I can hardly believe our first post-pandemic trip to British Columbia is just a month away. Because I’m a super planner, I’ve already started thinking about what I’ll take with me, which led me to this post. My list always begins with these five indispensable items I always pack when travelling.
*Note: I have not received any compensation for promoting these items.
1 – Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow
I was a huge skeptic about any travel pillow actually supporting my head while trying to sleep on a plane. I’d tried a few, and they were all a massive disappointment. When I discovered the unique feature that made the Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow different from others, I decided to give it a go. I was able to sleep for six solid hours on an overseas flight the first time I tried it, which has never happened before.
2 – Eagle Creek Packing Cubes
So, if you already use packing cubes, you’re saying, “Well, duh,” as you’re reading this. If you are not using packing cubes, it’s likely because you think this is the dumbest thing ever (I did too before trying them). Why would you buy bags to put in a suitcase?
The organization factor is the main reason these cubes are fab. They come in all sizes and colours, and you can divide your packing according to function, outfits, or portions of your trip. No more rummaging through all your stuff to find something! I also love that you can put the cubes into your hotel or apartment rental cupboards and be done with unpacking in 10 seconds flat. The cubes also provide a slight bit of compression, giving you more space in your luggage. They are the BEST.
3 – Jawbone Jambox Bluetooth Speaker
We’ve had this blue Jawbone Jambox Bluetooth speaker for, I’m sure, 10-12 years, and it has endured a tone of bouncing around, sandy beaches, hot and humid temperatures, and other harsh conditions. It just keeps on pumping out the beats, or podcasts or whatever we’re listening to. Unfortunately, Jawbone has gone out of business, but there are lots of others out there. Sure, you can play audio out of your mobile device, but the sound is not as good, and if you’re sitting on a beach, you don’t want to drain your phone’s battery. I’m going to be sad when our little blue speaker finally poops out. It’s been around the world with us.
4 –Bodylastics Resistance Bands
If I’m going to be away from home longer than a week, I take my set of Bodylastics resistance bands with me to keep up with my weight training. I usually use free weights, and when I’m staying at a hotel with a gym, there is often a set available to me. When staying at an Airbnb, though, I had to forgo the weight training and just focus on running.
These resistance bands are super. It took me a while to figure out the best routine, but the exercise booklet and related online videos were helpful. The best is that they are easy to pack. I now use these bands in conjunction with my free weights when working out at home too.
5 – Suction Cup Clothesline
A travel clothesline is a cheap and easy-to-pack gamechanger, in my opinion, especially if you workout while travelling. For years I’d come back to my hotel room after a workout, handwash my gear and then struggle to find places to hang it. I’d use doorknobs, closet hangers, lamps–it was a mess, not to mention potentially damaging if the clothes dripped while drying.
I’m not sure what brand mine is, but you can find similar clotheslines in many places. Get the kind with the velcro straps on the ends for when the suction cups don’t stick to the surface surrounding the shower or bathtub.
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