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Travel Gear + Trip Planning Resources
Gear and services that I use when traveling and to help plan travel.
Gear, gadgets, and services that make our multiple trips per year easier and more efficient. Some but not all links are affiliate links which means that if you make a purchase I may be compensated as no extra cost to you.
Luggage
After being let down by brand-name suitcases, I finally splurged on luggage that is both practical and gorgeous. And d you know it’s easy to ship it?
Rimowa
I love, love, love my luggage
We own multiple pieces. While I love the high-end look of the silver Original Line, my favorite piece is the less-expensive Essential Trunk Plus because it has a zipper and more flexible “skin.” Rimowa is an investment and does ding/scratch like other hard-shell luggage but we’re happy (and love the stickers/customization options).
LUGGAGE FREE
I’ve used it – SO EASY!
I’m a convert to shipping luggage. We went from a volleyball tournament in Chicago to the East Coast where we made multiple stops on the train. I shipped our luggage from our first train stop to our last stop (keeping only what I needed in between), which could not have been easier.
Travel Planning
These are my go-to travel planning resources when I need hotels, sightseeing passes, car service, lounge access, and sightseeing tips.
Virtuoso Hotels
Book five star hotels and resorts with perks!
Through me, you have access to VIP amenities at thousands of hotels worldwide including daily breakfast for two, room upgrades, resort credits, and more. I book my own hotels this way. Participating brands include Four Seasons, The Ritz-Carlton, Aman, Park Hyatt, and many others (these brands may have their own VIP programs, too). You must be on the desktop version to see rates and book.
Go City
Save with sightseeing passes.
I use Go City sightseeing passes in major cities like New York City, Shanghai, San Francisco, and others where a la carte ticket purchases might add up. You can use the app as a ticket. A variety of options from All-Inclusive to Build-Your-Own suite various travel styles. I highly recommend this pass for people visiting San Diego (if that’s you, access my 10% off the all-inclusive pass).
Blacklane
For scheduled airport transfers.
This is the black car service that we use worldwide (Shanghai, London, Paris, Istanbul, San Diego, etc.) for airport transfers. I use the app or book online.
Context Travel
Private and small group tours I highly recommend.
Sightseeing becomes more meaningful when you have someone with you to share details you wouldn’t otherwise have. We’ve done scavenger hunts (their kids’ programming is excellent) in Venice, food tours in Hong Kong, and more. For what you get, pricing is reasonable, and you can move at your own pace.
Luxe City Guides
Power check your itinerary in major cities.
I’ve been buying these pithy pocket-sized guides for years, but you can download the app and buy city guides through it. Contrary to the name, they are not all expensive recs. They are curated by people in the know and feature locals-only spots, chic shops, restaurants, and things to do.
Must-Have Packed
Everyone travels with their own gear that makes life easier but these are a few of my favorite things.
eBags Pack-It-Flat
A real space saver.
This little toiletry bag has revolutionized my carry-on only travel. It packs completely flat and saves space compared to larger toiletry bags. Mine is black but it comes in other colors. You can hang it, too, which is helpful in cramped hotel bathrooms. I only learned about it a few years ago so I am sharing it with everyone I know!
Muji Makeup Bag
Go to a Muji store and you’ll see what I mean.
When I’m taking long trips and have a lot of sunscreen, full-sized bottles, and more to pack in a toiletry kit, I put it in this inexpensive compartmentalized bag from Muji. You can buy mix and match organizers to fit inside of it. If you can go to a Muji store (my latest was bought in Singapore), check it out. I have been through two over the years.
Bose QuietComfort
For peaceful flying.
I’ve owned several generations of in-ear and over-ear Bose QuietComfort headphones over the years and highly recommend them. While AirPods or similar are easy and fine for day-to-day use, when you really want great sound quality for your airplane movie, music, or sleep, these are the best.
Some Small Things
- A nice pen (Kate Spade & Jonathan Adler make fun inexpensive pens)
- An external battery
- A passport cover (damage it and you’ll need a new one— what a hassle that is)
- Travel games for kids (and you)
- Read more about my carry-on packing list.
Travel Insurance
Please, please make sure that you are covered.
In most cases, your home medical insurance and credit card protection aren’t enough, especially if you’re traveling overseas. Read all terms and conditions to make sure you understand coverage. I’ve listed coverage I use personally and popular coverage options for clients of our travel agency.
