Skip to content

What We Pack

open suitcase full of items

Here are a few of our favorites for our group trips (they are great go-tos for our solo travelers and honeymooners too).

“He who would travel happily must travel light.” -Antoine de St. Exupery

Use the links to jump to sections of this page.

Luggage: Check-in, Personal Item, and Daybags

Click an image to purchase on Amazon

Osprey Daylite Duffel with Backpack Straps - At just over 1 lb., this is a perfect carry-on solution to beat those International Carry-on weight restrictions. We love the pockets and organization and external mesh water bottle pocket. Check out the 30 Liter size which works great as a personal item bag. (Note that currently the red version is about $10 less than other colors in the 45L size)
Timbuk2 Tuck Pack - You’ll get so much use out of this Personal Item pack. The roll top allows you to adjust the size making it a great daypack as well.
tomtoc Compact Everyday Carry Sling Bag (several sizes) - makes this a great personal item option. You'll be amazed at what thus will hold. Best coupled with a backpack (carry-on size).
Checked Rolling / Soft-sided and rugged Expedition-style Duffle by Gonex70L Water Repellent Wheeled Travel Duffel Luggage with Rollers 25 inch, Olive Green

Inflight Amenities

Click an image to purchase on Amazon

PacSafe Passport Wallet - Our new favorite Passport Cover by PacSafe. We’ve recently ordered (and returned) many others and thus one win out. Great size, practical pockets, removable crossbody strap for standing in Immigratiin lines and not losing your documents, RFID protection, hidden money stash pockets and do much more!
compression sock
Compression Socks - A tried and true brand to keep your circulation flowing.
foot hammock
Foot Hammock - One of our most popular items for Economy Class travelers. This will save you from excessively swollen legs, we promise.
black noise cancelling headphones
Noise Cancelling Headphones - An excellent option from Anker for about a third of the price of those Bose (which we love too).
Wireless AirPods Adaptor - If you are using AirPods as your noise cancelling headphones to watch the airline’s inflight entertainment, you’ll need this! (These are versions allowing for two travelers to plug into one and watch the same programming.)
travel blanket and hoodie
Travel Blanket with Hoody - When you aren’t quite comfortable with that thin fleece blanket in Economy Class, this is a great solution for those chilly long distance flights. You will love the hoody when you just want to sleep and not be interrupted.

Organization

There’s nothing better than a well organized travel gear system. Here are a few of our favorites:

Click an image to purchase on Amazon

Packable Daypack - A great way to carry your sunscreen, camera, water bottle OR bring it along in your purse for shopping excursions. This is a good price because Osprey is discontinuing (new model out now). There are a million packable daypacks but Osprey makes the best and worth the money for the water bottle holder. (Trust us, we have tried a dozen.)
duffel bags and cubes bundle
Packable Duffel & Cubes Bundle - These are a bundle version of the above cubes and duffle items.
Clean/Dirty 2 Sided Packing Cube Eagle Creek’s two sided packing cube is perfect for storing your dirty clothes on one side and clean clothes on the other. We like to keep swimsuits and beach wear on the clean clothes side but you can organize it however you choose.
Compression Packing Cube Set with Laundry Bag - We love these compression cubes both for space saving and organization. Try our hack of either getting a couple sets and color coordinate your cubes’ contents or use some painter’s take and write on the cubes what is inside. This laundry bag that is included is perfect for gathering your dirty clothes to take them to the laundry shop.
blue duffel bag
Packable Duffel for Souvenirs - This is a tried and true travel hack. The 60L is a great item to bring along. Keep it all packed up in its pocket pouch until you are ready to pack your souvenirs for the flight home. You are allowed two checked bags on International Flights so make sure you do most of your shopping at your last stop.

Tech + Electronics

You won’t get far without your chargers and adaptors. Depending on where you go, you may or may not need converters. Ask before you buy!

