Shopping for the perfect holiday gift for the traveler in your life? There are hundreds of “gift guides for travelers” on the Internet, but very few of these guides focus on items that are legitimately practical and useful for the recipient.

Drones with a thousand dollar price tag? No, thank you! Travel-themed candles, soaps and decor? Cute and most often appreciated, but wouldn’t it be nice to give them something you know they’ll actually use?

This gift guide focuses on items that travelers actually need, love and use during their trips…and I would know, because I’ve tested them myself! I’ve actually received many of these items as gifts over the years, while I’ve purchased others for myself.

Either way, all of these gift ideas pass the “is this actually useful” test with flying colors. They’re also all gender-neutral, appropriate for all ages, and range from $12.99 to $146, so there’s something for every traveler on your list.

10 Best Useful Gifts for Travelers

1. Noise Cancelling Headphones
2. Carry-On Luggage
3. Kindle Paperwhite
4. Universal Power Adaptor
5. Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer
6. Packing Cubes
7. Travel Wallet + Organizer
8. Waxed Canvas Backpack
9. External Hard Drive
10. TSA Approved Toiletry Bag

1. Noise Cancelling Headphones – $59.99

It’s no secret, flying can be a pain. Crying baby in the row behind you? Chatty seat neighbor who won’t take a hint? Cabin announcements that come riiiiight as you’re finally starting to fall asleep? Not a problem with noise cancelling headphones!

I received a pair of noise cancelling headphones last Christmas, and I’ll never travel without them again. These highly rated wireless headphones have 30 hours of playtime, and a reputation for being lightweight and comfortable.

2. Carry-On Luggage – $99.99

More than 1,600 five-star reviews say everything you need to know! This Samsonite carry-on roller suitcase has 360-degree spinner wheels (a game changer in a crowded airport) and side-mounted TSA approved locks for added security.

I personally use Samsonite luggage, and I use it for every single trip. It’s the perfect size for carry-on or checked luggage, and comes in a range of bright colors like burnt orange, Caribbean blue and radiant pink.

3. Kindle Paperwhite – $129.99

No joke, my Kindle is one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. It has gotten me through countless long, boring flights, and is so much more convenient and portable than actual paperback books (as much as I still love those, they’re better for enjoying at home).

There are a few different models/versions of the Kindle to choose from, but I highly recommend opting for one with a built-in light, so you can still read in a dimly lit airplane or hotel room. This model is also waterproof!

4. Universal Power Adaptor – $19.99

Yet another incredibly useful gift for any traveler who is planning an international trip! I received this travel power adaptor as a gift a few years ago, and have used it more times than I can count.

There are many alternative brands and models to choose from, but I personally love this one because it’s super compact and portable, and covers 150+ countries. You can plug USBs straight into it too, and charge multiple devices at the same time.

5. Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer – $119.00

I finally discovered the magic of gimbals before my trip to Spain last year, and now I’m obsessed with mine. It’s for stabilizing your camera (or in this case, smartphone) so you can capture smoother, more professional-looking videos. No more shakiness while panning or walking!

This particular gimbal is compatible with most iPhones and Androids, but double check to make sure that your (or your recipient’s) phone model is compatible before purchasing. Click here to see a video I made using this gimbal and my iPhone 8 while in Spain!

6. Packing Cubes – $24.99

I purchased this exact set of packing cubes in 2015, before my backpacking trip through Central America. All these years later, and I still use them every single time I travel. Even short weekend trips!

Packing cubes are one of those items that many travelers wouldn’t think to purchase for themselves, but won’t be able to live without after they receive them as a gift. Someone will be very pleased to received these as a gift this year!

7. Travel Wallet + Organizer -$65.70

Raise your hand if you’re guilty of shoving all of your carry-on belongings (including your passport or ID) into various zippered pockets and pouches of your backpack, forcing yourself to rummage through the clutter every time you need something? Well, you can put your hand down now!

This nifty little travel wallet and organizer makes it easy to store your boarding pass, money, passport, phone, iPad or kindle, sunglasses, headphones and other items in one neat and tidy little package. Plus, it’s super stylish!

8. Waxed Canvas Backpack – $146.15

I’m alllll about a nice canvas backpack. They’re just so effortlessly cool, and give off that vibe of, “why yes, I DO jet off to fabulous locations around the globe on the regular, why do you ask?”

Because of the muted, neutral colors, this is a nice unisex gift that any traveler is sure to love. Perfect for stashing all of their most essential belongings on-the-go!

9. External Hard Drive – $50.99

Every traveler knows that external storage is an absolute must-have while abroad, for a multitude of reasons. These handy devices are perfect for safely storing all of those precious travel photos and videos while you’re on the road and at home.

Not only that, external hard drives are also great for storing music and movies. When I got dengue fever in Honduras and ended up bedridden, a fellow traveler was able to transfer hundreds of movies from his external hard drive to mine. Life. Saver.

10. TSA Approved Toiletry Bag – $12.99

The perfect gift for travelers that is both practical and affordable! Sure, you could stuff all your liquids into a ziplock bag…but this reusable, TSA-approved bag is a much more fun and eco-friendly alternative.

As someone who ends up receiving multiple travel storage bags every year during the holidays (whether for toiletries, makeup, jewelry or electronics) allow me to reassure you that travelers can never have too many of these. Never!

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Which of these 10 Legitimately Useful Gifts for Travelers would you be most excited to unwrap this year during the holidays? Anything else you would add to this list? Let me know in the comments, I’m always looking for cool new travel products and gadgets to try out!

Note: This post contains several affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. My affiliate income helps offset the cost of running this blog, and allows me to keep this site free of ads and sponsored posts. So, thank you!!

The post 10 Legitimately Useful Gifts for Travelers appeared first on The Wandering Blonde.

Travelers may have a reputation for valuing experiences over things, but most travelers I know still love receiving gadgets, clothing, accessories, and decor that relate to their passions for exploration and adventure.

I take gift-giving somewhat seriously, and will spend HOURS hunting for the perfect gift for my husband, sisters, parents, and close friends. I love finding a gift that ties into their hobbies, or is something unique I know they’d never buy for themselves.

But, it can also be exhausting scouring the internet for the perfect gift! So, for those of you who have an avid traveler in your life, I’m making it easy for you this year (and hey, if YOU happen to be the avid traveler and are gift shopping for yourself…no judgment!).

