EVERYTHING I USE & NEED WHILE TRAVELLING
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If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years on the road, it’s this; packing light is the key to a stress-free adventure. The last thing you want is to be dragging around an overstuffed bag filled with things you’ll never use. Trust me, you won’t miss that extra pair of jeans when you’re sprinting for a train or navigating cobblestone streets.
Over time, I’ve fine-tuned my packing list to include only the essentials, items that are practical, versatile, and ready for any scenario you might encounter. Whether you’re trekking through jungles, exploring bustling cities, or lounging on a tropical beach, these 16 must-haves will keep you prepared for whatever the journey throws your way.
1. Smartphone
I currently use the iPhone 14 Pro and it is a game-changer for traveller’s, combining cutting-edge technology with practical features that make exploring the world easier than ever. With its 48MP main camera, you can capture breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cityscapes in stunning detail, while the Action Mode ensures smooth, shake-free videos—even on bumpy tuk-tuk rides or mountain treks. The always-on display and dynamic island keep important notifications visible at a glance, perfect for staying organised on the go. Plus, its all-day battery life means you won’t be scrambling for a charger in the middle of an adventure. The Emergency SOS via satellite is a lifesaver for remote destinations, giving peace of mind when off the grid. Whether you’re navigating with GPS, translating languages, or documenting every unforgettable moment, the iPhone 14 Pro is the ultimate travel companion.
I have loaded it with all the essential travel apps – click here for those – and mostly use it for Instagram, Netflix, WhatsApp and of course the camera functions.
2. Sony A7III Body
The Sony A7III is a powerhouse for travel photography and videography, offering a perfect balance of portability, performance, and versatility. Its full-frame 24.2MP sensor delivers stunning image quality with rich details and vibrant colours, even in challenging lighting conditions, ideal for capturing everything from golden-hour cityscapes to dimly lit temples. With 5-axis in-body stabilisation, handheld shots and videos remain smooth and sharp, reducing the need for bulky tripods. The fast and accurate autofocus system ensures you never miss a fleeting moment, whether it’s a street performer in Marrakech or wildlife on safari. Plus, its 4K video capabilities make it a top choice for travellers who want cinematic footage without carrying heavy gear. Lightweight yet powerful, the Sony A7III is an essential tool for anyone looking to document their adventures with professional-quality photos and videos.
What we especially love is that it has built in Wi-Fi which means I can connect my phone to it so we can capture this perfect couple shots.
4. Sony 16-35mm F/4 Lens
The Sony 16-35mm f/4 lens is a must-have for travellers who want to capture breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cityscapes, and immersive travel moments with stunning clarity. Its versatile focal range makes it perfect for everything from wide-angle shots of towering mountains to street photography in bustling markets. The constant f/4 aperture ensures reliable performance in various lighting conditions, while the Optical SteadyShot stabilisation helps keep handheld shots sharp—even in low light or on the move. Lightweight and compact, it won’t weigh down your travel gear, making it an excellent choice for backpackers and adventure seekers. Whether you’re photographing epic vistas or shooting cinematic travel vlogs, the Sony 16-35mm f/4 delivers outstanding image quality and flexibility for any journey.
5. Sony 50mm F/1.2 Lens
The Sony 50mm f/1.2 lens is a game-changer for any traveler or content creator looking to elevate their photography. Renowned for its incredibly fast f/1.2 aperture, it delivers stunning bokeh with beautifully blurred backgrounds, making it perfect for portrait photography, low-light environments, and artistic shots that stand out. This lens offers exceptional sharpness and clarity, capturing every detail, even in challenging lighting conditions, whether you’re snapping photos at a dimly lit café or capturing vibrant street scenes at dusk. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry while traveling, and the quick autofocus ensures you can capture spontaneous moments with precision. Ideal for both professional-quality portraits and landscape shots, the Sony 50mm f/1.2 offers a perfect blend of versatility and performance, making it a must-have in your travel gear.