Click any image to purchase on Amazon

power strip
Universal Travel Adapter by Bestek 220V to 110V Voltage Converter with 6A 4-Port USB Charging and UK/AU/US/EU Worldwide Plug Adapter (plug comes with Type C (Bali and EU) on cord and US adapter which works in US and Thailand. A must if you wish to use appliances such as hair straighteners, dryers, and some chargers while abroad. Cheapest by $5-$10 and a reputable brand.
Anker USB Power Strip Surge Protector(300J), 5ft Extension Cord, Flat Plug, 331 Power Strip with 6 Outlets - If you don’t need the converter (above), consider a plug hub with USB outlets. It is guaranteed the plug you need will be very far away from where you want to charge your items. Additionally, it is quite common for there to only be one or two outlets in your room and if you are sharing a room, this item will make things so much easier. Note that you should never charge a phone, laptop, or tablet in a USB provided in a nightstand or lamp.
International Travel Power Adapter, LENCENT Mini All-in-One Charger - This all-in-one is a breath of fresh air for those who think the cube style all-in-one adaptors are too bulky.
Evergoods CIVIC ACCESS POUCH 2L - Hands down the best electronics kit for travel. You’ll stay organized in flight and in your hotel with this well thought out kit.
iPhone Battery Pack - Charge up in the go or wired back at the room with this Mag-Safe Battery Pack. iPhone 12, 13, 14, AirPods, and iWatch compatible. One stop charging station.
portable charger
Power Bank with Battery Life Display - Anker isn’t the only name in the power bank game. We love this less expensive version and have never had an issue with it’s operation. In fact the digital display with battery percentage remaining is super practical for travel.
gray electronics organizer
The second of two electronics organizers we really like
Laptop Charger - Travelers with laptops will want this 65 Watt GaN Power Strip with USB ports. You won’t need your regular bulky laptop charger with this all-in-one unit. Currently 25% off.
short charging cables
Short Charging Cables - All of your cables don’t have to be 6 feet long. These shorties are perfect for recharging your items on the go.
Ereader
E Reader – This is an unbeatable price! These are great for the flight which will be dark most of the journey because they have their own light source.
Apple AirTags - A must for iPhone owners, you’ll feel a sense of ease knowing your bag is on the plane.

Clothes + Shoes + Accessories

Click an image to purchase on Amazon

Tropic Feel Shoes Homepage Link

A few of our tried and true tropical clothing options for women.

light blue denim shorts
Light Denim Beach Shorts - Too short for temples and palaces, these can be worn around Thai islands and resorts.
brown pants
Royal Robbins Adjustable Travel Pants - Whether you need a long pant for the flight or capris allowing for a cooler option, this pant is your two in one go to.
scarf
Scarf (for Temples) - A scarf is a travel essential, especially for counties where you will visit temples. It works as sun protection, an air conditioner blocker, or an accessory for a fancy dinner. Light colors are recommended to beat the heat.
Columbia shirt sleeved shirt
tankini
Tankini - A simple tankini, practical for pool or beach.
Prana Corissa Dress - This wrap around dress is a great travel dress choice.
Chacos Classic Z1 Sandal - Perfect for the beach or an easy hike, these are the perfect travel shoe.
long cover up dress
Short-Sleeved Beach Dress/Cover-Up - This longer beach cover up is a great option for locales where cultural differences require a bit more fabric.
beach_coverup_skirt
Beach Cover Up Skirt - A Rip skirt knock off that’s perfect for lunch by the pool or at a beach side cafe. It has quick dry material and is very light weight. Great to wear on the boat too.
Beach CoverUp - A longer coverup works well for shopping after a day at the beach without a costume change.
haiku purse
Haiku Crossbody Purse - We love this brand for their well made eco products and this is a great bag at this price point.
Rain Poncho - It usually always rains in Asia, but in rainy season, don’t get caught without your poncho.
uv-shirt
Travel blouse with UV - Quick dry, breathable, light/cooling with roll-up sleeves. Fits better and more consistent than Columbia. Don’t size up.
Royal Robbins Bergin Skirt - A great travel skirt. Note that it is too short for temple use.
tan beach hat
Foldable Sun Hat - Just bring a hat. Baseball hat or anything. You will need it in the tropical sun.
TomToc slingbag
TomToc Sling Bag
black sports bra
Boody Body EcoWear Women's Padded Shaper Bra Organic Bamboo Wireless Seamless Light Bra W/Removable Padding Soft Comfortable

Men’s Best Bets

white long sleeve shirt for men
Cotton and flax make this a cool and comfortable long sleeved option for temples or dressier days in tropical climates.
We love these wider mesh caps for hiking or just keeping the sun off your face. They are a much lighter option to trucker hats.
men's gray hiking pants
Mens Hiking Pants Convertible Quick Dry Lightweight Zip Off Travel Safari Pants
Souvenir Trucker Hat - Bring a fun trucker hat you can leave behind with the local who touched your soul. They usually love these especially with sport teams’ logos or movies or tv shows.
Chacos Slides
Swim Trunks
sunhat with string
A cooling sun hat with mesh vents can be wetted on hot days. Can't beat this price!

