I’ve been a frequent traveler for the past 10 years and have worked as a writer or editor in the field for much of that time. I’ve embarked on hundreds of business and personal trips — since 2020 alone, I’ve flown over 400,000 miles in the sky. As a result, I’ve tested countless pieces of travel gear.
Everything from travel backpacks to portable chargers plays a part in what I bring so I can work efficiently and travel comfortably. To help you travel better, I’ll take you through the things I absolutely cannot travel without.
This travel adapter has traveled the world with me and charged my laptop, iPhone and other gadgets countless times. It has USB-A ports, a USB-C port and three US-style outlets. It plugs into the wall with a European-style plug and includes an adapter for countries that use a UK-style plug.
I've used this backpack since the day it launched and I'm loving it so far. It's super functional with great organization pockets. It expands from 25 liters to 30 liters, which is great when I buy one too many souvenirs.
Yes, it's an expensive bag. But for someone who travels regularly, it's the best luggage I've ever used. It's made from high-quality aluminum components and has a retro-inspired design that harks to the golden days of travel. Even better, it has a lifetime warranty to keep it on the road for years.
If I need to travel somewhere with two laptops, I'll use this carry-on from Carl Friedrik. It has a document and laptop pouch on the front of the suitcase, giving you easy access to your tech at the airport. I think it looks great too, with an understated yet very classy design.
This tiny Bluetooth speaker is always in my backpack. I use it to listen to music and podcasts in hotel rooms and it can also come in handy on the beach. It's a big step up from my MacBook's speakers and is small enough that I barely know it's in my backpack.
Staying organized is key when you're traveling — and this includes your cables and other gadgets. There are plenty of great dopp kits out there, but this one from Harber London is my favorite since it's made from durable genuine leather.
I've tested dozens of power banks and often carry more than one on the road. This one from Mophie is my usual go-to since it has USB-A and USB-C ports and a 10,000 mAh battery capacity that can fully charge my iPhone 16 Pro.
I bought a refurbished MacBook Air M2 from Apple earlier this year, and it's quickly become the best laptop I've ever owned. Apple's M2 chip means the computer performs well, stays cool and doesn't have any fan noise. Plus, it weighs just 2.7 pounds.
This charger is the perfect hotel nightstand companion. It charges any MagSafe-compatible iPhone and an Apple Watch from a single USB-C port. Its included 30-watt USB-C wall adapter works around the world, too, as it includes four international plug adapters.
Many of my coworkers use Apple AirTags to track their luggage. I'm a big fan of them too, but recently switched to a Knog Scout Travel Luggage Tag for tracking my luggage. It works with Apple's Find My network but, unlike AirTags, has a rechargeable battery.
I've had a Herschel passport holder for years and have never had any issues with it. I'm a dual citizen and was drawn to this passport holder because it has a second pocket that can hold my European passport and vaccine card.
I go pretty much everywhere with my AirPods Pro. They're convenient, sound good and work great for phone and Zoom calls. And for short flights, the active noise cancellation is more than adequate.
For longer flights, I like to use these over-ear noise-cancelling Bose headphones. They completely shut out airplane engine noise and my fellow passenger's conversations, leaving me completely immersed in whatever music or podcast I'm listening to.
Listerine breath strips never leave my backpack — especially if I'm going to a conference, meeting or work event. No one wants to talk to someone with stinky breath. Keep these with you and you're fresh no matter where you are in the world.
I like baseball caps and, since I grew up in the Chicagoland area, I love the Chicago Cubs. So, I always keep this hat in my backpack. I like the retro look and it's made for some interesting chats with Chicagoans I've met on the road.