6. MacBook Air 2022 M2 Chip
The MacBook Air 2022 with the M2 chip is the ultimate travel companion for bloggers, content creators, and digital nomads who need power without the bulk. Weighing just 2.7 pounds (1.24 kg) and boasting an ultra-slim design, it easily slips into a backpack without adding extra weight, perfect for working on the go. The M2 chip delivers lightning-fast performance, making tasks like photo editing, 4K video rendering, and multitasking a breeze, while the silent, fan-less design ensures distraction-free work in cafés, airports, or beachside bungalows. With its stunning 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, colours pop and details shine, ideal for reviewing photos or fine-tuning content before publishing. Plus, with up to 18 hours of battery life, you can write, edit, and create all day without worrying about finding a power outlet. Whether you’re managing a travel blog, editing vlogs, or staying connected with your audience, the MacBook Air M2 is a powerhouse built for life on the road.
7. Soundcore Q45 Wireless Headphones
The Soundcore Q45 wireless headphones are a game-changer for travellers and content creators who need immersive sound and all-day comfort. With adaptive noise cancellation, they effortlessly block out airplane engine hum, noisy cafés, or bustling city streets, allowing you to focus on your work or enjoy your favourite tunes undisturbed. The hi-res audio with rich bass and crisp details makes them perfect for editing videos, fine-tuning podcasts, or simply getting lost in music during long journeys. With an impressive 50-hour battery life, they’ll last through multiple flights and work sessions without needing a recharge. Designed for comfort, the memory foam ear cups provide a snug fit, making them ideal for extended wear. Whether you’re zoning into content creation, taking calls on the go, or escaping into your favourite playlist, the Soundcore Q45 headphones are a must-have for any traveler seeking top-tier sound quality and convenience.
8. Anker Astro E6 Portable Battery Charger
The Anker Astro E6 Portable Battery Charger is a lifesaver for travellers who rely on their devices while on the go. With a massive 20,000mAh capacity, it can charge a smartphone multiple times, keeping you powered up during long-haul flights, remote adventures, or days spent exploring new cities. Equipped with PowerIQ technology, it delivers fast and efficient charging for multiple devices at once, whether it’s your phone, tablet, camera, or wireless headphones. Despite its high capacity, the Astro E6 is slim and travel-friendly, easily fitting into a backpack or daypack without adding unnecessary bulk. Whether you’re navigating with GPS, capturing stunning photos, or creating content on the move, this reliable power bank ensures you never run out of battery at a crucial moment.
9. Universal Travel Adapter
A universal travel adapter is an absolute must-have for any traveller, ensuring you can keep your devices powered up no matter where your adventures take you. Designed to work in over 150 countries, it eliminates the hassle of carrying multiple plug adapters for different regions. Many models come with multiple USB ports and fast-charging capabilities, allowing you to charge several devices, like your phone, camera, laptop, and headphones—simultaneously. Compact and lightweight, it easily fits into any travel bag without adding bulk. Whether you’re working from a café in Paris, charging your gear in a remote jungle lodge, or keeping your devices powered on long layovers, a reliable universal adapter keeps you connected wherever you go. Top Tip – take a couple with you.
10. Samsung 2TB Portable Hard Drive & Case
The Samsung 2TB Portable Hard Drive is an essential travel companion for photographers, videographers, and digital nomads who need reliable storage on the go. With massive 2TB capacity, it provides ample space for backing up high-resolution photos, 4K videos, and important documents—ensuring you never run out of storage while capturing your adventures. Its lightweight and shock-resistant design makes it perfect for travel, protecting your data from bumps and drops while on the move. Paired with a durable protective case, it stays safe from dust, moisture, and impact, making it ideal for life on the road. Whether you’re editing content, transferring files between devices, or simply keeping backups of your work, the Samsung 2TB Portable Hard Drive ensures your data is secure and accessible wherever your travels take you.
11. JBL Flip 4 Portable Speaker
The JBL Flip 4 Portable Speaker is the perfect travel companion for adventurers who love to bring their soundtrack wherever they go. With its compact and rugged design, it easily fits into any backpack, making it ideal for beach days, road trips, or spontaneous dance parties in your hostel dorm, water bungalow or hotel room. Its powerful, crystal-clear sound and deep bass ensure your music fills any space, whether you’re relaxing by a campfire or setting the mood at a sunset picnic. Plus, with its IPX7 waterproof rating, it can handle unexpected splashes, poolside lounging, or even a sudden downpour. Offering 12 hours of battery life, the JBL Flip 4 keeps the music going all day long, ensuring your adventures always have the perfect soundtrack.