Many of the items in this guide are products that I already own, use, and love, while others are items that I would be thrilled to find under the Christmas tree (hint hint, Santa).

My “Best Gifts for Travelers in 2018” guide is broken down into the following sections; you can either scroll through the whole thing, or use the links in the list below to jump to a specific section.

• Travel Jewelry
• Travel Home Decor
• Travel Accessories
• Practical Travel Gifts

Travel Jewelry

Gold Plated Globe Earrings – $17.78

I like to keep my jewelry simple and classic 90% of the time (the other 10% I’m allll about big and bold) and these globe earrings definitely fit the bill.

I feel like they’re small enough that most people honestly wouldn’t even notice that they have a world map imprinted on them, but those who do would love them even more!

City Skyline Ring – $99.00

No exaggeration, I think these city skyline rings are among the most unique jewelry pieces I’ve ever seen. And I am OBSESSED!

Options include iconic international destinations like Prague, Rome, and Rio de Janeiro, and even some U.S. cities like  Charleston and St. Louis. I’m amazed by all of those little details!

Custom Coordinates Bracelet (in Gold) – $60.00

I’m a big fan of personalized gifts, so it’s no surprise that I’m still obsessed with this coordinates bracelet, years after including it on my first ever gift guide!

There are so many different coordinates you could have engraved on this bracelet – a hometown, university or college, favorite vacation destination, place of engagement, wedding day location…all so, so sweet!

World Map Necklace – $37.00

I love dainty jewelry, like this simple yet eye-catching map necklace. This is totally the kind of piece that could be worn every day…it’s classic, elegant, yet unique and personal, too.

I really like this gold plated style, but it’s also available in silver if that’s more up your friend or family member’s alley. Both are gorgeous!

Compass Cufflinks – $25.00

I know that most of these travel gifts are skewed towards women, but here’s something nice for the guys: travel-themed cufflinks!

Cufflinks are such a fun way to show off your personal style and unique interests, while still looking entirely dapper and event-appropriate. If you happen to be shopping for a special someone, I really love these personalized coordinates cufflinks, too. Such a romantic gift!

Travel Home Decor

National Parks Prints $11.65+

Some of the most majestic, awe-inspiring sights I’ve ever seen have been within America’s National Parks. These gorgeous prints capture that beauty and would look amazing in any room of the house.

There are so many destinations to choose from, like the Everglades, Grand Teton, Joshua Tree, Yosemite, and the Great Smoky Mountains. If you know that your gift recipient has recently visited a certain National Park, or if there’s one that has a special meaning for them, this would make a really thoughtful gift.

Fictional Destination Travel Poster – $18.50+

If your friend or family member is a travel lover and book/movie/TV nerd (*raises hand*), you honestly can’t go wrong with one of these amazing fictional destination travel posters.

Some of my personal favorites are Hogsmeade (from Harry Potter), Stars Hollow (from Gilmore Girls), and Scranton (…okay, this one is actually a real place! But it’s best known as the setting of the The Office).

Departure Destinations Print – $12.00+

As I’m sitting here typing this, I’m just thinking how amazing these posters would look in my kitchen!

It comes with a set of TWO prints, and you can even customize the cities listed for free. Such a steal, even for the larger sizes!

Topographic & City Map Glasses – $25.00+

I am utterly IN LOVE with these fun glasses! You can choose from wine glasses (stemless or stemmed), pint glasses, rocks glasses (like what you’d drink whiskey out of), coffee mugs, and mason jars. I think I even spotted a carafe or two in there.

It’s mostly U.S. destinations, but they have a seriously HUGE assortment. And I did notice at least a few international destinations (like Cuba) as well as some college towns in university colors.

“Let’s Take a Trip” Mug – $18.50

I’m a firm believer that coffee mugs almost always make a great gift. Whether it’s someone who know well or an extended relative or acquaintance, most everyone enjoys coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or some other warm beverage at least once in a while.

This one in particular is so whimsical and sweet – I would gladly use it every single morning!

Whimsical City Prints – $14.26+ (or $33.89+ for a Set of 3)

Oh man, I can’t get enough of the mid-century modern style of these travel prints. I feel like they would have the ability to instantly make any room appear cool and hip!

I reeeeeally love this Bangkok set of 3 (those tuk tuks!!)…actually, all the sets of 3! How cute are NYC and Italy? They do come as single prints too, though.

Travel Accessories

Leather Compass Passport Cover – $52.99

For many travelers, their passport is their most prized possession. Not only does it allow them to embark on their adventures in the first place, but it’s also a record of the places they’ve visited over the years.

I absolutely love this leather passport cover, with the compass branded onto the front. I know it’s a bit masculine, but I actually really enjoy the way it looks; it just makes me imagine going on a grand adventure!

Animal Sleep Mask – $25.00+

A cute sleep mask is one of those things that I would probably never buy for myself, but I’ve been gifted one in the past and got SO much use out of it! Airplanes, hostels, eastern-facing hotel rooms…I’ve even used it at home when I wanted to be really sure I would get a solid night’s rest.

And this one is ADORABLE!! My favorites are a tossup between the unicorn and the cloud.

Travel Wallet + Organizer -$66.55+

Raise your hand if you’re guilty of shoving all of your carry-on belongings (including your passport or ID) into various zippered pockets and pouches of your backpack, forcing yourself to rummage through the clutter every time you need something? Well, you can put your hand down now!

Guys, I need this in my life. NEED. You can easily stash your boarding pass, money, passport, phone, iPad or kindle, sunglasses, and headphones in one ultra-organized, zippered wallet. And it’s gorgeous!

Waxed Canvas Backpack – $90.48 (on sale from $120.65!)

I’m alllll about a nice canvas backpack. They’re just so effortlessly stylish and cool, and give off that vibe of, “why yes I DO jet off to fabulous locations around the globe on the regular, why do you ask?”

Because of the muted, neutral colors, this is a nice unisex gift that any male or female traveler is sure to love. Perfect for stashing all of their most essential belongings on-the-go!

Practical Travel Gifts

Samsonite Mightlight Luggage – $199.99

This is my go-to luggage! It’s small enough to be used as a carry-on or checked luggage, so I use it for literally every single trip. Honestly, I rarely use anything else these days.

The multidirectional wheels make it super easy for navigating around the airport (which I love), and while I personally adore this grape color, it does also come in blue and black. Highly recommend if you’re shopping for new luggage that your family member will love!

