasks more quickly. Instead of thinking “I’m going to spend the afternoon on this,” I think instead “I’m only going to spend 23 minutes on this, and I better get started right away.”  More often than not, I find myself engrossed in my task and continuing well past the 23-minute mark.

Hardshell Case

A Hardshell Tech Case is essential for protecting delicate tablets and laptops. To save room and weight in your bag you may be tempted to forgo an extra shell for your laptop or tablet. As someone who has done significant damage to a tablet screen, mid-work trip, by trying to skip a case and pack light, let me shout from the rooftop: DON’T SKIP PROTECTIVE CASES.

Now, I always travel with a hardshell case- even for devices that already have a flip cover. Placing them inside of a rigid case prevents damage from pressure points as I stuff my bag with other travel essentials, snacks, and treasured souvenirs on transfer days.

Collapsible computer mouse

I’m never quite as productive when I’m using a touchpad as I am when I have a mouse in my hand. This is particularly true when I am working with image editing. I found my solution in the Surface Pro’s collapsible Bluetooth mouse.

  The Microsoft Arc Mouse is the industry-leading collapsible mouse and it’s a trustworthy piece of equipment to travel with. The Microsoft Arc Mouse connects via Bluetooth and can be used with both Apple, Windows, and other operating systems.

Noise Canceling Earphones

The ability to cancel out ambient noise can increase productivity and help you rest better overnight while traveling , relax on transfer days, and focus on your work when you don’t have a quiet environment. For years, I’ve been a fan of Audio-Technica noise canceling in-ear headphones, but their wireless version hasn’t lived up to my hopes. After reviewing a massive number of noise-canceling wireless earbuds, my new travel earbuds are these Sony Bluetooth earbuds with a mic and noise-canceling tech built-in.

Wired headphones

While bringing headphones on any trip is an automatic entry on any good packing list, travelers who hope to work in a portable office during their trip should consider a set of wired backup headphones as an absolute must (Get a basic set or my favorite wired earphones Audio-Technica’s QuietPoint earbuds ).

Not only will the second set of headphones take up virtually no room in your bag and be a lifesaver if you misplace your noise-canceling headphones, the primary reason for bringing your own wired headphones is for in-flight entertainment on airplanes. Airplanes still require an audio jack to enjoy in-flight entertainment, so to avoid uncomfortable airline-provided headphones, plan ahead and bring your own wired headphones with an audio jack both for your portable digital nomad office and for your transportation-entertainment comfort.

The Portable Office Low Tech Workhorse: a Turkish Towel

One thing in short supply even in luxurious accommodations: comfortable task chairs. Perhaps one of the most low-tech things that I now consider essential for working from a mobile office is a soft cotton towel. Not the terry cloth kind, but a woven cloth turkish towel .

It also makes my list of absolute packing list essentials for the purpose of using as a beach towel, blanket, and neck pillow, but in this case, my Turkish towel has made a lot of uncomfortable work seats tolerable. Folded in on itself three or four times, it provides a little extra cushion for use on hardwood or plastic chairs- making it easier to sit comfortably and work productively in a chair that perhaps wouldn’t be your first choice for productivity.

Surface Pro 7 Tablet / Laptop

Depending on the focus of my work during any given trip, I may or may not pack my Surface Pro 7 in my portable office for working while abroad. If I know that I’ll need to edit databases, work with spreadsheets, or write extensively while I’m away, I know I need more power than the iPad can offer, and the Surface Pro 7 is my pick. weighing in at just 1.7 pounds and offering all the essentials of a bigger laptop, it’s a great addition to a portable office that offers all of the functions of a full desktop computer in a fraction of the space and weight taken up in your luggage.

Moment Camera-Phone Lenses

If your work involves photography- and even if it doesn’t- moment lenses are an investment worth making for travel. Even though I travel with a Google pixel that takes amazing photographs, upgrading to a moment wide-angle lens and a moment telephoto lens dramatically improved my ability to take photographs worthy of professional media. For example, the flat lay photo of my portable office supplies featured in this post was taken with a wide-angle lens.

A traditional built-in lens would require me to climb a ladder to get everything in my shot,  but the moment wide-angle lens captures a much wider frame in one photo- perfect for product photos like these and for squeezing lots of drama into a landscape photo.

Google Pixel

A Google Pixel with Google Fi’s no-extra-charge International Service will always be my favorite portable office supply, personal safety device, and camera for when I’m working and traveling abroad. It’s a core part of my portable office- often working as a monitor when I’m using a folding keyboard to write copy in a cafe or creating interactive media online.

Anker Portable Charger:

A portable charger is a must-have for any digital nomad’s travel office. I recommend travelers to carry as large and as powerful of a portable battery charger as your travel style allows. For ultralight travelers, this may mean just a very small lipstick-sized charger , for slow travelers that are okay with carrying more luggage, a more powerful battery backup may be more appropriate. In any case, it’s good to have a very small and lightweight charger for personal– and not just professional– purposes. Carrying a tiny battery backup in your day bag or handbag can be the difference between having it just enough charge to navigate with GPS on the way home or having a dead phone with no clear way to get back to your lodging (which is a set up for a high-risk situation).

Name Brand (+verified not counterfeit) Charging Cable for your tech:

You wouldn’t dream of leaving on your digital nomad work trip without cables and phone chargers, what you might neglect to think about, however, is the charging capacity of those cables and their durability as they are folded, stretched, bent, and refolded as you pack and repack.

Start out with really good cables

Good cables can be hard to find, although tech brands like Anker and Belkin do make really good cables , that carry enough amps to charge phones and other tech rapidly. However, it can be hard to trust the quality of cables purchased from sales platforms with many sellers.

If you don’t have the tech-savvy to test the amps on the cables you receive, you may wish to skip marketplace websites and order directly from the manufacturer’s website or from a private vendor.

A hack to making your USB cables last while traveling

Broken, frayed, or malfunctioning USB and charging cables can typically be replaced while traveling, but there’s no promise of that being an easy or cheap process. To give a little extra support to my charging cables before setting out, I like to use heat shrink tubing to protect delicate connections. Just slipping a heat shrink tube over the joint where the cable meets the plug and carefully shrinking it with a little bit of heat from a candle or heat gun protects the delicate connection and makes the joint more resistant to the sharp bends that tend to damage the delicate wiring inside of charging cables

Lynli Roman’s unique approach to travel is informed by decades of experience on the road with a traveling family and, later, years spent as a solo international traveler. When she’s not writing about Seattle from her Pike Place Market apartment, Lynli writes on-location while conducting hands-on research in each destination she covers. Lynli’s writing has been featured by MSN, ABC Money, Buzzfeed, and Huffington Post. She is passionate about sharing information that makes travel more accessible for all bodies.

Monday 10th of June 2024

Just a point people should be aware of - not all airlines allow you to pack a power bank. I carry region- and brand-specific plugs, which are small and don't take up much room.

The Awkward Traveller

10 Travel Essentials for Remote Workers on the Road: Easy Printable Packing List

I am a participant in affiliate programs, so basically I earn a small commission if you use any of the affiliate links on this post - at no extra cost to you! Dope right?

Having the ability to do your job from anywhere is GREAT – especially when it comes to travel. Your travel dates get more flexible, and you can opt to fly on the cheapest days or most efficient routes without having to worry about cutting into your PTO. You can sip margaritas on the beach while you half-listen during the zoom meeting. It all sounds good in theory…until you actually find yourself in the wet sand with no ergonomic table, no wifi, and no clue how to submit your timecard so you can get paid and cover the rest of your hotel bill….don’t worry. With these travel essentials for remote workers packing list – you’ll never find yourself unprepared again!

Well…

Don’t hold me to that. BUT it’ll get you on the right track for sure! During my blog post about traveling while working remotely, I asked the four expert panelists about their top recommendations for travel essentials for remote workers on the road. They had a lot of incredible suggestions, which I’m going to share with you below! Along with a few other useful items that I find helpful!

Let’s get into it, yuh?

Electronics

The breaddd and butter of travel essentials for remote workers. Literally, your entire job is made possible by electronics, so you just know this is going to be important! In general, lighter and faster is always better on the road, especially when you may be dealing with less than stellar internet connections and carrying things on your back through hectic airports. But that doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy all of the latest models of everything. Just…make sure you don’t forget any of these, or you may have to meet with your boss once you get back from your trip….

• Laptop : Obviously, you’re going to need to bring a laptop. Unlike traveling for fun when you don’t need to work, I would not recommend using a tablet. You’ll need the processing power and typing effeciency of a laptop. If you solely work from a desktop at home, I would HIGHLY recommend investing in a lightweight laptop that is easy to take on the road with you. Again, it doesn’t have to be the highest of high end models, but I would recommend one that has a relatively recent microprocessor (personally, I’d recommend Intel’s i7 chip or above).
• Chargers : Laptop chargers, phone chargers, smart watch chargers, the whole shabang. Even though you may be in a new destination, you ARE still working, so you’ll want to stay connected. Make sure you also grab an outlet adapter as well!
• Storage : Opt for either bringing an external hard drive or using cloud storage to back up your files. ANYTHING can happen while you’re traveling, including being caught in a downpour, an airline losing your luggage, your bags getting stolen, tech issues….it’s not fun. Never hurts to have a “just in case.”
• Noise-cancelling headphones : Emphasis on the NOISE CANCELLING. One of the fun parts of working while traveling is using co-working spaces! The not fun part of that is the distractions. Keep your head in the game with a good set of headphones, preferably wireless.
• Mouse : Yes. You’ll need a mouse. It doesn’t have to be specifically ergnomically designed, but you will want to make sure it is ergo-friendly for you! Your wrists will thank you later

In terms of gear, the following are all travel essentials for remote workers, but you definitely don’t have to worry about upgrading or buying anything high end. As long as it gets the job done, you can get creative with everything else. A lot of these items you will already have, so just make sure you remember to pack them with you on your next trip when you will be working.

• Backpack : Dora the Explorer had it right. It will be the backpack loaded up with things and knickknacks that you’ll need for your trip. You’ll just want to ensure that it has a padded laptop sleeve and preferably some separate pockets and spaces for better organization of your cords, headphones, hard drives…yeah basically everything in the electronics section. Alexandra recommends the Eastpak Tranzpack Backpack.
• Collapsable Laptop Riser : While most hotels and hostels will have desks you can work at, they don’t always perfectly adjust to accommodate your specific ergonomic needs. Especially if you have a job that is typing heavy, you’ll want to add a riser to your list of travel essentials for remote workers.
• Pocket WiFi : Y’all, this is especially crucial if you want to work out and about, or not have to worry about potentially slow internet connection at your lodging. Basically, I use my pocket WiFi like a router, and I pick up a local SIM card with unlimited data for cheap-cheap. That way, I have zero worries about my connectivity. I recommend using KeepGo !
• VPN : Depending on what you do for work, this could be a NECESSITYYY, but it’s also just good practice to use a VPN when sharing files and data for privacy and security.

Accessories

Where’s the fun in travel essentials for remote workers if there isn’t any razzle dazzle??? These accessories aren’t absolutely necessary for life – but they will make working from the road a lot more comfortable. You’ll be surprised what a big impact small luxuries have on your overall mood, productivity, and burnout control.

• Blue light glasses : If you’re prone to headaches, or even if you aren’t, protect your eyes and your mind in the long run by grabbing a pair of blue light glasses. They really do make a difference, plus there’s just something about adding them to your get-ready-for-work routine that is such a cherry on top.
• Portable ring light : For folks who have to do video calls, this will actually make you not hate showing your face on camera. Even without having to get dolled up, having a ring light attachment to either your phone or laptop will make you look and feel more confident.

And finally, how to you keep your SANITY while traveling and working remotely?? Thankfully, we have resources that can help out in this department. There are a lot of apps and habits you can do that are travel essentials for remote workers.

• Wellness apps : This is so important for your mental well-being. Since you aren’t at home and not have your usual tools, having a portable form of them with you really helps. Personally, I like using a workout app ( Blogilates & my local yoga studio has virtual classes), and Audible (I usually prefer reading physical books, but they’re impractical to travel with). Meditation apps like Calm and Headspace are also great!
• Organization app : For your own sake, pleaseee stay organized. Especially while you’re traveling, there will be a mix of work and sightseeing and you don’t want to miss your expensive tour because you forgot about a meeting…or vice versa. Just a few suggestions: Notion, Microsoft To Do, Jour, Calendly, Asana . I’d recommend trying them out BEFORE you travel to make sure they suite your workflow.
• Shared calendars: As much as we love to be offline for vacation…when you’re working remotely while traveling, that’s the literal opposite case. You want your colleagues to be extra informed of your availability to develop that trust and understanding in your schedule. I highly recommend using a shared calendar with your coworkers (and potentially boss) so they can see blocks of time during the day when you may be unreachable.
• Second point of contact arrangement: And on that note – if you are going to be unreachable for a period of time, make sure you secure a second point of contact so that questions doesn’t build up while you are gone.

Travel Essentials for Remote Workers: Conclusion

And yup! That’s it! And you can fit all of that in your carry-on! Hopefully this short list of travel essentials for remote workers has helped ease some hesitation about traveling while working remotely. I really want to give a special shoutout to the traveling while working remotely EXPERTS for their insight, and you should definitely check out the interview I did with them after. You can keep up with them on their websites below:

Sojourner from Sojournies

Erin from Pina Travels

Nora from Go Frame The World

Alexandra Kidd from Alexandra Kidd Travels

And that wraps up another post! Did I leave off any of your favorite travel essentials for remote workers? Drop your suggesties in the comments below!

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The Five Foot Traveler

Reaching new heights, 137 travel essentials: a comprehensive packing list.

by Sarah Gallo | Aug 15, 2019 | Resources | 2 comments

You’ve decided that you wanted to travel somewhere new, so you booked a flight, secured your hotels, and told all of your friends. You eagerly search Instagram for the must-see spots and, before you know it, you leave in a few weeks! Now, I never recommend saving packing for the last minute, but it’s silly to start gathering your travel essentials few months out too. 

