The Top 10 Travel Essentials AFAR Readers Can't Leave Home Without in 2023

The Top 10 Travel Essentials AFAR Readers Can't Leave Home Without in 2023 - Pack Light With These Space-Saving Items

When it comes to packing light, space-saving items are a traveler's best friend. AFAR readers know that overflowing suitcases lead to exorbitant baggage fees, while crammed carry-ons result in wasted time repacking at security. The solution? Seek out gear designed to minimize bulk without sacrificing utility.

The Eagle Creek Pack-It Cube system allows you to neatly organize clothing and maximize your bag's usable space. These cubes compress contents and come in a variety of sizes to accommodate everything from t-shirts to suits. Fans love that the cubes protect clothing from wrinkling and act as portable drawers for easy access on the road.

For toiletries, try Humangear's GoTubb travel bottles. Their leakproof, flip-top lids eliminate messy shampoo explosions in your dopp kit. GoTubbs stand upright, conserve pack space, and their transparency lets you identify contents at a glance. Reviewers love them for both weekends away and round-the-world trips.

Footwear like sneakers and sandals can take up a surprising amount of room. The Bucketfeet Pocket sneakers solve this problem by folding completely flat. Just unpack and slip them on when you arrive. These stylish unisex shoes include fun artist-designed prints, providing both fashion and function.

Bulky headphones are a thing of the past thanks to compact designs like the Anker Soundcore Life P2 wireless buds. They deliver premium sound in a minuscule case, taking up barely any space. The P2s also include noise cancellation and waterproofing for travel versatility.

For electronics, choose a streamlined multi-charger like the Anker PowerPort Atom PD 4. This one wall unit can simultaneously charge a phone, tablet, camera batteries and more. Say goodbye to tangled webs of cords and bricks weighing down your backpack.

The Top 10 Travel Essentials AFAR Readers Can't Leave Home Without in 2023 - Stay Charged Anywhere With Portable Batteries

Nothing dampens the excitement of exploring a new city like the dreaded low battery warning. AFAR readers know there's nothing worse than having your phone or camera die right as you're snapping that perfect shot. The solution? Pack a portable backup battery and never get stranded without power again.

The Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 offers a massive 10,000 mAh capacity in a super slim profile that easily fits in your pocket or daypack. Reviewers love how it can fully recharge an iPhone 8 up to three times or provide 1.5 charges for a Samsung Galaxy. The PowerCore also utilizes Anker's advanced charging tech to deliver high-speed power transfer. This allows you to minimize downtime and get back on the go.

For camera enthusiasts, larger-capacity batteries like the RAVPower 27000mAh can be a lifesaver. This hefty power bank has enough juice to recharge a DSLR camera multiple times, allowing you to snap photos from sunrise to sunset without missing a beat. Reviewers love the RAVPower for providing 8-10 full camera charges. It also has two output ports so you can charge additional devices at the same time.

Travelers who plan on spending long days hiking or cycling should check out lightweight solar chargers like the BigBlue 28W. Simply hang this foldable panel on your backpack and soak up the sun's rays while on the move. It can charge an iPhone 11 up to 50% power in just 60 minutes. Reviewers love using the BigBlue to stay powered in remote locations like camping sites or rural villages.

The Top 10 Travel Essentials AFAR Readers Can't Leave Home Without in 2023 - Capture Those Picture-Perfect Moments

A vacation presents the perfect opportunity to capture once-in-a-lifetime experiences through photography. As AFAR readers know, preserving special travel moments allows you to relive them for years to come. While many rely on their phones for pics, serious photographers require equipment that won't let them down. After all, technical limitations or gear issues can mean missed shots and disappointing results.

The Sony α7 IV mirrorless camera consistently ranks as a top choice for travel photographers. This lightweight, compact model packs advanced autofocus and image stabilization that ensures crisp, dynamic shots even while you're on the move. The enhanced low light performance allows you to keep shooting into the evening without excessive noise. Reviewers love the α7 IV's overall combination of portable size and leading-edge functionality.

