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Travel Essentials
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items 𝗔𝘀 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿, 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝘆 𝗴𝗼-𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗜 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝘀𝗲. These are the things I recommend to my friends, family, and clients to make their trips go more smoothly.
Full Disclosure: I may make a small commission on items you purchase through these links.
Full Disclosure: I may make a small commission on items you purchase through these links.
Sections
8
Travel Planning
Anti-theft
Luggage & Bags
For the Plane
Hotels & Cruise Ships
On the Go
Travel Planning
Want to unlock exclusive travel tips? The real magic happens in my private Facebook community. Joining the group is the absolute best way for us to connect one-on-one! I'm in there daily sharing behind-the-scenes moments, answering your burning quest...
Travel Facebook Group: Vacation Getaways by Brenda: Travel Planning, Tips, and Community
Looking to plan your next vacation? Contact me for a complimentary consultation!
Aether & Aqua Travel
Looking for specific items for Disney, Universal, and other theme parks? Check out my Theme Parks list!
Theme Parks Essentials - Disney, Universal, etc.
Anti-theft
Outsmart those pickpockets with gear that protects your valuables.
We use these at theme parks where we're constantly pulling out our phones, and while traveling to prevent theft. But you must ATTACH the adhesive patch to your phone! Don't just sandwich it between your phone case and your phone like I did. Pickpocke...
YSTDHL 2 Pcs Adjustable Phone Lanyard Neck Strap, Universal Mobile Phone Lanyard with 4 Adhesive Tethers, Compatible for iPhone, Samsung, HUAWEI and Most Smartphone Black & Gray - Walmart.com
In Europe, you need to keep your passport on you. You almost definitely will be asked for it somewhere. My husband kept these on his belt, tucked INSIDE his pants, almost like an extra pocket, to keep our passports and extra money and credit cards sa...
Shacke Hidden Travel 2-in-1 Belt Wallet Black
We love these anti-theft day bags for theme parks and exploring new destinations. With anti-theft features like latching zippers and RFID sleeves for credit cards, I don't have to worry too much about my stuff being stolen. The fit in the free locker...
Travelon Anti Theft Urban Sling Bag
Luggage & Bags
These were GREAT to take to Europe. They're well-within the smaller carry-on dimensions required by Air France and other European airlines. We each had one and could fit ALL of our clothes for our 2-week trip in our individual bags. (We did do laundr...
WITZMAN Carry on Travel Backpack for Men Airline Approved Convertible Nylon Duffle Backpack Luggage Bag(B682 Black) - Walmart.com
We added these to our carry-on backpacks to keep the zippers closed to prevent theft. They also worked great when checking those backpacks on the way home to prevent the zippers from being accidentally opening with the baggage handling equipment.
Zipper Lock Clips to Keep Zippers Closed
European (and some American) airlines are serious about baggage weight, even of your carry-ons! I use this scale to make sure we don't go over the weight limits and incur extra baggage fees. Don't forget to pack it with you to weigh your return bags!
Travel Inspira Digital Luggage Scale, 110LB Portable Handheld Baggage Scale for Travel, Suitcase Scale with hook, Battery Included with Overweight Alert, White Backlight LCD Display - Silver
This is our favorite checked bag. We picked the medium size so we were sure we wouldn't run into any problems with European airline bag size restrictions. (A medium checked bag is well within their limits.) We ended up putting a lot of loose, non-clo...
Traveler's Choice Pagosa 27" Expandable Luggage
These are great for protecting the wheels on your spinner suitcases. You don't realize how much abuse those little wheels take. The little bit of added cushion these covers give may just prevent a broken wheel. They also help your suitcase stand out ...
8 Pcs Silicone Luggage Wheel Covers 2-2.4"
I love these durable aluminum luggage tags that only show your name, not your other personal information, unless you open up the tag. I bought 2 sets for our luggage and everyone had a color assigned to them, making it easy to tell our (otherwise) id...
