A simple life is a good life. Brian and I try to carry this mantra into our travels, focusing on the little things that make for an easy-going trip. We aren’t big on overpacking, overplanning, or overcomplicating things. We like a little routine, a little flexibility, and a lot of ease. Of course, simplicity is subjective. Our version of simple travel may not be for everyone. But for those who appreciate a bit of routine and everyday comforts alongside adventure, our style might just click.
Travel planning starts at home, and after years of fine-tuning how we travel, we’ve learned which essentials actually help keep things comfortable, low-stress, and enjoyable.
Our Top Essentials for Simple Travel
Brian and I always bring along the following items for easy comfort and convenience wherever we go.
Everyday Accessories
Ultra-Packable and Reusable Grocery Tote
I carry a strong nylon tote that measures 18×16 inches and folds into an ultralight, pocket-sized square. It’s perfect for grocery runs or impromptu picnics. Whether we’re stocking up on snacks for a long car ride or picking up extra essentials along the way, it always comes in handy.
Reusable Water Bottle
Thanks to our reusable water bottles, we hardly ever have to purchase bottled water. Although we do occasionally need to buy a few big containers when we’re on the road, we mainly stick to refilling at water stations. From hiking trails to our nightstands, our bottles are much-needed and -appreciated travel companions. They’ve offered a super simple way to cut down on waste and stay hydrated throughout our trips. Plus, having water readily available means less temptation to splurge on other drinks!
Collapsible Pour-Over Coffee Dripper
We may not bring our pour-over everywhere we go, but we always have it ready for trips where coffee might not be available. This little gadget has been a serious gift in times of need for a good cup of coffee. It’s lightweight and easy to pack, allowing us to enjoy coffee on the go. All we need is ground coffee, a filter, and hot water!
Entertainment and Connectivity
A Good Book
I never travel without a good book. And it has to be a physical copy—no digital versions for me. It’s an excellent go-to for filling spare moments on a long flight or quiet downtime in the evenings. Instead of losing myself in a screen, I love having the option to enjoy the comfort of a well-written story.
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Even though our Google Fi Unlimited Premium plan includes hotspot tethering, we prefer to bring a portable Wi-Fi hotspot for added convenience. Luckily, our local library lends them out, so it’s pretty easy to grab one before a trip.
Sometimes the Wi-Fi signal isn’t very strong where we’re staying, so a hotspot is a travel must-have for us. Not only does it provide better connection and performance, but it also keeps us connected on the road! We’re currently using one that can support up to 32 devices at once. It seamlessly keeps both of us connected, whether we’re streaming, navigating, or working on the go. During road trips, we love the fact that one of us can drive while the other works. It’s a win-win.
Amazon Fire TV Stick
A cozy comfort, this one. Amazon’s Fire TV Stick is one of our favorite at-home luxuries that we have with us no matter where we travel. There’s a massive comfort in being able to switch on the TV and play our favorite shows as we’re winding down after a long day. It’s such a small and simple treat, but it instantly adds a more relaxed and familiar feel. Even overseas, all we have to do is change our VPN to stream at-home content.
Portable Battery Pack
A battery pack is the trick to staying powered up and ready to go! Again, it’s a small and simple device, but it packs a whole lot of convenience. Whether it’s our phones or laptops, having a backup power source means we don’t miss out on navigating, taking photos, or staying connected.
Self-Care Basics
Skincare
Oh, I’ve totally embraced self-care on the road. I’m not quite at the stage where I have worn sheet masks on a flight, but I can see myself getting there. Brian and I don’t travel without sunscreen, a daily moisturizer, and a night cream. I have also gotten into the habit of packing hydrating facial sheet masks and under eye masks for that extra layer of care after a long day of exploring. Skincare helps us unwind and keeps our routine on track, even when we’re not at home.
OTC Medications
This one’s a must! We’ve learned that it’s necessary for us to pack ibuprofen, antihistamines, antacids, and stomach relief meds. It’s really no fun being stranded without these over-the-counter essentials or realizing we need to run out to buy them last minute. They offer peace of mind, knowing we can tackle minor discomforts right away.
Other OTC gems I’ve started packing include daily vitamins and melatonin tablets. Honestly, it’s hard for me to sleep through the night without a few milligrams of melatonin! These tablets do the trick for us, especially when we’re traveling.
Tummydrops Ginger Lozenges
These have become a staple for us! Tummydrops ginger lozenges are great for relieving nausea and calming an upset stomach. I can no longer chew gum, so they’re a perfect solution for when I’m craving gum or candy. They’re useful for plane rides, after big meals, and whenever I need a quick pick-me-up.
Financial Tools
Travel Credit Card
Brian and I always have both of our travel credit cards with us, which currently include the Chase Sapphire Reserve and IHG One Rewards Premier cards. As you might have learned from a previous post, we are reconsidering our membership with Chase Sapphire Reserve due to its new changes. We’ll continue to use the credit card until the increased annual fee kicks in, at which point we’ll have decided whether we’re staying or not!
In any case, we always have both of these credit cards with us, as they offer excellent travel insurance, purchase protections, and reward earnings. Additionally, they allow us to avoid foreign transaction fees when we’re abroad!
Charles Schwab Bank Debit Card
Debit cards have their time and place. I typically don’t encourage debit payments, as they lack the same protections that credit cards offer, but sometimes a debit card is necessary. That’s why we specifically opened a Charles Schwab Checking Account, one of the most travel-friendly options available.
Charles Schwab provides the convenience of straightforward cash withdrawals worldwide without unnecessary fees, including ATM fees. With no foreign transaction fees and its global ATM network, Brian and I can easily access funds on the go, which is especially useful for cash-only businesses.
Embracing Simple Travel with the Right Essentials
A simple life is a good life. These travel essentials help us support this mantra, streamlining our trips and providing ease and convenience wherever we go. While they may not be particularly bold or unique, they’re uniquely valuable to us.
Brian and I know that everyone’s definition of simple travel isn’t the same. What’s right for us may differ from what’s ideal for you. Explore your preferences and think about what will support your travel style. By finding the right travel essentials for yourself, you can create a travel style that feels uniquely enjoyable and easy-going.
What essentials bring you comfort and convenience when you travel?