This article is meant to serve as a guideline for the most efficient ways to go about packing your travel essentials. Coming from someone who has visited over 100 countries, it’s safe to say that I’ve done enough trial and error for all of you! In this article you will find the most useful carry on essentials, packing and clothing essentials, outdoor essentials, fitness “on the go” essentials, reading essentials, and business management essentials.

Chimp trekking in Uganda with travel essentials on hand

Now, here’s the thing: this list of travel essentials covers just about everything, so try not to get overwhelmed. No matter your age, no matter your type of travel, this comprehensive list should be used as a guideline to decide what you need to pack depending on your trip. For instance, you certainly won’t pack the same things for a luxury cruise through the Caribbean , an RV trip through New Zealand , or a road trip through South Africa . Of course, it should go without saying, but if you’re going to places like Antarctica or the Arctic, you will certainly need to include gear for extremities, and a packing list is almost always provided. 

Please note: This page contains affiliate links, meaning that The Five Foot Traveler may receive a small commission when you purchase any travel essentials using the links in this article at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your continued support!

I personally use and own everything that I recommend below. 

Before you begin packing, please make sure you go through this checklist of absolute, no questions asked travel essentials:

• Is your Passport valid for six months after you depart your destination and for the duration of your trip?
• Have you checked to see if you have all of the necessary visas for where you’re visiting?
• Have you purchased a comprehensive travel insurance plan ?

Hopefully you’ve answered YES to the above questions, so let’s dive in. First thing’s first, I always recommend having a staging area for your travel essentials well before you pack. For me, it’s the loveseat in my bedroom, but anywhere will do (although I do suggest keeping it out of reach from messy children or pets). Here, you can organize the travel goodies you’ve purchased and start organizing your piles of clothes and toiletries. I find this useful because I usually want to use the things I need to pack, so I’m not a big fan of throwing everything into a suitcase two weeks prior to departure.

And speaking of suitcases, decide early on the way you’d like to travel. Are you going on a luxury European vacation? Trekking through the Himalayas? Relaxing on a beach somewhere? Your luggage should reflect your style of travel. Since I started this travel journey as a backpacker, I initially checked a 55L backpack and used a hiking backpack as my carry on.

When I first started backpacking these were my travel essentials

Then I started traveling carry on only, where I used a spinner carry on and a hiking backpack as my personal item. Then, finally, when I transitioned into luxury travel and *gasp* needed to pack heels and a variety of dresses, I started checking a 24” spinner and bringing with me a carry on spinner on the plane and a cross body bag as my personal item for under the seat in front of me.

I've cleaned up a bit over the years though, don't worry!

I’ve loved every backpack, bag, and suitcase that I’ve owned and highly recommend picking and choosing between the following:

Airplane Personal Item

• Cross-Body Bag:  If you want to look a little more put together, but want easy access to all of your carry on travel essentials, a cross-body bag is a must. If you like to travel with your laptop, make sure you purchase one that has a laptop sleeve too. Of course, it should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you but roomy enough that you won’t have to dig around in it to find what you want. My Recommendation – Vera Bradley Lighten Up Weekender Travel Bag . This is honestly an absolute must for me, and I bring it everywhere I go.
• Backpack: Your backpack should be both supportive and spacious. I love that this also can substitute as a hiking day pack. Everything that I pack in my cross-body bag will also fit in my 24L backpack, so it just comes down to personal preference. My Recommendation –  Osprey Sirrus 24 Women’s Hiking Backpack and Osprey Stratos 24 Men’s Hiking Backpack. These both have incredible structure and hip support.

Airplane Carry On Item

• A Spinner Carry On Suitcase: If you’re questioning whether you should get a suitcase with two wheels or four wheels, always choose the four-wheel spinner. It will make your life easier as you both navigate crowds within the airport and on the busy streets of your destination. Trust me on this, as I converted from a two-wheeler to a four-wheeler and it made a huge difference in the way that I travel. My Recommendation – TravelPro Maxlite 4 21” Hardside Spinner. Hardside here is key. It helps you not to overpack, and it is also more durable for your travels. This is one of the most lightweight hardside carry on suitcases that you’ll find on the market, and it has a built-in TSA-approved lock as well as a limited lifetime warranty.
• If you’re not carrying on a suitcase, you may be able to carry on both recommended personal items – depending on the airline, size, and weight.

Airplane Checked Item

• Spinner Checked Suitcase: Again, I highly recommend a spinner four-wheel suitcase over a two-wheel suitcase for the purpose of ease. Personally, I like when my carry on spinner and checked spinner match, which led me back to TravelPro. I like the way that the inside is organized, and it’s helpful that each of their hardside spinners come with a built-in TSA-approved lock. My Recommendation – TravelPro Maxlite 4 25” Spinner and TravelPro Maxlite 5 29” Spinner. Depending on the type of trip you’re taking (and how many shoes haha), you’ll need to decide which size checked luggage works for you. I find it useful to have a 25” and 29” on hand, but 99% of the time I will choose just to bring the 25” Spinner, as I’ve found that’s more than enough for me. If you’d like to purchase the 21”, 25”, and 29” as a set – which is the best bang for your buck – you can do so here.
• Trekkers Pack: Now, if you’re moving around a lot, camping, trekking, and staying in refugios, then a trekkers pack will certainly be the better option for you. When I first started traveling I used a trekkers pack, and it definitely has its benefits for the active among us! When researching which pack to get, make sure that it’s easily opened from multiple points on the bag, that it has plenty of pockets for your smaller items, and provides you with plenty of support. My Recommendation – Osprey Ariel AG 65 Women’s Backpacking Backpack and Osprey Atmos 65 AG Men’s Backpacking Backpack . I tried on what felt like hundreds of trekkers packs before realizing that these were, hands down, the ideal pack that I was looking for. I have carried quite a bit of weight in mine, and it was always comfortable on the hips and shoulders. Plus, Osprey has an “all mighty guarantee” where they will repair any damage free of charge and, if they can’t fix it, they will replace it at no cost to you. Incredibly, this applies to all of their products, no matter the purchase date. You can read more about it here , if interested. 
• Rolling Duffle: At the end of the day, some people just love duffle bags (my grandpa is one of them!). They’re a great combination of a duffle bag and rolling suitcase, and you have the ability to carry the bag or roll it, depending on your circumstances. My Recommendation – TravelPro Rolling Duffle Bag with Drop Bottom. This comes in all different colors and sizes, but I recommend the 30”, as it’s plenty roomy without being overwhelming. This rolling duffle is lightweight, yet incredibly durable; it survived a few weeks of safaris in Africa with no problems. It also has many different pockets and separators to keep your bag well-organized. 

To keep your luggage organized as a whole, I couldn’t recommend packing cubes highly enough. I originally didn’t think they had much use, but they’ve changed my life when it comes to packing – whether it’s just for a weekend trip or a year-long journey. They come in all different sizes, and I use a variety of small, medium, and large packing cubes. My Recommendation: I have tested many packing cubes over the years, and I can say – without a doubt – that the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cubes are the absolute best on the market. They are incredibly durable and as lightweight as possible. And look at how nicely they fit into a suitcase!

How I pack my carry on to include all travel essentials

And always remember: lock all of your luggage with TSA-approved locks if you don’t have a suitcase with built in locks. Both checked luggage, and carry on (yes, this means backpacks too). I’ve tried many different locks over the years, but these are my favorite. I presume you’re like me and don’t want people sifting through your checked bag nor people sneaking into your carry on while you sleep (have you heard the stories of valuables being stolen from airplanes?).

But now that you’ve chosen your luggage, you’re probably wondering what travel essentials are actually necessary to pack….

I’m going to break down my packing list into easy-to-organize categories for you. Just remember to pick and choose what you most need for the trip you’re taking. So, let’s do this!

Carry On Essentials

Documents & Confirmations: These are things that you simply must have on you at all times. DO NOT leave your house without packing these into your personal items, as they are absolute travel essentials. 

Comfort: Unless you travel first class, flights are rarely considered comfortable – and it doesn’t matter if it’s an easy 5-hour flight or a 19-hour flight! Make your life easier by packing these few travel essentials for a bit of extra comfort. There’s no way that I could do an overnight flight even semi-comfortably without these!

Noise Cancelling Headphones, Eye Mask, Pillow – Travel Essentials

• Blow Up Pillow:  I’ll start by saying that I think I’ve tried every airplane pillow out there, or just about! Since I take so many overnight flights, and we all know how airplane pillows feel, it makes sense to bring your own. I began not to worry about the shape or size — if it helped me sleep, it was a keeper. My Recommendation – Haobaimei Airplane Pillow. I know, I know it looks a bit silly, but I promise you that it’s the best airplane pillow out there. It has allowed me to sleep comfortably in a variety of positions. I’d like to be able to describe it in detail, but you’re better off clicking this link , and scrolling to the “product description” to see all of the reasons why this pillow is a must!
• Foot Rest: You’re probably thinking, “what?” But yes, airplane footrests are a thing, and quite comfortable. Rather than trying to squeeze your legs under the chair (and slam your shins along the way), you can instead set up your footrest. My Recommendation – Sleepy Ride. I’ve had this footrest for years; it’s incredibly lightweight and folds up tiny. It’s very easy to set up, and you can adjust the height to your preference. 
• Eye Mask – Eye Masks are a tricky thing. Assuming that it will be over your eyes for hours on end, you need to ensure that it doesn’t press against your eyes, doesn’t let light in, and doesn’t slip off your head. My Recommendation – Manta Sleep Mask. I was drawn in not only by their 100% darkness guaranteed, but also by the fact that you can still open your eyes behind the mask too! The fact that there is zero pressure on your eyes, and that it’s fully customizable to your unique face makes it a must have!
• Compression Socks:  Compression socks are important to wear while flying, especially if it’s a long-haul flight! They not only increase circulation, but they help prevent blood clots and swelling too. My Recommendation – Alvada Compression Socks for Men & Women. Get them and remember to bring them on your next flight! 
• Cambridge Mask: I have always traveled with a mask on hand, should I get sick or should there be something going around. Cambridge Masks are amongst the best out there, as their masks meet the N99 standard and protect against almost 100% of pollutants, viruses, and bacteria *if the mask is worn correctly.* Whenever using a mask, make sure that it's snug on your face, avoid touching the front of the mask, and be sure to wash your hands before putting the mask on/taking it off.  My Recommendation –  Cambridge Mask Co.
• Earplanes: Have you ever struggled with painful ear popping on airplanes? Well I get horrible ear pain whenever I fly… to the point where I cannot fly without them. My Recommendation – EarPlanes Pack of 3. These work fantastically to relieve the pressure in your ears during take off and landing, while muffling some of the noise too. 
• Reusable Water Bottle:  I always recommend traveling with a water bottle on hand for two reasons. (1) It’s good to have a bottle that the flight attendants can fill up for you so that you’re not stuck to 3 sips of water until the next flight attendant comes back. (2) Having a reusable water bottle can help minimize your plastic waste. My Recommendation – Hydro Flask. The Hydro Flask is a BPA-free stainless steel, slip free water bottle. It comes in a variety of sizes and will keep hot drinks hot for up to six hours and cold drinks cold up to 24 hours. Definitely handy to have while traveling!
• Sweatshirt or Jacket: Planes (or any type of transportation honestly) can sometimes be unbearably cold! I definitely recommend always having a sweatshirt or jacket on hand, or both, as I doubt anyone wants to be freezing and uncomfortable for hours on end. 
• Change of Clothes: No one likes a smelly person 😉 But in all honesty, it’s important to have a change of clothes on hand for just in case your luggage gets lost. If you’re going on a beach trip, pack a bathing suit. A hiking trip, pack your spandex. You get the point. 
• Carabiners – While this may seem a bit random, carabiners are incredibly useful for travel. I use a carabiner to clip my water bottle to my carry on, as well as to clip my pillow and footrest to the seat in front of me too. You don’t need anything fancy, so something like these will do. 

Technology & Valuables: Anything of value should never be checked. Make sure that all technology and valuables (like jewelry & sunglasses) are packed in your carry on and in a locked compartment. Some of these things may be obvious, but I’m still including them if you reference this as your packing list. 

As a content creator, I obviously pack a lot more tech than the average person, but please use the list below as a guideline for what to pack tech-wise according to your needs. Perhaps you’ll even find something new to bring with you on your next trip! 

