If you’re feeling stuck on what to buy the traveler in your life for their birthday, Christmas, or just because, let me be your guide. After having solo traveled to over 80 countries, here are some products I simply won’t travel without.
This is mainly for the solo travelers in my life. People always ask how I take my own pictures, and the answer is simple: my Instagram boyfriend, aka my tripod!
My friends sometimes joke that my GoPro is my third arm while I travel. This camera is especially great for the outdoorsy travelers who want to capture doing things where an iPhone won’t do it justice: I’m taking scuba diving, snorkeling, skydiving, paragliding, and other adrenaline-induced activities that require movement (aka a good camera to capture motion).
After a long layover in Dublin almost resulted in me losing my checked bag (it’s a long story), I vow to not check a bag if I can help it. The solution was buying a good quality carry-on, so I invested in a Monos suitcase. This bag has traveled with me from Latvia to Madagascar. My favorite feature is the 360-degree wheels which makes wheeling it through an airport seamless (especially when you’re on a tight layover).
You would think Hyperice pays me to talk about their Hypervolt Go2, a travel-sized massage gun, but such is not the case. I just simply really love this product. The Hyperice HyperVolt Go2 is a serious game changer after long travel days. I used it after taking a road trip through Namibia, which had many bumpy roads, and it seriously helped my circulation. It’s also great for long-haul flights.
Maybe you just want to get some cute selfies or film yourself having a glass of wine at a restaurant without having to lean your phone against something. This mount holds your phone and attaches to a tripod and/or selfie stick. I generally use it as a stabilizer to get some good footage/content without having to fully set up my tripod!
If you’re trying to get content, this phone light is a serious game changer. It’s especially great for dark restaurants (though note, it does draw some attention so use with caution). This light is small and compact, hardly taking up any space, and has three light settings (cool, warm, and neutral). It also attaches directly to your phone.
Traveling frequently can mean having unexpected weather through various different climates. Save yourself the trouble of your stuff getting ruined (like my phone did when it started pouring in Modena, Italy!) and invest a water-resistant backpack. I’d recommend a high quality brand such as GORUCK (which is what I use).
It might seem obvious, but investing in a universal power adapter makes packing a breeze without having to think about where you’re headed next. I’ve been using this one for years and it has never let me down.
If you’re not willing to sacrifice cute clothes and want to make sure you have ample space to pack, compression bags are a serious game changer. I have been using them since a trip in 2022 when I solo traveled to Egypt and was amazed by how much I fit into a carry-on.
Traveling means dehydration, especially if you’re consuming more food and drink on top of long travel days. Adding a skincare routine to your travel days will not only leave you feeling hydrated and fresh, but will make you glow, too! I prefer Byoma products because they meet TSA size requirements to fit in a carry-on.
There’s nothing more annoying than being in a foreign country with a dying phone, and feeling the need to go back to your room just to charge up. I am mind-boggled by people who don’t travel with a power bank, but this is especially crucial for solo travelers so they can stay connected. Plus, you can charge your camera and other products, too!
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