Kindle Paperwhite – $129.99

No joke, my Kindle is one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. It has gotten me through SO many long, boring flights and is so much easier than lugging around multiple physical books (as much as I still love those, they’re better for enjoying at home).

There are a few different models/versions to choose from, but I highly recommend opting for one with a built-in light, so you can still read in a dimly lit airplane. This newest model is also waterproof!

Universal Power Adaptor – $19.99

Yet another incredibly useful gift! I received this travel power adaptor a few years ago, and have used it more times than I can count.

There are a lot of alternative brands and products to choose from, but I personally love this one because it’s super compact and portable, and covers 150+ countries. You can plug USBs straight into it, too.

Zhiyun Smooth Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer – $119.00

I know, it’s a mouthful! I actually just learned what a gimbal was earlier this year, and now I’m obsessed with mine. It’s for stabilizing your camera (or in this case, smartphone) so you can capture smoother, more professional-quality videos. No more shakiness while panning or walking!

Even though I’m not really into video editing, it’s still nice to be able to take better quality videos of my travels, even just for personal use. Video can capture so much more than photos! This particular gimbal is compatible with most iPhones (I use it with an 8+) as well as Androids…but double check to make sure your (or your recipient’s) phone IS compatible before purchasing.

Packing Cubes – $24.99

I purchased this exact set of packing cubes more than 3 years ago, before my backpacking trip through Central America. And I still use them every time I travel, even for short weekend trips!

I’m always surprised to hear that so many people have never used packing cubes, but they’re seriously life-changing. Someone will be very pleased to received these as a gift this year!

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And that’s a wrap on my guide to the best gifts for travelers in 2018! If you’re a travel lover, what are you hoping to receive for Christmas this year?

*This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything using these links, I will make a small commission with no additional cost to you. Affiliate links like these help me cover the costs of keeping this website running, so thanks!*

The post The Best Gifts for Travelers in 2018 appeared first on The Wandering Blonde.

So, this is my first ever style/fashion-related post…um, frankly because I don’t consider myself to be particularly “in the know” about clothing trends or brands. Like, at all!

But by some stroke of luck I’ve managed to impress more than one reader out there (?!?) and have received enough requests for a shopping/packing/travel style post that I’m actually sitting here writing it – seriously, you guys flatter me!

Before we dive into “what’s in my suitcase,” I want to share a few disclaimers about my personal style:

• I HATE wearing pants.
• Dresses and rompers are my jam.
• I’m obsessed with anything that’s floral, flowy, and feminine (gotta look good for the ‘gram!).
• I also love basic, plain t-shirts and t-shirt dresses that are easy to throw on and re-wear often.
• Casual + cute + comfortable = happiness!
• I’m all about finding deals and affordable options – I don’t drop serious dough on clothes unless it’s something I expect to last me a loooong time (I’d rather spend $ on travel!).
• Did I mention that I hate wearing pants?!

If you can relate to one or more of those points, my travel style & clothing essentials guide might actually be of use to you. Yay!

The below retailers are all places that I shop at regularly.

I tried my hardest to showcase exact products that I’ve purchased and wear (and most of the below items are ones I actually own!), but in cases where I couldn’t find an exact match, I’ve linked to similar products.

Amazon

Yep, you read that right – I shop for clothes on Amazon ALL. THE. TIME. I’m sort of obsessed!

Actually, I kind of consider Amazon my “secret weapon” for affordable, trendy, Instagram-worthy rompers and dresses. You can find a lot of really cute styles in the $10-20 range, and I usually end up being surprised by how soft and high quality (at least for the price) the fabrics are. Much better than anything you’d find at Forever 21 or similar fast fashion brands!

• Women’s Backless Romper – $15.99 – Patterned rompers and dresses like this one are my go-to for cute blog and Instagram-worthy snaps.
• Floral Adjustable Top Playsuit – $19.99 – This romper is SO COOL. The top part can be arranged and tied in a bunch of different ways, making it super versatile. The neckline is quite plunging though!
• Tie Dye Loose Swing Dress – $14.99 – I was shocked by how soft the fabric of this dress (as well as the 3 dresses linked below) turned out to be. I wear them all the time – so comfy and cute!
• ROMWE Women’s Short Sleeve Tie Dye Ombre Dress: $12.99
• Casual T-Shirt Dress in Navy – $12.22
• Casual Swing T-Shirt Dress in Wine Red – $16.99

I also really dig Amazon’s swimsuit selection, which manages to be ultra-cheap and really cute. The quality isn’t amazing, but it’s not bad either…especially considering you’re paying $25 or less for an entire “look.”

• “Always on Vacay” Baywatch-Inspired One Piece Swimsuit – $25.99 – Be warned, this is SUPER cheeky and high cut…which I kind of love, but it’s also inspired me to start doing more squats.
• Women’s High Cut One Piece Bathing Suit – $22.55 – I call this one my “Baywatch suit” I have it in black and red!
• Two Piece Off-Shoulder Ruffled Bikini – $17.47 – Perfect for when you want to look good on the beach AND indulge in lots of food and frozen drinks!
• Tropical Leaves Bikini Set – $24.99 – I swear I started seeing this bikini pop up all over Instagram, and was immediately in love with the tropical print.

Target

I own a downright shocking number of maxi dresses and rompers from Target.

Several of the outfits featured in my Croatia blog posts were from Target – sadly it looks like all of those exact pieces are sold out, but I own several of the items below and love them too!

• LUX II Women’s Border Printed Maxi Dress with Ruffle • $32.99 
• Spenser Jeremy Women’s Embroidered Tank Dress with Pom Pom Hem • $37.99 
• Chiasso Women’s 3/4 Sleeve Cold Shoulder Shift Dress • $34.99 
• Mossimo Supply Co. Women’s Surplice Cold Shoulder Romper Floral Print • Mossimo • $22.99 
• nitrogen Women’s Sleeveless Printed Romper Black • $44.99 
• Mossimo Supply Co. Women’s Surplice Cold Shoulder Romper Navy Stripe • Mossimo • $22.99 

Target is my FAVORITE place to shop for bikinis. They’re really stepped up their swimsuit game over the years, and all of the suits I own from there are very flattering and super on-trend. The bikini featured in the bottom right corner is probably the most supportive bikini top I’ve ever owned!