12. Akaso V50 Pro Action Camera
The Akaso V50 Pro Action Camera is a game-changer for travellers and adventure enthusiasts who want to capture high-quality footage without the hefty price tag. With 4K video resolution, it delivers stunningly sharp and vibrant visuals, making it perfect for documenting everything from exhilarating hikes to underwater explorations. Its wide-angle lens ensures you capture the full scene, whether you’re climbing a mountain or racing down a zip line. The camera’s built-in image stabilisation ensures smooth, shake-free videos, even in the most action-packed situations. Lightweight and compact, it easily fits into your travel gear, and with its waterproof case, it’s ready for any adventure, whether you’re snorkelling in crystal-clear waters or braving the rain on a mountain trek. The Akaso V50 Pro is the ideal travel companion to document your journey with professional-quality action shots without breaking the bank.
13. SD Cards
Having multiple SD cards while traveling is a must for anyone who relies on their camera or other devices to capture memories on the go. With the high-quality photos and videos you’ll be snapping, especially in formats like RAW or 4K, storage can fill up quickly. By carrying a few extra SD cards, you ensure you never run out of space during crucial moments, whether you’re photographing a breathtaking sunrise or shooting a spontaneous video while exploring a new city. Plus, having backups means you won’t have to worry about data loss if one card becomes corrupted or damaged. Compact and lightweight, these cards take up minimal space in your bag but provide maximum convenience, allowing you to focus on enjoying your travels and capturing every moment without hesitation.
14. DJI Mini Pro 3
The DJI Mini Pro 3 is an essential tool for travellers looking to elevate their photography and videography with stunning aerial shots. Compact and lightweight, it’s easy to take with you on any adventure, fitting seamlessly into your travel gear without weighing you down. Despite its small size, the Mini Pro 3 packs a punch with its 4K camera and impressive 48MP photos, delivering crystal-clear imagery from the sky. The advanced obstacle sensors and autonomous flight modes, like Follow Me and ActiveTrack, ensure smooth and safe flying, even in tricky environments. With a flight time of up to 34 minutes, it gives you plenty of opportunities to capture sweeping landscapes, coastal vistas, and city skylines. Whether you’re exploring remote mountains or bustling urban landscapes, the DJI Mini Pro 3 lets you capture stunning, cinematic aerial footage without the need for bulky equipment.
15. Manfrotto Compact Tripod
The Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminium Tripod is a traveller’s dream when it comes to lightweight, durable, and versatile gear for photography and videography. Designed for both photographers and content creators, this tripod offers smooth operation with its hybrid head, allowing you to easily switch between photo and video modes for optimal control. Its aluminium build provides the perfect balance of strength and portability, ensuring it’s sturdy enough for stability in all conditions while remaining light enough to fit comfortably into your travel bag. The quick-release plate allows for fast setup and teardown, so you don’t miss a shot when you’re on the move. Whether you’re capturing landscape shots at sunrise or filming a time-lapse of the bustling city, the Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod offers reliable performance, even on uneven terrain.
16. Kodak EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera
The Kodak EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera is a must-have for any traveller who loves the nostalgic charm of film photography. With its compact and lightweight design, this camera fits easily into your pocket or bag, making it the perfect companion for capturing spontaneous moments on the go. The half-frame format allows you to double the number of shots on a single roll of film, giving you more opportunities to experiment and capture the essence of your travels. The Kodak Ektar 100 film is known for its vibrant colors and fine grain, making your landscapes, portraits, and street photography pop with rich detail. Whether you’re wandering through bustling markets or exploring serene landscapes, the EKTAR H35 offers a fun, hands-on way to document your journey with a vintage touch. Its simple operation and retro appeal make it a great choice for both seasoned film enthusiasts and those looking to dip their toes into analog photography.
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