What I Can't Travel Without - Valerie

I’m starting a new series on the blog called “What I Can’t Travel Without” where I feature travelers around the globe and their must-have travel accessories. From travel gear to clothing, apps to books. I love to dig into all of the details of travel and I can’t wait to see what our guest travelers bring to share!

I will go first!

Coin Purse

When traveling internationally, coin purses are a necessity. Outside of the U.S., we’re usually lugging around at least 2 pounds worth of coins!

This NYC coffee cup version by Kikkerland is my personal favorite. It reminds me of my New York City days and the ubiquitous coffee cups around the city.

Cambodian Wrap Around Pants

I know, I know. I went to Southeast Asia and fell in love with pants that I bought at a market. It’s about as cliché as can be. But it happened! These pants were perfect for hot days out and about visiting religious sites. I needed to cover up for a short period of time (no shorts allowed!). I would quickly wrap these pants over my shorts and sightsee away! They also make a great beach cover up.

Similar pants via Etsy

Everything Bag

This IKEA bag was ultimately the best decision that I made on the packing front for our year abroad. It’s made of durable, lightweight material and it carried everything. When we flew it carried airplane snacks and items we wanted to reach easily (kid’s headphones, coloring supplies, a change of clothes). We also used it often when grocery shopping to carry items home. It transported dirty, or sometimes clean, clothes from Airbnb to Airbnb. It was our beach bag. The list goes on and on. I couldn’t imagine traveling without it.

Universal Travel Adapter

I will venture to say that I’m organized. And I have done my fair share of traveling internationally. But I found myself (a few years ago), hours from boarding a flight to London and realizing that I hadn’t brought a travel adapter for Great Britain.

Enter this Bestek Universal Travel Adapter. I never have to wonder if I have the right adapter for the country that we’re in. And since we traveled with 7 devices that needed constant charging, the multiple outlets were always in use.

Google Maps “Want to Go” Feature

I have shared my love for “those little green flags” before. And I’m going to do it again! I debated between including the XE currency exchange calculator app and the Google Translate camera feature. (Honorable mentions, for sure!) But ultimately, I would rather do the math in my head and participate in some awkward lost in translation moments. I cannot give up this app. It’s there with me while I prep for trips, when I need to find a restaurant nearby when my family is suddenly starving, and post-trip when I can’t remember the name of a store to pass onto a friend.

What items can you not travel without? Do you want to submit 5 items for your own blog post? Email me!