• Vanilla Beach Women’s Floral Scalloped Pullover Fixed Triangle Bikini Top • Vanilla Beach • $14.98–16.18
• Tori Praver Seafoam Women’s Longline Racerback Bikini Top Caribbean Blue • $20.98
• Mossimo Women’s Midi Long Line Bralette Bikini Top – Mossimo • Mossimo • $22.99
• Shade & Shore Women’s Vacay Midi Bandeau Bikini Top – Orchid Tile Print • $27.99
• Tori Praver Seafoam Women’s Floral Pullover Underwire Longline Bikini Top – Indigo Blue • $34.99
• Shade & Shore Women’s Shore Midi Halter Bikini Top – Deep Blue Tie Dye • $29.99

Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters tends to be hit or miss for me, but they do stock a couple of brands and pieces that I really love (like the Kimchi Blue items below).

I tend to stalk their online sales and in-store sale racks to find affordable items, but I’ll occasionally “splurge” on fun patterned pieces like the ones below (I mean, if you consider $50 a splurge…which I kind of do, whoops!).

• Kimchi Blue Deveraux Cutout Twist Maxi Dress • Kimchi & Blue • $49.99
• Kimchi Blue Off-The-Shoulder Smocked Dress • Kimchi & Blue • $69
• Kimchi Blue Verlina Smocked Bodice Mini Dress • Kimchi & Blue • $29.99
• Kimchi Blue Snow Queen Embellished Mini Dress • Kimchi & Blue • $59.99

J Crew Factory

J Crew Factory is good for stocking up on staples like solid print t-shirts, v-necks, dresses and shorts. Their clothing is comfortable – perfect those casual travel days – and usually good quality for the price. Plus, every now and then you find something unexpectedly fun and colorful!

They’re also great for cheap accessories like sunglasses and jewelry. I stopped buying Ray Bans after too many lost/broken pairs, and now I rotate through a selection of 5 or 6 cheaper pairs instead.

• Clear Pink Mirror • J.Crew Factory • $17.50
• Navy White • J.Crew Factory • Sold Out – Sadly this became sold out after I added it to the list, but I’m keeping it on here in case they restock it (dear J Crew Factory…please restock it!).
• Pale Buff • J.Crew Factory • $29.50
• White • J.Crew Factory • $69.99
• Black • J.Crew Factory • $49.99
• Vintage Sun • J.Crew Factory • $59.99
• Ivory • J.Crew Factory • $29.99
• White • J.Crew Factory • $29.99
• White • J.Crew Factory • $24.99

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And there you have it – all of my favorite affordable stores, brands and clothing items for travel! What are some of your favorite places to shop?

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The post What’s in My Suitcase: My Travel Style & Clothing Essentials appeared first on The Wandering Blonde.

It’s officially November, which means that it’s finally appropriate to start thinking about the upcoming holiday season! (No? Too soon? Well you can just see yourself to the door )

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or something else entirely, the holidays tend to go hand-in-hand with the tradition of gift giving. As a female traveler myself, I feel like I’ve got a pretty sharp eye for gifts that fellow female travelers would love to unwrap this December. So, today I’m rounding up my top gift ideas for the lady traveler in your life. You can thank me later!

And just for the record, this list is NOT going to be filled with pricey tech gadgets that are super cool but impractical as a gift (I mean HECK YEAH I’d be stoked if someone bought me some $500+ camera gear or a luxury tent or something, but…really?!).

In fact, everything on this list is less than $100!

So, without further ado, here’s my wish list for Santa list of the best gifts for female travelers for the upcoming holiday season.

Personalized Engraved Compass – Starts at $35.00

This engraved compass seriously gives me wanderlust just by looking at the picture! While I love the message in the photo above, this shop will engrave anything you like – a different quote, your name or initials, map coordinates…anything!

The perfect gift for a true adventurer!

World Map Earrings – Starts at $13.45

These earrings are subtle enough that it won’t look like you’re screaming “LOOK AT ME, I’M A TRAVELER” to the wide whole world (but I mean hey, that’s cool too), while still allowing you to express your love for exploring.

Choose from a variety of plated metals, or if you’re feeling really generous splurge on the 14k gold for a cool $130. The less expensive plated options are perfectly beautiful, though!

Personalized Weekender Bag Set – $65

Everyone deserves a good weekender bag! This set is classy and stylish (this is one of my personal favorite color schemes) and I like how it comes with a small bag for storing toiletries or small clothing items separately.

“I Left My Heart All Over The World” T-Shirt – $29.00

Anyone who has ever met me can probably attest to that fact that I like being comfortable. Soft, loose, flowy materials are my jam. That’s why I’m alllll about this shirt that reps a casual comfy vibe AND a passion for travel. No joke, I would probably sleep in this shirt every night if it was in my closet.

Skyline Statement Ring – $99 for a sterling silver ring

I love love LOVE the entire concept behind these rings, as well as the fact that they’re still surprisingly dainty looking for how much detail is included on them.

Many of the most well-known international cities are available, including Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Hong Kong, Charleston, Boston, Tokyo, LA, and Rio de Janeiro.

This would be such a sweet and sentimental gift for a traveler, especially if the ring location correlates to somewhere of importance for them – whether it’s their hometown, where they studied abroad for a semester, where they got engaged or married, or any city that’s close to their heart.

Airplane Lariat Necklace – $37.00

 Available in gold or silver, this pretty lariat necklace is dainty and classy in all the right ways. Not only is the airplane a perfectly classic traveler symbol, but lariat necklaces are super “in” right now (I mean…I think so? I’m a travel blogger, not a fashion blogger, guys!). I imagine any girlfriend, daughter, sister or friend would be thrilled to receive this!

“And So the Adventure Begins” Luggage Tags– $7.50

Why do I feel like I’m the only person on the planet who’s missing a good luggage tag?! I mean, am I really the only one who still uses those cheap temporary tags that the airline hands out? Maybe that’s why I’ve still never been upgraded to first class?? *Sigh*

“Wild Hearts Can’t Be Tamed” Necklace – Starts at $15.70

I love this necklace for two main reasons: 1) It sports a cool and inspiring travel phrase that isn’t totally overused, and 2) If you’re running around doing fun travel-y things and your necklace flips around the wrong way, it’s still going to look AWESOME.

Technically you could even switch it up all the time on purpose and show off both sides. A two-in-one travel necklace sounds pretty freaking fantastic to me!