Toiletries

From bug spray to dry shampoo, we’ve got the items you might not think of listed here

Click any image to purchase on Amazon

Best Toiletry Kit - It opens up for on counter use and has a hanging device if counter space is limited. The internal organization is the best we’ve seen.
Multi Symptom Imodium – You’ll probably need this at least once during your trip. Cipro is readily available in Boots or other pharmacies in Southeast Asia, so if you find yourself using more than 3 of these tablets, you might want to switch to Cipro to be safe.
electrolyte drink mix packets
Electrolytes – Whether it’s because you are dehydrated from the heat or from stomach or health issues, you will appreciate having these in your toiletry kit.
sun bum sunscreen
Reef Friendly Sunscreen (Face SPF 50) - Always use Reef Friendly products and when you can, rinse off when entering the ocean. Let’s respect our fish friends.
sun bum face mist
Sun Bum Original SPF 45 Sunscreen Face Mist 3.4 oz.
eco friendly sun creme
Reef Friendly Sport Sun Crème - Always use Reef Friendly products and when you can, rinse off when entering the ocean. Let’s respect our fish friends.
Saint Claire's herbal pastilles
St. Claire's Organic Herbal Pastilles, (Ginger, 1.5 Ounce Tin, Bundle of 3) | Gluten-Free, Vegan, GMO-Free, Plant-based,
Eco Friendly Mosquito Repellent - On occasion, we will make you our special insect repellant ($10 for 3 oz), but in a pinch, this is an excellent brand.
motion sickness wristbands
Motion Sickness Bands, Nausea Wristbands for Car Sickness, Relief Wristbans for Mornig Sea Flying Travel

Other Gear + Gadgets

Click any image to purchase on Amazon

yellow dry bag with black strap
Dry Bag for Island Hopping - It you plan to go snorkeling from a boat, we recommend bring one of these along. And check out the water bottle holder!
Peak Design Fold-up Shopping Tote This durable, packable tote has a shoulder strap for easy carry and a zip to keep unwanted hands off your mangoes.
blue neckband
5000mAh Battery Operated Neckband Fan - Might be worth a try if humidity is an issue.
TSA 3-1-1 Liquid Pouch Quart Size (International Carry On)
TSA Approved Travel Lock - You will need a couple.
pink and white refillable water bottle
Refillable Water Bottle with Filter – You’ll love this budget friendly Brita bottle with a filter. Filtered water is always available in our hotels so just refill your bottle every morning before setting out for the day. Another tip is to purchase an extra large sized water at 7-11 (or the equivalent) and refill your bottle and another’s. The less plastic we purchase, the better we serve the countries we visit.
airpods
Use your AirPods on the plane. Bluetooth Transmitter Receiver 2-in-1 for Airplanes Boats Treadmill Gaming
Stainless Steel Flatware Set - Let’s try to avoid the plastic problem on this planet. Street food hawkers will wrap your mango sticky rice is 7 layers of plastic and hand you an individually wrapped plastic spork that will snap from flimsiness. Say no to plastic. (Bamboo options are available in Asia or online.)
packable beach blanket
Beach Blanket - Packable - A new item on our packing list, but at this size and weight, why not? Use it to sit on the grass or take it to the beach instead of a sarong, because those take a week to dry in the humid climate.
cafe bustelo instant coffee
Instant Coffee Packets – Hotels in Asia come equipped with water boiling kettles with tea and instant coffee. There’s never enough if you are a true coffee drinker (and you may not like the weak flavor of Nescafe or similar.
Picaridin Mosquito Repellent Lotion - Comes in these individually wrapped packets of small bottles (and spray). Not reef friendly.
Travel Umbrella - Rain or shine, you’ll be happy you brought a travel umbrella.
Hero Clip (2 medium) - If you haven’t heard of these, check this out. Use them for hanging your bag up in the public toilets or on the minivan.
Murphy's mosquito incense
Murphy's - makes a few finds of anti mosquito incense products. Tried and true are the coils and these Insence Sticks. DEET Free with Plant Based Essential Oils and 2.5 Hour Protection.
micro fiber towels
We recently discovered these Matador knock offs and live them for the price. Microfiber towels for a variety of activities when carrying a hotel pool towel is just too bulky cumbersome. (Snorkeling and diving, waterfalls and rafting, beach days, to name a few.)

Powered By EmbedPress