My phone is

• my organizer
• my means of communication
• my translator
• my GPS
• my booking confirmations
• my boarding passes

It’s central. I don’t just rely on this device for traveling. I always print out my itinerary, boarding passes, booking confirmations, a copy of my passport, important numbers, etc. Basically, if it breaks, gets stolen, or information gets erased, I have a backup plan: printed paper.

I also include a data cable, a charger and a charging battery.

This battery (such as INIU Compact External Battery) is practical for recharging your device during the day. It would be a shame to find yourself without GPS or not being able to take THE photo that makes you vibrate because you are lacking energy.

A small bag that fits in my pocket and that I can take out when I need it. Practical and not bulky. Why carry around an empty bag? In case we need it during the day? In short, an ultralight and portable backpack could very well do the trick.

This bag is so small that it can be kept in your coat pocket until you need it.

A practical backpack that complies with the hand luggage dimensions imposed by the various transport companies. The dimensions that are authorized by the various companies listed are as follows: 50cm x 35cm x 23cm.

I started using a bag that was better suited to transport, a bag with dimensions of 50cm x 35cm x 22cm with a capacity of 40l. The Lumesner Extra Large Travel Backpack can include packing cubes and can hold clothes for 3 to 7 days.

With a carry-on of this size, I keep my essentials for a few days with me. Because, yes, it also happened to me that my checked suitcase did not follow me and arrived three days after me). The first time, I found myself in a bad situation. The second time, I was prepared.

A travel toiletry bag should be big enough to hold the essentials and also easy to get through airport security. I also like that I can hang it up at my destination instead of leaving it on the counter.

The important points are:

• Respectable size to fit in my hand luggage
• Transparent to pass airport security checks
• Can be opened to be hung at destination

That’s why a kit like this one from Tanto fits my needs.

We can then include our toiletry essentials. Note that liquids have a restriction on airplanes of 100ml per container for a maximum of 1L.

• Toothbrush
• Small tube of toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Mouthwash
• Perfume (small size)
• Lip balm
• Small pharmacy

Usually I try to include my small pharmacy in my toiletry bag, taking care to remove scissors and other items prohibited in cabin baggage.

In addition to a basic first aid kit, I add

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (Advil) (not in capsules as they tend to stick with moisture)
• Prescribed medications

I’ve tried all kinds of travel pillows. Some too soft, some inflatable, some cheap! In short, a travel pillow should support the head in a comfortable position.

There are many airlines that do not have headrests built into their seats. That’s a long 5 hours at night without any head support in a middle seat!

The Everlasting Comfort travels well, fits well, and washes well! (You have to wash it too!) It also comes with a sleep mask and some earplugs. Since it’s memory foam, it can be compressed to take up less space in your carry-on.

Having to make car stops to grab a quick bite or restricting yourself to the (not often included) airline snacks. It’s best to have snacks on hand.

You can even (most of the time) make them yourself and save money! I like the sweet/savory combination of trail mix with a hint of chocolate.

The amount depends on the duration of the journey and the space remaining in the luggage.

Depending on the type of trip, the bottle will be different.

In the car, I prefer a rigid bottle that keeps my water cold (I even put ice cubes in it).

When flying, I prefer lightness and easy storage. Collapsible bottles become very small when empty. You can fill it after passing through security and before entering the plane.

Not all countries use the same plugs. At least, most everyday electronics (laptops, various chargers) can be used anywhere in the world (90V-240V 50Hz-60Hz) and only require a plug adapter.

A universal charger with USB ports (A C) to allow you to charge your phones without having to carry around additional chargers is great!

Viyafit model offers US/EU/AU/UK plugs covers more than 150 countries. Perfect for all your travels. This adapter does not convert the current from 240V to 120V but as mentioned above, most of your devices do not need it.

Drinking water is not as readily available everywhere as it is at home. I recently went on a trip where even bottled water wasn’t great. After contracting salmonella while traveling, I’m taking a little more precaution about drinking water.

Several searches led me to THE bottle for this type of trip. Sure it is big and has a considerable weight but its main function is to filter!

I chose the Grayl Geopress. It weighs 450g empty but it filters almost everything!

It eliminates waterborne pathogens (99.99% of viruses, 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.99% of protozoan cysts) including rotavirus, hepatitis A, norovirus, giardiasis, cryptosporidium, E. coli, cholera, salmonella, dysentery and more.

The cartridge (the filter) is designed for 350 cycles, or 250L.

It’s not the best bottle for hiking but it’s THE filter bottle designed for travel. I stocked up on water for the day every morning. I didn’t have to carry the bottle with me, just water bottles filled daily.

A visit and references from your pharmacist are a precious pearl. You will have personalized advice and perhaps even medications that you can take as needed. My pharmacist is a valuable help in preparing for my trips.

Some appliances require a power conversion. Especially flat irons, hair dryers. Sorry ladies! For other cooking appliances, please source them locally.

There are several on the market but the majority will not be able to support heating appliances such as curling irons or hair dryers.

The AceChef VC002001 converts from 220/240V to 110/120V for a total power of 2300W, more than your hair dryer requires.

Be careful though. It lowers the voltage but does not change the 50Hz frequency used in most countries with a voltage of 220/240V. Your device must be able to support the 50Hz frequency. If in doubt, refrain from doing so to avoid damaging your device.

Headphones to isolate yourself in your head and not be disturbed during public transport (plane, bus, train) are a must! You will be able to rest without being disturbed by your “imposed travel companions”.

The Monster N-Lite Clear Talk in-ear headphones are perfect for this with their active ambient noise reduction.