Women’s Compass Watch – Starts at $16.99

I love the way a good watch can tie a look together, but unfortunately the only watch I own is more than $200 and not really suitable for travel to most places (oh woe is me, right?). Which leads me to believe that I should definitely own two watches – a nice “real life” watch for wearing back home on dates and nights out, and a cheaper travel watch that makes me look super cool and stylish and worldly (and that I won’t cry over if it gets stolen or damaged).

Plus, just think of how much better your travel photos would be if they featured this stunner!

“Scratch Your Travels” World Map – $26.99

I am head over heels OBSESSED with this whole idea! I have a huge map at home where I mark my travel locations (and I’ll admit it, I get a little thrill every time I’m able to add a new dot to the map) but this is such a cool take on the traditional travel map.

Not only is scratching off a location you’ve visited WAY more fun than pushing in a pin or drawing a dot, but it’s such a pretty, colorful painting underneath too.

“Home Is Where You Park It” Pillow– $30.00

Know someone who’s currently living and traveling in their tricked out airstream, RV, 4Runner, or van? Help them cozy up their home on wheels with this cute and cheerful burlap pillow.

Compass Mug Hugger – $12 for one mug hugger + jar; $10 for mug hugger only

So, I’m going to start off by saying that I had no idea something like this even existed, and follow that statement up by saying that now that I know, I NEED IT BADLY. I personally would love to own this compass “mug hugger,” but the shop has more than 50 other options, as well as more than 300 leather goods in total.

NEEEEEEED!

“Love to Travel” Cookie Set – $64.00 for 24 cookies

Any gift that combines FOOD with travel is a gift that I can get behind! I think it’s such a sweet (heh) idea to send someone you love some cute and fun decorated cookies for the holiday season (and let’s face it, chances are they’re already desperate for a break from gingerbread).

Latitude & Longitude Bracelet – Starts at $48.00

A simple cuff bracelet is such a great staple to have, thanks to its ability to instantly “class up” any outfit. This bracelet has a similar effect but better, since its personalized to represent a location that’s important to you (or the person you’re gifting it to). I wish this was in my jewelry box!

Gold Compass Bracelet – $21.37

I already mentioned this above, but I have a serious soft spot for jewelry that’s dainty, simple, subtle, and meaningful. This pretty gold bracelet nails it on all counts, and is something that I could see myself wearing on a daily basis.

Ultimate Jewelry Travel Roll – $40.22

With all of the enticing jewelry options on this list, your traveler is definitely going to need one of these babies. I tend to just throw all my jewelry in a small clutch when I travel, which has resulted in tangled necklaces and lost stud earrings on more than one occasion.

I love how this jewelry storage option has designated spaces for rings, earrings and necklaces, and that it rolls up into such a small, easy-to-carry case. Genius!

Leather Passport Cover – $19.00

Oh how I love a good passport cover! A traveler’s passport says so much about them – where they’ve been, when and for how long they went there, and how much damage they’ve allowed their passport to take over the years (if you’ve allowed your passport to freely bounce around in your backpack as much as I have, you’ll know what I mean).

I’m pretty sure this passport cover says “I’m a badass boss bitch traveler and I go to really exotic places”…which I’d say is a pretty fabulous thing.

Leather Wrap Travel Notebook – $42.09

This just looks like the type of notebook that would be filled with amazing tales of adventure; the sort of heirloom that would travel with you over the years collecting memories, and eventually be passed down to your kids and grand-kids (I mean, unless those travel memories were composed of super scandalous stories that you hope to never see the light of day…but hey, you do you, girl!).

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Which of these gifts would you be most excited to receive this holiday season?

This post is part of the Wanderful Wednesday linkup. Check it out here!

*This post contains affiliate links. I will make a (very!) small commission on any purchases you make using the links on this page. All commissions I make on this site are funneled back into this blog to keep it running. Thanks!*

The post Gifts for Travelers: The Ultimate 2016 Female Traveler Gift Guide appeared first on The Wandering Blonde.

It’s been more than a year since I first touched down in Central America for my 3 months of travel there, which actually seems CRAZY when I think about it.

Those few months of traveling in Latin America somehow felt slow and leisurely and seemed to stretch on forever, but the months since my return have somehow flown by. Like, have I really been back for 9 months already?!

Anyways, I’ve received loads of emails about my original Central America packing list, which I published before my trip. Quite a few of those emails have expressed interest in a follow up post, i.e. how successfully did my initial packing list actually work out for me on the road?

Well, today’s the day my friends – more than a year after hitting “publish” on that original packing post, I’m finally diving into the nitty gritty details about what I’m glad I packed, what I wish I had packed, and what I absolutely regret packing.

Note: This packing list is a good starting point for a wide range of Central America trips, whether you’re spending two weeks in Nicaragua, a month in Guatemala, or multiple months exploring the whole region. Just adjust as needed!

Here we go!

(Scroll straight to the bottom if you want to skip the explanations, and just see the revised packing list)

I’m super GLAD I packed…

My Kindle

I enjoyed plenty of downtime in Central America – lazy days soaking in the sunshine by the pool, by the ocean, in hammocks, on patios…well, you get the idea.

In fact, I read TEN books during my 3 months in Central America, meaning that I probably would have gone stir-crazy without my Kindle (or, you know, my back would have snapped in half from the weight of carrying 10 books around all the time).

Shacke Pak Set of 4 Packing Cubes

Have you ever dreaded opening up your backpack to look for that one specific shirt you want to wear, because you just know it’s at the bottom of your pack and you’re going to have to take everything out to find it, even though you spent so long getting everything to fit in there in the first place?

If so, allow me to introduce you to the magic of packing cubes.

I honestly don’t think I could have squeezed all of my clothes, toiletries, electronics, and other belongings into my backpack without these packing cubes. They also made staying organized and finding exactly what I needed a breeze throughout my whole trip.

Plus, they come with a fold-up laundry bag which made keeping my dirty, sweaty clothes away from my clean clothes refreshingly easy.

Pacsafe Wrapsafe Anti-Theft Adjustable Cable Lock

Guys, this thing is the Bomb.com, for realz.

Basically, you wrap the cable around your luggage and use the locks to secure it to something stationary in your room (a bed post, a pipe, etc.), so that someone can’t just pick up your backpack and walk off with it.

