My Favourite Travel Products for 2022
As a travel advisor and as someone who travels quite a bit, this question comes up A LOT. So with the holiday shopping season now upon us, I thought I would create this shopping guide of some of my favourite travel products that I personally use when I travel. I’ll be focusing solely on what products I believe helps me when I travel and that I personally use every time I travel, I won’t be talking about camera gear or anything like that, however if you are interested in a YouTube camera gear guide, let me know in the comments and I might create one in the future.
Please note: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the link(s), I may receive a small commission (which I am so grateful, as it helps keep Wanderlust Journey content going) at no extra cost to you.
This travel gear guide is great if you know anyone who travels quite a bit, such as someone who travels for work quite a bit and you have them on your holiday shopping list. Some of these products I’ve actually gifted some of my clients when they’ve booked certain trips with me, so I do know first hand that the products below are great travel gifts.
Travel Camera Backpack:
So I know I said I won’t be covering camera gear, but this is a travel product I use all the time and is a big necessity for me. I wanted a travel camera backpack that was comfortable (as it can get quite heavy with the gear loaded inside), but also functional. I needed it to be able to carry a laptop, camera gear including a drone and if I stored it in the overhead bin, it was going to protect my gear (have you seen people trying to stuff things in an overhead bin on top of others belongings? If so, you know what I mean… Insert face palm here). I also needed a backpack that could weather any storms (without a leak) and this one did just that when I took it to Thailand. It kept my gear safe and sound from the sudden downpours. I do travel with a plastic bag that I can put my backpack into, but the seams on this one didn’t leak, if it was raining any harder I probably would have put the plastic over it just for added protection, but I didn’t need to. I travelled to France, Greece and Turkey recently and actually brought my MacBook Air and my Microsoft Surface and stored them both in the laptop compartment of this backpack with no issues. I also like the two side pockets, one I can fit my water bottle in, the other I use for my tripod while out exploring during the day. It also has a strap that can wrap around your luggage handle of your checked bag or carry on and a zipped pocket which I can fit my travel wallet into. I really love this camera backpack by MOSISO. It comes in the floral design that I have or quite a few solid colours. Backpack retails for around $75.99 CAD on Amazon.
Click here for more information on the MOSISO camera backpack.
I’ve travelled everywhere with my MOSISO Camera Backpack. I love it!
Rose Gold Beach Bag:
I love an oversized tote bag when I travel, especially somewhere warm. This sustainably made, hand beaded beach bag from India caught my eye when Wanderlust Stuff launched her website. It has quite a large capacity, has a zippered pocket on one side and the other side has two smaller pockets for a cell phone, lip gloss or where I hold my business card holder. I’ve had so many complements on this bag wherever I’ve travelled with it. It’s perfect as a day bag when out exploring. I typically throw my drone bag and camera inside when using a backpack is impractical. Not to mention it is great when heading to the beach and is the perfect size for a beach cover up, towel and some reef-safe sunscreen. Beach bag retails for around $162.00 CAD from Wanderlust Stuff.
Click here for more information on the Rose Gold, Sustainably Made Beach Bag.
Compression Packing Cubes:
I am team packing cubes and have been for years. I find them a better way to pack my belongings and keeps me organized while travelling. Usually I use one packing cube for shirts, one for skorts, skirts and pants and another for my swimsuits, underwear, etc. Not to mention, when I unpack and place my packing cubes into a chest of drawers or cubbies in the cruise line’s cabin closets, I know that my clothes are protected (FYI, it’s rare that the cleaners actually wipe out drawers or closet shelving in between guests). I also love compression packing cubes. You shouldn’t really over fill them, but they’re amazing to save even more space as it compresses your clothing down even more! Be sure to check out my YouTube video by clicking here to see it in action. I have this set by “Bagsviewer”, which is a six piece set as pictured below which can be purchased on Amazon for around $39.99 CAD.
Click here for more information on the 6 piece compression packing cube set.
Luggage Scale:
I always travel with a luggage scale. So many airlines are very strict on staying under a certain weight for a checked bag, not to mention some airlines have strict carry on baggage weight allowances. Having a luggage scale with me while I travel gives me peace of mind, especially when it comes to doing a bit of shopping while I’m away. No surprises at the airport check in counter for this girl. Luggage scales range from $17.99 to $24.99 CAD on Amazon.
Click here for more information on the luggage scale brand that I use.
TSA Locks:
I usually buy luggage now that has a built in TSA lock on the side, however I use TSA locks for many uses while I’m on the road. I no longer use hotel safes (there is always a universal code to open them, so are they really “safe”?), so I lock my belongings in my backpack or carry on luggage. TSA locks are also handy for extra security on your bag/purse if you’re in an area that you feel uneasy. I’ve locked my wallet into my purse before using interior zippers. I also prefer the TSA locks that have a combination than the ones that have a key because if you lose the keys to the lock, its going to be a bit difficult to get into your luggage. You can purchase a set of three TSA combination locks for around $22.99 CAD on Amazon.