A typical day with my laptop on the road

• Smartphone: This is a given these days, but make sure you pack your phone! It’s also incredibly helpful to have some apps downloaded that might help make your travel easier. My favorite is App in the Air 🙂 My Recommendation – iPhone Xs Max. If you’re looking for a new smartphone, I have an iPhone Xs Max 256 GB and absolutely love it. 
• Noise Cancelling Headphones (and iPod):  Airplanes are noisy. People are noisy. Babies are noisy. Get rid of the noise! My Recommendation – Bose QuietComfort 35 II. These wireless, bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones are honestly a dream. They are the very first thing I pack in my personal item, as I couldn’t do a flight without them! Of course, make sure you have music downloaded on your phone or iPod to listen to as well (and yes, I still use an iPod). 
• Earbuds: While I’m obsessed with noise cancelling headphones, it’s always a good idea to have a regular pair of earbuds too. They do make noise-cancelling earbuds as well, but those have never felt right to me. My Recommendation – Apple Airpods with Charging Case. These Airpods automatically connect to your device and charge within 15 minutes once you put them back in their case. They’re small, lightweight, and easy to travel with. 
• Kindle:  I don’t go anywhere without my Kindle. I love that it allows me to travel with as many books as I’d like, without the burden of actually having to lug them around. My Recommendation – Kindle Paperwhite. The flush design is as close to “paper” as it gets and there are no glares (this I can promise, as I always read at the beach in the sun!). It is also waterproof, which is convenient, and pairs with bluetooth headphones as well if you’re an audiobook listener. 
• Laptop:  Depending on what you do or for how long you’re traveling, you may not need to bring your laptop. My Recommendation – MacBook Air or MacBook Pro 15”. These both have very different uses. For travel, the MacBook Air is significantly easier to travel with. While it’s infinitely lighter though, it doesn’t have the same processing power as the MacBook Pro 15”. If you plan on editing a lot of photos or videos, unfortunately the heavier MacBook Pro 15” should be your go-to. I personally used (and loved) the MacBook Air for years before switching to the MacBook Pro 15”, which is what I use now (for a stronger and faster laptop). 
• Laptop Case:  Even if your backpack or messenger bag has a laptop sleeve, be sure to have your laptop in its own protective case! My Recommendation – CCPK Laptop Sleeve. This is as basic a laptop sleeve as it gets, but it is snug and will protect your laptop, without adding extra bulk. 
• External Hard Drive:  If you’re on the road a lot or take excess photos, you’ll certainly want an external hard drive on hand to back everything up! My Recommendation –  LaCie Rugged Mini External Hard Drive. I’ve had multiple LaCie Rugged Hard Drives, and I’ve loved each and every one of them. They’re perfect for any kind of trip, as they’re compact, durable, and water-resistant. And if you’re interested in learning how to better edit your photos, it even comes with a complimentary one-month membership to Adobe! 
• USB Drive: I can’t even begin to tell you how many times people ask if I can give them a USB drive with photos. It’s an extremely small, very useful thing to have on you if you’re in the content creation space. My Recommendation – SanDisk Cruzer Glide CZ60 USB Drive . I personally recommend the 256 GB, as you’ll never worry about running out of space, but any will do based on your needs. 
• DSLR Camera: Now this one is tricky one because every person has different travel needs and preferences. I’ve personally traveled with a Canon, Sony, and Panasonic… but it wasn’t until I traveled with an Olympus Camera that I was fully content. My Recommendation – Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II. Not only is it the lightest DSLR that I have ever carried around with me, but it’s waterproof and weather-sealed, which makes it ideal for every situation. This is my go-to travel camera these days, and you can read the full review of my Olympus products here.  

Always travel equipped with a good camera!

• Lenses:  Again, lenses will depend on the type of photo that you’re aiming to get. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II can be purchased with two different lenses, or you can purchase the lenses separately. My Recommendation – M. Zuiko 14-150mm f4-5.6 for your everyday lens and M.Zuiko 7-14mm f2.8 PRO for a wide angle lens. I originally thought I wouldn’t need a wide angle lens, but sure was wrong!
• GoPro: By now I’m sure you’ve heard that the GoPro is the best action-cam on the market and, guess what, it’s true. Whether you’re running down the beach, zip-lining through the air, or diving with sharks, the GoPro can help perfectly capture the moment. My Recommendation – GoPro Hero 8. The GoPro Hero 8 prides itself on filming in 4K, taking 12 MP still shots, and having the best stabilization on an action camera. This is a must for any adventure traveler! 
• Memory Cards:  Make sure you purchase high quality memory cards. I always recommend smaller memory card sizes, and a lot of them. If a memory card were to become corrupt, I would hate to lose everyone on a 256 GB memory card! My Recommendation – SanDisk 32 GB Extreme Pro for your camera and the SanDisk 64 GB Micro SD for your GoPro. The Extreme Pro writes quite quickly at 95 mbps and the Micro SD is a Class 10, meaning that it will work great for full HD video playback. Both SD Cards are waterproof, shock proof, and temperature-proof. 
• Gimbal:  No one likes shaky videos. If you’re shooting with a smartphone or GoPro, a gimbal helps stabilize your videos and keeps them smooth. They’re relatively lightweight and portable, and a necessity if you want to get into video. My Recommendation – DJI Osmo Mobile 2. DJI is an incredible reputable brand and their gimbal is one of the most lightweight on the market. Run, jump, do everything in between, and this gimbal will keep your videos stable. 
• FitBit: It’s no secret that I’ve always loved my FitBit. I’ve worn one for years, and I love that it provides me with in-depth sleep analytics while also counting my steps, calories, and distance walked for the day. My Recommendation – FitBit Versa. I’ve had a few different FitBit’s over the years, and the Versa is definitely my favorite! It’s the biggest competitor to the Apple Watch, and I prefer its exercise analytics and sleek design. You can also download your favorite apps and music on your FitBit Versa too! 
• Portable Speaker:  I actually bought the UE Roll out of necessity when our other speaker died on a road trip through New Zealand , but I’m SO happy we did! It’s incredibly portable and easily hung up or carried with you. My Recommendation – UE Roll Wireless. This bluetooth speaker is not only wireless, but waterproof and shockproof too. It has great sound quality, and  it makes for the perfect addition to any camp out, beach day, or general use around the house. 
• Portable Battery Charger: You never know when your phone or camera might die. I always always always carry a portable battery charger with me. Not only does it ensure that I will always be charged up, but it’s also nice to be able to provide your friends with a bit of juice when their phones die too (because, no, they typically never have an external battery charger). My Recommendation – myCharge AdventureMax Portable Charger . The myCharge is an important buy for travelers because, aside from having dual USB ports for charging (which is awesome), it is also splash-proof, drop-resistant, and dirt-proof, making it the perfect travel buddy. It’s also incredibly small and compact and has an attached carabiner, so it’s easy to throw in your purse or attach off a backpack.  
• International Adaptor: No matter where you’re traveling, this is an absolute must. I always carry at least two international adaptors so that, if one breaks, I always have a back up. You would be surprised how many people forget to pack an international adaptor. My Recommendation – Upgraded Universal Travel Adaptor. The reason I love this travel adaptor is that not only does it have a standard plug, but four USB ports as well. Sometimes I don’t have a long time to charge my equipment, but with this adaptor I have the ability to charge everything at the same time. This Universal Adaptor works in over 150 countries, so it’s certainly handy to have!
• Chargers: If you have a lot of gear, it’s likely that you have a lot of cords and cables. While there’s no need to elaborate, these are the main chargers that I always have on hand. 

Medications: When people think of travel essentials, they don’t typically think of meds, but important Medications should never be checked! Should your luggage be lost, you don’t want to be without your daily meds. If you have prescribed medication, ensure that it is packed in your carry on. Aside from our individual health needs, I recommend packing – at minimum – Advil, Allergy Medications, Pepto-Bismol (or something similar), Motion Sickness Tablets, Tylenol AM/PM, and Malaria Tablets (depending on your destination), as well as Neosporin Cream and Hydrocortisone Cream. And, of course, if you carry an EpiPen, don’t forget that either! 

Miscellaneous: These are some small things I wasn’t sure how to categorize, but I make sure to have all of these in my carry on as well!

Packing Essentials

Clothing: Clothing is a tricky one, as this really varies per person. I’ve done 8 month trips where I’ve had 5 tops and 5 bottoms, and weeklong cruise trips where I have 20 outfits for 7 days. I highly recommend Anatomie as your go-to travel clothing brand though, and they’ve actually been endorsed by both Forbes Travel Guide and Condé Nast Traveler. Please take the time to view these three articles:

• The Best Travel Pants For Women
• The Best Travel Shirts For Women
• Travel Clothes For Women 

With the founders of Anatomie, my go-to travel clothing!

In general though, you can use the table below as a rough guideline for the types of clothing you should pack. I don’t go anywhere without these things – no matter what season it is. Remember when packing, your clothes will typically get a bit wrinkly, so I recommend bringing a travel-sized wrinkle releaser as well as a dual-voltage travel steamer. 

Toiletries: Do yourself a favor and purchase the Eagle Creek Pack It Quick Trip Toiletry Bag . It’s the perfect sized toiletry bag and very lightweight. It should easily fit all of your toiletries, aside from your Microfiber Towel ( this is a must! ). There’s no need to explain what each toiletry is needed for though, so I’m providing you with another table with what to bring – 

Shoes: Shoes are always a personal preference. I used to travel with just one pair of flip flops and one pair of hiking boots, but times have changed a bit. I know other people who practically need a whole suitcase just for their heels. With that said, these days I typically pack sandals, a pair of flip-flops, black heels, nude heels, cross-training shoes, sneakers, and hiking boots when I’m going on a longer trip. And, of course, plenty of socks! I recommend Puma’s ankle socks and Darn Tough hiking socks. 

Gotta have a good pair of heels while you're cruising!

Outdoor Essentials

Camping: So you’ve decided that you want to become one with nature, or you’re simply on a trip that’s better suited for camping – awesome! Years ago I spent two months camping through Central America and another two months camping through Africa, and both were incredible experiences. It helped that I was well-prepared though! It’s important to note that even if you decide to camp in the summer (or in a desert), it is not always warm at night. I’ve learned this the hard way, so make sure you pack many layers and are prepared for every type of climate, every time. My go-to camping equipment is as follows –

Couldn't have camped in New Zealand without my lightweight tent!

• Big Agnes Tent: Big Agnes is the best of the best when it comes to finding the most lightweight, durable tents. I used a bulkier tent for my first camping trip and regretted it instantly. My Recommendation – Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 3. I’ve loved every night that I’ve spent in this tent — it’s unbelievably light for a three-person tent, very comfortable, and weatherproof too! I always opt for a three-person tent over a two-person tent so that we can keep our gear inside with us and have a little extra space. 
• Sleeping Pad: A good sleeping pad is a necessity. When I first started camping I tried to go cheap to save money, but it was a terrible decision. It definitely isn’t fun spending the night slipping and sliding off your mat, or feeling the ground under your back. My Recommendation –  Big Agnes Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad. This sleeping pad comes with the option of it being insulated or uninsulated, and I’d definitely recommend the insulation as it’s rated for 3-season camping and still only weighs in at 21oz! This folds up incredibly small (about the size of a water bottle) yet doesn’t compromise on its comfort. 
• Sleeping Bag: A roomy yet packable sleeping bag is also, obviously, very important for camping. I recommend getting a 2-3 season sleeping bag and doing your research to ensure that it’s super lightweight. My Recommendation – Sea to Summit Spark Down Sleeping Bag. The beauty of this sleeping bag is that it weighs just over a pound and packs down to just 4.9L! It also comes with a compression bag so that it compresses down to the size of a water bottle. This sleeping bag is water resistant, has a great hooded component, and will keep you warm all night. 
• Sleep Liner: This is something that a lot of people forget about, but it’s incredibly handy. I suggest traveling with a sleep liner for a few reasons. First, it can be an extra layer if it’s colder outside, but it can also be your only layer if it’s too warm for your sleeping bag. Also, it doesn’t need to be used just for camping. When I used to stay in hostels, I’d use my sleep liner in bed rather than use the blanket. My Recommendation – Sea to Summit Adaptor Coolmax Liner Traveller with Insect Shield. I’ve used this all over the world. You can purchase it without the insect shield, but I personally prefer having the extra insect repellant treatment, especially when in outdoorsy locations. 
• Ultra Light Pillow: You want a comfortable, small blowup pillow to have with you. I’ve seen way too many people fold up their clothes into an uncomfortable pillow when they could have just brought a lightweight pillow. My Recommendation – Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Ultra Light. I’ve had this pillow for about five years now, and it’s never let me down. I won’t go anywhere without it. Not only does it pack down to smaller than the palm of my hand, but it’s genuinely comfortable! There have been many times where I’ve been in luxury hotels with pillows that were too high for me, so I just blew up this little pillow.  
• Hammock or Sleeping Hammock: If you’re camping, sometimes you just want to hang out outside of the tent… literally. A hammock definitely comes in handy during those times! Travel hammocks are easy to set up and are great for lounging, napping or reading a book. My Recommendation – ENO DoubleNest Hammock. This is a two person hammock, but comfortable for just one as well. It folds down small and is quite lightweight. Sometimes we bring it on our hikes as well, rather than just keeping them at the campsite! If you don’t feel like sleeping in the tent, or have a third-wheeler tagging along, the ENO Ember 2 Under Quilt could be of use too. 

Who doesn't love a good hammock?!

• Cookware: If you’re camping, you’ll definitely want the ability to cook easily. We all know though that no one wants to lug metal pots and pans to their campsite. My Recommendation – Sea to Summit X-Series. It doesn’t get much better than lightweight, durable, and collapsible cookware! The 5-piece set comes with one pot, two bowls, and two mugs, so you may need to order more than one set depending on how many people you’re camping with. They fold up smaller than you could imagine! 
• Spork: A spork is just one of the most convenient things you could have. Whether you need a spoon, knife, or fork, the spork has your back! I always carry a spork with me in my daypacks as well, as you never know when you will need one. My Recommendation – Tapirus 5 Spork of Steel Utensils Set. I highly recommend these rust-proof stainless steel sporks over their plastic equivalents. I had numerous plastic sporks break on me before transitioning to stainless steel and haven’t had any problems since. 
• Inflatable Lounger: Have you seen these things?! They’re infinitely better than any camp chair and fold up even smaller! These are truly one of the most interesting and useful camping additions that I’ve seen. My Recommendation – AlphaBeing Inflatable Lounger. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, click that link and check it out — it’s one of those things that is better visualized than described.  
• LED Camping Lantern: You certainly need something to light up your campsite or tent once it gets dark. As I like to keep things small and portable, I always suggest going for a lantern that collapses into itself. My Recommendation – MISPO 6 Pack Portable Camping Lantern with LED Flashlights. These are the perfect mini lanterns to put in and around your campsite. Then, when you’re not using them, they barely take up any space and pack away easily.  

Hiking: It’s important to practice safe hiking anywhere you go. As always, I recommend looking up your hiking trails in advance, letting someone know where you’re going, and having a trail map handy. Bring many layers, in addition to the following –

Couldn't have tackled the Matterhorn Base Camp without my hiking poles!

