“Well, I’ll bring it just in case.”
“Am I REALLY going to need this?”
“What have I forgotten? I know I’ve got to be forgetting something!”
You’re about to leave home for a glorious vacation, but you’re stuck on one of the very last things you do before leaving:
Packing.
What do I need? What should I pack?
While packing habits vary widely, there are some essential items that should go on every trip with you.
This week, a very special guest joins us to tell you the 20 essentials you need to pack for traveling, no matter where you’re heading next.
Let us know some of your travel essentials in the comments below!
Right-click to download this episode directly
Check out the entire library of EPoP Travel Podcasts on iTunes
In This Episode:
- Why we only pack in carry-ons (and how to do it).
- The bags we carry (and how you can get a discount on one of them).
- What electronic gadgets are great for travelers who need to work on the road.
- What type of shoes are actually necessary.
- Why ear plugs are necessary no matter what type of accommodation you have.
- Medicines in other countries.
and much more!
Links Discussed in This Episode:
- TortugaBackpacks.com
- The Secrets to Packing in Just a Carry-on (Plus a Special Discount) with Fred Perrotta (EPoP 022: Podcast)
- Osprey Farpoint 70 Backpack
The 20 Essential Travel Items
Electronics:
- MacBook Air
- Monster Outlet to Go
- Canon Rebel SL1 DSLR camera
- Tripshell World Travel Adapter
- iPad e-reader
- iPhone
- Parrot Zik Headphones- The gold standard of noise-canceling headphones
Clothes (Women):
- DKNY Cozy Wrap Sweater
- Women’s North Face Rain Jacket
- Hunter Wellie Rainboots
- Madewell Transport Tote
- Havaiana Flip Flops
Clothes (Men)
- Merrell Trail Glove Barefoot Running Shoes
- Clarks Loafers
- Sweat Wicking Boxers (Adidas)
- LL Bean Soft Shell Jacket
Miscellaneous
I Need Your Help
Click “Tweet This” below to thank Heather for coming back for her THIRD guest appearance (she must really like us!):
Learn to pack like a pro: the top 20 travel essentials —> http://bit.ly/1pFJCzF
Help Us Catch Tim Ferriss on iTunes!
We just hit our original goal of 100 reviews on iTunes, which means we are the top-rated travel podcast (and which means I’m giving out $100)!
Now, we’re gunning to catch Tim Ferris’s new podcast and I have a surprise in store if we do. Help out and leave a review on iTunes:
- Click this link: Leave a review on iTunes
- Hit “View in iTunes” on the left hand side under the picture.
- Leave an honest review.
- You’re awesome!
Great list! Quick question on the outlets-to-go. Have you had any issues using it in countries with 220v outlets? I picked one up and it only says 120v on the back. Thanks!
@Chris- Haven’t had any issues yet. I’m not the most tech savvy, so not even sure if I’ve been through a 220v country, but I’ve just plugged it in every time and it’s worked fine. Fingers crossed!
Oh and I love the podcast!!!
Hey guys! Just wanted to recommend the new mirrorless cameras that are coming out now for small travel cameras. From high end x100s which is a great camera, to lower costing mirrorless cameras, like the sony a6000 or one of the Fuji M1 or smaller ones are also great!
@Molly Kate- Yeah, I haven’t had the chance to use one yet, but my sister has one and she loves it. Are they in essence the same quality as a DSLR?
Great episode, Trav! I recently stumbled on the podcast and really enjoyed it. I had my wife listen to it and it was very helpful. I know Heather touched on clothes for women, but my wife would love to hear more tips on how she packs makeup and toiletries. It’s always tough for her to cut down on that stuff. Apologies if you guys already covered this in another post. Thanks!
@Chris- Yeah, I’m trying to get Heather to do a packing video because so many people have asked about her packing skills. So hopefully sooner rather than later we can get her in front of the camera to show people how she does it!
Really glad you like the podcast, and of course, let us know if you have suggestions for future episodes!
Just found your podcast and I’m really enjoying it. During this pcast on packing, you mentioned in passing a miracle remedy for plantar fasciitis that you found in Japan. Do you have any idea what it was called and whether or not there is a way to get it here in the States?
@Jim- You’re like the 100th person who has asked, and I’m killing myself for not remembering what they are called. I actually gave a lot to my sister, and tried to call her up and ask her if she could find them, and she can’t. So the name is a mystery. I’ve never found anything that replicates it here in the US. But some that work decent are the pads you can find here in drugstores that are for sore muscles. Any brand will do. They are ok, but nothing like the “miracle pads” in Japan!
