Travel Must-Haves

Items* listed on this page are things I absolutely SWEAR BY, and personally own and travel with. 

*Links will take you to Amazon, where I will earn a small commission on purchased items at no additional cost to you. 

Logistics

1. Universal Travel Adapter: https://amzn.to/4esjtCK

Not only will this handy tool keep your items charged and ready for use while traveling, it will also kelp conserve space in small cabins/hotel rooms, and places where there are limited outlets. The outlet adapter has 4 different plug settings, allowing use in almost all countries of the world (excluding South Africa and India). While in use, you can have 6 different electronics plugged in via the front outlet, 1 USB-C, and 4 USB-A. Mine is rose gold, because it's cute as heck. 

2. Packing Cubes: https://amzn.to/3Z3Jh3u

If you're like me and want to avoid the opportunity for airlines to lose or otherwise damage your luggage (I'm looking at you American Airlines), then carry-on luggage is the way to go. I've evolved in my approach to trying to pack weeks worth of clothing into small suitcases; true story, my first solo international trip in 2017 started off with a pre-departure trip to the local Walmart, where I bought the cheapest underwear I could find - and while in Europe, I threw a pair away every day. Did this actually save much space in my luggage? Likely not, but I look back on it and chuckle. Now I've been shown the way of the packing cube, and I'll never go back to tossing undies in hotel room trashcans as a way to save space. This particular set I've had for a few years now and love! The various sizes allow for organized packing, and easy storage when not in use at home. I have the gray set, but there's a variety of much cuter options as well. 

3. Portable Charger: https://amzn.to/3YQgfTE

Like many people, I'm fairly dependent on my phone while traveling, both foreign and domestic. I may need Maps to help me navigate a town, Uber to get me where I need to go, or Translate to read a menu. I never travel without a portable charger (or two) so that I may never be stranded! This is not the exact model I have, mine is quite old and apparently discontinued - but the same design. They fit well in a pocket, backpack, or purse and hold a charge well. When plugged in, they're small enough to not really get in the way of using my phone as normal. 

Cruise-Specific

1. Magnetic Hooks: https://amzn.to/4hEYG19

Have you ever seen how cruise ships are constructed? It's fascinating, actually. The shell of the ship is made, and cabins are made seperately in what looks alot like individual shipping containers - then basically inserted into the structure as a whole. It's wild, but beyond that it also means that almost every surface in a cruise cabin is metallic, and therefore magnetic! All walls, and even the ceiling! If you've been on a cruise and purchased stateroom decor, you've likely seen this in action, with magnetic streamers hanging from the ceiling. Beyond the cruise ship's own decorative purposes, it can also help you with what is a common complain amongst cruises - space. We travel with these hooks to add to our storage space! We hang wet swimsuits and towels up to dry, lanyards by the door so they're never lost, basically any and everything. These hooks are super strong, and can hold up to 30 lbs, all while adding some easy storage to your cabin. 

2. Power Strip: https://amzn.to/41gG7JV

Even though this is *technically* advertised as a power strip, I prefer to think of it as an outlet maximizer! A main complaint across all cruise lines is that outlets are limited. This eliminates that problem entirely! It is not a surge protector, as those are not allowed on cruise ships, and turns one outlet into 7 charging opportunities; there are three traditional outlets, two USB-C, and two USB-A ports to charge all your electronic goodies. 

3. Sunrise Alarm Clock: https://amzn.to/4jNTycJ

Inside cabins are a great way to cruise on a budget, but they're basically a dungeon. No windows and no natural light can make for some great sleep at night, but a rough wake up in the morning. The sunrise alarm clock can help with that! You can choose different colors (I like the natural warm light) and it will gradually get brighter to simulate a sunrise, before the alarm actually goes off at your chosen time. Definitely a must-have for inside cabins!

4. Floaties: https://amzn.to/3QfmXyL

We love to get off the cruise ship in port and find a nice free beach to spend time at. Our absolute favorite is Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, where we first debuted these bad boys. They're basically inflatable hammocks, but you can sit in them like a chair, or lay down like a water bed - however you want to float! When not inflated, they lay super flat which makes for easy packing, and they're easy to blow up when you're ready for some floating fun. 

5. Silicone Straws: https://amzn.to/4gC4V4y

Most cruise lines have moved away from single-use plastics where they can, including plastic straws (hooray for happy sea creatures!). While you can still get a straw with your drink onboard, it's either paper or - my least favorite - candy. To avoid a melting or disintegrating straw ruining the flavor of your beverage, I always travel with a set of silicone straws and their carrying case. No ick, easy to wash, and yummy beverages abound!

6. Wrist Lanyard: https://amzn.to/4hV3bV3

If you're on a cruise line that still uses plastic cards for room keys and onboard charges, you're going to want to have that on you at all times. I'm not personally a fan of lanyards around your neck, so instead I opted for a wrist lanyard! My card is still on hand, and I can choose different cute colors that don't interfere with an outfit.  

7. Waterproof Phone Sleeve: https://amzn.to/3WWXrly

Do you want to take cool underwater pictures and videos while on a snorkel excursion? Then you're braver than I am! But these can help. I will still use one at the beach, but mostly to help keep the sand clear of tiny headphone and speaker holes. That being said, I have tested them with paper and a bowl of water in the comfort of home and they do work to keep the contents dry. 

8. Chair Towel Band: https://amzn.to/3CQUb4p

The opea sea can be WINDY, and if you lose your towel the cruise line will not be too happy with you. I use these, which are basically like workout resistance bands, that help to keep your towel firmly attached to your lounger. I attach one at the top and never have to wonder if my towel will escape from me. 

9. Luggage Tag: https://amzn.to/3CJy9Rd

Checking your luggage with the cruise line can make the embarkation process much smoother, so long as you have the proper tags on your bags! The metal clips are easy to twist on and off, are colorful and strong, which will mean your bag ends up exactly where it's supposed to - with you!