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Travel Gear That Survived 2 Years of Nomad Life
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items The gear that actually survived 2+ years of full-time nomad life! After testing countless products across multiple countries and climates, these are the battle-tested essentials that made the cut. From luggage that survives baggage handlers to electr...
Sections
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My Complete Carry-On Wardrobe Breakdown
My Toiletry Kit
Luggage & Packing Essentials
Airplane Comfort Kit
Technology & Communication
Tours & Activities
My Complete Carry-On Wardrobe Breakdown
With just 11 carefully chosen pieces (3 bottoms, 8 tops, and 2 strategic cardigans), I can create 72 completely different outfits. The magic happens because my rust and navy cardigans work with literally every single top I own. This means every one o...
In addition to the items mentioned in this list I also carry: 1 navy blue skort that I picked up at a thrift store ($5) - no idea of the brand, a swimsuit top (can be worn with the skort for swimming), 3 pairs each of bras, socks and undies (one to w...
So, it says, crop top but on me it hits just at the hip…. must be because I'm short (?)…. anyways I have 4 tank tops in my travel wardrobe, each pairs well with every bottom in my wardrobe.
Short Tank Crop Top
I carry one of these basic navy blue t-shirt - goes with every pair of pants I travel with
Short Sleeve Basic Tees
Hands down my favorite AFFORDABLE 100% Wool tshirt! Mine is in blue
METARINO 100% Merino Wool T-Shirt Women
I have two of these in my travel wardrobe - one in white and one in light blue. Use as a base layer under the wool tshirt for add warmth or alone as protect from the hot sun.
BALEAF Women's UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Hiking Shirt
I have 2 cardigans (one in rust and one in navy blue) in my travel wardrobe - the ones I purchased are no longer available but these are really close!
Lightweight Cardigans with Pockets
I had two pairs but realized I really only ever wore one pair. it made the most sense to keep the blue pair so the grey pair were left behind. I wear these ALLL THE TIME - they are so comfy and keep me warm when it's cool and cool when it's hot! Total sun protection to boot!
YYV Women's Lightweight Quick Dry Hiking Pants
I purchased the baleaf Women's Golf Pants Petite Stretch Lightweight 7/8 Travel Pants because they have; lightweight, quick-dry fabric which means I can wash in the sink and dry overnight, fabric doesn't retain wrinkles, 2 back zip pockets and a disc...
Lightweight, Quick Dry, Golf Pants
This pair are slightly thicker than the dark blue golf pants mentioned above but still keep me comfortable in warm and cool weather. Love the hidden zippered pocket on the side!
High Waisted Stretch Golf Pants with 5 Pockets
so comfy, dries quickly and are great for wide feet!
Sandra's Pick for Everyday Shoes while traveling
I have 1 pair of leopard print ballet flats (if I want to look a bit more polished - not for walking long distance on cobble stone streets!)
Ballet Flat Shoes
I think I wore this just about every day we were in England - and if it did get warm the vest stuffs into it's own pouch and was easy to stuff in my daypack
Lightweight PACKABLE Down Puffer Vest
seriously love this rain jacket. stuffs down into it's own handy pouch and has HUGE pockets!
PACKABLE Long Raincoat with Hood
2 scarves (one in a light floral motif, the other is darker hummingbird. both are lightweight, great for layering or dressing up an outfit)
2 Scarves
I don't often carry a purse but when I do this is the one that works great. It can hang vertically or horizontally and is just big enough to carry my passport, public toilet survival kit, credit cards, fan/battery pack and phone.
Crossbody Bag
My Toiletry Kit
I really don't carry much with me, prefer to save space in my luggage since I can buy most of what I need when we arrive!
I never have to worry about my shampoo or conditioners leaking in my suitcase - nor do I have to do the TSA liquid bag shuffle.
Bar Shampoo & Conditioner Set
we were tired of never finding a good pair of scissors in our accommodations - until we found these! There's four in the pack so we can put one in each of our bags and always have one handy!
Folding Scissors
Luggage & Packing Essentials
Smart luggage choices can transform your travel experience
Light enough to lift overhead without a gym membership. Rolls over cobblestones like it’s showing off. This is Sandra’s daily driver (literally and metaphorically).