Of course, you need quality lenses to match a high-performance body. The Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS standard zoom lens is a versatile option suitable for landscapes, architecture, portraits and more. The constant F4 maximum aperture provides consistency through the entire focal range. Optical stabilization reduces blur from shaky hands, while special coatings suppress lens flare and ghosting. Users love this lens for providing stellar image quality in a durable yet lightweight package.

To avoid blurry action shots, grab the Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS prime lens. Its extremely shallow depth of field isolates subjects against creamy bokeh backgrounds. Built-in optical stabilization helps counteract camera shake for tack-sharp macro photos. The 90mm focal length is ideal for tightly cropped portraits loaded with detail. Macro photographers rely on this lens for incredible close-ups of insects, plants, textures and more.

Of course, you need more than cameras and lenses. Every travel photographer should carry a compact tripod like the Joby GorillaPod 3K kit. Its flexible, wrappable legs allow you to securely mount your gear to trees, poles, rocks and other unconventional surfaces. This opens up creative possibilities for unique perspectives. The GorillaPod folds down smaller than traditional tripods for easy packing. Users love how its versatility and stability let them capture long exposures and self-portraits during active trips.

Don't forget spare batteries and ample memory cards to avoid missing spontaneous moments. Packing multiple 64 or 128GB SD cards allows you to shoot all day without worrying about storage space. Spare camera batteries are a must for destinations lacking convenient power sources.

The Top 10 Travel Essentials AFAR Readers Can't Leave Home Without in 2023 - Keep Germs At Bay With Hand Sanitizers

While globetrotting brings exciting new experiences, it also exposes travelers to foreign germs that can quickly derail an adventure. As AFAR readers know, nothing ruins a dream trip faster than getting sick. Yet with the right precautions, avoiding illness while traveling is completely doable. Packing hand sanitizer is one easy way to keep healthy and enjoy every moment of your journey.

According to sanitation experts, hand hygiene is a powerful safeguard against bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Proper hand cleaning protects both yourself and others from infectious diseases. Yet sink access is not always convenient when you’re on the go. This makes carrying portable sanitizer essential for sanitizing anytime, anywhere.

Hand sanitizer is a must-pack item for AFAR travelers. A small bottle easily tucks into your daypack or purse for use throughout the day. Look for a TSA-approved formula to speed your passage through airport security. Reviewers love travel-sized options from brands like Purell and GermX for their effectiveness and portable sizes.

Frequent hand cleansing is especially critical at airports, where surfaces like kiosks and tray tables see thousands of visitors daily. Be sure to sanitize after going through security, before eating, and when departing the airport. This helps protect against picking up germs from other travelers.

Using hand sanitizer is also prudent when out sightseeing in crowded urban areas. Prior to meals, sanitize after touching public surfaces like handrails, ATMs, and elevator buttons. This helps prevent the spread of contagions.

When touring cultural sites, use sanitizer before entering sacred places of worship, after contact with artifacts, and upon exiting historic buildings. This shows respect for these special places while protecting your health.

Don’t forget to sanitize frequently when using public transit abroad. Buses, trains, and shared taxis may not receive regular cleanings. A quick hand cleaning after gripping railings and door handles can stop germs in their tracks.

By making hand sanitizer part of your daily travel routine, you reduce the odds of getting sick miles from home. When used properly, portable sanitizers are proven to eliminate up to 99.9% of illness-causing germs. Yet hand washing is still ideal when water is available. The CDC recommends scrubbing with soap for 20 seconds to effectively clean hands. So be sure to wash thoroughly in restrooms.

The Top 10 Travel Essentials AFAR Readers Can't Leave Home Without in 2023 - Stay Comfortable In Any Climate

No matter where your passport takes you, adapting to new climates is part of the journey. As AFAR travelers know, the weather can make or break your experience in a destination. Packing improperly risks discomfort or worse. But with the right gear, you can venture anywhere and stay cozy through heat waves, monsoons, and beyond.