I stayed in a few hostels in Central America that only had super tiny lockers or didn’t even have lockers at all, and I felt so much more secure leaving my backpack out in the dorm room when I went out exploring thanks to this cable lock.

18 pairs of underwear

So, I have NO idea what’s considered “normal” when it comes to packing underwear for multi-month backpacking trips, but I have a feeling it’s significantly less than what I packed.

I mean, I packed 9 tops and 7 bottoms for ~ 90 days of travel…surely the appropriate number of underwear needed is somewhere in that same range, right?

NOPE. I was feeling fresh, clean, comfy, and awesome every day thanks to those 18 pairs of panties. No regrets, guys, no regrets.

A cardigan, socks, yoga pants

Although Central America was scorching hot in general, there were a few surprisingly chilly days (hello, nights on Lake Atitlan). That said, I was SUPER glad that I packed several pairs of socks, a pair of comfy yoga pants, and a light cardigan to stay warm on those unusually chilly days. Layers are always worth the space!

Toshiba Canvio 750GB USB Portable Hard Drive

Traveling with a portable hard drive was a necessity for me on this trip, since I was working remotely and needed to ensure that all of my work projects were safely backed up, in case anything happened to my laptop (heaven forbid!).

But it also allowed me to easily store thousands of photos and hundreds of movies without worrying about running out of storage space, making this hard drive worth its weight in gold.

Olympus TG-3 Waterproof Camera

Guys, I freaking LOVE this camera. It’s lightweight, easy to carry around, waterproof, extremely durable (i.e. don’t worry about letting it bounce around in your backpack, or dropping it on a hike or something), comes with a variety of settings, and is an all-around great camera for travelers who want to take nice photos but don’t want to travel with or use a DSLR.

All of the images on this blog are taken with either this camera or my iPhone, and I’m always super happy with the quality!

I WISH I had packed…

A proper Central America guidebook

At the time of my trip, most of the Central America guidebooks out there didn’t have great reviews, and didn’t seem recent enough to warrant a purchase. Well, this was an oversight that I ended up MAJORLY REGRETTING.

I’ve traveled without a guidebook before, but not having my own guidebook for this particular trip ended up being a huge headache and making things so stressful because 1) I ended up changing my travel plans a lot once I got there, and 2) the WiFi connection wasn’t great in most of the hostels I stayed in, meaning that researching new travel route options wasn’t has easy as I thought it would be.

Luckily for you all, Lonely Planet just released a brand spankin’ new Central America travel guide! Lonely Planet: Central America on a Shoestring officially hits the shelves on October 18, 2016, but you can pre-order now. Although I haven’t used this travel guide personally, I still highly recommend using this (or any other guidebook) rather than not using one at all!

More swimsuits

Had I known I would spend 2 months living on an island and scuba diving every day, I MIGHT have thought about packing more than 2 swimsuits!

Over the course of those 2 months my swimsuits became pretty stained, ripped, and bleached from the sun. Depending on where you’re going in Central, swimsuits are small and light enough that it might be worth packing multiple options.

If you’re not planning to hit up any lakes or coasts that’s a different story, but if you’re thinking of soaking in as much island time as I did, take a note from me and pack enough extras.

More shorts.

As far as bottoms go, I packed one pair of jean shorts, one pair of soft cotton shorts, one pair of athletic shorts, two pairs of yoga pants, and two maxi skirts.

In retrospect, I wish I had only packed one maxi skirt and one pair of paints, and brought at least 2 extra pairs of shorts.

Why? Central America is HOT, and wearing long pants/skirts is miserable. Enough said.

Why oh why did I pack…

Dresses NOT made from light, breezy materials

All in all, I packed 5 dresses for this trip – 3 maxi dresses, and 2 knee length dresses.

I ONLY WORE ONE OF THESE DRESSES OUT OF THE ENTIRE 3 MONTHS.

(I also purchased 2 new dresses for a grand total of $20 once I got there)

Y’all, see those 4 dresses in the picture above? The ONLY one that I actually wore was the off-the-shoulder blue tie-dye dress.

Why? It was loose, light, comfy, breezy, and didn’t make me want to die as sweat poured out of every pore in my body in the the land of 98% humidity and no A/C.

Guys, Central America is soooo hot and the thought of wearing those other dresses in the picture (more form-fitting, a material that doesn’t handle sweat well, a little too fancy for the streets of Guatemala, etc.) was so so so unappealing.

Honestly, 4 out of those 5 dresses ended up being a literal waste of space. While I still think packing some dresses is a great idea, I recommend making sure that they’re:

• Not too fancy for the region. Those dresses that I packed are ones that I wear out to dinner here in the States, whereas I ended up dressing super casually 99% of the time in Central America.
• Are comfortable to wear in the heat and humidity
• Aren’t too tight or revealing (prevent cat-calling and visible food babies in one slick move, y’all!)

A scarf???

Granted, this wasn’t some kind of super wintery knit scarf or anything, but instead was a light, colorful summer scarf that I thought I could “throw on” as on accessory over my super plain outfits to “mix things up and add some color.”

…Hah, nope. Turns out this is a not a thing that I will literally ever do.

The takeaway from this? Don’t pack anything that you think will be convenient on your long backpacking trip if it’s something that you’ve never actually worn/used before. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing it back home, you probably won’t feel comfortable on the road, either.

Revised Packing List: 3 Months in Central America

Clothing

Dresses

• Comfy, loose, cotton dresses x4

Bottoms

• Yoga pants
• Loose, comfy, lounge pants
• Denim shorts x2
• Loose cotton shorts x2
• Athletic shorts
• Maxi skirt

Tops

• Tank top x6
• T-shirt x3
• Sweater/cardigan
• Rain jacket

Shoes

• Reef Women’s Ginger Drift Flip Flops – Black
• Tevas hiking sandals
• Tennis shoes

Misc.

• PJs x2
• Underwear x18
• Sports bra
• Bandeau/bralette x2
• Regular bra
• Socks x4 (pairs)
• Swimsuit x3
• Sunglasses x2

Electronics

• HP Notebook Laptop
• Olympus TG-3 Waterproof Camera
• Toshiba Canvio 750GB USB Portable Hard Drive
• Kindle (stocked with plenty of good reads!)

