Sue packs for the vacation.

I pack for everything that could possibly go wrong during the vacation.

Over the years I've learned that a few small items can make a huge difference when you're traveling. Some of these might seem a little unusual, but every item on this list has earned a permanent spot in my travel bag.

No, I don't expect civilization to collapse while we're on vacation. But if it does, I'll probably have a flashlight, notebook, and a way to measure the humidity.

Cottonelle Flushable Wipes

Let's just get this one out of the way first.

Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than being uncomfortable. After long flights, airport food, cruise ship buffets, and unfamiliar restaurants, sometimes you appreciate the little things in life.

Cottonelle Flushable Wipes are one of those little things.

I'll spare everyone the details, but let's just say once you've traveled with them, you'll never travel without them again.

Why I Bring It

  • Travel comfort matters

  • Great for long travel days

  • Compact and easy to pack

  • You'll thank me later

Nitecore MT2A Flashlight

Amazon Link: Nitecore Flashlight

People laugh when they see me packing a flashlight.

Then the power goes out.

Or they're trying to find something they dropped behind a hotel nightstand.

Or they're walking back from the beach after sunset.

This little flashlight runs on two standard AA batteries and produces far more light than something this size has any business producing.

I've used it in hotels, cruise cabins, rental cars, campgrounds, and more than a few dark parking lots.

Why I Bring It

  • Compact and lightweight

  • Uses common AA batteries

  • Surprisingly bright

  • Reliable in emergencies

  • Useful far more often than you'd think

Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Notebook

Amazon Link: Rite in the Rain Notebook

Yes, I know smartphones exist.

I also know batteries die.

This little notebook lets me write down directions, travel notes, restaurant recommendations, camera settings, story ideas, or anything else I don't want to forget.

The weatherproof paper means it survives rain, humidity, beach days, and accidental spills much better than a standard notebook.

As someone who creates travel videos, I'm constantly jotting down ideas for future episodes, voiceovers, and things I don't want to forget once we get back home.

Why I Bring It

  • Works without batteries

  • Weatherproof pages

  • Perfect for travel notes

  • Great for photographers and content creators

  • Fits easily in a pocket or bag

6-in-1 Portable Environment Detector

Amazon Link: Carbon Monoxide Detector

This is usually the item that gets the most questions when people see what's in my travel bag.

Yes, I'm the guy who travels with a portable environment detector.

And yes, I'm completely okay with that.

This little device goes everywhere with us. It doesn't matter if we're staying in a hotel for one night, spending a week on a cruise, or enjoying a two-week all-inclusive resort vacation. If we're sleeping somewhere away from home, this device is coming with us.

Over the years we've heard far too many stories about carbon monoxide-related tragedies at hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals. Sue and I have no intention of becoming one of those statistics.

The unit also measures temperature, humidity, and several other environmental factors, but the carbon monoxide monitoring is the primary reason it earns a spot in my bag every single trip.

Some people pack an extra pair of shoes.

I pack peace of mind.

Why I Bring It

  • Monitors carbon monoxide levels

  • Measures temperature and humidity

  • Small enough to pack anywhere

  • Useful for hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals

  • Provides an extra layer of safety while traveling

  • Gives us peace of mind wherever we stay

WANDRD X1 Crossbody Organizer

WANDRD Link: Crossbody Organizer

Every traveler eventually finds that one bag they reach for over and over again.

For me, that's the WANDRD X1 Crossbody Organizer.

I use it to keep important items close at hand, including our passports, wallet, earbuds, emergency cash, and a few other travel essentials. Having everything in one place means I'm not constantly digging through a backpack or wondering where I put something important.

I purchased the medium size, which works well for most of our trips. In retrospect, I probably should have purchased the large version. Like most travelers, I always seem to find one more thing that needs to come along for the ride.

Whether we're exploring a cruise port, wandering through a Caribbean beach town, or spending a day sightseeing, this bag keeps my essentials organized and within easy reach.

Why I Bring It

  • Keeps passports and travel documents organized

  • Easy access to wallet and emergency cash

  • Comfortable to wear all day

  • Great for cruise ports and excursions

  • Durable and well-built

  • Helps keep important items secure

The Nick Fixer

Rescue Essentials Link: First-Aid Kit

This little first-aid kit travels with us no matter where we go.

Originally designed to handle minor cuts and shaving nicks, I've turned it into a compact travel medical kit by adding waterproof band-aids, Advil, antibiotic ointment, and a few other essentials.

Over the years we've needed it more than once, and every time we've been grateful it was sitting in my backpack instead of back at the hotel room.

For shorter trips and beach vacations, this kit handles most minor bumps, scrapes, and headaches. If we're taking a port-intensive cruise or heading somewhere more remote, I'll usually pack a more complete medical kit as well.

Fortunately, we've never had to deal with anything serious while traveling, but I've learned it's better to have basic first-aid supplies and not need them than need them and spend your vacation hunting for a pharmacy.

Why I Bring It

  • Compact and easy to carry

  • Handles minor cuts and scrapes

  • Includes common travel first-aid essentials

  • Great for shore excursions and sightseeing days

  • Can be expanded for longer trips

  • Provides peace of mind while traveling

Final Thoughts

Sue packs for the vacation.

I pack for everything else.

Some of these items might seem a little unusual, but every one of them has earned a permanent place in my travel gear through years of trial and error. Whether it's staying organized, staying safe, or simply being prepared for the unexpected, these are the things I never leave home without.

If one of these recommendations helps make your next trip a little easier, then carrying all this stuff has finally paid off.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products that we personally use and trust while traveling.