Favourite Travel Products

The following are some of my favourite travel products. I am using or have used everything below during my travels.

Daypacks, purses and wallets

If you’re worried about pickpockets or getting your purse stolen, these Pacsafe handbags are perfect. They have a bunch of anti-theft features designed to make it harder for thieves to steal your stuff. As an added bonus, they come in different shapes, colours and sizes and some of the bags (possibly all, I haven’t checked) are made with water-repellent material. Best of all, they are surprisingly stylish. The straps and even the bag itself are slash resistant; the main zipper can be clipped to the strap to make it more secure and some of the bags even have RFID-blocking pockets and other safety features. Most of them are long enough that you can wear them cross-body, making it harder for potential thieves. I highly recommend it, especially if you’re traveling to places known for pickpockets and thieves.

This Pacsafe wallet is my favourite travel wallet. It’s RFID blocking; you can fit your passport in it; it has 8 card slots; 1 outer and 1 inner zippered coin pockets; and 2 pockets to put bank notes in, which is great if you’re traveling between countries with different currencies. The best part is that it comes with a strap that is detachable. So you can wear it around your wrist for a night out, or you can attach it to your purse so that it is harder for someone to steal it. I’ve used it both ways and it works great!

Another Pacsafe product I love. This Pacsafe backpack has become my favourite daypack. It has many anti-theft safety features such as RFID blocking; security hooks; zippers that can be attached to hooks and through tabs to prevent pickpocketing; and it also features anti-slashing technology. You can also fit a lot of stuff in it and there are lots of organizational features such as laptop sleeve; lots of pockets with and without zippers; phone pocket; key/wallet ring; and 2 side stretch pockets. I find wearing the bag really comfortable since it has padded straps and a molded foam back.

Accesories

These fitover sunglasses are a great discovery! As the name implies, they are made to fit over prescription glasses. These are much cheaper than buying prescription sunglasses, and come in a variety of sizes, styles and shapes to fit over any pair of prescription sunglasses. They are polarized to reduce glare and offer protection against UVA/UVB rays. The best part is that they are wrap-around so they also block the sun on the sides, which is perfect when you’re driving and the sun is at that really annoying angle that your car’s visor just can’t block.

This Sunbeam neck/shoulder heating pad is amazing. I’ve been using it for quite a long time and I find it really helps with my neck and shoulder pain. It’s not very practical for backpacking, but on road trips it is perfect to help relax those muscles, especially after a long day of driving. It has four different heat settings, will automatically shut-off after 2 hours, comes with a 9 foot cord and is super super soft! One of the best things I’ve ever bought!

The Cabeau Evolution neck pillow is SO comfortable. I’ve been using it for quite a while now and I’m really happy with it. It’s super soft, comfortable and I’ve even used it as a regular pillow on many occasions. There is a pocket on the side for your phone or ipod, which is super convenient and it has adjustable toggles, meaning it will stay securely around your neck no matter how much you move around. You can roll up the pillow quite small and store it in the accompanying travel bag, which is great as it then takes up a lot less space than traditional neck pillows. The sides go up quite high, so if you have a longer neck this will be perfect for you, however for those with short necks it might be a tad too high.

This inflatable neck pillow from MEC is perfect for people who want to travel with the comfort of a neck pillow but without the hassle of actually traveling with a neck pillow. It comes with its own storage pouch and when deflated, takes up barely any space in your purse or carry-on. And because it’s inflatable, you can adjust it with more or less air to fit your needs.

I’ve been using these travel towels for years. They’re super light, absorbent, dry quickly and take up a lot less space than a traditional towel. I always get them in the biggest size possible so I can use them as a bath towel and also as a beach towel. If you’re staying in hostels it’s always a good idea to have towels as most hostels do not provide them, or if they do, it is for a fee, so save yourself some money by having one of your own.

Clothing

These MEC long johns are so very light, very soft and very comfy. They’re great if you plan on going to colder destinations or doing any kind of winter activity such as skiing or snowboarding, as they don’t take up much room in your luggage, but still offer a good base layer.

This MEC tshirt is lightweight, soft and very comfortable. As with the long johns, it doesn’t take up much room, and it’s a great base layer if you’re planning on going to colder destinations or doing winter activities.

Shoes

I never thought much about Birkenstocks when I was younger, they were mostly associated with hippies, were really granola and were not thought to be very cool. I changed my mind when I was travelling in Germany with some Aussies who each bought several pairs while we were there because they were so much cheaper. They wouldn’t stop raving about how comfortable they were. I bought a pair to try out and haven’t looked back since. They’re great for travelling as they’re super comfortable, and are especially great for days where you’ll be doing a lot of walking. They offer much better support than flip-flops, and they now come in a variety of styles and colours, making them a much better fashion choice than in the past. They’re pricier, but worth the investment, and if you take good care of them, they will last for several years. I’ve used them for everything from walking around in the city to hiking easy trails.

