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Nomadic Necessities
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items Pack lightly, but pack a punch! When you're living out of a suitcase, every ounce and inch counts… but who wants to feel deprived? Here are some items to help lighten the load, stay organized, yet feel like you have everything you need!
TRUE STORY: While on a train in the Netherlands, someone walked by our seats and casually tried to grab my husband's backpack from the overhead rack… they didn't get far because we had it secured to the railing! ;) This flexible, lightweight lock has... Hotel room doesn't have a safe (or you just don't trust it)? Link your suitcase pulls together and tether your bag to a door hinge or immobile furniture. Overnight flight? Secure your under-seat bag and sleep easy not worrying about late-night bag sw... You might want to buy a few!
Retractable Cable Lock
This is one of the coolest items I've purchased this year! A full-size tote bag that folds up into the size of a shot glass so you can toss it in your purse or pocket. Comes in handy for stores that do not provide shopping bags… or when you go a tab over-board shopping.
SYZY Packable Travel Tote Bag - Nylon
Pocket-sized protection! Trust me, you are going to be sooooooo happy you added this to your arsenal! Whether keeping the rain off your head or the sun off of your camera, you will be shocked how often this mini umbrella comes in handy.
THE DAVEK MINI - Our most compact
Keep your passport and wallet close and hidden from pickpockets. Not only are these scarves functional, they are soooooo soft! I think mine has been to more countries than most people. :)
Passport Scarf
NOT JUST FOR THE CAR!! This tiny phone holder can attach to any smooth surface with super-strong suction. I use it for shooting overhead food content in my tiny kitchen, attaching to mirrors/windows… even in airplanes when I want to watch videos on my phone hands-free. My Samsung phone is not magnetic so I simply stick one of the included magnetic rings to my phone case.
MRGLAS 2025 Vacuum Magnetic Phone Holder
Your phone's translate app might be fine for basic translation of some languages, it falls short in a lot of countries. These ear buds handle translating spoken conversations so much better! Note: You do need to use an app with them. The ear buds alone do not translate.
Timekettle M3 Language Translator Earbuds
This little guy has been to more countries than most people! lol Lightweight, tiny, but puts out big sound! In larger spaces, we use two for a surround-sound effect. They charge quickly and the battery lasts about 3 hours of continuous play (depends on the decibel level).
Mini Bluetooth Speaker
Six years and still going strong! Toss a bottle of wine in your bag with no worries about spillage. Seriously, you can tip the bottle on its side or upside down and this stopper will not leak (when inserted and closed properly, of course. lol). It even has a built-in decanter. Perfect on packing a train car picnic or fitting wine at an odd angle in mini-fridges.
Haley's Corker
Tiny but full of power! While most hotel rooms provide hair dryers, I've noticed a lot of rentals do not. This little gem is lightweight and won't add clutter to your space.
GoGo Mini Hair Dryer
Bypass the TSA liquid limits with these individually-wrapped nail polish remover pads… AND eliminate the worry of that bottle spilling and eating into everything in your bag. Each pad is soaked in enough remover to handle every finger and toe. BONUS: They last for years!!! I just opened on that I must have had stashed for at least 5 years and it was as good as new.
Nail Polish Remover Pads
Vacuum bags are a space-saving MUST!! I've packed a month's worth of clothing for two totally different climates into one carry-on with these. If you're going to be opening and resealing them during your travels, you might want to opt for the rolling-seal bags as opposed to the pump-seal bags so you don't have to pack a pump. NOTE: Because you can fit so many more items in your suitcase, you'll want to pay attention to the weight of your bag. ;)
Vacuum Bags For Luggage
From sunglasses to computer screens, these clothes gently remove the gunk without scratching… and they weigh almost nothing! I cut them up and keep sections in my purse and backpack for quick cleaning jobs.
Miracle Cloth
I don't know about you, but I have yet to stay at a rental that actually has sharp knives (or sharp-ish, for that matter). Packing your own knife sharpener is a lightweight, TSA-approved solution! Plus, it's nice to leave your rental a little better than you found it. ;)
Portable Knife Sharpeners
Break free from messy, bulky cords! This tiny curling brush is rechargeable (which also means you don't have to worry about voltage adapters). It has multiple heat settings and comes with a travel case to keep it from snagging in your bag.
Cordless Curling Brush
As much as I love my laptop, I still like to have a 10-key. Plus, this one keyboard can pair with multiple devices such as your phone or tablet. Because it's rechargeable, it is super lightweight and folds small.
Samsers Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard with Touchpad
These really are comfortable enough for side sleepers!
Ear Plugs For Sleeping
Free up valuable luggage real estate with this two-in-one hair dryer and curling brush! It's got adjustable settings, a heat resistant travel bag, and works with both 110V and 220V. This is my go-to. The bristles grab my hair but don't get caught… important to someone like me who has little patience for hair styling. :)
Best Hot-Air Hair Brushes
Adapters have come a long way! This bad boy can convert to various outlets with the flip of a switch and has several ports for additional USB and Type-C needs. It's a lot lighter than it looks, too.
Universal Travel Adapter AC Power
The SMALLEST tripod I've ever found that is actually stable! It folds down to easily slip into a jacket pocket or bag, can hold your phone vertically or horizontally, and is height adjustable. I have a fairly thick case on my Samsung Galaxy S24 and it fits this stick with no issues.
ULANZI JJ02 Selfie Stick Tripod Grip
Cheaper than buying a new laptop! Curate content with perfect clarity, watch your favorite shows, and just simply make working easier with 4k. My little 13" laptop is wonderful for travel and has a battery life that lasts forever… BUT it is only 1080k. My 18.5" 4k travel monitor is less than ½" thick, weighs close to nothing, but makes me feel like I'm at a permanent work station!
4k Portable Monitor
Not only do these quickly clasp your luggage zippers pulls together to keep sneaky fingers out, but they act as an easy fix should one of your zipper pulls get lost at the airport. Plus, they are TSA-friendly and there are no combinations to forget!
Zipper Locks
It's frustrating when you're on a plane, reach into your backpack pocket for something, and come out with a tangle of cords. These flexible, lightweight ties keep things clean and adjust to accommodate cords of many sizes. I even use them to secure stacks of business cards.
Usb Cable Ties
Not all hotel rooms and rentals provide a safe place to lock up valuables… and, tbh, I don't trust in-room safes. I think they are going to trap by belongings. lol I prefer to travel with my own theft-proof bag that can be tethered to in my room, at the beach, anywhere.
Vaultz Locking Accessories Pouch, 7x10, Black - VZ03906