Gear

• Passport
• Money belt
• Spanish phrase book
• Shacke Pak 4 Set Packing Cubes with Laundry Bag
• Pacsafe Luggage Wrapsafe Cable Lock
• Tarriss TSA Approved Luggage Locks 2 Pack
• Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel 32″ x 72″
• ACME Slimline 636 Safety Whistle – Pink
• Sleep mask
• Ear plugs

Toiletries

• Mini bottle of shampoo, conditioner, and face wash
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste
• Makeup bag (NOTE: I hardly ever wore makeup on this trip, but it was nice every now and then)
• Face lotion
• Mini bottle of body lotion
• Dry shampoo
• Hairbrush
• Razor
• Advil
• Band-Aids

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What do you think of this revised Central America packing list? Do you normally wish that you had packed different items after returning from a trip?

*This blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!*

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The post 3 Months in Central America: What I WISH I Packed appeared first on The Wandering Blonde.

My backpacking trip through Central America officially begins today, which means that I’m all packed up and ready to go…a feat that was NOT even slightly easy to achieve.

I’m a “carry-on only” kind of gal–yes, even for a multi-month trip like this one. Not only that, I also prefer strapping everything to my back rather than using a rolling suitcase, which means packing as lightly as possible so as to avoid throwing out my back while lugging around all of my possessions.

For the next few months, I’ll be busing it through countries like Nicaragua, Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico. Although the region’s tourism is increasing rapidly, it’s an area that’s still highly prone to petty crimes like theft and pick-pocketing, and I’m determined to keep my valuables (and myself) safe and sound while traveling alone throughout the region.

To complicate matters more, I’ll be facing a surprising range of temperatures and climates, from the chilly & dry mountain air in Antigua to the humid heat of Isla de Ometepe.

These are the items that I’ll be using to stay safe, organized and comfortable during my trip:

Clothing

I was determined to optimize my clothing assortment for this trip, and I actually think I was somewhat successful. My strategy was to pack very plain tank tops, t-shirts, shorts, skirts and pants, so that I could blindly select one top and one bottom and create an outfit that wasn’t totally ridiculous.

I also packed five dresses, which admittedly is probably more than I need. BUT all of my other clothing items are very casual, so if I happen to need to dress up for a meal that doesn’t take place at a street food stall, or if I find myself heading to a bar/club that’s not my hostel bar, I’ll have these dresses to fall back on.

Plus, those five dresses are complete outfits all on their own, which means I get more bang for my buck than I do with a top & bottom combo.

Dresses

Maxi dress x3
Knee-length dress x2

Bottoms

Yoga pants x2
Denim shorts
Loose cotton shorts
Athletic shorts
Maxi skirt x2

Tops

Tank top x5
T-shirt x3
Long sleeve shirt
Big t-shirt for sleeping x3
Workout tank top

Layering Pieces

Kimono
Sweater
Colorful scarf

Shoes

Reef Women’s Ginger Drift Flip Flops – Black
Hiking sandals
Tennis shoes

Misc.

Underwear x18
Sports bra
Bandeau/bralette x2
Socks x4
Swimsuit x2
Sunglasses x2

There’s probably an uber-minimalist packing expert out there somewhere who is cringing at the fact that I packed 18 pairs of underwear. But you know what? I’m going to be feeling clean and comfy for 18 straight days and I am totally cool with that.

Electronics

HP Notebook Laptop (super crucial for working remotely!)
iPhone 5s
Olympus TG-3 Waterproof Camera
Toshiba Canvio 750GB USB Portable Hard Drive
Kindle (stocked with plenty of good reads!)

Gear

Shacke Pak 4 Set Packing Cubes with Laundry Bag

I used to think packing cubes were one of those things that were a bit…unnecessary? Over the top? Diva-esque?

The truth is, these packing cubes are a GAME CHANGER. This set comes with one extra-large, one large, one medium and one small cube, as well as with a small bag for dirty laundry. No more rummaging through my bag searching for that one pair of shorts, or that one t-shirt.

It’s a total time-saver, and brings me continuous organizational bliss.

Pacsafe Luggage Wrapsafe Cable Lock

Figuring out a safe way to secure my luggage and my valuables while traveling is always a challenge for me, especially when I’m staying in hostels. While hostels do typically provide small safes, it’s not like you can fit your entire backpack in there, and I would prefer not to have anything stolen from my bag, including the bigger items that can’t be stored in a safe. And often times, the safes are too small to hold my laptop!

To use this Wrapsafe Cable Lock, you wrap the cable around your luggage, and secure it to any permanent fixture. This could be a water pipe in the bathroom, or a bedpost in your dorm or guest room.

Since it’s so small and portable, you can even take it on-the-go to secure your bag on the beach while you go for a swim in the ocean, to secure your luggage to your seat while you walk around and stretch your legs during a long train or bus ride, or even to secure your bike in public. I’m totally obsessed with it, and wouldn’t travel without it now.

Tarriss TSA Approved Luggage Locks 2 Pack

While the Wrapsafe is great for making sure no one snatches up your bag, it doesn’t prevent them from unzipping your bag. For that, I use these handy little luggage locks. They come in a pack of two, so I use one for my backpack and one for my smaller personal items bag.

When I use these locks and the Wrapsafe together, I feel reassured that no one can a) Unzip my backpack while it’s sitting in my room, or b) Grab the whole thing and run.

These two products together are cheaper than many of Pacsafe’s other popular products, and they really make me feel like my valuables are secured. While a truly determined professional thief would certainly be able to break through these locks with the right tools, the more opportunistic thief, who’s only on the lookout for the easiest thing to steal, is likely to be deterred.

Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel 32″ x 72″

This lightweight, compact, quick-dry towel is a must-have for anyone who’s going to be frequenting hostels. It’s much easier to roll up and stash in your backpack than a regular cloth towel is, and the fast drying microfiber means that you don’t have to worry about carrying a damp, stinky towel around all the time.

ACME Slimline 636 Safety Whistle – Pink

It’s an unfortunate truth that females traveling alone need to take extra precautions to protect themselves on the road. That’s why I carry this safety whistle from Acme. At the very minimum, it reassures me that I can attract attention if anyone is ever threatening me, harassing me, or hurting me.

Not only that, but if I ever get lost or stranded somewhere, this whistle will allow to me make a lot more noise than I probably could on my own. Let me tell you, this baby is LOUD.