• Hiking Backpack: If you’re planning on taking day trips from your campsite or accommodation, a good hiking backpack is a necessity. I always look for things like good waist support and structure, as well as ample pockets. My Recommendation –  Osprey Sirrus 24 Women’s Hiking Backpack and Osprey Stratos 24 Men’s Hiking Backpack. If you don’t remember why I chose these packs specifically, please scroll back up to the “luggage” section. 
• Trekkers Pack: If you’re going on a multi-day hike or staying in refugios along the trail, then you’ll need a bigger and better trekkers pack. Like the hiking backpack, this needs to be both structured and very comfortable. My Recommendation – Osprey Ariel AG 65 Women’s Backpacking Backpack and Osprey Atmos 65 AG Men’s Backpacking Backpack . Jump back up to the “luggage” section if you’d like a refresher on these options.  
• Hydration Pack: Whether you’re going out on a two hour hike on a hot summer day or a long trek, a water bladder makes a massive difference! You won’t have to deal with taking off your backpack to take a sip, or worrying about your water bottle falling out of the side pocket. Plus, you can carry far more water with a hydration pack as well. My Recommendation – CamelBak Crux 2L or 3L Reservoir. I originally thought I’d save money by going with a non-name brand, but when I did that my water always tasted like plastic and, quite frankly, it was disgusting. CamelBak deserves the praise that it gets, and it’s definitely worth the price tag. I have both a 2L and a 3L, depending on what type of hike I’m doing. I find the 3L more useful on a day-to-day basis, as it doesn’t always need to be filled to the top.
• Hiking Poles: Hiking Poles are a necessity for any hiker, in my opinion. Hiking poles not only make you a bit faster, but they take some pressure off your knees too. I always look for carbon poles are they are a lot lighter than aluminum poles. My Recommendation –   Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles. Not only are these lightweight, 100% carbon fiber, and of the highest quality, but they also fold into three sections which makes them incredibly convenient to pack or attach to a backpack when not in use. 
• Headlamp: Whether you’re completing a sunrise or sunset mission, wandering around your campsite in the evening, or misjudged the length of your hike, it is imperative to carry a headlamp on you whenever you’re hiking! My Recommendation – Black Diamond Storm Headlamp. This headlamp is both waterproof and dustproof, which is always helpful! It also had three different color LED options, as well as adjustable intensity. I also love that it has a lock mode, which keeps my headlamp from turning on in my pack!

Hiking in the dark can be dangerous without a headlamp

• Water Filter: A water filter is very important when you’re out hiking. If something happens and you run out of water, you can stick it into any water (from a dirty puddle to a river) and it should come out clean. My Recommendation – LifeStraw Personal Water Filter. The LifeStraw removes waterborne bacteria, waterborne parasites, and micro-plastics found in the environment from your water. It is the most reliable water filter system for a hiker on the market. One of the admirable things about LifeStraw is that for every product purchased, a child receives safe drinking water for an entire school year – pretty remarkable! 
• Pocket Tissues: You never know when you’ll have a runny nose, have to clean up a spill… or need to pee. Just have them on you. 
• First Aid Kit: This should be a given, but I know plenty of people who don’t hike with one. Should anything happen, it helps to know that you’re properly prepared. My Recommendation – M2 Basic 150 Piece First Aid Kit. This is a travel-sized first aid kit that is about the size of your hand, so there’s no excuse not to put it in your backpack!
• Bug Spray Wipes: Applying bug spray is typically a pain and tends to leave you sticky and oily, but not with the wipes! My Recommendation: Repel 94100 Sportsmen 30-Percent Deet Mosquito Repellent Wipes. I started traveling with these in 2013 and haven’t looked back. They’re incredibly easy-to-use, portable, and protective. 
• Clif Bars or Clif Protein Bars: You definitely need to ensure that you have some sustenance to keep you going while hiking. Although I’m not a big fan of the sugar content in Clif Bars, there’s no debating the fact that they were designed to help give your body fuel while active. My Recommendation – Clif Bar Variety Pack or, if you’re looking for a higher level of protein, the Clif Builders Protein Bar Variety Pack. While Clif Bars are – hands down – the tastiest protein bars on the market, my favorite flavors are the White Chocolate Macadamia and the Chocolate Mint. 
• Hiking Boots: Wearing good hiking boots is, of course, imperative. Over the years, I’ve spent ages researching the best and most comfortable brands. Another aspect that’s always important to me is that they’re waterproof, as you never know what conditions you might be hiking in or if the weather might take a turn. My Recommendation – Lowa Women’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot and Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot. Once I discovered Lowa, I never turned back. I’ve owned four different pairs of their hiking boots, as I’m incredibly happy with the model. They are properly waterproof and supportive, and perfect for any type of hike be it short distance or long distance. 
• Hiking Socks: If you hike a lot, you know how important a comfortable, breathable sock is. If you’re anything like me, your socks probably also take a bit of a beating, so you need to find something reliable. My Recommendation – Darn Tough Hiker ¼ Cushion Sock – Womens and Darn Tough Hiker ¼ Cushion Sock – Mens. Not only are Darn Tough socks incredibly comfortable and antimicrobial, but they are guaranteed for life! If you’re a frequent hiker, there’s no brand more reliable than Darn Tough, and they’re certainly worth the price tag.  
• Base Layers: Base layers have saved me time and time again while out for long hikes, and I cannot stress their importance! If I’m not wearing my base layers, they’re in my bags. While there are so many brands and base layers out there, it’s important to do your research as I simply can’t list them all. My Recommendation – Women’s Ultra-Soft Long Johns & Warm Top Set and Men’s Thermal Underwear Set. Always, always make sure that your base layers are moisture-wicking!
• Down Jacket: I carry a down jacket with me on every trail, every camping trip, and even every airplane. It doesn’t matter whether it’s sweltering hot or freezing cold, I always have one with me to ensure that I’m prepared. My Recommendation – Mountain Hardwear Women’s Ghost Whisperer Down Hooded Jacket and Men’s Ghost Whisperer Down Hooded Jacket. These jackets are, in my opinion, the best lightweight down jackets on the market. The hood is important, as it provides that extra warm, and they’re both machine-washable. Another aspect that I love – and find to be incredibly useful – is that it folds up into itself so that it packs down extremely small. The jacket is worth every cent to me, and I wouldn’t travel without it!

Staying warm in Iceland thanks to my down jacket

• Rain Jacket: You’re pretty much crazy if you decide to go hiking without a rain jacket. Not only could the weather change from a beautiful day to an ugly storm in the blink of an eye, but it also serves as a windproof layer as well. My Recommendation – Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire Jacket and Outdoor Research Men’s Horizon Jacket. After testing out multiple lightweight rain jackets, and finding myself soaked after a good rain, I decided to invest in a GORE-TEX rain jacket. While they’re slightly bigger, these rain jackets will still packs down small enough to throw in your backpack… and it will actually keep you try! They are waterproof, windproof, and extremely breathable due to the multiple venting systems. 
• Hat: An easily packable sun hat always comes in handy. While there are plenty of “cute” ones out there, I like to make sure that I purchase hats that can both be thrown in the wash and are moisture-wicking. My Recommendation –  Outdoor Research Women’s Solar Roller Hat. I discovered this hat a few years back, and found it so convenient that it’s the only hat that I ever hike or travel with. While this is obviously a women’s hat, the male or uni-sex equivalent would be the Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat.  
• Buff: Buffs have many uses – whether you’re wanting to keep your neck, face, or head warm. They’re lightweight and incredibly useful. My Recommendation – Buff Polar Multifunctional Headwear. I’ve owned many buffs in my life and, when I’m outdoors, the Polar Buff is most definitely my favorite. It has a SPF 50 and has fleece at the bottom and microfiber at the top, making it the perfect accessory to keep both your neck and face warm in chilly temperatures. It’s also moisture-wicking and quick-drying, and can be worn in over ten different ways! 
• Gloves: There are honestly so many warm, cozy gloves on the market that it’s hard to choose just one. My Recommendation – Outdoor Research Women’s PL Base Sense Gloves and the Outdoor Research Men’s PL Sensor Gloves . You need a glove that can withstand cold weather, is wind resistant, and offers touchscreen compatibility. 

Fitness “On The Go” Essentials

I get asked all the time how I stay in shape while on the road. Whether I’m in a luxury hotel and eating my heart out, or camping and carb loading, I can’t say that it’s easy. But I will say that it takes conscious effort every single day. I’ve learned to say no to two $0.25 ice cream cones in the same day, as tempting as it is! I also implement a strict workout routine, which has gotten infinitely easier since I started using LiveKick Fitness. They specialize in one-on-one personal training and private yoga done via live video — think FaceTime but for fitness! You can choose your (highly qualified) instructor for a time that works for you, no matter where you live in the world! I’ve done everything from high intensity exercise in my ocean view hotel in Australia to yoga in my office at home in the States. And the best part is, you don’t need access to a gym or any equipment if you don’t want! You could try out LiveKick Fitness here, and be sure to use the code “FIVEFOOTTRAVELER15” for 15% off your LiveKick plan! Other than being armed with my LiveKick Fitness App, I travel with –

Screen cap of my LiveKick personal training (left) & yoga (right)

• Resistance Loop Exercise Bands – I started using looped resistance bands when I injured my knee two years ago, but it’s a fantastic addition to any workout when you’re a new exerciser or an exercise junkie. I use these largely for strength training and physical therapy.
• Flat Exercise Bands – Flat exercise bands give you a few more options, which allows you to truly get a full body workout whenever you want.
• Rumble Roller – My 12-inch RumbleRoller is one of my favorite things that I pack, when I have the space! Nothing feels better than this spiky foam roller after a good hike or exercise. 
• Cross-Training Shoe – I’ve made the mistake many times of doing aerobics and weight-lifting in a running sneaker, which just isn’t good for you! The Nike Air Bella’s are light-weight and comfortable trainers.
• Running Shoe – If you’re also a runner though, I’d recommend packing your running shoes too. Maybe you’ll be luckier than I and could find a one-shoe-fits-all for you though! I’ve worn Brooks Ghost sneakers for many years now and I’ve been quite happy with them. 
• Travel Yoga Mat – I always wanted the ability to be able to stretch anytime, anywhere, which led me to research travel-sized yoga mats. The Plyopic Travel Yoga Mat is both lightweight, eco-friendly, and foldable so that you can bring it wherever you need. 

Reading Essentials

Beach reads are always necessary. Sometimes it’s nice to get lost in a good story and enjoy a book with a view. While I could individually summarize these books, I think it’s best if you check them out yourself to see which one is best for you 🙂 Here are some of my favorite travel books –

It may not be the beach, but I thought it was a great spot to read!

• Love with a Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRoche
• What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding by Kristin Newman
• Vagabonding by Rolf Potts
• Wild by Cheryl Strayed
• On the Road by Jack Kerouac
• In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
• Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
• Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
• Drink, Play, F@#k by Bob Sullivan
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

If you feel like being slightly more intellectual on your vacation, I highly recommend these excellent entrepreneur books:

• Expert Secrets by Russel Brunson (#1 recommended biz book!)
• DotCom Secrets by Russel Brunson
• 177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class by Steve Siebold
• How to Make Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson
• Ca$hvertising by Drew Eric Whitman

Business Management Essentials

More and more frequently you will find people on the road who have the freedom to work remotely. If you are a business owner, or wannabe business owner, these are my absolutely necessary softwares and systems needed to keep my business running online, even when I’m not in front of my computer. Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean that you need to stop making money 🙂

Working remotely on the beach in Australia

• ClickFunnels – Whether you run an online business or you’re looking to become a digital nomad, ClickFunnels is an absolute must! This software helps you great the highest converting sales funnels amongst many, many other incredible features. They offer a free Affiliate Bootcamp that I highly recommend going through if you’re new to the online space. If you aren’t new to working online, and haven’t checked out ClickFunnels though, you can grab your free trial here. Email me if you do, and I will share with you my top converting sales funnel.  
• GetResponse – Email marketing is key to success. No matter what business you’re in, you need the ability to directly reach out to your followers or consumers without every having to think about social media algorithms. Through email marketing you can get your audience to know, like, and trust you… and ultimately buy from you. And the beauty of this is that if you’re on a trip, you can set up an email autoresponder series to continually bring in sales without you having to even open up your computer! GetResponse is free for under 1,000 email contacts, and have incredibly reasonable rates after that given the service they provide. You can sign up for your free account here.  
• BlueHost – Do you have a blog or website? It needs to be hosted somewhere to be kept safe! Your web host ensures that your site continues to run smoothly and backs up your site daily should anything go wrong; it’s your website’s safety shield. BlueHost offers incredibly low rates, and I’m able to give them to you for even lower. You can purchase your BlueHost web hosting for just $3.95/month here! 
• ClickMagick – I personally never click on an “ugly” link – a link that has a ton of numbers and letters and seemingly goes on forever. ClickMagick allows you to turn those long ugly links into short, clean URLs using your domain name. You can grab your ClickMagick account here.
• Later – If you’re wondering how people post to Instagram on the go or have beautifully crafted Instagram feeds, it’s likely because they use a tool to help them get organized. I first discovered Later last year and have used them ever since to help schedule, analyze, and organize my accounts. Because they’re an official partner of Instagram, you can craft your posts and then schedule them to be automatically posted to Instagram! And the best part is, it’s free! Set up your free account here. 
• TailWind – If you understand the value of Pinterest for your business, TailWind is an absolute must. It allows you to easily schedule out your Pins and re-Pin from others in your niche. You can adjust your settings so that you auto-Pin throughout the day, without having to sit in front of your phone or computer the whole time! Pinterest is a huge driver of traffic to websites, so it’s important that you take advantage of its benefits. TailWind is also free, and you can claim your account here.  
• LiveLeap – Are you someone who likes to go live on social media a lot, either to showcase what your business has to offer or to show off your latest vacation? LiveLeap allows you to live stream on Facebook across multiple pages, which can increase your views ten times more than without it! So if you stream on your business page, you can also connect it to your personal page and Facebook group so that your live video goes live on all of those pages at once. It’s a great way to expand your reach! You can set up your account here. 

I hope that this list of travel essentials didn’t overwhelm you! I obviously travel full-time and am always over-prepared, so you just need to pick and choose which of these items is most important for the type of trip that you are preparing for. I wish you the best of luck with packing… as I sure as heck know how much we BOTH need it! As you pack and prepare for your next trip, please let me know in the comments below if I missed any important travel essentials. 

