Travel Resources
I try to pack as light as possible. I’ve managed to go 16 days with just a 20″ carry-on suitcase (that little red combo shown here!!) due to judicious packing and strategic laundry planning. I’ve tried all kinds of packing tips and tricks; some have worked and some fell flat. Packing cubes and organizers have really helped me to pack smart.
I love my soft-sided Samsonite carry-on! I’m on my third one now in over 20 years; they really do hold up well. The zipper pockets in the front are where I store maps, itineraries, charging cables, snacks, a scarf that doubles as a blanket – anything I need to be able to grab quickly out of the overhead.
If I check my bag, I like to use a hard-sided case and Samsonite is again my go-to bag. You don’t get the outside pockets for quick access, but since I check it, it’s not the big of a deal and I feel like it’s a little more substantial than a soft-sided case.
This toiletries bag is awesome – it’s compact but it still holds a ton. My favorite feature is a hook that tucks into the flap, so you can hang it up in hotels where there isn’t much bathroom counter space. The TSA-approved liquids bag also on this page fits perfectly inside, so if you need to remove liquids at security it’s very easy to do!
Packing cubes are essential for packing all you need into one suitcase. I like these multi-size sets to maximize the space. I use smaller ones for undergarments, medium sizes for shirts and blouses and the larger ones for pants, jackets and sweaters. I find the more you pack in them (fold neatly but really smoosh it down to zip closed) the less wrinkled things get!
I got tired of zip top bags ripping or not being durable enough to last very long, so I found these great thick plastic options. They fit perfectly in the toiletries bag also listed on this page, so you can pack it all together and just pull out the liquids fast if you need to at security.
Most of us now have several electronic devices that need cords, plugs, batteries, SD cards, etc, so I love having one of these electronics organizers packed and ready to go at all times. There are a few different sizes, but I love that it zips up nearly flat, which makes it really easy to toss in the front of the soft-sided luggage for quick access on the plane or airport!
A power bank has saved me more times than I can count. It’s a portable charging station the size of a mobile phone that you can carry with you around town, at theme parks, at the beach – anywhere you need fast, portable power. I have a 10,000 mAh pack, which gives me just over 2 full charges on my phone – enough to last a whole day! CHECK AIR CARRIER REGULATIONS as power banks generally need to stay with you as a carry-on & not stored in checked bags.
A plug adapter is going to be needed for overseas trips. Much of Europe uses the Type C version with the round prongs, while Ireland and the UK use the Type G square prongs. I like these trios since you’ll likely need more than 1, especially if you’re not traveling solo. They are NOT VOLTAGE CONVERTERS, which is fine for most electronics (check your plug), but for things like curling irons or hair dryers you’ll need a voltage adapter too.
Historical Resources
For the history side of the trip, I mainly use books and lots of online research, but have also found podcasts, documentaries and tv/movies can also help me to learn about where I’m going. I begrudgingly changed over to e-books a few years ago – I just don’t have the space for the full library I’d love to have – and now as I read, I can highlight ideas as I go for future reference.
I do use standard travel guides too when I visit a place for the first time to get a basic lay of the land and an idea of how best to get around and where to stay. When possible, I like to create playlists for trips with music to reflect the location or time period I’m traveling in. It’s a fun way to set the mood for the trip and also a fun reminder of your trip whenever you hear that song again!
Books
Some of my favorite historical books, travel guides and fictional imagineering!
Podcasts & Music
I like to make playlists of period music when I can - it really adds to the trip!
TV/Movies
Just bear in mind that most of these are more for entertainment value than educational!