Over the years—and many trips later—I’ve learned that having the right travel gear can completely change the experience of a trip. From backpacks and suitcases to small accessories that make packing and long travel days easier, these are my tried-and-true favorites. Every item on this list is something I’ve personally used on flights, road trips, and even month-long adventures. Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or planning extended travel, this is the travel gear I actually use and love.
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Luggage and Backpacks
Travel Backpack
I bought the Osprey Farpoint 55 backpack in 2017 for a four-month solo trip through Europe. I had an old backpacking backpack that had traveled to Europe with me on previous long trips, but wanted something easier to pack, which led me into research on travel backpacks. Traditional backpacking backpacks are loaded from the top, and travel backpacks zip from the front, so they can be loaded like a suitcase, with the convenience of being able to strap them to your back. Many of the travel backpacks don’t have padded straps like backpacking backpacks. Since I have had back issues, I wanted to make sure I had a bag that had a padded belt and shoulder straps that could be fitted to like a traditional backpacking backpack to minimize the strain on my back.
Osprey bags met all of my criteria. The Farpoint even has a small daypack that can be connected to the main backpack or detached for use just as a small daypack. If I want a backpack situation for a trip, this is the bag I use. It has been on multiple trips to Europe, Mexico, and even road trips and weekend trips in the United States.
The Farpoint is a unisex backpack, which is what I have an older version of. The current backpack has a women’s specific version, the Osprey Farview 55. The old Farpoint was slightly longer than dimensions that were allowed for a carry-on and the new Farview has been adjusted to meet those requirements. I carried my Farpoint on many flights, even within Europe, and never had an issue taking it as a carry-on, but I always worried about it.
I have seen reviews that the newer version does not have the option to zip the small daypack to the larger pack, that you can only strap it together with the straps and buckles. Personally, I prefer to travel with the small daypack on my front (it has snaps so you can still strap the daypack to the larger bag from the front). I also did not love how careful I had to be about packing both packs so that the zipper fit exactly right, so I usually just use the straps instead of the zipper anyway if I connect the bags, so I do not see this as being an issue. If I had to buy a new backpack, this would be the one.
Carry-on Suitcase
I bought my first Samsonite suitcase back in 2011 when I was travelling a lot for work. At the time, I was flying for work twice a month on average, plus doing my own personal travel. The soft-sided Samsonite bag made it without any issues until 2025 and still looks great. When I returned home on a flight from Boston, the extendable handle was stuck. After 15 years of use (abuse?), I decided to replace the bag instead of attempting repairs.
With that track record, I decided to get another Samsonite but decided to try a hard sided suitcase. After researching the options, I purchased the Samsonite Freeform in carry-on size earlier in 2025 and tested it out for the first time on a month-long road trip. I love how it opens up like a clamshell and I can easily see everything inside. This is my new go-to suitcase for trips that I want a roller carry-on.
Laptop Backpack
Before a trip to Hawaii in 2019 my old backpack that I had been using for years needed a replacement. After a lot of research, I chose the North Face Surge Commuter Backpack. It has so many different compartments and it makes it easy to organize. The laptop section has padded dividers so I can pack two laptops and a tablet in there. There is a large main section, and multiple smaller compartments on the front. A word of warning, it has a lot of space so it can get heavy if I am not careful with packing. On the other hand, if I need extra space, this bag still fits under an airplane seat (barely) if I fully pack it. I have used this backpack for commuting to work, the gym, day trips, and as my personal item on longer trips.
Large Tote Bags
For a road trip, I love large durable tote bags. I have two of the L.L. Bean Boat and Tote bags with long handles. The link is for a similar Land’s End Tote. The long handles make it easy to put the bags over your shoulder for easier carrying. I use one for packing dog stuff and another for other loose items I need in the car like water bottles and snacks. The L.L. Bean bags are super durable but not very compact. If you want something that can fold up, I have a favorite packable tote listed below.
Travel Organizers
Packing Cubes
I started traveling with packing cubes in 2017 and now I won’t pack without them! They are so convenient I even started using them when I need a change of clothes to go to a workout after work. I love being able to pack a cube and toss it in a backpack to keep myself organized. One a trip, I know exactly how much will fit in my suitcase before I put my clothes in the suitcase, and it makes finding my clothes inside my bag easier to find.
There are differing theories on packing cube sizes, but my preference is to pack four small cubes in my suitcase for clothes, and one small cube in my carry-on of electronics accessories like chargers and other miscellaneous items to keep them together in one organizer. I have been using Amazon Basics cubes. There are more durable options on the market, but these have been working great for me for years.
Toiletries Bag
I keep trying different toiletries bags and finally found one that is large enough for all my needs and allows me to see everything at the same time. I have used this bag for a few years now and love that I can hang it in the bathroom at a destination and can see everything.
Small Organizer Pouches
I have a pack of three different sizes of organizers and use these LOQI pouches for home and travel. I like to keep a small one in my purse with essentials like a travel size container of medications, a phone charger, ear buds, tampons, lip balm, anything I might need to reach easily on a flight. At home I have one in a desk drawer to keep chargers together without becoming a tangled mess in a drawer.
Packable Tote Bags
I have two packable totes by the LOQI that I often throw one of these in a bag in case I need to run some errands but don’t want to bring larger bags. I also like to bring these on trips in case I need a tote for any shopping when I am travelling but then can re-pack things in my suitcase and fold the tote back down when I no longer need it. These also come in many different colors and designs, which I love.
Refillable Containers
I use a combination of different refillable jars and bottles for travel. I try to bring just what I need and not extra so I tend to use the smallest possible container I can get away with on each trip.
Travel Accessories
Refillable Water Bottle
These Vapur foldable water bottles are my favorite with travel. I love that I can bring a small amount of water with me without having a large bulky bottle in my purse. The best part is that when I finish my water, the bottle can fold up and take up less space. I have a ¾ liter and liter size. I even use these at home for bringing water for my dog on long walks.
Travel Locks
I like to travel with locks in case I need to check my bag somewhere if I arrive before check-in or need a late check-out and don’t want to bring my bag with me all day. There are also times when I know I will be going through crowded train stations that I feel safer with a lock on my bag. These locks are small, and you can set your own combination, plus they are TSA approved.
Luggage Tags
I have these tags on my bags. They help me identify my bag, and they have a durable stainless-steel loop for attachment. I have managed to lose a few luggage tags over the years and these have been going strong for a few years for me.
Travel Adapter
With changing technology, I seem to upgrade my adapter every few years. The current adapter I have been using has switches for different countries and multiple ports for USB and USB-C adapters so I can plug many devices into the same adapter. I have used this one in Europe and Asia.
Back Pillow
After having bulging discs in my lower back, I now travel with a lumbar support pillow, recommended by my physical therapist. I use this in my car and on flights for additional support. It can deflate and roll up to a smaller size which makes it easier to bring on a longer trip.
After years of traveling, from weekend getaways and work trips to long trips abroad, these are the items I keep coming back to again and again. They’ve proven durable, practical, and worth the space in my bag. I’m always refining what I bring, but these favorites have stood the test of time and countless miles on the road.
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