Travel Gear & Packing Essentials
Everything to buy before your trip
I don’t believe in packing more, I believe in packing smarter. These are the travel essentials I personally use on almost every trip. They’ve made travelling easier, more organised and far less stressful. After years of travelling and plenty of trial and error, I’ve already figured out what’s genuinely worth packing, so you don’t have to.
Everything I Personally Travel With:
Southeast Asia Essentials
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Electrolyte Powder Drink
Shop on AmazonThe heat and humidity can catch people by surprise. Perfect for staying hydrated after long sightseeing days, food poisoning or diarrhoea.
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Imodium Diarrhoea Tablets
Shop on AmazonHopefully you’ll never need them, but if food poisoning strikes, you’ll be glad they’re already in your bag.
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Strong Probiotic Capsules
Shop on AmazonYou need to take these 2–4 weeks before arriving. It’s one of the easiest ways to prepare your stomach to a new environment.
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Travel First Aid Kit
Shop on AmazonA few basics can save you an unnecessary trip to the pharmacy over something minor.
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Allergy Tablets
Shop on AmazonWorth packing even if you don’t normally need them. Different foods, plants or hotel environments can trigger unexpected allergies.
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Sea & Motion Sickness Relief Oil
Shop on AmazonIf you get motion sickness, this will become your best friend. I never travel without it for boats, mountain roads or long journeys.
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DEET Mosquito Repellent
Shop on AmazonI always bring mine from home. Strong DEET isn’t always easy to find once you’re here.
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Plug-in Mosquito Repellent
Shop on AmazonIdeal for hotel rooms, villas and apartments. A simple way to enjoy a bite-free night’s sleep.
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Insect Bite Healer Electric Pen
Shop on AmazonOne of my favourite travel gadgets. It relieves itchy mosquito bites in seconds without creams.
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Anti-Bacterial Hand Wipes
Shop on AmazonPerfect for hands, tray tables, restaurant tables and public transport, especially when soap and water aren’t available.
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Travel Mosquito Net
Shop on AmazonIf you’re like me and hate the thought of bugs while sleeping, it’s worth packing wherever you stay.
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Shower Filter
Shop on AmazonIf you’re travelling for several weeks, this can make a noticeable difference to your skin and hair in areas with hard or heavily treated water.
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Travel UV Protection Hat
Shop on AmazonMore than just sun protection. It keeps your face shaded and helps prevent your head from overheating during long sightseeing days.
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Travel Rain Poncho
Shop on AmazonTropical downpours appear with little warning. Packs smaller than an umbrella and takes up almost no space.
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Polarised Sunglasses
Shop on AmazonMuch more comfortable than regular sunglasses by reducing glare from roads, beaches and the sea.
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Microfibre Travel Towel
Shop on AmazonDries quickly, packs small and is ideal for beaches, waterfalls and island hopping.
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Non-greasy Sunscreen
Shop on AmazonChoose a non-greasy formula. In hot, humid weather you’ll be much more likely to reapply it.
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SPF50+ Sweat Resistant Body Lotion
Shop on AmazonA must-have for long days outdoors. Designed to stay on while walking, sightseeing and spending time at the beach.
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Natural After Sun Lotion
Shop on AmazonThe perfect way to cool and hydrate your skin after a full day in the sun.
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SPF30 Tanning Lotion
Shop on AmazonFor those who enjoy tanning, this helps achieve a natural glow while still providing some sun protection.
Electronics
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Power Bank
Shop on AmazonProbably the one thing I use every single day. Your phone becomes your map, camera, boarding pass and wallet, so running out of battery isn’t an option.
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Universal Travel Adapter
Shop on AmazonOne adapter for almost every country. I never have to think about plug types or carry multiple chargers.
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Extension Lead & Surge Protector
Shop on AmazonPower cuts and surges can happen, so I use this to protect my laptop and electronics while charging. It also lets me power multiple devices from one outlet.
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Digital Luggage Scale
Shop on AmazonOne of those things you don’t think you need until you have one. It has saved me from overweight baggage fees more times than I can count.
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Wire Headphones
Shop on AmazonA reliable backup for long journeys. No charging, no pairing and perfect if your wireless headphones run out of battery.
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Apple AirTag
Shop on AmazonGives me peace of mind whenever I check in a suitcase. If my luggage goes missing, I know exactly where it is.
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Travel Folding Hair Dryer
Shop on AmazonSmall enough to fit in any suitcase but powerful enough for everyday use. I still pack one because not every hotel provides a decent hairdryer, especially outside larger cities.
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Hair Dryer
Shop on AmazonThe easiest way to style my hair while travelling, especially in humid climates where it gets frizzy. Pair it with a good hairspray and you’re good for the day.
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Travel Iron
Shop on AmazonConstant packing and unpacking quickly creases your clothes. This takes up very little space and keeps everything looking fresh without relying on hotel irons.
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Portable Mist HandFan
Shop on AmazonA lifesaver in Southeast Asia’s heat. Keeps you cool while sightseeing, waiting in queues or exploring cities.
Packing & Organisation
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Compression Packing Cubes
Shop on AmazonThe easiest way to fit more into your suitcase while keeping everything organised. I never travel without them.
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Hanging Toiletry Bag
Shop on AmazonPerfect for small hotel bathrooms. Everything stays organised and easy to access without cluttering the sink.
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Passport Organiser Wallet
Shop on AmazonKeeps your passport, boarding passes, cards and travel documents all in one place, especially useful on travel days.
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Jewellery Organiser Case
Shop on AmazonProtects your jewellery from scratches, tangles and getting lost in your luggage.
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Travel Laundry Bag
Shop on AmazonKeeps dirty clothes separate from clean ones. A simple addition that makes unpacking much easier.
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Water Resistant Shoe Bags
Shop on AmazonStops dirty shoes from touching your clothes and helps keep the rest of your suitcase clean.
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Refillable Travel Containers
Shop on AmazonPerfect for carrying your favourite toiletries without packing full-size bottles or buying them again abroad.
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Reusable Zip Bags for Liquids
Shop on AmazonMakes airport security much easier and helps prevent leaks from ruining the rest of your luggage.
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Electronics Organiser
Shop on AmazonKeeps cables, chargers, adapters and memory cards in one place, so you’re never digging through your bag.
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Waterproof Document Bag
Shop on AmazonProtects passports, travel documents and cash from rain, spills and unexpected accidents.
Bags & Luggage
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Lightweight Suitcase Set
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Wheeled Backpack
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Travel Backpack 40L
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Lightweight Foldable Backpack
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Travel Crossbody Chest Bag
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Anti Theft Money Belt Bag
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RFID Block Neck Bag
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Waterproof Phone & Wallet Pouch
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Foldable Beach Bag
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Waterproof Dry Bag
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Travel Comfort
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Foldable Water Bottle
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Inflatable Neck Pillow
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Travel Blanket
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Flight Compression Socks
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Sleeping Eye Mask
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Noise and Pressure Cancellation Earplugs
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Airplane Phone Holder
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Collapsible Coffee Cup
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