Great tips! I always worry that I’m over packing, then end up not having what I need. This definitely takes some of the guess work out, Thanks!
@NoraV- Great, glad you liked it. That was the goal, to try to take the guesswork out. Man, we’ve overpacked so many times, it was time to give people a list of the things we’ve found that are worth it.
Is there anything you pack everytime you travel that you love?
Hi there! I am looking at this Elago Tripshell you recommend and I like the look of it! Do the USB ports work while the plug is in use also? I was looking at their USB II version and it appears you can only use one or another with the II.
Thanks in advance!
@effectivetechie- Good question. I actually ruined our Tripshell last trip by plugging in a hairdryer (ok, it was Heather, not me), so I can’t test that out but I do believe the USB and the plug will all work at the same time.
@FredPerrotta I think your bag is okay.I left a comment about your bag that was constructive criticism and areas you could improve, yet you didn’t publish it. Shame on you. Any manufacturer that can’t take critique will not garner my business. Made in China? Shame on you once more…
@shane- What were some of the criticisms? I’d love to hear your opinions, and I know Fred and the Tortuga team are working on two new types of bags at the moment that might answer some of them.
Solid suggestions. Travel towels are also good for absorbing extra water from hotel washed sox & undies so they dry overnight faster, and Clark walking shoes are great if you need to pick just one pair.
I’d also recommend a few empty gallon/quart Ziplock bags – they can come in handy for a make-shift ice-pack, keeping picnic supplies from messing up your day pack, or just keeping small items easy to find in one place.
@Rich- Awesome suggestion, totally agree. I always bring at least one trash bag with me just for any type of emergency.
Great list, Trav. Thanks for sharing.
I just used the Tortuga for the first time on my WDS/Vancouver trek. I definitely approve so thanks for the earlier podcast/discount on that! Also becoming more of a fan of the wicking and quick drying clothes and towels. Great for the road. I have the new Bose in-ear noise-cancelling headphones and those are great on planes. Nearly lost them at LAX though!
I’m an Android/PC guy so my other electronics are slightly different but same idea. My Asus Zenbook is similar in size as the MacBook Air (thin, 13″) so I’ve found it to be a good travel laptop alternative. Also like the Kindle Paperwhite a lot.
@Kevin- Yes…another Tortuga convert! Sweat wicking is essential, so it’s awesome to have the right boxers. How much did the Bose in ear headphones cost? I’ve wanted to buy them for a while, just can’t justify the cost!
And I just got a Kindle Fire, which is nice, but I think the Paperwhite would be better for me since I just want something to read on. Might have to pick one of them up!
Trav – yes the Bose are pricey. I bought the QC20 for $300. I had the old QC15 over the ear headphones previously and sold those around the same time so that helped offset it a bit. I haven’t tried a whole lot of other “premium” headphones to compare, but the sound and background cancellation is really good. Definitely helps me focus.
I’d suggest giving the Paperwhite a try. It’s nice to read on a tablet, although I found it too tempting to switch to other apps or read email or go on FB. With the Paperwhite you have no choice but to stick to the book. Great to read with too – no glare and the background light is good at night.
I haven’t checked a bag since 2002! Once my Kelty backpack needs to be retired that Tortuga will be on the top of my list, thanks for introducing it to me.
One travel essential I like to bring with me is a collapsible speaker to hook up to my iPhone for music. I have this one from iHome – http://www.amazon.com/iHome-IM60LT-Portable-Speaker-Translucent/dp/B004OA714U/ – and even though it’s tiny it puts out some big sound!
@Chris- Tortuga is definitely a keeper, it’s a the top of my list. They are putting out a few new versions soon too, so be on the lookout for that. Good call with the speakers. Based on your recommendations before about that, I brought some with me on my trip to China. However, I never got around to using it, so I ditched it for this last trip, but overall, I think I’ll end up taking them, especially on lengthier journeys.
Thanks for the Tortuga shout out, Travis. I knew from the title that this episode would be right in my wheelhouse.
For headphones, I use these ones: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E. Not noise cancelling (typically degrades sound quality), but high-quality and a great value. They’re popular with sound/film people.
@FredPerrotta- I’m looking for a new pair of headphones, so might have to try them out. At less than $100, that’s not bad at all. And, of course, I love my Tortuga!
Good list and episode! My wife is insistent on bringing her hair dryer everywhere. But she has gotten a lot better on packing light. Doing just checked in bags now :)
@Dan- Awesome…glad you’ve taken the plunge and only do carry-ons. It’s freeing, isn’t it?