Traveling can a be a very rewarding, but also stressful time especially when you are figuring out what to bring with you on your trip.
The reality is no two trips are alike, we’re traveling for a reason; a family reunion, wedding, funeral, business trip, backpacking around the world, sports are all many of the reasons people travel and each trip requires different gear.
In my last 10 + years I’ve developed my own collection of different gear for different reasons. In this guide I’m going to break down what I bring on all my trips
The main categories I will be covering will include;
- Types of trips
- Luggage
- Travel Accessories
Types of Trips
Every trip has it’s purpose from visiting family to business trips and I’ve taken all of them ranging from family vacations to solo sports trips. These trips do play a factor in how you prepare for them
Business
While business trips can vary depending on your industry and work. I’ve taken a few business trips over the years. While these seem like normal trips, they are often shorter than a regular vacation and all expenses are often tracked as they are submitted to your employer or filed on your taxes (if you are self employed)
Vacation/Visiting family
These trips are often the most relaxed and laid back of all 3 main categories of trips. Personal vacations do take some planning, however it’s not as demanding of a schedule as a business or sports trip as most days will be laid back with one or two activities
Sports
Sports trips can be very demanding depending on the sport, level of competition and schedule. As someone who grew up in the speed skating world, these can be more grueling than a business trip full of meetings as often are long days. There’s been trips where I am up at 4am to have my breakfast before leaving home as we sometimes travel the day of the competition.
Things to Consider
Time of Year/Climate
Depending on the time of year you are traveling and your destination will also reflect on what you should bring with you. Keep in mind to also bring clothing for your home city as well to wear on your return trip
Length of Trip
The length of your trip along with the reason for your travels will also play a factor in planning on what to have as well
Special Considerations
There are a few extra considerations to think about when planning your trip. For the photographers, videographers, media professionals, and content creators it will depend on how much equipment you plan on bringing with you. If you do sports, it will also depend on how much you need to bring with you for your trip
Luggage
Checked Luggage
Your checked luggage is your main peice of luggage, the one that gets put under the plane. There are serveral different types ranging from hard shell to soft shells and 2 and 4 wheels. I personally like suitcases with 4 wheels, making is easier to navigate airports, and onto local transport systems such as trains and buses. The disadvantage is there is no outside pockets for storing important documents
My recommendation is the American Tourister Spinner Large
Carry On Luggage
My carryon backpack for trips not needing my photography gear I resort to my backpack. This backpack is lightweight, breathable and easy to carry.
My recommendation is: YOREPEK Travel Backpack
If I’m traveling on a trip that requires use of my photography gear is where I bring my K&F Concepts backpack, which is a specialty designed backpack
My recommendation is: K&F Concepts Backpack
Travel Accessories
Apart from luggage and carry on bags, there are a few items I also bring to make my trip more enjoyable. While this list has suggestions, feel free to use my recommendations or not (I’m not being paid to link products in my posts)
Headphones
Having a good pair of headphones is essential for a good trip to listen to music, watch a movie or TV show. While I’ve tried many different kinds of headphones, my personal favourite is the Hesh Evo by Skullcandy. They are sleek, effective and can last many days on a single charge
Travel Organizers
Travel Organizers
A travel organizer is crucial for storing all your small gadgets from external battery packs, external hard drives, charging cords and all other related travel accessories
Universal Power Adapter
A universal power adapter is crucial for traveling overseas, as they allow you to plug in and charge your electronic devices such as cell phones, camera batteries. These devices also allow you to plug in your USB devices (USB A & USB C charge devices)