I'll leave you with some penguins – and a great travel hat!

In the meantime, please ensure that you purchase travel insurance before you leave! Of all of these travel essentials, t ravel insurance is arguably the most important thing to have on hand (after your passports and visas). I’ve had to use my travel insurance multiple times on the road, even though I’m healthy. You never know when something might happen; take comfort in knowing that whether your flight gets cancelled or you wind up sick and in the hospital, you will be covered. I recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance for all of you. You can get a free quote here.  

Pin “137 Travel Essentials” For Later!

The only thing I would add is: a few zip lock bags. I’ve done a lot of travelling…roadtrips, backpacking in Europe, rail and air travel, and won’t go anywhere without them. You never know when something will start leaking, or you have leftover snacks, or need a waterproof place to stash your phone or pocket camera. They take no space at all, and never say “I told you so!” when you do need one.

YES! Great tip! I always have them on me too 🙂

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Hi, I’m Sarah!

Hello World! I’m Sarah Gallo, The Five Foot Traveler, and I choose to dream out loud. After conquering a crippling fear of flying, I’ve developed an unquenchable passion for traveling. Since my newfound freedom, I have set foot on all seven continents, explored 114 countries, and continue to strive to live life to the fullest. Continue Reading…

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Everything You Need to Work From Home, According to People Who Do It Every Day

If you worked in an office before the pandemic, chances are you walked out one day in March 2020 hoping to return in a couple of weeks or, at the very worst, a couple of months. But now, almost 18 months later, you still may not have returned — and given how many companies are pivoting to a remote-first culture, you may not for a while longer (or, maybe, ever). Even though many of us have had time to adjust to working from home, the sheer unpredictability of the last year might have led you to wait before investing in things that can turn our largely comfort-focused homes into efficient professional workspaces. To help in that endeavor, we asked a bunch of professionals who regularly worked from home before COVID-19 and folks who have since put together proper workplaces in their homes about the things they used to do so effectively. Then we combed through our archives for other stuff that work-from-homers told us they use to get their jobs done each day.

A note that while working from home almost certainly requires a computer , wireless router , and modem , for this story, we focused on all the other things you may need, from essentials like desks, chairs, and monitors to less obvious things that our sources say help one stay productive day in and day out. Read on for 68 things that will not only make working from home more productive and enjoyable, but will crucially help to keep burnout at bay, too.

To start, the folks we spoke to say you’ll need a workspace (a.k.a. a dedicated desk or table). “Research like this 2017 Harvard study shows it’s better for your mental health to keep the spaces you sleep, relax, and work in separate,” says product manager Nehemiah Blackburn, who works for his New Hampshire–based tech company remotely from his New York City home five days a week. While “working from your bed and couch may seem convenient and even more comfortable,” finance associate Daniel Kim, whose day job often requires him to continue working once he gets home, admits that, “in the long run, it puts you in the wrong mental state to get meaningful work done.”

Three editors at the Verge told us they rely on this Jarvis standing desk at home. It comes in six sizes ( starting at 30x24 inches for $569) and can be adjusted to rise between 24.5-inches tall (for sitting) and 50-inches tall (for standing). Verge deputy editor Dan Seifert, who has owned his Jarvis desk for four years, describes it as “comfortable, stable, and spacious,” while Verge news editor Nick Statt adds that assembly is “far less cumbersome than I thought it would be.”

If you are interested in the ergonomic appeal of a standing desk without the price tag they often come with, Strategist contributor James Lynch has a surprising solution: a workbench . “A workbench may not sound like the perfect WFH solution, and yet it is now where I do all of my work,” says Lynch, who notes that the 52-inch-wide version of this one he bought has plenty of space for setting up a monitor and speakers, with real estate left over for other essentials. Made of solid wood, he says, “It’s durable, not at all like a lot of the other inexpensive desks I considered, which are made of plastic or particleboard — cheap materials with cheap veneers that bubble and peel the moment your coffee cup collects a single drop of moisture.” The desk is raised and lowered with a hand crank that Lynch calls “supremely easy” to use. “Although every reason I bought this desk is related to function, it also has an impressively handsome form,” he adds.

Elise Yeo-Donaldson, who works from home for a London–based educational-tech start-up, recommends this desk that she says is both affordable and quite user-friendly. “It’s originally an architecture table, but I use it for normal work with a laptop and notebook,” she says. “I didn’t expect how useful being able to change the angle of the desk would be, and the glass top is incredibly easy to clean.”

When Kim needed to get a desk he could work from home at, he told us he was “drawn more to design” than solely function, especially because he was going to have to look at it even when he wasn’t working. He landed on a simple desk from Muji that cost him $175 but is currently unavailable. An equally streamlined — and even-less-expensive — option would be this desk from our list of the top-reviewed home-office desks on Amazon, where buyers raved about its minimalist look, simple set-up, and surface area. One happy shopper praised its height in particular, noting that their “desk-chair arms fit underneath without getting stuck, so I can roll around freely.”

Susan Dominus, a staff writer for the New York Times Magazine, likes her Ikea desk so much that she owns two (which she has raved about on Twitter ). “At some point, I decided I really wanted to work in my nice sunny bedroom,” she told us, “and there’s this little corner where only a small desk would fit.” Dominus’s exact Ikea desk is currently unavailable, but it comes from the same Micke line as this desk — which, at just 10 inches wider than hers, is still compact enough to fit in most spaces and feels just as “clean, bright, and efficient” (the three words Dominus used to describe her own desk). With two drawers, this desk also has more storage than her one-drawer desk. For more cool-people-approved small desks, head here .

Jeremy Kirkland, host of the Blamo! podcast , was another who told us that he “didn’t understand the value and importance of having a good desk until I started working from home.” Describing himself as a “laptop road warrior” before the pandemic, and always “editing at coffee shops,” Kirkland says he “now realizes my productivity in those environments was 20 percent.” The desk that got him to 100 percent, he says, is this solid-wood design from Artifox. It costs more than the others on this list, but Kirkland says the price is justified by the quality and craftsmanship of the wood, as well as its just right size for a “somewhat close quarters” apartment. He also likes its many thoughtful modern design details, including a hidden area at the back for cable storage and extension cords, pegs for hanging your headphones, and felt hooks that prevent your cables falling to the floor when you unplug your laptop or iPhone. “It’s so modular, with so many setups to fit the way you work,” he adds.

If you’ll be using your home workspace to do more than fire off an email or two, our sources say you might also want a proper desk chair. When a reader wrote in to us about finding the best home-office chair , we spoke to a professional about it (Marc Schwartzberg, a three-decade veteran of the office-furniture industry and the owner of Office Furniture Heaven), who told us that you should think of your office chair like you would your  mattress . Specifically, it needs to be comfortable, as chances are you’re going to spend around eight hours in it every day.

This ergonomically-designed office chair comes recommended to us by Dr. Rudy Gehrman, the founder of wellness center Physio Logic. It has a supportive mesh construction, roller wheels, and the ability to adjust both the armrest and seat height. It’s also very reasonably-priced for a chair with back support, given that a different chair — Herman Miller’s Aeron chair, below — will set you back nearly $1,000.

If your home is going to be your primary office for years to come, you might consider investing in a chair that not only looks nice, but has been designed with long-term desk working in mind. The aforementioned Herman Miller Aeron Chair is the “the Ferrari of desk chairs ,” according to Chris Black, and versions of it (if not the original) can be found in a wide range of offices. It’s the chair that Boyd Steemson, the work-from-home CEO of TotalRock radio, has sat on five days a week for years. “This assemblage of poly-carbon, leather and chrome is perfectly contrived to keep its occupant poised and powerful,” says Steemson, adding that the chair feels like “a hammock you can sit in, ping forward, rock backward, and scoot effortlessly over the carpet on. It’s a triumph.” It has also been recommended to us by  chiropractors , who appreciate the chair’s adjustable lumbar support.

If you’re looking for a chair with a space-saving footprint that still offers some posture support, Dr. Adam Lamb of Lamb Chiropractic told us he personally sits on a stool when he works, because it because it helps him maintain good posture while improving core strength and balance. This stool comes recommended by c hiropractor Dr. Randi Jaffe , who says it “makes it easy to go from sitting to standing” thanks to its adjustable seat.

This kneeling chair (which can easily be rolled under a desk at the end of a workday) has been a Strategist favorite since writer Alice Gregory told us about it back in 2017. Worried about what sitting down all day was doing to her back, Gregory picked up this chair with a design that she says “forces you to engage your core and naturally keeps your spine upright.” After using it for awhile, she continues, “your back muscles strengthen and circulation improves.”

Maybe you don’t want to replace the chair you’ve been working in, but would instead just like to make it a bit more comfortable. For that, contributor Maureen O’Connor says this inexpensive ergonomic attachment is a great way to upgrade a chair that you already own. She explains that the attachable support borrows its design from the Aeron chair, telling us that: “Before Easy Posture, at the end of the day, I felt as though I was two inches shorter than when I started. But like a classic before-and-after, now I’m standing taller and feeling great.”

Another recommendation for upgrading a chair you already own, this gel cushion is what Strategist newsletter editor Mia Leimkuhler uses to make the seat of the dining chair she works from home in more supportive. According to her, the cushion (which comes from the brand that makes one of our favorite firm-but-springy mattresses ) makes it perfectly pleasant to sit “for eight hours in a chair that is not designed to be sat in for eight hours.”

Items to work on-the-go

While most of us spent 2020 sequestered to our homes, there are now more opportunities to work from other spaces, like a nearby coffee shop. For something that’ll turn any surface into more of a standing desk (whether it’s your coffee table or local coffee shop’s table), Strategist contributor Charlotte Klein recommends this converter. She says it “falls somewhere in between a traditional standing-desk converter and a laptop stand,” allowing her to work more ergonomically wherever she happens to be. The stand has five different  configurations that allow you to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day, which experts say is the best way to work. “As far as portability, the Moft, which weighs less than a pound (and claims to support as much as 22 pounds), is very easy to transport: When folded up, it’s the size of a magazine and half-an-inch thick,” adds Klein.

New York  Magazine senior art director and visuals lead Stevie Remsberg told us this nifty umbrella is one of the items she uses to create an outdoor office to take advantage of sunny days. It has a clamp to secure it to a chair and an adjustable shade that she uses to reduce glare on her screen. “It’s small but oblong-shaped, so it gets pretty good coverage if you angle it in the right way,” Remsberg says, adding that “no matter where you’re sitting, you can get it at the right angle to block the sun.”

Remsberg also bought this padded laptop tray, which she notes is way more compact than a table and can easily be brought onto a balcony or fire escape. (Or the couch.) “It works great,” she says. “The beanbag cushion on the bottom is comfortable, too.”

If you’re looking to work from a park or on a lawn, you’ll need a different sort of office chair. Remsberg swears by this “crazy comfortable” one that she says is even ergonomic. “It has substantial lumbar support, so my lower back is supported,” she told us. “It feels like the lumbar pillow I have on my office chair but it’s built into this folding chair.”

Once you’ve got your desk and chair figured out, several of our experts say you might consider getting a lamp . If, like Kim, you want office accessories that look less corporate and more like home décor, you could spring for the classic (but pricey) Anglepoise desk lamp . Or, you could go for this far more affordable Anglepoise–esque desk lamp that Strategist editor Alexis Swerdloff uses, which she says folks have mistaken for the real thing. (When we asked architects about the best desk lamps , one told us that he installed Forsa lamps at every desk in his office.)

Architect Peter Dumbadze has used this clamp lamp at his own desk “for years.” Beyond appreciating its “utilitarian style,” Dumbadze says that clipping a few of the inexpensive lamps around a workspace can create more balanced lighting. “I position the lamps such that I can bounce light off of the walls and ceiling,” he explains.

Another architect-recommended desk lamp, this is the one that New York City–based Scott Oliver told us he’s used while working at home since the days he was in grad school. “I bought a version of this halogen model 30-plus years ago,” he says, “and lo and behold, it is still around.” While it’s a bit more expensive, based on Oliver’s experience, it could very well last until you retire.

Tea and coffee makers

Because free office coffee isn’t a luxury work-from-homers can take advantage of, many of our sources say having an at-home coffee maker is essential to jolting themselves awake in the morning and throughout the day. Strategist contributor Bridget Arsenault , the London editor of Air Mail, who works remotely because her publication is based in New York City, told us she uses a fancy Le Creuset French press to start her morning, calling it her “go-to French press for everyday use,” but if you’re just looking for something that gets the job done, this less expensive option (that’s still fun to look at) comes from our list of the best French press coffee makers (for all budgets).

When it comes to brewing coffee at home, Jamie McCormick, the co-owner of East Village coffee shop Abraço , let us in on a little secret: You really don’t need more than a simple Mr. Coffee drip machine. “People make a big ‘to do’ over a lot of nothing” when it comes to brewing equipment, McCormick told us when we asked him and other baristas about the best coffee machines to use at home, adding that the Mr. Coffee is a great choice for any “amateur coffee roaster who wants to flatter their grounds.”

There are, of course, fancier options. Matt Lopez , an account supervisor at a strategic communications firm tells us this “fantastic, quick, quiet” — if more-expensive — option has a number of features the Mr. Coffee doesn’t, including a “vacuum-insulated carafe that keeps your coffee warm for hours without using an electric heat plate that risks burning the coffee.”

If you want an even easier way to make coffee, a Nespresso will serve you the press of two buttons. Film-and-television producer Steve Abbott ( Monty Python ,  A Fish Called Wanda ) — who has worked from a home office for the last three years — likes a top of the line De’Longhi  bean-to-cup machine , which he reports does “everything from grind your beans to foam your cappucino and steam your milk,” and says it hasn’t broken down in the more than seven years he’s owned it. Arsenault also has a fancier at-home coffee maker she uses when she doesn’t want to futz with her French press, and while hers is not bean-to-cup one like Abbott’s, it is a De’Longhi (for Nespresso) and just as convenient, she says. “I know these aren’t particularly environmentally sound,” she admits, “but I can’t function without coffee and this is so easy and efficient to use. It lives on my counter all year round.”

