For travelers

The useful stuff.

Whether you’ve been traveling for years or you’re still figuring out how to take that first trip, this is the practical stuff that helps. The resources we use to keep the details straight, the gear that earns a place in our bags, and the things we’ve learned that make getting out into the world a little easier.

We’re not travel agents. These are just the things we’ve learned, used, and recommended to friends along the way.

Feet up by a train window with green hills passing outside — Feet up, somewhere between stops

Before you go

First Things First.

A passport The one thing nothing else works without. Apply early, since processing takes weeks, and renew well before it expires. Many countries also want at least six months of validity left on the day you travel. Apply or renew at the U.S. Department of State.
Global Entry & TSA PreCheck If you are flying from the US, these speed you through security and customs. Global Entry includes PreCheck and pays for itself quickly if you fly more than once or twice a year. Enroll in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Travel insurance Worth it the one time you need it. Look for medical coverage abroad and trip cancellation, and read what is and is not covered before you buy. The State Department explains why it matters, including medical evacuation.
An eSIM Data the moment you land, without hunting for a SIM card or paying roaming fees. Set it up before you leave home and switch it on when you arrive.

What we travel with

Gear that earns its place in the bag.

On your feet

Viba packable shoes

Tim’s favorite, go-to footwear. They fold flat, weigh almost nothing, and go from a flight to a beach to a long day of walking without a blister. We each keep a pair in the bag at all times.

Recommendation

Carry

The Foldie weekender

It packs down to the size of a paperback and opens into a full duffel when we inevitably buy too much. Our answer to the second-bag problem without carrying a second bag.

Recommendation

Comfort

Tube travel pillow

You stuff it with a sweater or a few clothes, so it doubles as packing space and a genuinely comfortable pillow. No more dragging a bulky neck pillow through three airports.

Recommendation

Peace of mind

Apple AirTags

One in every checked bag. When an airline says your suitcase is in one city and your phone quietly says it is in another, you will be glad you knew first.

Recommendation

On the ground

LuggageHero

Somewhere to leave the bags between a checkout and a late flight, in almost any city. It has bought us a whole extra afternoon in a place more than once.

Recommendation

Just in case

TravelJohn disposable urinals

One of those things you’ll laugh about packing, right up until the moment you’re very, very glad you did.

Recommendation

A note on these links: some may become affiliate links in time, which means we could earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. We only list things we use and would recommend regardless.

Still planning

Where to next?

The paperwork is sorted, the bag is packed. Now for the reason you did all of it. See where we’ve been, and find somewhere worth going.

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