Make sure you buy a little bottle of cork sealant and apply it regularly to the cork, it will keep the cork from drying out and crumbling. My faves are the ones my sister has nicknamed my “Jesus sandals”.

These Havaianas are my favourite flip-flops. They’re comfortable, cute and inexpensive. They come in a variety of colours and styles, they’re very light and take up virtually no space, and they’re great from everything to the beach, the shower, to traipsing around the city.

I absolutely love my Manitobah Mukluks boots. They are so warm and comfortable and great for winter weather. I’ve had mine for a few years now and I wear them all winter long. Based on traditional Indigenous styles, they’ve been modernized with a Vibram sole. They’ve now also come out with a waterproof version which makes them great even for slushy weather. Plus, by buying the boots you are supporting Indigenous communities and helping to keep traditional arts alive.

Health and Beauty

This Lug cosmetic case is perfect for organizing your makeup when you’re traveling. It can accommodate a variety of makeup containers and has different zippered sections with clear plastic so you can see what’s in them. The brush holders are great, as they keep the brushes nice and organized so you’re not always searching for that one brush.

Rollerball perfumes are one of my favourite travel items. They’re especially great for people who only have a carry-on and are restricted to the amount of liquid they can bring. They’re small and can easily fit in your purse, so they’re also great for a night on the town. A lot of the more popular scents have already come out in rollerball form, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find your favourite scent. Convenient and easy-to use, these are a must-have.

If you plan on bringing makeup along, the MAC pro palettes are a great way to save on space, keep organized and still offer a variety of shades. The best thing about the pro palette is that you get to choose the shades. The palette is magnetized, making it easy to switch out the colours to suit your mood, and it is very slim so it’s perfect for traveling. It is available in a 2 or 4 eyeshadow option, a large single that fits an insert of 15 eyeshadows or a duo that fits two of the inserts. There are also inserts for a 6 blush option, and inserts for a 12 or 24 customizable option that allows you to mix and match your choice of powders, gels, creams or emulsions.

This Lug flatiron case is a great way to travel with your flatiron. It keeps the cord organized, and the best thing is that you no longer have to wait for the flatiron to cool off, just throw it in the case while still hot and it’s good to go!

I found the Radius toothbrush and razor case at a local health food store and they’ve been some of my favourite travel products ever since. The toothbrush case is great, it fits my toothbrush perfectly and it’s so easy to clean, I love it. The razor case is totally amazing, it fits my razor (with the blade on) perfectly and I just love it. It’s the best one I’ve ever used. I haven’t used the soap case because I use my Lush tin.

I love my hair turban so much that I use it not only for traveling but at home as well. I hate having wet hair, so this is a perfect way to dry my hair and keep it off my face and neck. I used to bring two towels with me when I traveled (I don’t like using just one towel for my hair and body) so the hair turban has been a lifesaver. It’s so convenient, lightweight and takes up barely any space in my luggage!

I’ve tried several different shower caps over the years, but this EcoTools Shower Cap is my favourite so far. It fits well, keeps my hair dry, can be used for deep conditioning and comes with its own mesh storage bag for easy drying while traveling. Not only are you protecting your hair while you shower, you are also helping to protect the environment: EcoTools products are cruelty-free, are made with recycled materials and the packaging is tree-free.

I absolutely LOVE this lip mask/gloss! I first saw it recommended by Sasha on LaineyGossip and I thought I’d try it out. It’s probably the best lip gloss I’ve ever used, my lips are no longer chapped and it doesn’t leave your lips dry and feeling like you need to constantly reapply, like so many other lip balm/glosses do. And the best part is that it is made in Canada with food-grade ingredients and without the use of parabens, sulfates and phthalates. It is cruelty-free and palm oil-free. Healthy for you AND for the environment! It’s available in 3 colours: Natural (clear), Champagne (rose gold pearl) and Smashed (sheer candy apple red). Smashed is my current favourite.

I’ve been using the Lush Shampoo Bars on my travels for years now and I love them. They are super lightweight and work really well, with a great lather. All you have to do is wet your hair, wet the bar and off you go. If you’re only packing a carry-on and looking to cut out liquids, this is a great way to do it. They’re environmentally friendly (no plastic!) and come in a variety of scents (Jumping Juniper) and purposes (tames unruly locks) so you can pick whichever one suits your needs.

This Lush Body Butter Tin is the one I use for my Shampoo Bars. There is a smaller one designed specifically for the shampoo bars but I find it too snug and it’s hard to get the shampoo bar out. This one is perfect. It’s easy to get the shampoo bar out and it’s very lightweight and easy to clean.