According to Leimkuhler, “it’s tempting to guzzle coffee after coffee when you work from home, but that all too easily leads to caffeine headaches and dehydration.” To battle the 3 p.m. slump, she instead makes herself a pot of tea with “this lovely infuser and whichever loose-leaf tea I’m feeling at the moment.” Leimkuhler adds that a personal pot of tea is a “nice little ritual” that feels like a self-care perk of working from home.

For those whose tea-making time is money and would prefer a faster way to brew, Strategist contributor David Schwartz told us about Breville’s “groundbreaking” Tea Maker, which does “something that almost all run-of-the-mill coffee makers do: It brews automatically, at any time of day, without you having to do anything but pour in the tea.”

Kitchen items

“If you’re used to working in an office every day, your routine likely includes stepping out for lunch or having it delivered, and making your own can be a big adjustment,” says Leimkuhler. She says this rice cooker (which is also a favorite of cool florist Elle Jaime and Brad Leone ) gets used in her home at least every other day. “In the morning when I make my coffee, I wash and prepare 2–3 cups of rice, then set it to cook. When the rice is done, the cooker keeps it warm all day, so when I’m ready for lunch (or dinner) I have perfectly cooked, hot rice ready to top with anything.” Leimkuhler adds that she purchased her cooker nine years ago, and it’s still going strong.

Another (far less expensive) gadget that makes mealtime less of a chore while working at home is this egg cooker. Jennifer Tsay, the CEO and co-founder of photography studio  Shoott , bought it early on in the pandemic to ensure she didn’t miss breakfast or lunch. The cooker, she says, is “a convenient, handy, and quick little appliance that makes eggs exactly the way you want: It’s perfect for quick breakfasts in a pinch, a much-needed protein-based afternoon snack, or to cook eggs to incorporate into salads or other dishes.”

Architect Samantha Josaphat and Luis Medina, who together lead architecture firm Studio 397 , told us their favorite home office piece is their water carbonator, which they’d recommend to anyone who wants to stay hydrated, but who gets bored of still water and hates the waste (and weight) of buying cans of seltzer. While they still use Sodastream gas containers with it, Josaphat and Medina say they prefer the Aarke’s design to Sodastream’s because it has “a lever as opposed to a button, which makes it more of an experience to use.” (And Strategist editor Maxine Builder also found it to be the most stylish-yet-effective seltzer-maker out there.)

Headphones and speakers

If your home is on a busy street — or filled with busy roommates — you’ll likely be after some headphones soon enough, say many of our people who work from home. For a relatively affordable (if not fully noise-cancelling) corded option, Arsenault recommends these basic in-ear headphones from Master & Dynamic, a brand we’ve written about before ( Black , Michael Strahan , and hotelier Marie Louise Scio are also fans.) “My boyfriend and I both work from home in a one-bedroom flat,” Arsenault told us. “If I need to watch something or if I am transcribing an interview, then I just pop in these headphones.”

For a truly noise-canceling pair of headphones, two folks we talked to — fashion photographer Jacqueline Harriet, who conducts her entire business from home, and Blackburn — recommend Apple’s AirPods Pro. Strategist contributor Sarah Wexler also praised these larger AirPods, which she says stay in place better than any wireless headphones she’s used before. According to Harriet, their Bluetooth connectivity gives them an added benefit while working from home: “I like them because you can dance and do your chores while making conference calls with clients.” (For more earbuds, be sure to check out the selection from various brands that we tested .)

For an over-ear noise-canceling option, Sony’s newly released WH-1000XM4 headphones are the next generation of what Strategist contributor David Pogue has called the “best wireless headphones he’s over owned.” One writer of this piece (Louis Cheslaw) tested the XM4s and found that the newer model, even if marginally, is better for working from home than its predecessor, thanks to features including a lift-to-pause technology and the ability to connect the headphones to two devices at once via Bluetooth. For more headphones (both noise-canceling and not) at a range of prices, here’s a list of the favorites we’ve tested over the years.

People who don’t wear headphones (they do exist) looking for a better way to listen (and talk) during video calls should consider this inexpensive plug-in headset that Strategist senior editor Anthony Rotunno uses on Zoom calls. The headset, he writes, “tethers me to more professional environments and makes me feel like the CEO of my new office of one.” While it can plug directly into any device with an old-school headphone jack, newer machines may require an adapter like this one to be compatible.

Sometimes our workers-from-home say they want whatever they’re listening to to come from a source a bit further from their ear drums. This speaker is what Sophia Kardonski, the co-founder of Miami’s Sobremesa dancing supper club (who runs her business from her home five days a week) uses during her workdays. “The battery life lasts forever,” she says, adding that it’s called the Revolve for a reason: “The sound really does revolve around the room, it’s like a portable surround sound system.” While Bose makes a top-of-the-line portable speaker, we’ve written about other well-regarded ones at varying price points here .

This less-expensive and more-colorful Bluetooth speaker is what writer Jia Tolentino relies on. In her words, the (fully waterproof) speaker hits the two most important qualities for a portable speaker: It “sounds great” and “syncs instantly.”

Computer and laptop accessories

If you’re planning to work from home on an Apple computer, writer Emma Grillo told us she bought this keyboard with a gift card she won for good performance at her first internship. “I work off of a really small laptop, and typing all day is so much easier on this portable keyboard, which is bigger and easier to use than my laptop,” she says.

The one issue with flat keyboards like Apple’s Magic Keyboard is that too much time typing at one can result in sore wrists at best and carpal tunnel (or more) at worst, according to physical therapist and board-certified athletic trainer Dr. Scott Weiss. “The wrong mouse-and-keyboard setup can wreak physical havoc on your hand, wrist, and forearm,” Weiss told our tech writer Jordan Bowman. Those looking for an ergonomic keyboard should consider this model that Verge editors told Bowman they love for its comfort-driven features, such as a supportive wrist pad and contoured design, without any of the add-ons that can quickly make ergonomic keyboards super expensive (like rechargeable batteries and backlit keys). According to this keyboard’s fans, it’s a functional option that “still looks and feels like a high-end professional product.”

When it comes to an ergonomic mouse, four experts Bowman talked to about the best wireless mouses recommended this one. Beyond being designed to comfortably fit the shape of your hand, the mouse’s customizable thumb wheel can be set to scroll left-to-right across your screen, which a video creator says is a “huge” help when moving through a film’s timeline.

If you, like Leimkuhler, find the feeling of using a mouse on a desk or table to be “a little like nails on a chalkboard,” you might want to consider picking up a mousepad. The one she uses is a (now sold out) Yayoi Kusama mousepad from the MoMA Design Store, which adds a pop of color to her desk while also protecting it. This still-available Roy Lichtenstein design that Leimkuhler pointed us to would have the same effect, she says.

To solve her bedroom’s (relatable) single-outlet problem, Kathy Li, the Strategist’s audience growth coordinator, bought a “ridiculously long” 15-foot extension cord. Now, she says her phone and other devices can happily charge on her desk while she works, even though the outlet remains “all the way on the other side” of her room.

“One of my biggest complaints about working from home is not having a full-sized monitor,” Blackburn told us. He says that this iPad stand helps simulate a monitor for him by raising his iPad to the level and angle of his laptop screen, so he can use it as a second screen for his laptop. He adds that this “sturdy, affordable” holder (which can also fit a phone) is great “if you just want to have YouTube on while you work.” Blackburn adds that newer iPads have built-in technology should you want to use them as a second display for your laptop screen instead of YouTube (and that the dual-display function can be added to older iPads using Duet Display. )

According to Strategist writer Jenna Milliner-Waddell, this inexpensive doodad allows you to use your phone as a second monitor of sorts. It holds a phone side-by-side with a laptop screen, “so when calls, texts, or email notifications come in, I can simply glance over to see what’s going on without breaking contact with my keyboard or computer screen, significantly improving the number of uninterrupted hours I work a day.”

If you’re looking for a proper monitor, Lynch has high praise for this one, which he says basically changed everything about his work-from-home life . “Having room for two documents side by side on my screen, rather than having to flip back and forth between them, made me work so much faster,” he says, noting how handy monitors can be for those who try to keep dozens of windows open on a tiny laptop screen. Lynch adds that the monitor’s stand can be raised, lowered, and tilted across four different planes to create the perfect display setup.

“I love this thing,” Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo says of this flexible phone holder, which she has called her best WFH-related purchase. Since buying it, Corsillo told us she’s used it “for yoga, to watch TV in the bath, to talk to friends while baking, and to take photographs for articles.” Her partner, she adds, has even borrowed it for his own remote work as a teacher.

Kardonski told us that she tends to work most often from her couch, with her computer on her lap. She says after being “sketched out by my laptop sitting on my ovaries for hours, and feeling like it’s zapping my insides” she bought this DefenderPad shield, which slides right under the laptop and uses EMF shielding technology to combat radiation. It might cost a lot for a tech accessory, she says, “but considering a laptop case can easily be over $60, the portability and peace of mind this pad gives me is definitely worth it.”

Sarah Weingust, the founder and CEO of travel company HostelPass (who from her home runs a business with employees all over the world), says this small stand that “sticks onto the bottom of your laptop” is helpful for two reasons. “I find it helps most with my posture and comfort, but also can be really helpful to keep my computer cool if I’m running a lot of programs,” she told us. “It props up my laptop and doesn’t cover the fan, making it easier for air to flow and keeping my computer from getting overheated.” Weingust adds that, for such a small stand, it doesn’t move even if she’s “typing up a storm” and that it has three levels to choose from, including an option to lie flat as if it wasn’t there. If you’re looking for other ways to keep your electronics fresh and high-performing, check out our expert-recommended guide to everything you need to clean tech products.

Strategist contributor Liz Carey — a television writer who works a lot from home — praised this affordable, adjustable table as an essential piece of gear, saying it helps her to maintain a better posture when she spends hours working from the desk in her bedroom. “The tabletop can be tilted, and you adjust its height via two buttons on either of its legs,” she writes. “If I put it on top of the regular desk I work from in my bedroom, the setup affords me enough height that you could call it a makeshift standing desk.” It also allows her to work from her bed (which more than one of our sources say they will do from time to time). “Perched on my mattress , the table stands tall enough that I can extend my legs beneath it or sit cross-legged.”

For a sleeker-looking stand that could support a laptop or monitor (though probably not in bed), communications strategist Amy Lebowitz told us she ingeniously repurposed this kitchen storage rack (designed by Strategist favorite brand Yamazaki Home) to instead “prop up my second monitor at eye level without taking up a bunch of space on my desk.” She describes it as a “great design” that allows her to store things underneath her monitor — something you just can’t do with a stack of books.

Maybe after a year of barking at a screen or into your headphones’ microphone, you’re realizing you need a better way to be heard during all those Zoom meetings. If so, two different professionals told us this USB microphone is the best thing they got for working from home . Strategist contributor Laura Fenton , the author of  The Little Book of Living Small , says she bought hers after “one too many tinny-sounding interviews,” promising that the device is “easy enough for a non-techie person like myself to use.” Jon Lincoln, the founder of online retailer  goimagine , also bought the mic and told us “it has worked great as an inexpensive solution to make sure everyone is heard clearly during our virtual meetings.”

If working from home means you’re also working on a personal computer, you might want to invest in a back-up program, according to Eric Lawton, a freelance designer who works from home five days a week. “Don’t learn the hard way like I did and procrastinate about backing up your files,” he told us, adding that Blackblaze software provides a simple way to get unlimited storage for your computer, as well as any external hard drives attached to it. “It’s a must have for any freelancer whose files are their livelihood.”

Lawton also told us he likes to use this desk protector underneath his laptop and workbooks. “Essentially, it’s just a really comfortable place to rest your wrists and arms,” he told us. For more lap desks to consider, we’ve listed the best-reviewed ones on Amazon here .

Comfort-driven accessories

While you should probably change out of your pajamas, the folks we spoke to say that a proven work-from-home benefit is being able to add a dash more comfort to your work environment. Just as you might use one to warm you up in a chilly office, a blanket can be a nice accessory to keep you cozy while working at home, too, according to Arsenault (“If I’m working at the kitchen table, I wrap myself in a blanket.”). Her go-to is a luxe merino-and-cashmere blanket , but if you’re looking for something more affordable that simply looks nice and will keep you comfy, this faux fur throw from our list of interior-designer-recommended blankets should do the trick. According to the designer who recommended it, it’s “inexpensive, easy to maintain, has a great look, and is ultra-soft.”

These weren’t marketing manager Summer Langton’s first pair of blue-light-blocking glasses , but she tells us they were the first that worked. “They have a slight warm yellow tint to them,” she explains, “which really helps me with eye fatigue. I fully notice the difference at night if I’ve worn these all day vs. if I haven’t.”

Hannah Richtman, the owner of Brooklyn vintage store The Break , says this aesthetically pleasing humidifier is the first thing that comes to mind as a work from home essential. “It’s changed the way I wake up in the morning (sore-throat free) and actually looks nice in my home,” she says, adding that the humidifier has also stopped her from having to remind herself that “you don’t have COVID, the air in your apartment is just dry.”

While you don’t need to put on dress shoes if you’re working from home, a pair of slippers is crucial for keeping your feet warm and clean, according to Lawton ( and Black ). “It’s hard finding house slippers that are comfortable, well-designed, and not covered in fur,” Lawton says. But he swears that these loungers from Allbirds are all three. They “fit the bill perfectly — so much so that my girlfriend and I have matching pairs,” he adds. For a more (non-fur-covered) footwear you can wear inside and on the occasional errand, check out our cool-person-approved list of slides for men and women.

Perhaps, like Fast Company associate editor Yasmin Gagne , you too have been able to take advantage of the “five-minute midday shower” that she often treats herself to while working from home. On days when she showers and doesn’t have to show face at any Zoom meetings afterwards, Gagne told us she’ll wear “this weird towel/turban at my desk,” adding that it makes her “hair dries faster” and “doesn’t get my shirt all wet.”

