So what do I travel with?
I get a lot of emails from readers asking me what backpack I use, what camera I take pictures with, and how I stay organized, so I decided it was high time I just share all that info in one place. Below is a look at a few of my favourite things from luggage to camera gear, so have a read and hopefully you’ll find something that is just right for you.
Luggage
Osprey Sojourn 80L
I’m currently using the Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Luggage 80L (full review here!), which falls in both the backpack and wheeled luggage categories. To me, this new model is perfect because you have the option of rolling it through airports and streets, but then you can also carry it on your back if you have to go up stairs or walk through a crowded market. It’s the best of both worlds! I found that my back was really sore when I had to carry my backpack for long periods of time, so this new crossover is ideal.
Heys carry on luggage
For shorter trips, I prefer using a wheeled suitcase. I have been using Heys rolling luggage since they first came out with the sleek polycarbonate model. I find their luggage incredibly light yet sturdy. Whenever I’m going on a weekend trip or perhaps a short week-long getaway, this is the suitcase I grab. I have the original red model, but they’ve come out with some really fun designs since I first got mine so be sure to check those out.
Dry bag
I’m a big fan of these dry bags which help keep your valuables and electronics dry while you’re out on the water. These are particularly useful if you’re planning a day of kayaking, canoeing, or doing anything water related! The bags are waterproof, they float (we wouldn’t want your camera dropping to the bottom of a lake!), and they come with a handy strap that you can swing across your body.
Rain cover
I also use a rain cover on my backpack. I find that these serve 2 purposes: (1) they help keep things dry (we all know how quickly it can start pouring rain in Southeast Asia), and (2) they help protect my backpack from the wear and tear that comes with it being tossed on buses, planes, trains, and all kinds of conveyor belts. The rain covers pretty much fit any backpack, you just have to pull on the drawstring and tighten it around your bag.
Packing cubes
Packing cubes have been a lifesaver, and I can’t understand why anyone would travel without these. First of all, they prevent your backpack or suitcase from looking like an absolute mess (which tends to happen on day 1 of any trip), and secondly, they help you sort things so that you don’t have to be rummaging through your bag every morning. You can have one cube for all your pants and shorts, another cube for your t-shirts and sweaters, one more for your socks and underwear, and perhaps a fourth for your laundry. Another alternative is using laundry bags; these lack the structure of stackable packing cubes.
Electronics
Kindle
I used to be the girl who would pack 3-4 paperbacks whenever I went on a trip. I still don’t know how I managed with all those added kilos to my pack, but these days I prefer having my featherlight Kindle, which can hold hundreds of books – more than I would every need on a single trip. I still prefer holding a real book whenever I’m reading at home, but the Kindle has been a life saver on my travels.
4 in 1 world adapter
If you’re going to be travelling around the world, you’re going to need an adapter. This one by Flight 001 is about as compact as they come and I like their colour coding system. The 4 in 1 adapter comes with a colour coded map which tells you which adapter you’ll need in each destination. It’s fun and functional!