10 Pack Aluminum Luggage Tags with ID Card
We put these in every bag when we travel, and on our keys when we're not. So the next time the airline loses my checked bag, I can tell them EXACTLY where they left it. Don't have a Samsung phone? Apple AirTags do the same job!
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2, 4 Pack, Item Tracking, Black and White
Have a mix of Android and iPhone users at your house? These trackers work with both so you can track your stuff from any device!
Chipolo POP Tracking Tag - Colorful, Compatible, Loud Bluetooth Tracker with Call Your Phone & Out of Range Alerts, Works with Apple Find My or Find Hub on Android - 4 Pack (Red/Blue/Yellow/Green) - Walmart.com
For iOS users. Keep track of your stuff!
Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) – 4 Pack Item Trackers, Precision Finding up to 1.5× Range, Key, Wallet & Luggage Finder, One-Tap Setup
For the Plane
Yes, you may look a little ridiculous, but this really will save your neck as you nap on the plane. I will say, I have also tried it in the car, but the headrest in my car isn't quite right for this to work properly and it puts my head at a weird ang...
SARISUN Travel Pillows for Airplanes, Airplane Pillow for Long Flight, Airplane Head Strap with Eye Mask for Sleeping, Kids Travel Neck Pillow for Car, Road Trip Car Headrest, Black
For those long trips when you need a refresh but don't want to haul out your full toothbrush & toothpaste.
Colgate Max Fresh Wisp Disposable Travel Toothbrushes, Mini Toothbrush, Peppermint, 24 Count
Hotels & Cruise Ships
Don't forget a travel adapter so you can plug in your stuff. 𝘿𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙙𝙧𝙮𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙮𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙡𝙨! If you're using heated hair appliances, you will need a voltage converter for most countries. This...
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter, International Power Plug Adapter with 3 USB-C and 2 USB-A Ports (TA-105C, Black)
Cruise ship cabins are tight, but most of the walls -- and the ceiling -- of your cabin are metal. Get organized with magnetic hooks. Hang up your lanyard, hats, and backpacks to keep them off the floor and out of the way.
Magnetic Hooks Heavy Duty, Pack of 6, 50lbs - Walmart.com
Don't let your baggage get lost at port because your paper luggage tag got ripped off! We used these on all our bags to make sure they made it safely to our cabin.
6 Pack Cruise Luggage Tag Holders, Clear PVC Luggage Tags with Steel Cable Loops, Fits Carnival, NCL, MSC and Princess
If you're sailing on an older cruise ship, outlets will probably be few and far between. Power strips with built-in surge protection are not allowed, so this one fits the bill nicely for most cruise lines.
If you're sailing on a newer cruise ship, you may not need this. Most have many more outlets and even USB outlets, which, lets face it, is what most of us actually need.
Don't know if your cruise ship is new enough to have enough outlets? Come join me at Vacation Getaways by Brenda or drop me an email, and I'll find out for you!
NOTE: Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Lines do not allow ANY device that would add extra AC outlets to your cabin.
If you're sailing on a newer cruise ship, you may not need this. Most have many more outlets and even USB outlets, which, lets face it, is what most of us actually need.
Don't know if your cruise ship is new enough to have enough outlets? Come join me at Vacation Getaways by Brenda or drop me an email, and I'll find out for you!
NOTE: Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Lines do not allow ANY device that would add extra AC outlets to your cabin.
Cruise-Approved Power Strip with 3 AC Outlets & 4 USB Ports (1 USB-C), No Surge Protection - NOT for Royal Caribbean or Disney Cruise Lines
We got these for the kids since they don't normally wear watches and they didn't want to wear a lanyard 24/7. These AirTag holders held the Princess Medallions securely so we never needed to worry about the kids losing them. They could even wear them...
for Princess Cruises - AirTag watch band to hold your Princess Medallion
Yes, these say they are for your pet's collar. But they will slip on your watch band to hold your Princess Medallion securely in place without needing to wear your lanyard or a second watch band. We used these on our cruise, and they were great! We r...