To soothe tech neck from staring at her computer screen all day, Strategist writer Chloe Anello invested in this acupressure mat and pillow. “I put it on my couch and lay on it while I answer emails,” she says. “Going through my inbox is much less stressful when doing it from an acupressure mat.”

If you don’t currently have the funds to invest in a new ergonomic chair or desk, Apothékary  founder Shizu Okusa suggests using this affordable posture corrector. Her mother bought one for each member of her family when they were all working at less-than-ideal ergonomic setups at home. “This strap holds your shoulders back for you, which ultimately makes it difficult to sit with a curved spine, and over time your muscles are conditioned to support better posture (even if you’re not wearing the strap),” she says.

“In the same way  certain upper-back braces  use tension to pull your shoulders back to encourage better posture, the S’portBacker uses tension to tilt your pelvis slightly forward and prop you up to encourage better posture while seated,” explains Klein, who uses this when working on low-back chairs or stools. “I have a hard time maintaining an upright posture in a chair without a back; no matter how hard I try to keep my core engaged, I typically (subconsciously) end up slouching and rounding my shoulders or overarching in a way that gives me lower-back aches,” she says. “But the S’portBacker makes it easier to keep my core activated (without overcompensating in my back).”

Last year, our beauty writer Rio Viera-Newton invested in this tinier version of the massage tool beloved by athletes as a way to soothe muscles (and stress) from WFH. Skeptical of its size — “it’s only a touch bigger than my hand and a lot lighter than my MacBook Air” — she was blown away by its power. “At three different speeds, it vigorously vibrates to loosen up muscles while the attachment ball thrusts up and down, massaging deep into those sore spots.” It has another fan in Lumen co-founder Merav Mor, who also bought the Theragun Mini after she started working from home during the pandemic. “I use my Theragun to give myself a soothing shoulder massage between meetings or to just relieve sore muscles,” she says.

Things to keep you focused

If your brain is understandably struggling to switch between work and rest modes without the change of scenery, Richtman recommends these focus-enhancing supplements from the Nue Co. (a brand we’ve written about before ), which she says have helped her feel more “control over my health and well-being.” Since she’s started taking them, Richtman says she’s “repainted my entire apartment, learned how to groom my dog, and felt much more aligned with my daily to-do list.”

When she’s approaching an afternoon slump, Gagne says that putting a dropper’s worth of this ( less-expensive ) liquid supplement in a glass of water “actually works.” She adds: “It tastes like dirt, but placebo effect or not, I feel like I can focus better afterwards.”

Julianne Fraser, the founder and CEO of digital-marketing agency  Dialogue New York , says her biggest challenge with working from home was finding ways to set boundaries between home and work life. Then she discovered the Instagram-famous Loftie alarm clock. “It has greatly improved my sleep quality,” Fraser says, because in addition to working as a wake-up alarm (allowing her to leave her phone outside of her bedroom), the clock is also a night-light and speaker that can play music, sound baths, guided meditations, and breath-work sessions. “I fall asleep to the sound baths and use the breath-work and meditation features instead of scrolling through my Instagram feed.”

“It’s the straw,” Langton says, that elevates this water bottle from just another vessel for keeping hydrated into a true WFH-essential. “I love that I can drink hands-free while I’m typing,” she explains, adding that she likes using a clear bottle (versus the opaque Hydroflasks and Yetis) because she can “see how much water I have left.” Her love for the Eddy+ was confirmed, Langton adds, when she relocated to her family’s house earlier this year, forgot to bring it with her, and ended up ordering another immediately. (We’ve also described it as one of the best water bottles that you can buy on Amazon.)

Grillo told us that she turns this lava lamp on whenever she sits down to work. “It sounds kind of ridiculous, but it always makes me smile to look at,” she says. “Freelancing and working from home can be really stressful, so it’s nice to just zone out to my lava lamp for a few minutes, and remind myself how lucky I am to get to do what I do.” As for how it works, Grillo says it usually takes the lava lamp about 20 minutes after you turn it on to really get going, which she uses as a timer. “By the time the insides are bouncing around, I aim to be pretty deep into my work and no longer doing clerical emails and invoices.”

Grillo adds that she always keeps a “chunk” of purple amethyst crystal on her desk, because as well as being aesthetically pleasing, a former meditation professor told her it prevents harmful rays from electronics. “I even brought a chunk with me every day to an internship when I was 21, which I think thoroughly freaked out my boss,” she adds.

Strategist editor Maxine Builder wrote about how this satisfying block color timer is the “only thing that helps her avoid Twitter,” claiming that it helps her work for two hours straight without feeling burned out. Just flip the cube to display the time you’d like to count down from and the timer will begin, allowing you to give yourself a guilt-free break on social media between timed chunks of work.

“Taking breaks is necessary” when working from home, Black wrote when a reader asked him for things that could make an office of one more enjoyable. He added that it helps to “walk around the block, or do something physical to keep the blood flowing.” If you can’t walk around the block, Black recommends these handles you can use to get a few push-ups in (and perfect your technique) at home. As he puts it: “You don’t get pecs from writing emails!”

With additional reporting by Dominique Pariso.

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I'm a Travel Writer, and I Always Pack These 12 Amazon Essentials for International Trips, From $9

Shop must-have compression packing cubes, portable travel scales, and weekender bags.

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

In my years as a frequent international flier and Italian travel writer , I’ve come to learn (sometimes the hard way) that the items you pack can greatly impact your experience of being suspended some 30,000 feet in the air in a metal contraption for over six hours at a time. My biggest takeaway: it pays to be prepared. 

Through trial and error, I’ve fine-tuned my travel essentials packing list to include everything from spinner carry-on suitcases and compression packing cubes to portable luggage scales and travel adapters. The good news is that all of my favorite items can be found at Amazon, and they're starting at just $9. So without further ado, these are the 12 travel essentials I always pack to make my international flights smooth and stress-free, whether I’m traveling around the world to slake my newest destination obsession or returning home to Italy.

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes 

I never understood the hype around compression packing cubes until I tried them out for myself during a recent week-long road trip through Ireland . This bundle of four from Amazon-loved brand Gonex, in sizes ranging from S to XL, can compress a wardrobe's worth of clothes and is great for an overpacker such as me. I recently used them on a 10-day trip home to Rome and still had plenty of room left in my carry-on suitcase for shoes and toiletries. Now that I’m officially a compression packing cube believer, they come with me on every international trip. 

Travel Inspira Portable Digital Travel Scale 

Any overpacker knows the pain of reaching the airport check-in desk and having to pay an exorbitant fee for overweight luggage — believe me, I’ve had to reluctantly shell out cash more than once. As a precaution, I purchased this small portable digital scale, I haven’t paid any overweight baggage fees since (much to my wallet’s pleasure). Compact enough to pack away into a personal item, the easy-to-use scale can weigh your luggage in both pounds and kilograms. Currently on sale at Amazon for $10, it’s a handy gadget that could potentially save you hundreds of dollars at the airport.

Twelve South AirFly Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter

There’s nothing quite like watching a movie on an international flight with a handful of snacks and a crisp glass of ginger ale, at least in my opinion. However, I’ve had my movie experience ruined a handful of times by the subpar earphones handed out on flights, which can never quite drone out the airplane’s engines or fit right in my ears. This traveler-loved, pocket-sized Bluetooth audio transmitter lets me connect my wireless earphones to the airplane’s seatback television, so I can enjoy crisp audio quality without any wires getting in the way. It has vastly improved my international flight experience, and at a humble $35, is worth every penny.

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Spinner Carry-on Suitcase

A sturdy carry-on suitcase is always with me whenever I travel internationally, either as my primary luggage or simply for extra space in the (probable) case my European shopping sprees get out of hand. I always make sure that my carry-on is a spinner suitcase, which I find is easier to navigate busy airports and cities with.

While I just invested in the Samsonite DLX Voltage Global spinner carry-on , you can snag this lookalike at Amazon from the same Travel + Leisure -trusted brand. It comes with smart features like expandable sides, TSA-approved locks, and an interior divider pocket. And, with 10,000-plus five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers, it’s not surprising that it’s currently the best seller in the carry-on luggage category . 

Tessan Universal Travel Adapter

A universal travel adapter is a must-have for any international trip, which is why I always have one or two on hand. This one from Tessan is one of my favorites because of its wide coverage — it can work in over 150 countries across Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Plus, it comes with four USB ports that can charge up to five devices at a time, so it’s a great option if you’re traveling with family or friends.

Although the device can be a bit bulky to pack away, I always keep one in my checked suitcase and one in my carry-on or personal item bag in case of long layovers and missed or canceled flights.

Apple AirTags 4-pack

Apple AirTags are my absolute best friends when I travel. Not only do they give me peace of mind when I fly and have layovers, but they’ve also helped me track my lost luggage more times than I can count. I was once able to see that my suitcase had been left behind in Dublin during a layover flying from Boston to Rome, and was able to track it when it eventually arrived in Italy and was making its way to my house via an airport worker. 

I also use them in my everyday life to keep a close eye on my keys and wallet, and have yet to change their battery even though I’ve had them for two years. Although pricey, they’re worth the investment — and the good news is that they’re currently 20 percent off at Amazon.

Amazon Fire 10-inch Tablet

Bibliophiles know the power of a good book and are well acquainted with how easy it can be to lose track of time when you’re engrossed in a story. My paper-thin Amazon Fire tablet, which easily fits into my personal item or carry-on suitcase, is always on me when I travel, and I can easily pass the hours reading a book or two on particularly long flights. 

The Amazon Fire tablet doesn’t just stop at books, though — you can play games (I’m a big fan of in-flight Solitaire), catch a movie or show via Netflix or Disney+, listen to music on Spotify, and even jump on a Zoom call. It’s an incredibly versatile device that’s great for traveling, and to sweeten the deal, it’s currently on sale for $95.

Topbag Family Passport Holder

As a triple citizen, I always carry all my passports with me when I travel, which can be a bulky ordeal. While mine was gifted to me years ago, this TopBag Family Passport Holder is a close match. Capable of holding up to six passports, which is ideal for families or friends traveling together, the wallet also comes with a cash pocket and six card slots so you can keep all your essentials in one, easy-to-reach place. It’s slim enough to fit into a personal item and comes with a handy strap that you can wear around your wrist for easy access. 

Miady Dual USB Portable Chargers 2-pack

This pack of two pocket-sized portable chargers , roughly the same size as an Apple iPhone, is essential for long international flights, especially ones with layovers. I’ve brought these all over the world with me, from Iceland and Ireland to Rome and India. They're small enough to fit into a crossbody bag and each portable charger comes with two USB ports that can charge two devices at a time, which I usually use to juice up my cell phone and Amazon Fire tablet during long flights. Currently on sale for $18, these portable chargers have enough power to get you anywhere you need to be and back, as their near-76,000 five-star ratings can attest to.

Uto 3-in-1 Crossbody Bag

I purchased this crossbody bag for a recent week-long road trip through Ireland , and have since crowned it my official travel purse for its durability, ample storage features, and sleek silhouette. It can easily survive the wear and tear of traveling long distances thanks to its water-and-scratch resistant synthetic-washed leather exterior — seriously, it emerged from my Ireland trip virtually unscathed despite suffering comical amounts of wind, rain, and mud. 

What's more, the crossbody bag comes with three zippered compartments, one of them detachable, plus a removable chest-level coin purse. Inside, I can fit my three passports, wallet, keys, lip balms, hand creams, Apple AirPods, portable charger, and phone cable — with room to spare. The bag’s budget-friendly price tag, now on sale for $23, is just the cherry on top. 

Monogrammed Luggage Tag

Trying to find your suitcase at baggage claim can be tricky, which is why I make mine stand out with this small but chic monogrammed luggage tag. Made from supple PU leather, the black luggage tag is virtually scratch-free and comes with a subtle privacy shield to cover your personal information. It’s an extra step to ensure that my bases are covered in case my luggage gets lost, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s pretty cute, too.

Etronik Weekender Bag

Weekender bags are all the rage these days, and for good reason. They’re sleek, spacious, and easy to carry — essential criteria for any kind of travel. I usually bring my flight attendant-loved Béis Mini Weekender Bag with me on international flights for its sturdy exterior, stiff-zippered bottom shoe compartment, and ample storage space. For those who don’t want to splurge on Béis’ $98 version , you can score this budget-friendly weekender from Amazon-loved brand Etronik (which I also own) is on sale for $36. 

Available in over 20 color and pattern variations, the Etronik Weekender Bag features a bottom zippered shoe compartment, a USB charging port, a toiletry bag, two shoe bags, and a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap. Because of these smart features, which have earned it over 7,000 five-star ratings, I used the bag every weekend for nearly a year when taking four-hour bus rides between Boston and New York City. Even though I’ve now upgraded to Béis, the Etronik bag is still in great shape and ready to go when I need it.

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19 Must-Have Travel Essentials on Amazon, According to Our Readers

By Madison Flager and Meaghan Kenny

Here at Condé Nast Traveler , we spend a lot of time testing out the latest in travel gear— luggage , portable chargers , compression socks , and more—to find the best of the best to recommend to you. And while many of our favorite brands, from Béis to Pond LA , are smaller businesses, there's no denying the ease, convenience, and affordability Amazon allows , especially for Prime members. It's a one-stop-shop for last-minute travel needs, whether you're looking for TSA-friendly toiletry bottles for an upcoming trip or a supportive neck pillow to make a red-eye a little more bearable.

To find some of the best Amazon travel products, we turned to you: Below are 19 vacation essentials Traveler readers have purchased most after reading our reviews. Consider these the tech gadgets, travel-friendly clothing, and long-haul must-haves that deserve a prime spot in your carry-on , gathered up in one place.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Weatherman travel umbrella

There's nothing worse than your umbrella failing you on a windy, rainy day. The Weatherman umbrella is a Traveler favorite , too—it's lightweight, wind-resistant, and features an automatic open and close feature. It's durable enough to keep you protected through heavy rainfall and will last for years. You'll never regret storing a trusty umbrella in your backpack , especially when it's as compact as this one.

