TRAVEL GEAR AND PACKING TIPS
For some people, packing for travel is their biggest stress AND choosing the wrong travel gear can quickly turn into your biggest nightmare on the road.
After over 22 years of global travel - living in 5 countries, traveling to over 50 and full time with our kids (+ homeschooling) we've learned a lot about traveling and the right gear!
It's more about quality than quantity, value over cheapest price, and of course, the old adage - less is more.
Although with all my experience, I am still a chronic overpacker.
Keep scrolling to find our recommendations and favorite travel gear and packing tips!
BEST SUITCASES
Looking for the best suitcases for travel? And how to choose the best travel suitcase size for you?
We are here to help! we did a ton of research online to discover what are the best suitcase brands and which is the best suitcase for international travel (or domestic travel).W
We share what we think are stand out suitcases and a review of our favorite!
WHAT IS YOUR TRAVEL STYLE?
Click the image to see the articles we have on that particular style of travel.
BEST BACKPACKS
While we aren't really backpack travelers anymore, I can't not see a backpack and have my heart swell with wonderful travel memories.
It was our luggage of choice for over 10 years before we started traveling with kids.
I still own a wonderful Tortuga backpack which I take every now and then on trips.
A good backpack is vital for your travel adventures. You want something that supports your back with enough space to carry your essentials.
My personal preference is a backpack that opens up from the front, not the top. I find them annoying and impractical, especially if you want to quickly get something out - like a sweatshirt in a freezing cold airport.
BEST TRAVEL GEAR (GIFT IDEAS)
Wondering what gift to give the travel lover in your life?
As you know, travelers care more about moments and memories than owning STUFF. That makes gift giving seem a little daunting.
Not really.
Travelers love any kind of gift that will help them achieve their goal of safe, happy, comfortable travel.
We've put together several lists of the gifts we think travelers will love receiving the most.
TRAVEL PACKING
When it comes to travel packing, I nail the overpacking strategy.
When I was a backpacker traipsing around South East Asia and Africa, it was easy to carry as little as possible. The weather was three variations - hot, hotter, or hottest; sarongs and flip flops (or thongs as Aussies say, better ring to it!) were acceptable attire, and my youthful vibrancy did not need any kind of makeup or hair products.
Plus, internet connectivity was NOT a thing.
When the kids came along, I suddenly became a Just-In-Case packer. Any mother will know, ensuring your kids are safe and happy in any situation consumes all rational and irrational thought.
So I started packing for ALL occasions and possibilities.
And then, I started traveling through wildly varying unpredictable temperatures from cold to hot and so I needed a bigger just in case wardrobe.
And then we started embracing road trips, and I fell in love with the idea of carrying everything that bought me comfort and joy - from paddleboards and bikes to UGG boots and blenders!
That's a habit that is hard to break. But I'm trying.
Here are a few packing tips and checklists for you!
FANTASTIC ROAD TRIP DESTINATIONS IDEAS
FEATURED VIDEO: Tortuga Backpack Review
We take you through some 15 simple steps to planning a trip! Press play and be sure to share it with your friends! Enjoy the fun of travel planning.
FOLLOW OUR CURRENT ADVENTURES
Travel has been the focus of our life since 1997 - intentionally.
We don't plan on stopping that. We now have a base in Raleigh, NC - after being granted a Green Card for our extraordinary ability in the art of travel blogging.
We will continue to explore more of the US but also intend on traveling further abroad - Europe, South East Asia and Central and South America.
We can't wait to share more of our favorites as we experience them.
Be sure to join our free VIP email community - form below to grab your free travel planning checklists and more freebies!
And connect with us on social for live udpates!
FREE TRAVEL PLANNING CHECKLISTS
Want help planning your travels? Our free pre-departure checklists will save you time and ensure you don't miss an important step. Our free VIP email community gets access to a range of checklists, tipping guides, and itinerary ideas. All easy to print off and follow PDF formats! Fill in the form to join.