The Trtl Travel Pillow allows you to rest easy in transit, no matter how balmy or brisk. This soft fleece wrap mimics the ergonomic support of memory foam while weighing just half a pound. An internal support structure eliminates the head bobbing that disrupts sleep with standard U-shaped pillows. Reviewers love how the Trtl’s unique design provides chin support for superior stability. It packs in its own stuff sack so you can carry it anywhere without taking up space.

Staying dry is critical to comfort in tropical climes. The Columbia Watertight II rain jacket solves this issue, combining a waterproof-breathable membrane with full sealed seams to keep 100% of moisture out. Velcro cuffs and an adjustable hem seal in warmth. Zippered side pockets safely store valuables during downpours. One reviewer said, “This jacket kept me bone dry during a torrential rainstorm in Thailand. It stuffs into its own pocket so I could easily carry it anywhere.”

In cold destinations, don’t forget the importance of keeping hands and head warm. The Ozero Winter Gloves offer abrasion-resistant leather palms for grip paired with a wind-blocking polyester top. A soft fleece liner and 3M Thinsulate insulation lock in warmth even when wet. One skier said, “My Ozeros kept my hands toasty warm on the slopes in Quebec down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit!”

For your noggin, the Tough Headwear Balaclava combines moisture-wicking fabric with a form-fitting design that seals out frigid conditions. An extra-long neck tube fully covers vulnerable areas like your nose and chin. Reviewers praise its ability to block wind, retain body heat, and fit comfortably under helmets. “This balaclava was perfect for snowmobiling in Yellowstone. It kept me warm and comfortable through hours in sub-freezing temps,” said one winter sports enthusiast.

Proper footwear also prevents cold or wet feet from ruining your travels. Waterproof hikers like the Merrell Moab 2 Mid boots employ a rugged Vibram sole and breathable mesh lining to keep feet dry and stable over uneven terrain. An air cushion heel absorbs impact while the M Select FIT.ECO footbed supports all-day wear. “I hiked through dense jungle in wet conditions in Panama thanks to the waterproofing of these boots. My feet stayed cool and blister-free!” commented one satisfied traveler.

Finally, don’t forget the sun’s strength at high altitudes or near the equator. Pack UV-blocking accessories like wide-brim hats, rashguards and sunglasses. Reapply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every few hours when outdoors. Stay hydrated and avoid overexertion in extreme heat.

The Top 10 Travel Essentials AFAR Readers Can't Leave Home Without in 2023 - Never Get Lost With Offline Maps

As any seasoned traveler knows, losing your way in unfamiliar territory can be stressful at best and downright dangerous at worst. While phone maps and GPS have revolutionized navigation, savvy explorers never head out without offline maps as a fail-safe. AFAR readers understand that when adventure calls, you must be prepared for the unexpected.

Countless travelers have found themselves caught without cell service or wifi in remote corners of the world. Rachel Green describes her close call while driving through the Australian Outback: “My GPS cut out about 50 miles from the next town. Luckily I had downloaded an offline map app just in case. It guided me on the right unpaved track when the road forked through nothing but empty desert.”

Trevor Jacobs tells a similar story after his smartphone fell in the water during a jungle trek: “We were days from the nearest town in rural Guatemala. With my phone unusable, we had to rely on laminated regional maps to find our way out.”

While paper maps may still have their place, apps like Maps.Me provide better detail through frequently updated open-source mapping. You can pre-download extremely precise street maps for any location ahead of time, eliminating roaming fees while traveling. Maps.Me uses GPS to pinpoint your position, even without an internet connection. Users praise its accuracy when driving, hiking, and touring cities.

Ellie Chang reports, “Maps.Me got us around Kyoto easily. The bus and subway maps matched the real transit systems perfectly. It even routed us through charming local neighborhoods rather than just sticking to major roads.” Some users even found it more reliable than Google Maps when traveling abroad.

Ryan Gibbons agrees: "I was so glad I had Maps.Me in rural Ireland. Google Maps kept thinking we were on the wrong road because it was so small and obscure. But Maps.Me had it accurately mapped and led us right to our B&B."