I’ve tried several natural sunscreens and thinkbaby is by far my favourite! It has a nice thick consistency, isn’t too greasy, and smells good. It goes on white but disappears as you rub it in. Water-resistant with an spf of 50+, it is recommended by dermatologists and is free of toxic chemicals. It’s main active ingredient is non-nano zinc oxide. I’ve been using it for years and I love it.

I switched to Dr. Bronner’s Magic Organic Shaving Gel a few years ago and I’m a big fan. It’s easy to use, works well, smells good, uses organic ingredients and is certified fair trade. The consistency is different from regular shaving creams/gels, it’s fairly liquid-y, more like shower gel. It’s a brown-ish colour, and doesn’t really foam/lather much, but once you get used to it, it works really well. Give it a good shake before using and then you’re good to go. You don’t need to use a lot, so it lasts for a long time.

Graydon Skincare’s Face Food Mineral Mist is perfect for traveling. It’s a great way to hydrate and nourish your skin and keep it fresh after the dry airplane air. It’s small enough (100 ml) to be brought as carry-on and it’s great for every day use too. A Canadian company, Graydon Skincare is committed to using plant-based ingredients sourced from Canadian farmers.

I absolutely love Graydon Skincare’s Face Glow! It’s a lightly tinted primer and illuminator which can be used alone or under/over foundation and helps to even-out skin tone, with a light shimmer that redirects light to blur imperfections. Best of all, it contains non nano zinc oxide, protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. I like to blend it in with my moisturizer before applying it.

I’m a big fan of Graydon Skincare’s Bamboo Charcoal Sponge. It’s eco-friendly, easy to use, and contains two antioxidant ingredients: bamboo and charcoal. It very gently exfoliates and helps to eliminate oil and dirt. It’s also easy to travel with as it comes with its own little carrying bag.

Electronics + accessories

This storage case really comes in handy. It’s a super easy way to keep your memory cards organized and in one place. I just numbered each case, and then use the memory cards in order, making it very easy to keep track of which cards I’ve used and which I haven’t.

These portable ihome speakers are small and easy to carry yet offer great sound and you will be amazed by how loud these tiny speakers can get. They work with an mp3 player, cell phone or a laptop, so they’re great for listening to music or catching up on your favourite shows while you travel.

I absolutely love my Otterbox Defender case. While I would love to have a really cute case or a designer case, I have a bad habit of dropping my phone at least 5 times a day, so I need some heavy duty protection or it would be broken/the screen would be cracked within a day. This case has been a lifesaver, I’ve had my phone for 2 years now and no cracked screen in sight! On top of that they have a lifetime warranty, so if you somehow manage to damage the case they will replace it for you free of charge (the only thing you pay is a $4.99 shipping fee). I’ve had a few dealings with their customer service and every single time they have been incredibly friendly, helpful and are all in all amazing. One of the best companies I’ve ever dealt with for customer service.

This is my current Macbook laptop and I LOVE it! At 12 inches, it’s a good size for traveling and weighs practically nothing, which was one of the most important factors for me. After years of traveling with a heavy laptop, I was ready for something much lighter and this has been perfect . The battery life is great and I really like the new keyboard. It’s fast and reliable and I have no real complaints other than the one port, but even that hasn’t been much of an issue since I bought the multiport adaptor.

Since my ultralight laptop only has a USB-C port, this multiport adaptor allows me to connect with a standard USB port as well as to an HDMI display, while not taking up lots of extra space while I’m traveling. I use a USB port often while traveling, so the adaptor has been essential.

The gorilla pod has made a huge difference while taking pictures with my point and shoot. It’s super flexible, which means you can contort it into any shape you need it to be. I’ve used it as a tripod; I’ve wrapped it around poles, fences and tree branches; I’ve even hung it from stuff. It’s super helpful for night pictures or close-ups, as you can eliminate the shake from hand-holding.

Similar to the Otterbox in design and in being dropproof, LifeProof cases step it up a notch and are also waterproof, dirtproof, dustproof and snowproof making them super versatile for every kind of travel.

I love singing (and dancing) in the shower so one of my favourite purchases ever is this shower speaker. It connects to my iphone or ipod through bluetooth and allows me to control the song, volume and even answer calls while in the shower. And it’s not only good for showers, I’ve used it at the pool (when I’m alone) and in a hot tub. I always bring it with me when I travel, because you never know when it might come in handy!

Food and Drink

I absolutely LOVE these S’well insulated water bottles (I have 4!). They are on the pricier side, but are well worth the money. They will keep your cold drinks cold for 24 hours and your hot drinks hot for 12 hours. I have used them for everything from water to wine to hot chocolate and even soup! I’ve left my bottle sitting in the sun in my swelteringly hot car, and had ice cold water to drink hours later. They come in super fun colours and designs and the are designed to be leak-proof. If you live in the U.S. and aren’t ready to spend quite so much, you can head over to Target to buy their lower-cost line called S’ip by S’well. Best of all, you can feel good about supporting this company, as the bottles were created with one mission in mind: to rid the world of plastic bottles. As well as being eco-friendly, they are proud supporters of Unicef, American Forests and Drink Up.