Travel Adapters:
These are another staple when I travel. I prefer the adapters that have USB chargers on them as I travel with an Apple Watch, iPhone, GoPro and other devices that use a USB outlet to charge. Keep in mind this is just an adapter, it’s not a converter. so if you are travelling this will not convert the voltage, for that you actually need a converter (so don’t travel with a 110v hair tool and plug it in to a 220v power outlet with just an adapter, it won’t be good). I use the adapter with my “dual voltage” electronics. You can find a Universal Travel Adapter like the one I own for around $35.99 CAD on Amazon.
Travel Wallet:
A good travel wallet is an essential item for me when I travel. Mine is also RFID blocking, which means that if someone approaches you with a “reader”, they won’t be able to steal your information. I keep my passport, Nexus card, travel documents and currency in my wallet. I also have a mini first aid kit, a nail file and a pen. Travel wallets vary in price, the ones I typically purchase for gifts are around $25.99 CAD on Amazon.
FlightFud:
This is my somewhat newer must have when it comes to travelling. I started using FlightFud in 2021 and have been hooked ever since. It was created by a flight attendant, as they travel so much, they know the toll that flights have on your health, so FlightFud was born. The FlightFud Elixir (retails for around $40-48 CAD per box of 8 travel packs), is in a yummy “Strawberry Lemonade” flavour. It tastes great and I’ll also say it works. This might be a bit much info, but I suffer sometimes from swollen ankles after flying, when I use FlightFud, I’ve noticed that I don’t get them on arrival. They say that you should take one travel pack to the set amount of water once every four hour flight. I typically use it once on a long haul, but that’s just me. I also love the frosted FlightFud Water Bottle (retails for $40 CAD) and the different “levels” of water you should be drinking on a flight are super fun. If you’re interested in purchasing FlightFud Elixir Travel Packs, click here or here for more information on the FlightFud Water Bottle.
I never fly without FlightFud!
Power Battery Pack:
I’ve had this Anker PowerCore 20100mAh - Ultra High Capacity Power Bank for just over three years now and I love it. It’s so convenient to travel with. I use it in airports, on planes (some flights still don’t have chargers sometimes), trains or when I’m out exploring and my phone needs just a little boost. I’ve charged my Apple Watch, iPhone, GoPro even my drone controller with it while on the go. It’s a travel must have for me. You can purchase it on Amazon for around $74.99 CAD, I have seen it on sale here and there.
For more information on the Anker Power Battery Pack, click here.
Birdie Personal Alarm:
If you’re a woman who’s travelling solo, or you just feel more safe with a personal alarm on you, I highly suggest a Birdie. I actually carry my Birdie where ever I go, even if it’s on public transport to go downtown Vancouver from my apartment. It’s now always on me. The Birdie when activated sounds a very loud alarm (believe me it’s loud), when you pull the hook from the device. To stop the alarm, you simply reinsert the loop to the device. It comes with a very sturdy carabiner to attach it to a purse or bag. It also has a flashing light on the front that will also flash when you activate the alarm. I think everyone should own a Birdie, it’s an awesome personal safety alarm. They retail for around $50.00 CAD per unit and come in a variety of colours. It makes a great gift if you know someone who travels a lot!
Click here for more information on the Birdie Personal Alarm.
Airport Game Changer - Luggage Drink Trolley:
Next up is a nifty, very lightweight luggage organizer which is great for the airport. I used it in a few airports, coffee in one pocket, water bottle in the other and phone with my portable charger in the other pouch. It really is an airport game changer. This is a great gift for a corporate traveller or someone who travels a lot. It retails for around $24.00 CAD.
It really is an “Airport Game Changer”!
Bamboo Reusable Makeup Remover Pads:
Last but certainly not least, I love these Bamboo Reusable Makeup Remover Pads. I was actually introduced to them in Asia, I was frustrated as the Singapore Transit Hotel did not provide face cloths for removing make up. Some other hotels I’ve stayed in for layovers in Europe I found the same to be true. So enter a very handy, small, reusable option to freshen up while travelling. I used to actually travel with cotton cosmetic pads, but they are quite wasteful and sometimes not easy to actually wash your face properly with after a long flight when you arrive for instance. It even comes with a “laundry bag” so you can throw them into the sachet so they won’t get lost in your washing machine. I love these makeup remover pads and always travel with them now. They retail for around $25.00 to $34.99 CAD depending on the brand.
Click here for more information on the ones that I personally have and use.
Interested in watching my full YouTube episode featuring all the products listed in this travel gift guide, check it out here: