If you’re as obsessed with travel as I am, you’ll understand the sheer joy of discovering the perfect travel essentials. I’ve uncovered some gems that have made my globetrotting adventures cheaper, smoother, and more enjoyable. From finding airfare deals that’ll make your heart race to travel accessories that are both practical and chic, let’s embark on a journey through my top travel purchases.
1. Going (Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights): Your Ticket to Airfare Adventures!
Let’s kickstart our travel essentials extravaganza with the holy grail of affordable flights – Going, formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights. This is your secret weapon if you’ve ever dreamed of jet-setting without draining your bank account.. Going scours the web for jaw-dropping flight deals and delivers them straight to your inbox.
No more endless scrolling through flight comparison websites or feeling the sting of FOMO when you see your friends jetting off to exotic destinations. Going brings the world to your doorstep, and you can snag those unbeatable deals before they vanish into thin air. It’s like having a personal flight concierge that knows your adventurous heart’s desires.
Pro tip: It pays to be flexible! I rarely pick my destination upfront. Instead, I know my target dates, and I have a long list of places I’d like to visit. Then I watch Going’s daily emails, and I jump when I see a deal I like. That’s how I flew dirt cheap to Croatia and Mexico City, for example.
2. Amex Platinum: Elevate Your Travel Experience
Now, let’s talk about traveling in style – the Amex Platinum card. Cards that earn your points and perks are travel essentials if you want to make the most of your spending. They may be pricey upfront, but if you take advantage of its many perks, such as lounge access, digital entertainment credits (hello Netflix!), hotel and airline credits, uber cash, etc., it will more than pay for itself. And, for me, the best part is that I can turn my everyday purchases and travel expenses into miles to use for my next adventure. For example, just the bonus I earned from signing up plus a small amount of additional points I already had was enough to fly four of us to Italy in October 120,000 miles on Air France (that’s dirt cheap if you’re not used to paying with miles).
These cards also offer stellar travel insurance, providing peace of mind as you explore the globe. From trip cancellations to medical emergencies, you’re covered. So go ahead and book that spontaneous trip you’ve been dreaming of, knowing you’re well protected.
3. Air Tag Bracelets: Keep Tabs on Your Little Explorers
If you’re a parent who loves to travel, you’ll appreciate the genius of Air Tag bracelets. No more fretting about your kids wandering off in a bustling city or getting lost in a theme park. These nifty little gadgets ensure that your little adventurers are always within reach.
Simply attach an Apple Air Tag within a bracelet to your child’s wrist, and you can track their location in real-time using your smartphone. It’s a game-changer for family vacations, allowing you to focus on making memories without constantly checking over your shoulder. These are true travel essential for me because my youngest is a runner when she gets angry (which is more often than I’d like to admit). When she ran off in a busy German Christmas market, I could breathe easier knowing I could track her down.
4. Silk Eye Mask: Sleep Soundly Anywhere, Anytime
Overnight flight? Bright hotel room? No problem! My trusty silk eye mask has been a game-changer for catching some zzz’s. I love mine so much I wear it every night, not just when I travel. I promise you, complete darkness is what you need in your life.
5. White Noise App: Drown Out Distractions and Drift Off
Speaking of quality sleep, a white noise app is another travel essential that’s become my nighttime companion. My personal fave is the paid version of this White Noise app. Whether it’s the hum of a plane’s engines, city traffic, or noisy neighbors, this app transforms your surroundings into a peaceful haven.
Select your preferred soothing sound – be it ocean waves, rainfall, or even a calming forest – and let it whisk you away. Brown noise, for the win!
6. Vuori Sweats: Comfort and Style on the Fly
Comfort meets style with Vuori sweats, making them the ultimate wardrobe travel essentials. Whether you’re exploring a new city or settling in for a long-haul flight, these athleisure wonders have you covered.
Made from soft, breathable fabric, Vuori sweats offer the perfect blend of coziness and versatility. You can go from exploring ancient ruins to lounging in your Airbnb without missing a beat. Plus, they’re effortlessly chic – you’ll look put-together even on the most laid-back travel days. I have numerous Vuori items in my daily and travel wardrobe. My all-time favorites are the performance joggers, clean elevation leggings, and the halo performance hoodie in a pull-over or zip-up. All come in a super soft knit fabric that is a pleasure to wear.
7. Veja Sneakers: The Epitome of Style and Comfort
I made the rookie mistake of putting fashion first and bringing uncomfortable shoes to Paris last year. By day two, I was limping. Fortunately, an impulse Paris purchase, Veja sneakers, came to the rescue! These kicks perfectly blend style and comfort. If they’re chic enough for the French, you know they’re cool.
Veja sneakers are not only stylish, but they’re also eco-friendly, crafted from sustainable materials. They’re the perfect choice when you want to explore a new city, walk along the beach, or simply look effortlessly cool while strolling through charming streets.
With their minimalist design and impeccable craftsmanship, Veja sneakers are the ultimate addition to your travel ensemble. Whether you’re wandering through cobblestone alleys in Europe or exploring the vibrant markets of Southeast Asia, you’ll be doing it in style and comfort. These sneakers are a testament to the fact that fashion and sustainability can go hand in hand, making them a must-have for any adventurer with a taste for both the stylish and the conscientious. So, lace up your Veja sneakers and step into a world of fashion-forward comfort on your next journey!
7. Flytographer: Capturing Picture-Perfect Memories
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about Flytographer – your ticket to professional vacation photos that will have your Instagram followers swooning. Travel memories deserve to be preserved in all their glory, and Flytographer ensures you look your best while doing it.
Book a local photographer at your destination and let them capture your vacation moments. No more awkward selfies or missing out on being in the frame. It’s a delightful way to relive your adventures through stunning, candid photos.
And there you have it, my fellow adventurers – a curated list of travel purchases that have added excitement, comfort, and style to my journeys. From nabbing incredible airfare deals with Going to staying cozy in Vuori sweats and capturing picture-perfect moments with Flytographer, these travel essentials are bound to elevate your globetrotting experiences. Use my Flytographer referral link and get $25 off.
So, pack your bags, embrace the thrill of adventure, and let these must-have travel items be your trusty companions on your next escapade. Bon voyage! 🌍✈️📸
Adventurous Tastes is reader-supported. When you buy through our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. All recommendations are my own.
Done shopping and ready to plan your next family adventure?
- Plan a kid-friendly weekend trip to the Catskills
- Explore Iceland with your kids by camper van
- Plan a visit to dazzling European Christmas Markets