Other Gear

Power converter
Money belt
Spanish phrase book
Passport
Sleep mask
Ear plugs

Toiletries

Mini bottle of shampoo, conditioner, and face wash
Deodorant
Toothpaste
Makeup bag
Face lotion
Mini bottle of body lotion
Dry shampoo
Hairbrush
Razor
Advil
Band-Aids

*Whew* And that’s a wrap! Next time you guys hear from me, I’ll be posting from colorful Granada, Nicaragua.

Make sure you’re following me on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat @WanderinBlonde for live updates!

So, how did I do? Did I pack too much? Did I pack the right things? Give it to me straight!

*This blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!*

The post Packing for 3 Months in Central America appeared first on The Wandering Blonde.

Confession time: I’m not a professional photographer, or even a wannabe professional photographer.

First and foremost, I’m a traveler. Second, I’m a writer. These are the two parts of the “travel blogger equation” that come naturally to me.

Photography? I really enjoy it, and it’s always been sort of therapeutic for me. I love wandering around, camera in hand, snapping pictures and reveling in the chance to be privately creative. But professional photography? It’s kind of a new concept to me, and something that I never really had to consider before starting this blog.

And yet, I’ve noticed that I get a LOT of questions (mainly on Instagram) about what kind of camera I’m using or how I was able to get a particular shot (Totally flattering by the way–keep it up!!). So, I figured it was time to share my secrets with everyone.

Ask, and you shall receive, my friends!

As a blogger, it’s crucial that I provide high-quality images for my readers; but, preserving my travel memories in the form of photographs is important to me personally as well. I want to remember these adventures for a lifetime!

Here’s the gear I use to make it happen:

Olympus TG-3 Waterproof Digital Camera

I’ve never been thrilled about the idea of lugging around heavy, bulky camera equipment on the road.

Multiple lenses, tripods and other accessories, plus the camera itself, all loaded up into my backpack? In addition to the million other things I’ve inadvertently over-packed into my bag?

My poor back honestly aches at the thought of it.

Actually, my equipment needs are pretty basic: I need a camera that’s lightweight and compact, travel-friendly, takes good-quality photographs for the blog, and won’t get damaged when it’s bouncing around in my backpack or if I accidentally drop it while horseback-riding or biking or something…hey, it happens.

I also don’t currently happen to be rolling in dough (…one day, people, one day…) so finding a camera that was affordable and didn’t need a lot of pricey accessories to function was key.

Oh, and having a camera that’s waterproof is crucial for me as well.

And thus, enter the Olympus “Tough” TG-3.

>>> Buy it: Olympus TG-3 Waterproof 16 MP Digital Camera (Black)

Truly and simply, I am in LOVE with this camera!

It is the ultimate camera for adventure-seekers, travelers on the go, and anyone who wants an extremely sturdy and “life-proof” camera.

Why?

You can take this camera anywhere! It’s waterproof, crushproof, freezeproof, shockproof and dustproof.

I’d feel comfortable taking this camera everywhere on earth–to a sandy beach, to a rocky mountaintop, to an icy ski resort, on a boat, into the ocean, and even in my checked luggage on an airplane. It’s resilient, provides consistently great quality photos, and allows me to play around with settings and adjust features without completely screwing anything up. Win!

This camera has the perfect balance of simplicity and cool features. It’s easy to figure out after you spend some time playing with it, and the easy-to-understand settings (such as “food photography”, “snow/beach”, and “landscapes”) make taking top-quality pictures that much easier.

Plus, it takes AWESOME underwater pictures and I love that I don’t have to think twice about jumping into a body of water with my camera.

I also love the built-in Wireless LAN feature, which means that I can transfer pictures from my camera to my iPhone instantly and wirelessly without needing access to WiFi or my computer.

Specs

• Waterproof: Down to 50 ft / 15 m
• Crushproof: Up to 220 lbf / 100 kgf
• Shockproof: Up to 7 ft / 2.1m
• Freezeproof: Down to 14°F / -10°C
• Dustproof: Yes
• Lens Aperture Range: Wide: f2.0, f2.8, f8.0 / Tele: f4.9, f6.3, f18.0
• Zoom: 4x Optical Zoom + 2x Super Resolution Zoom + 4x Digital Zoom
• Focal Length: 4.5 – 18.0mm (35mm equivalent: 25 – 100mm)
• ISO Sensitivity: ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, AUTO, HIGH
• Shutter Speed: 1/2 – 1/2000 (Night Scene: Longest 4 sec)
• Continuous Shooting: 5fps / 100 images (16M); 15fps / 100 images (3M); 60fps / 100 images (3M)

Newer Versions

Quick note: I’ve had the TG-3 for less than a year, but Olympus has already released the newest TG-4 model. Although I’m totally happy with my TG-3, I’d love to try out the TG-4 and play around with the new and improved features.

>>> Buy it: Olympus TG-4 16 MP Waterproof Digital Camera (Black)

>>> Buy it: Olympus TG-4 16 MP Waterproof Digital Camera (Red)

Camera Accessories

Camera Case: Even though I trust the sturdy design of my Olympus TG-3 to hold up in even the toughest environments, I still feel so much better storing it in this little zippered pouch. I keep extra memory cards and batteries safely tucked away in here as well.

>>> Buy it: Olympus Tough Neoprene Case for Camera

Camera Float Strap: I picked up this handy dandy little float strap to help protect my camera when I take it into the water. It’s strong enough to keep my camera completely afloat if I accidentally let go of it, and I really liked the orange color because it stands out better than colors like blue, green or even yellow.

>>> Buy it: Olympus Foam Float Strap

Travel Tripod: I opted for a tripod that was light, portable, and wouldn’t break the bank. Check, check and check!

>>> Buy it: Polaroid 50-inch Photo/Video Travel Tripod

128 GB Flash Memory Card: Yep, I went for the big boy here. I take a LOT of pictures when I travel–it’s not uncommon for me to take 10 pictures of the same exact view/building/doorway/meal, just to make sure I get exactly the right shot.

…Which means that my pictures take up a lot of storage space, and I’m not cool with my camera suddenly telling me that it’s out of storage as I’m frantically trying to capture a once-in-a-lifetime view. Nope, not cool with that at all. I treasure my 128 gigs!

>>> Buy it: Transcend 128 GB Class 10 SDXC Flash Memory Card

And that’s how it’s done! Does any of my gear surprise you? What gear do you use to make your travel photography magic happen?

*This blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!*

The post My Go-To Travel Photography Gear appeared first on The Wandering Blonde.