This is my personal edit of travel essentials I actually use after years of long-haul flights, doing my OE, backpacking Europe, and living in the UK - plus six years most recently in the Middle East. Every item is practical for real travel. All links...
Sections
6
Clothing Essentials
Adventure Layers
Packing & Luggage
Accessories
Footwear
Beauty & Skincare
Clothing Essentials
Comfy, practical pieces I rely on for adventure trips and long travel days.
These are my new obsession - the perfect travel day pants. Soft and flattering for long flights.
Groove High-Rise Pant | Lululemon
This tee has the perfect fitted style, and it has become a new favourite.
Academy Brand Mini Tee
All-purpose thermal base layers for year-round comfort.
Merino T-Shirt | Zorali
Adventure Layers
Layerable, hard-wearing pieces I pack for hiking days, outdoor exploring, and active travel.
A cosy fleece I live in for active days - warm, lightweight, and perfect for layering during road trips.
Macpac Tui Fleece Pullover
Zorali is my go-to for base layers, and this merino long sleeve is perfect for layering.
Merino LS Base Layer | Zorali
My go-to for warm-weather hikes: lightweight, easy to slip on, and surprisingly great for walking all day.
Hiking Short | Zorali
This rain jacket provides all-day comfort and long-lasting waterproof durability.
Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket - Patagonia
Packing & Luggage
The bags and packing tools I can't travel without - each one has proven itself on at least one trip (usually more!).
I've had this hybrid trolley for many, many years and travelled the world with it. It's lightweight and easily converts into a backpack (although I mostly just used it as a trolley bag).
Hybrid Trolley v5 - 70L | Kathmandu
Perfect for keeping little things tidy - chargers, skincare, makeup, and all the random bits that usually get lost in your bag.
Watertight Pouch Duo | Lapoche
The backpack I travel with - and rely on for every flight and transit day.
Macpac Rāpaki 25L Backpack
I use these to separate outfits, underwear, and sleepwear so my suitcase doesn't turn into chaos halfway through a trip.
Luggage Organiser 4 Pack | Lapoche
Accessories
Small things, big difference. These are the extras that make travel smoother, more comfortable, and way more enjoyable.
A cool sun hat that actually looks good at the beach. It's perfect for island destinations.
Raffia Cowboy | Lack of Color
My go-to sunnies for travel - stylish, comfortable, and easy to wear all day.
Unfaithful Sunglasses | Le Specs
I wear a money belt when I want to keep valuables, like my passport, safe and close to my body.
Flight RFID Money Belt | Kathmandu
Footwear
Shoes that can handle big walking days, airport sprints, and still look good with a dress. All tested on real trips.
I pack these when I know I'll be walking and hiking. They're perfect for uneven terrain and built for adventure days.
Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandal
An easy, comfortable sandal that's perfect for walking, warm weather, and effortless travel outfits.
Teva Original Universal Sandal
Beauty & Skincare
Easy, effective, and low-fuss products that I rely on to survive changing climates.
My go-to daily face sunscreen - comfortable, invisible, and perfect for everyday wear.
Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 SPF50+ | Hikoco
I bring this when my skins needs serious barrier care. It's perfect for looking in hydration overnight.
147 Barrier Cream | Hikoco
I use this in the morning to keep my skin looking fresh and glowy.
Dr.Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum
I keep this in every bag. The strawberry & black cherry tinted ones are my faves.
Balm Dotcom
A great SPF 50+ for hot, sunny destinations - high protection without the heavy feel.
