04.11.24

Things We Like to Make Traveling Easier

Over the years Kat and I have discovered– and even invented at times– shortcuts to help us travel with less stress. From simple things like  buying tickets online, rather than waiting in long lines, to carrying double-stick tape, super glue, different sized clips, and a special suction cups that holds those dangling European shower heads right in place. We have shared a lot of these tips in our blog, but when Kat bought an amazing super powerful, hand-held fan, and kept  RAVING about how awesome it was, I decided it may be worthwhile to share some of our more valuable finds with fellow travelers. .

Here are a few of the items we love, which (shocker) are all available on Amazon. And if you purchase anything of these items in the next 6 months, it will not only make your travel experience a little easier, but helps us build and maintain our Amazon Affiliate Partnership. Sorry if the prices differ than what is below:

Thank you, and happy travels ! 😊

(1) ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L – Packable Small Backpacks Water Resistant Daypack for Women Men(Black): $15.99

You can get backpacks any and everywhere, but I have been using my Zomake bag almost since Day One, and take it with me everywhere I go. It’s small, it’s light (about 8oz), and amazingly durable, and I carry my phone, wallet, keys, water, and anything else I need; it’s always with me. When its EMPTY it folds to about the size of a large croissant!

On travel days I carry my 40L backpack on my back, and two 20L packs in my hands, and inside is my wrapped Zomake, ready to unfold and use almost like a large handbag. This is my second one, and that’s not bad for five years’ worth of heavy usage! It’s not waterproof (but you could spray it…), but it is water resistant, and the few times it got wet, it dried in no time.

Some of the stuff we use and recommend are simple, everyday items, but if you are a traveler—or a tourist—they may help your journey.

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(2) Blood pressure monitor: Care Touch Digital Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor for Adults Size 5.5-8.5″ for Home Use, Automatic High Blood Pressure Machine with Batteries & Carrying Pouch: $25.99

Getting “older” and having to deal with higher blood pressure is a real nuisance! My blood pressure increased in my young 60’s and I took statins (yuck) for many years. When we started traveling my blood pressure stabilized and stayed lower, but it’s still prone to periodic upward blips.

That concerned us.

We’ve been carrying this blood pressure cuff around for five years and it’s like a tank—it just keeps on going. It’s light and very small, about the size of a small tomato. Maybe you’re too young to think about such things, but at some point you might! At least having a cuff close to you can give you peace of mind—or possibly a wake-up call…

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(3) Eagle Creek cube bags (Eagle Creek Pack-It Original Starter Set of 3 Packing Cubes for Suitcases – Durable Travel Suitcase Organizer Bags Set with Folding Garment Bag, Black) $40

I admit I was a bit of a cynic about travel cubes, thinking they were a gimmick. I rolled and packed the way I used to, in a logical way, but over the years clothes have become a commodity, and they are rarely kept for long periods of time. And as our travel settled into more of a routine, sometimes staying for longer periods, sometimes for short, knowing where everything IS made our life less stressful.

These cubes are awesome, and I have three different ones, each carrying specific items: one is for underwear and socks; another is for “cold weather gear” and long sleeve shirts and pants, and one is for short pants and shirts. When I unload my 40liter carrying bag I just pull them out one at a time and I can throw  them in drawers, or just leave them inside if I don’t think I’ll need them. Along with packing cubes, I have a few other cases and pouches for smaller items.