Carry-On Suitcase: Sandra’s Pick (Amazon)
This bag sits onto of my roller bag and fits under the seat in front of me on airplanes and comes in handy when we're going to do a quick trip to another city.
BAGSMART Women's Travel Duffle Bag
This is what Jeff uses for ALL his stuff
Backpack: Jeff’s Pick (Amazon)
Think unconventional uses - we travel fulltime with only what we can carry so everything we carry has to have multiple uses. For example: I use one of the large bags, combined with my turkish towel as a lightweight and space saving laptop sleeve in my backpack.
PFEYRPK Lightweight Compression Packing Cubes
This is what Jeff uses to stuff ALL his clothes… so many clothes…. into his backpack…. did I mention; so many clothes, lol
Space Saver No Vacuum Compression Bags
Because we refuse to pay $10 to dry two shirts. Packs tiny. Saves money.
Portable Clothesline (Amazon)
Tiny bag that unpacks to carry groceries, souvenirs, or every regret purchase you swore you wouldn’t make.
Tiny Ultra-Lightweight XL Tote Bag - Reusable
cuz there are never enough hangers in the apartments we stay in
Hslife 20 Pcs Portable Colored Folding Hangers
From clipping undies to a hanger to dry to closing chip bags these are handy additional to our packing essentials
Clothes Pins
Airplane Comfort Kit
Between the recycled air, the stiff seats, the crying babies, and the many sedentary hours, long-haul flights are hard. But what if I told you there was something you could do to make it better? You like the sound of that, don’t you? Today, I want to...
We’re not saying you’ll fall in love with these. But we are saying you’ll board a 10-hour flight with ankles that still resemble ankles. Practicality is sexy.
Footless Compression Socks (Amazon)
Seems like I was always losing my earbuds… I'd set them down and forget where I put them, or they'd fall out and I wouldn't notice. Corded or wired headphones always seemed to tangle and the cord would break. But then I found these! The drape comfortably around my neck so much so that I forget I have them on and I haven't lost them yet (we're into our second year of fulltime travel with these!)
Neckband Headphones -Bluetooth
Ever seen a phone get swiped from someone while in a touristy place? We have. Thieves wait for the right opportunity to ride past and then they're gone in a flash and so is your phone. I never take my phone out in public without this.
Phone Lanyard Safety Strap
This handy little device allows me to use my wireless earbuds on the plane!
Bluetooth 5.3 Transmitter for Earbuds
I keep one in my crossbody bag, one in my airplane comfort kit and one in my carryon bag
Sweet Orange Bergamot + Aloe Sanitizing Hand Wipes
I take one about an hour before boarding and if it's a long flight one just before we start to decend.
Nasal Decongestant
Let me give you a little secret…. I cut mine off just above the ankle…. they don't unravel and makes them great little slip-on socks for the plane!
Merino Wool Crew Socks
Technology & Communication
We hope you never need it. But if you do, this one has decent rates, and lets you sleep a little easier — even when the Airbnb looks like a horror movie set.
VisitorsCoverage Travel Insurance
When we're stateside, this is the cheapest and easiest mobile plan we’ve found. It works. It’s cheap. That’s it.
and their new 30-day No Data Minternational Pass is a perfect travel companion and at only $5, you’ll get talk and text for a whole 30 days with 100 minutes of calls and 100 texts. This pass is perfect for those wanting to stay connected on long trip...
and their new 30-day No Data Minternational Pass is a perfect travel companion and at only $5, you’ll get talk and text for a whole 30 days with 100 minutes of calls and 100 texts. This pass is perfect for those wanting to stay connected on long trip...
Mint Mobile (for U.S. travelers)
cuz the last thing you need is for your phone screen to break while traveling
Screen Protector
Tours & Activities
These online marketplaces help travelers connect with local tour guides and experiences – all over the world
Still one of the best ways to find good tours, activities, and just enough tourist traps to keep life interesting.
Book Things To Do, Attractions, and Tours | GetYourGuide
Hotels Booking Resources
Find the perfect place to stay with our curated accommodation resources. From budget-friendly hostels to unique house-sitting opportunities, explore diverse lodging options.
Our go-to for affordable stays, from 'perfectly fine' hotels to 'it’ll do for one night' apartments.
Expedia Search Portal