What’s in our bag
We’re often asked how and what we pack, so here are some of our favorites. We may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) when you click on some of these links— thanks for the support!
Our suitcases
We, like many, swear by the Away bags. We’ve traveled with them (“The Bigger Carry-On”) since we started.
Our daily bags
Steph’s anti-purse, pro-tote, and we each carry one of these. Big enough for our camera and Hays’s travel toys, but packs light.
Herschel backpacks
If you’re sensing a theme in us matching, you’re not wrong— we both have Away suitcases, Baggu totes, and these backpacks where we keep our laptops and camera gear.
A travel speaker
Don’t sit in silence! Music for the hotel room, train, park doesn’t really need an explanation. We love the size, ease, and quality of this one.
Colorful sandals
It wouldn’t be a packing list from us without a nod to Hays’s colorful sandals. He had Zara ones for ages, but these are way sturdier and last longer. They match everything and are super functional, plus they come in adult sizes too.
This laptop stand
This laptop stand may be my #1 favorite item. We work on the road and this makes my life infinitely better.
Wyze cam
Hiring babysitters in foreign countries can be nerve wracking, but this $25 camera gives us peace of mind on our occasional nights out (we always let them know!)
A slim wallet
I hate purses and wallets. This does the job— I’ve used one like this for years (occasionally replacing it when the elastic stretches out.)
A “tech” bag
We have so many chargers and batteries and cords and external hard drives, etc. and until recently, I didn’t have the perfect solution for keeping them organized but not taking up too much space. But this bag is it. Another gamechanger.
Stasher bags
Great for packing snacks to go (or swiping food from airport lounges) or storing food in Airbnbs. These are pricey, but we use them all the time.
A change purse
This falls into the laptop stand category of cheap purchase that’s significantly improved my life. Most countries use change more than the States and it’s so annoying to have it rattling around in various pockets or in a bulky wallet— this, plus a slim wallet is my solution.
A good charging station
Splurged for this before our recent trip to replace all my random adapters and have never looked back. I throw it in my backpack to work at coffee shops, and don’t have to worry when we show up to a hotel or Airbnb that lacks enough outlets.