I used this Sawyer Water Filtration System when I was in the Middle East and it worked so well! All you have to do is fill up the pouch, attach the water filter and then you can either drink it like that or squeeze it into a water bottle. It’s super easy to use, small and lightweight and can be used anywhere. Plus no waiting time before drinking! The filter is rated up to 100 000 gallons, so it will last quite a while and you’ll save a lot of money (and the environment) by not having to buy bottled water.

Love these Vapur bottles! They’re super easy to use, travel with, and weigh practically nothing! They can be folded up or rolled up, so when empty you can stuff them into a pocket or a purse and they barely take up any space. When they’re full, they will stand upright. Plus they come in lots of different colours and designs!

Aquatabs are a great way to save money and the decrease your plastic usage! Very useful in countries where tap water is not drinkable, all you need is a 1L water bottle. Just fill it up, pop in one of the tablets, let it sit for 30 min, give it a shake, and you now have drinkable water. I used them throughout South America, they worked really well, and I never had a problem with smell or taste. They’re light, easy to carry and so much better than having to constantly buy water bottles.

These plug-in coolers are a great addition for any road trip. They plug-in to the cigarette lighter and will keep your food cold without needing ice packs. Depending on the model, you can get some that can do cold AND hot, and you can even get some that can also be plugged into a wall outlet (I highly recommend that). This can save you valuable time and money when you’re on the road, as you will have to make fewer stops to eat. Instead of spending a lot of money dining out for every meal, you can hit the grocery store and stock up on stuff to make sandwiches, milk for cereal, and anything else you want. It’s great, as you have a wider variety of food to choose from instead of the usual trail mix, granola bars, chips, etc… And if you do end up eating at a restaurant, you can actually take the leftovers with you instead of having to leave them there!

These Food Huggers are so great! I use them on all my fruits and vegetables to keep them from going bad. You can freeze them, put them in the microwave and wash them in the dishwasher. They’re easy to use and keep your food fresh. You can even use them to cover jars and small bowls! I use them on road trips and even backpacking!

These Colibri bags are so versatile and even better, they’re great for the environment. They’re great for traveling, I’ve used them for everything from food to toiletries to wet clothing to a coin purse. They come in all kinds of cute patterns and a variety of sizes from small to extra large. They’re even machine washable! Highly recommend them!

Organization

These Nite-ize reusable ties are so handy!!! They can be used for so many different purposes, and I particularly like to use them to organize the various chargers for all my electronics. They come in a variety of colours and several different sizes.

I really like these Travelon packing cubes. They’re perfect for keeping things organized in your luggage or even your purse and the material is a bit stiffer which is nice as items don’t just fall out when it is unzipped.

Security

These are the luggage locks that I always use when I travel. I have lots of them and use them for everything from backpacks to daypacks to purses, you can never be too safe. I’ve tried the luggage locks with keys, but since I have a tendency to lose things (especially very small things), a combo lock works much better for me. The locks are TSA approved and the combinations can be reset if need be.

Feminine products

I first heard about Thinx period panties when I read this article on Bustle. I did a little more research and came across this article and this article and I decided I had to try them. I bought a pair, used it for the first time while I was traveling around Europe and I was sold. They worked really well and I loved them! They are so easy to use, they feel just like normal underwear and I never had any issues. If you’ve used cloth pads before, these work basically the same way. I now plan on buying enough so that I never have to use pads or tampons again! Use this link to get $10 off your purchase.

Looking for a way to save space in your luggage AND be environmentally friendly? Then Tree Hugger cloth pads might just be for you. I first heard about cloth pads from a friend who was looking to get away from the chemicals found in disposable pads. I was skeptical at first and wondered about the ick factor, but I tried them and turns out it’s really not that bad. I’ve used them while traveling and I haven’t had any issues. You’re also supporting a local Winnipeg business, employing work-at home people in the community. Each cloth pad can save 100-200 disposable pads from ending up in the landfill. Check out the Tree Hugger FAQ page here for answers to any questions you may have.

For those of you wanting to be more environmentally friendly and save money in the long run, but don’t like the thought of reusable pads, then the Diva Cup may be for you. It takes a bit of getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, you’re good to go (check out this tutorial for some help). Made with medical grade silicone, the diva cup can be worn up to 12 hours and unlike with tampons, you don’t have to worry about toxic shock syndrome. It is especially great for longer trips as you don’t have to waste precious luggage space on months worth of tampons/pads. Added bonuses: Better for the environment and will save you money, as one properly cared for cup can last up to ten years.