Kate’s Travel Gear Guide
Over the years, I’ve had so many clients ask me the same questions before a trip:
What luggage do you use?
What should I pack?
Do I need an adapter?
Are there any travel essentials you swear by?
So, I’ve put together a collection of the travel gear I personally use and love. These are the things that have earned a place in my suitcase after years of traveling—from everyday essentials to those little extras that simply make traveling easier.
A quick note: Some links in this guide are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I genuinely use, love, or recommend.
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Luggage & Organization
Solgaard Luggage
I absolutely love our Solgaard luggage! I chose the classic black with rose gold trim, while Marcus went with the army green. After trying MANY suitcases over the years, these have hands down been our favorites.
They’re incredibly sturdy, and I especially love the zipperless click-close design—no broken or hackable zippers! They also include a removable Carry-On Closet for organization, although I personally take mine out and use my own packing cubes. After years of frequent travel, ours are still going strong! Definitely worth the investment.
Marcus is ready for Thailand!
Personal Items
I ALWAYS bring a backpack as my personal item on the plane, and I love my Travelon (in this Pewter color). It fits under the seat, has anti-theft features such as locking zippers, fits over the luggage handle, and so many compartments including a laptop sleeve. This backpack is perfect for me.
Grenada Bound
Document Organization
One of my must haves when travelling is my document holder. It keeps all my boarding passes, vouchers, itineraries, passports and all important information organized, secure and easily accessible. I could not travel without this!
**Kate Travel Tip** staying organized while travelling is my #1 piece of advice.
There are some pricey options out there, but this inexpensive, Faux Leather option does the trick.
Packing System
Inside my suitcases, you will always find packing cubes. I have had these Eagle Creek folders and cubes for years. They help you stay organized, keep clothes relatively unwrinkled and surprisingly increase your packing space.
They also come in multiple colors!
Toiletry Bag
This toiletry bag is unbeatable for the price! It holds a ton—Marcus and I usually share just one when we travel. I went with the pink, but it comes in five other colors too. I’ve taken it on over 8 trips so far, and it’s holding up great!
***Kate Travel Tip***
Always pack a mini first aid kit… Tums, Band-aids, Advil, Dramamine, etc. Many times I have had to find a pharmacy and try to explain (typically with a language barrier) what I needed. Much easier to bring a little stash with you!
This can be packed in a check or carry on bag, but mind the liquids rule.
Marcus on the other hand prefers his Bose noise cancelling headphones (also Bluetooth). Although these are much larger to carry… I will say I was a little jealous of the comfy ear cushions and noise cancelling aspect.
To charge our items at our destination, we use a converter adapter.
***Kate Travel Tip***
Note the difference between a converter and adapter, and if your item is “smart” or “dumb.”
A converter will actually convert the voltage. This is important if you are visiting a country with 220. If you have a smart device (smartphone for example), it should auto convert and you can just use an adapter, which simply adapts the plug. A dumb device, such as a curling iron (on/off switch) will need the voltage adapted. A duel option is always safer. ALWAYS check the voltage your item can accept!!
A great trick I learned from a client is using Apple Air Tags! Put one in your luggage and track in case it is lost. Brilliant!
Clothes & Accessories
Jewelery
I do not typically travel with expensive jewelry, and these silicone rings are great. I do not worry about losing my wedding ring, they come in lots of colors, and are super comfortable to wear. They are also great for excursions, swimming and the gym!
I have also purchased a nice “fake” wedding set, if I want the look of something fancier but nothing too pricey.
Same goes for my necklaces… I bought this to wear on a trip and loved it so much, I wear it all the time (and have even bought as gifts!)
Clothes
I am definitely not a super fashionable person, but on my last trip to Thailand I lived in these rompers. They are lightweight, easy to pack, have pockets, are a great price and come in lots of colors & styles.
I usually also bring a scarf. This can dress up an outfit, double as a blanket on the plane and can also be used as a cover-up.
***Kate Travel Tip***
A lot of religious sites worldwide do require shoulders covered and long pants. Always pack something modest just incase, or else you will end up buying something!
Whatever your style, make sure to pack for the weather and culture of the destination you are visiting.
Comfortable shoes are also a must!
My Birkenstocks are my go to in warm weather, and my Uggs for cold, and good sneakers for all around.
Birkenstocks are great for hot climates like Thailand!
Barcelona & The Sagrada Familia can get chilly, 50-63 F in March.
Boots were needed for this SC girl!
Comfortable sneakers and extra legroom = happy travels
and waterfall excursions
Whatever shoe you prefer, make sure they are well broken in well before you travel!
Compression socks have recently become a must for me. After sitting on a plane for a long flight, I can definitely tell the difference wearing them. I got this 4 pack and while they are not the most comfortable things in the world, compression socks definitely help (especially on super long haul flights).
Miscellaneous
I always travel with my water bottle. This one is great and so inexpensive, I’m not stressed if I lose it on a trip. Water stations in the airport are free vs. expensive bottles water, and its great to take on excursions or by the pool.