New Balance 574 Core sneaker

Is there any item as crucial on your packing list as a comfortable walking shoe ? This dad sneaker from New Balance is a go-to for our readers—it's stylish, versatile, and comfy enough to wear for a full day of sightseeing.

Pelican Marine Series floating phone pouch

You'll be grateful to have a waterproof phone pouch this summer when you're lounging by the pool or spending the day fishing on a lake. No matter what's on your itinerary, the Pelican Marine pouch will keep your iPhone protected from water, snow, dust, sand, and scratches. If you do accidentally drop your phone in the water, the pouch will stay afloat so you can easily grab it. The detachable lanyard helps keep your phone secure, making it ideal for active vacations.

Trtl travel pillow

Our readers agree: A supportive neck pillow is a travel must-have. This one is designed to keep your head and neck in an upright position, so you don't wake up with any aches or pains. It's easy to pack for any type of trip, whether you're in the middle seat on a long-haul flight or headed on a road trip . Plus, it's made of super-soft fleece, keeping you comfortable while you catch some ZZZ's.

1Mii Bluetooth 5.0 adapter

This bluetooth adapter for your headphones will come in handy the next time you want to watch a movie in-flight. It lasts up to six hours on a single charge and the charging case holds additional charging power for up to 24 hours of playtime. Plus, it's compact enough to toss in your personal item without taking up much room.

Read a full review here .

Morfone travel bottles

We tested more than a dozen TSA-approved toiletry bottles , and this $10 set of 16 from Amazon was one of our favorites—and our readers seem to agree. It features four refillable silicone bottles, four jars, two spray bottles, two scoopers, a funnel, and a cleaning brush. It lets you bring all of your favorite products with you, from shampoo and conditioner to skincare serums and sunscreen. The bottles are leakproof and come in a reusable clear case, so you don't have to worry about any spills in your suitcase.

Etekcity luggage scale

Rather than hoping your luggage isn't over TSA weight limits, use this portable luggage scale to weigh your bag at home or in your hotel room. It's easy to use and takes up little space in your personal item. Say goodbye to those extra baggage fees.

Perilogics Universal airplane phone mount

This compact phone mount clips onto the top of your airplane seat tray table and conveniently holds your phone in place so you can watch movies, TV shows, or podcast videos hands-free. It's a total game-changer when it comes to in-flight entertainment.

Bagsmart hanging toiletry bag

Our readers can't get enough of this best-selling toiletry bag that can be hooked onto the back of any bathroom door. It makes seeing all of your products easy and keeps everything organized (and off of the bathroom counter).

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2

It's a smart idea for every traveler to have some type of tag that can track their luggage—so you can know for sure your suitcase made it to your destination with you. The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 offers a mapped-out location history, an extended battery life, and a water- and dust-resistant exterior. Clip the sleek tag onto any backpack, checked suitcase, or other personal belonging the next time you prepare for takeoff.

Allive genuine leather passport holder

In addition to your passport , this sleek leather wallet offers a spot to hold credit cards and an Apple AirTag—making it a popular pick among Traveler readers. It help keeps your passport in pristine condition and makes it easy to spot in your bag.

Apple AirPods Pro

Noise-canceling headphones are a must-have on loud airplanes. Apple's AirPods Pro are regularly on sale on Amazon and they continue to be a tried-and-true travel favorite among our readers.

LifeStraw personal water filter

It's easy to see why our readers love this compact personal water filter so much. It works as a regular drinking straw while filtering out over 99.999 percent of bacteria, parasites, and sediment. It takes up very little space in your backpack or fanny pack , making it an ideal essential to always keep handy on hiking or camping trips.

Mzoo contoured sleep mask

One simple solution to make any flight a bit better: an eye mask , like this popular contoured one from Mzoo. It'll block out light without laying flat on your eyes, which can feel constrictive to some, and has an adjustable strap to secure a proper fit.

Quuenieke leggings

As far as travel wardrobe staples go, a good pair of black leggings is always on our list. And while some of our favorites come from name brands like Lululemon and Outdoor Voices, this $25 pair is as worthy a contender: high-waisted, thick enough to be fully opaque, and sturdy enough to keep their shape for years.

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

There are plenty of travel-friendly tablet options, and certainly larger ones for people who want theirs to double as a laptop on trips. But for bookworms who just need something lightweight to replace their stack of books, Kindle's six-ounce, waterproof Paperwhite is the way to go. Its battery lasts for weeks, and even the smaller storage size (8GB) can hold thousands of titles.

Intex Excursion Pro inflatable kayak

If you occasionally like to spent a summer day kayaking or are looking to ramp up your time on the water but don't have the space to store a regular kayak in your apartment, this inflatable option from Amazon is a great buy. The two-person kayak is easy to inflate when you're ready to use it and just as simple to deflate when your lake day has come to an end. The set features a pump, two paddles, and two fishing rod holders, as well as adjustable footrests and a removable seat booster. (Plus, you're saving big bucks avoiding those kayak rental fees.)

Anker portable charger

When it comes to portable chargers , you can't go wrong with Anker. Their PowerCore Essential 20000 is a solid pick for the everyday traveler: It can charge a dead iPhone to 50 percent in just half an hour, is compatible with nearly any Android or iPhone, as well as tablets, and has two ports (a USB-C and a USB). And at less than a pound, it won't feel like a bother to carry around.

Comrad compression socks

After trying out a pair of Comrad compression socks for myself, I'm never stepping foot on a plane without them. These breathable knee-high socks help improve circulation and prevent swelling that can happen if you're sitting in one place for hours. They also reduce soreness and help keep your legs comfortable, whether you're on a flight, in a car, or any other activity for an extended period of time.

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Travel Essentials Are Trending on Amazon, and We Found the 50 Best Deals Starting at $8

Including savings from Samsonite, Travelpro, and more top brands

• Travel Essential Deals Overall
• Luggage Deals
• Travel Clothes Deals
• Carry-on Luggage Deals
• Travel Accessories

People / Amazon(4)

Amazon shoppers are gearing up for summer trips with all things travel .

Right now, carry-on luggage, packing cubes, weekender bags, and more travel essentials are trending on Amazon. If you’re also getting ready for an upcoming vacation, we pulled together the top 50 deals on travel must-haves, including luggage sets, travel pillows, and other accessories. We also found comfortable clothes like travel dresses inspired by Gwyneth Paltrow and Meghan Markle . The best part? Prices start at just $8. 

Best Travel Essential Deals Overall 

• Oprah-Loved: Benevolence LA Plush Velvet Jewelry Box , $19.98 (orig. $26.35)
• PEOPLE Tested : Narwey Travel Makeup Bag , $9.99 (orig. $13.99)
• 80K Just Bought: Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan , $14.38 (orig. $24.99)
• Samsonite Freeform Expandable Checked Suitcase , $167.99 (orig. $239.99)
• Travelpro 21-Inch Expandable Carry-On , $135.99 (orig. $169.99)
• Etronik Weekender Bag with USB Charging Port , $25.99 (orig. $49.99)
• Mlvoc Travel Pillow , $24.99 (orig. $29.99)
• The Drop Britt Tiered Maxi Tent Dress , $42.42 (orig. $59.90)
• Veken 8-Piece Packing Cube Set , $17.99 (orig. $24.99)
• Travel Inspira Portable Luggage Scale , $7.80 (orig. $12.99)

More than 80,000 shoppers just picked up this mini handheld fan that’s on sale for $14. Pack the compact gadget for an easy way to stay cool during hot days. Then pick up Amazon’s best-selling packing cube set , which comes with eight fabric pouches to organize clothes, shoes, toiletries, and accessories. 

Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan

Best luggage deals.

Weekender bags, suitcases, and travel backpacks are discounted for as little as $26. If you’re shopping for matching luggage, grab this 3-piece hard shell luggage set , which comes with a carry-on size suitcase and two checked bags. With the deal, the suitcases are going for $58 apiece. 

For short trips, keep your clothes, shoes, and toiletries organized with this weekender bag . It has a main compartment with plenty of pockets, a bottom compartment to store footwear separately, and it comes with an included toiletry bag. At least one reviewer shared that it’s got “lots of space.”

• Coolife Expandable 3-Piece Set Spinner Suitcases , $174.99 with coupon (orig. $189.99)
• Matein Expandable Backpack , $29.99 (orig. $45.99)
• Travelpro Checked Luggage with Spinner Wheels , $199.99 (orig. $249.99)
• Bovip Weekender Bag Set , $36.99 (orig. $49.99)
• Wogarl Weekender Travel Bag with Shoe Compartment , $35.99 (orig. $49.99)
• Wisepack Travel Duffel Bag with Toiletry Bag , $25.99 (orig. $30.99)
• Hyc00 Large Weekender Overnight Bag , $26.99 (orig. $39.99)
• Coowoz Travel Backpack , $38.86 (orig. $42.99)
• Bagsmart Tote Bag , $30.39 (orig. $39.99)
• Bagsmart 17-Inch Travel Backpack , $42.99 (orig. $49.99) 

Coolife Expandable 3-Piece Set Spinner Suitcases

Best travel clothes deals.

Whether you have a long flight or a road trip planned this summer, it’s an ideal time to invest in comfortable clothes and footwear. These Skechers high-waisted leggings , which are up to 54 percent off, are made of soft and stretchy fabric that’s moisture-wicking. They’re “lightweight” and “comfy,” according to five-star reviewers. 

Pair it with this new oversized striped T-shirt that comes in four colors. With breathable fabric and a roomy silhouette, it’s an easy choice for summer travel.

• Skechers Go Walk High-Waisted Legging , $22.39 (orig. $49)
• Dokotoo Striped Oversized T-Shirt , $17.99 with coupon (orig. $19.99)
• Tanming Knit Pullover Lounge Set , $31.49 with coupon (orig. $42.99)
• Halife Summer Casual Maxi Dress , $39.99 (orig. $45.99)
• Hanes Cotton Zip-Up Hoodie , $15 (orig. $23)
• Zoosixx Casual Lounge Pant , $14.87 with coupon (orig. $17.49)
• Anrabess Casual Long T-Shirt Dress , $34.99 (orig. $52.99)
• Anrabess Loose Linen Overall Romper , $32.99 (orig. $36.99)
• Ekouaer Tennis Skort , $26.99 (orig. $33.99)
• Lauweion Basic Fleece Hoodie , $34.99 (orig. $36.99)

Skechers Go Walk High-Waisted Legging

Best carry-on luggage deals .

Compact carry-on suitcases are currently on sale for as little as $40. This Samsonite hardside luggage has 360-degree spinner wheels that make it easy to roll around. Shoppers who’ve given it a perfect rating rave that it’s “durable” and “spacious.” If you’re in the market for soft-sided luggage, consider picking up this luggage set while it’s half-off. It comes with a carry-on suitcase and a matching tote bag. 

• Samsonite Omni PC 20-Inch Spinner Carry-On , $139.99 (orig. $159.99)
• Rockland 2-Piece Softside Luggage Set , $39.99 (orig. $79.99)
• Kroser Hardside Luggage with TSA Lock , $89.99 with coupon (orig. $99.99)
• Rockland Melbourne Spinner Wheel Luggage , $83.39 (orig. $120)
• Level8 Rolling Lightweight Luggage , $154.99 with coupon (orig. $169.99)
• American Tourister 21-Inch Luggage with Wheels , $69.99 (orig. $139.99)
• Kenneth Cole Reaction 8-Wheel Hardside Suitcase , $79.99 (orig. $114.99)
• Luggex Carry-On with Front Pocket , $49.99 (orig. $59.99)
• Rockland London Hardside Suitcase , $53.99 (orig. $120)
• SwissGear Energie Hardside Expandable Luggage , $159.99 (orig. $169.99)

Samsonite Omni PC 20-Inch Spinner Carry-On

Best travel accessories .

Right now, deals on toiletry kits, neck pillows, packing cubes, and more travel gear start at just $8. Grab the compact Iniu Portable Charger while it’s 40 percent off, then pack it in a belt bag to keep your phone charged on the go. The highly rated device charges quickly and is a “must-have for vacations,” according to a reviewer . Organize your shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and other toiletries with this set of 10 travel bottles and containers , which comes with a clear bag. 

• Iniu Portable Charger , $17.99 (orig. $29.99)
• Vorolo Crossbody Belt Bag , $7.99 (orig. $12.99)
• Depoza 16-Piece Set of Travel Bottles , $12.99 (orig. $15.99)
• Bagsmart Medium Toiletry Bag , $18.39 (orig. $23.49)
• Mrsdry 3-Ounce Travel Size Bottles , $7.99 (orig. $9.99)
• Topeast Initial Makeup Bag , $9.99 (orig. $15.99)
• Forge Travel Locks , $24.95 (orig. $35.99)
• Bostanten Small Sling Bag , $20.79 (orig. $35.99)
• Alameda Compression Packing Cubes , $12.58 (orig. $17.98)
• Napfun Neck Pillow , $16.96 (orig. $21.99)
• Conair Portable Clothes Steamer , $55.65 (orig. $69.99)

Iniu Portable Charger

Keep scrolling to shop more of the best deals on travel essentials at Amazon. 

Veken 8-Piece Packing Cube Set

Narwey travel makeup bag, samsonite freeform expandable checked suitcase, travelpro 21-inch expandable carry-on, mlvoc travel pillow, vorolo crossbody belt bag, depoza 16-piece set of travel bottles, see more from people shopping.

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Changes to Travel to Work Areas 2001 to 2011

Travel to Work Areas have been developed as approximations to self-contained labour market areas, reflecting areas where the majority of the resident workforce both live and work. This article looks at the changes in the number of Travel to Work Areas over time, with consideration as to the reasons for this, and focuses in particular on changes to the largest Travel to Work Areas as defined following the 2001 and 2011 Census.

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