Pro Tip: When you scan your medallion for drinks or to leave/come back to the ship, slide it down your watch band away from your smart watch a little bit. Sometimes your smart watch will interfere with the scanning if your medallion is too close to i...
Pro Tip: When you scan your medallion for drinks or to leave/come back to the ship, slide it down your watch band away from your smart watch a little bit. Sometimes your smart watch will interfere with the scanning if your medallion is too close to i...
for Princess Cruises- Airtag Holder to slip on your existing watch band
On the Go
Don't let the KETO name fool you. These are for everyone.
We have been using these for YEARS. They are our favorite source of electrolytes for any time we're sweating – theme parks, summer yard work, running around a European city that has almost no air conditioning…
I love these because they don't have anything extra added to them. They are JUST electrolytes. No added herbal supplements. No flavors or sweeteners. No carrying around Gatorade or powdered drink packets that you need to add to 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨...
I take a few before I head out in the heat and then some more if I need them later in the day. When I'm dehydrated and dragging, taking a few of these with my beverage of choice usually does the trick within half an hour. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼�...
We have been using these for YEARS. They are our favorite source of electrolytes for any time we're sweating – theme parks, summer yard work, running around a European city that has almost no air conditioning…
I love these because they don't have anything extra added to them. They are JUST electrolytes. No added herbal supplements. No flavors or sweeteners. No carrying around Gatorade or powdered drink packets that you need to add to 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨...
I take a few before I head out in the heat and then some more if I need them later in the day. When I'm dehydrated and dragging, taking a few of these with my beverage of choice usually does the trick within half an hour. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼�...
Electrolyte Capsules
Clothing
I love this visor/hat for people with long hair. My hair is always in a bun or a ponytail, and this hat doesn't force me into a low ponytail which makes my neck hot and drives me crazy! It also rolls up without destroying it – something I haven't bee...
FURTALK Sun Hats for Women Wide Brim Beach Hat Straw Visor Ponytail Summer UV Packable Foldable Beach Vacation Essentials - Walmart.com
Comes in many colors.
I have a couple of these, and I like them because they are lightweight and breathable. They look a little nicer than the ones marketed for camping. They're big enough to throw on over your day bag so all your stuff stays dry, and you don't have to wo...
I have a couple of these, and I like them because they are lightweight and breathable. They look a little nicer than the ones marketed for camping. They're big enough to throw on over your day bag so all your stuff stays dry, and you don't have to wo...
SaphiRose Adult Waterproof Hooded Raincoat
Money
𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆. These are my fav accounts to earn points, book travel on the cheap, and access money abroad without fees.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a great way to get into the points game.
With an annual fee of just $95 and an annual $50 hotel credit on stays booked through the Chase travel portal, your net cost is only $45. That's a steal for the perks you get with the card, especially since Chase points are arguably the most valuable...
Various types of purchases offer different points-earning amounts, but this is my go-to card for dining out with 3X points/dollar spent. 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆.
With an annual fee of just $95 and an annual $50 hotel credit on stays booked through the Chase travel portal, your net cost is only $45. That's a steal for the perks you get with the card, especially since Chase points are arguably the most valuable...
Various types of purchases offer different points-earning amounts, but this is my go-to card for dining out with 3X points/dollar spent. 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆.
Chase Credit Card Referral
Ready to up your points game? This premium card from Capital One offers 2x points on every purchase and has many travel partners. Transfer your points to travel partners to get free airfare and hotels. 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 �...
Capital One Credit Card Referral
If you want to be able to withdraw cash around the world without ATM fees, Charles Schwab is the way to go. You will need to open both an investor account and a checking account at the same time, but you don't have to put any funds in the investor ac...
Charles Schwab - Open a free checking account to use your debit card fee-free around the world.