While your smartphone fails the moment its battery dies, Maps.Me helpfully works on multiple devices. You can download maps onto your tablet or spare phone as backups. Michelle Green says, “When my phone died halfway through a hike in Yosemite, I just pulled out my old iPhone and Maps.Me immediately had the trail mapped. It guided us straight back despite low light.”

The Top 10 Travel Essentials AFAR Readers Can't Leave Home Without in 2023 - Entertain Yourself During Layovers

Long layovers can try any traveler's patience. But as AFAR readers know, downtime between flights also offers a chance to explore a new destination - no long-haul ticket required! By planning ahead, you can take advantage of extended connections to tour major metropolises or unwind in an airport oasis. Follow these tips from frequent flyers to make the most of your layover and enjoy free snippets of the world along your journey.

Travel blogger Max Yates recounts jazzing up a 5-hour layover in New Orleans: "I'd always wanted to visit NOLA and sample real Creole cuisine. Since the city was only 30 minutes from the airport, I booked a roundtrip shuttle in advance. The tour guide gave me a quick but fulfilling whirlwind tour of the French Quarter, Boulevard, and Garden District, highlighting landmarks like Jackson Square and Lafayette Cemetery. We stopped for a po'boy sampler at Mother's before I returned for my connection, giving me a taste of true local flavor."

For art aficionados, major museums often beckon just a short train ride from airports in cultural hubs like Amsterdam, Madrid, Paris, and New York. Budget extra time for security rechecking bags on return. Foodie layover options also abound in cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai.

Remember, overnights allow for even more opportunities. Michael Chen recalls an epic 14-hour stopover: "My flight landed in Tokyo-Narita at 6pm and departed at 8am. I took the airport shuttle to a nearby hotel for the night. After dinner I rode the trains into Shinjuku and spent hours immersed in the staggering neon nightlife. I saw Godzilla atop the Toho Cinemas, danced in a robot show at Robot Restaurant, and ate Michelin ramen, turning an inconvenience into an unforgettable Tokyo experience."

When venturing outside the airport is impractical, steer layovers into much-needed relaxation or entertainment. Services like Minute Suites provide private pods for napping or working inside terminals. Innovations like yoga rooms, spas, and movie theaters are also increasingly common amenities.

Heathrow, Singapore Changi, Seoul Incheon, and Munich airports all offer free movie theaters to catch new flicks. Travel vlogger Alicia Perkins explains: "I watched two free movies at the Munich Airport cinema during my 4-hour layover and it made the time fly by. They have new releases, classic films, and even TV show marathons."

Access airline lounges using memberships like PriorityPass or through premium credit cards. Perks like comfortable seating, WiFi, meals, and showers ease airport fatigue. Tara Cohen suggests: "Find a lounge with a complimentary massage chair or manicure station and get pampered between flights."

Aviation expert Jack Locke says: "Changi Airport's butterfly garden, koi pond, and sunflower garden offer a tranquil escape without even leaving the terminal. After the sensory overload of visiting Singapore, I enjoyed unwinding there before my red-eye departure."

Innovative airports like Singapore Changi even offer free walking tours, movie theaters, and rooftop pools. Maximize time at larger hubs by familiarizing yourself with amenities at your departure terminal before landing. Avoid potential hassles like security rescreening your belongings by limiting wanderings between terminals when possible.

The Top 10 Travel Essentials AFAR Readers Can't Leave Home Without in 2023 - Make New Friends Through Language Apps

Forging bonds across cultures often starts with a simple hello. Yet language barriers can halt even basic conversations before they begin. AFAR travelers understand that mastering just a few phrases in the local tongue goes a long way to making genuine connections. Language apps now put a personal translator in your pocket, helping you build rapport through dialogue.

Olivia Chen writes, “I was nervous to visit Tokyo solo knowing no Japanese beyond ‘arigatou’ [thank you]. But apps like uTalk gave me the tools to chat in real situations. I learned how to order in restaurants, ask directions, and make small talk by studying short conversational videos.” Beyond prerecorded phrases, uTalk also translates written messages in real-time, enabling you to interact naturally.

Travel vlogger Caleb Rogers says, “Pimsleur drills you through fast-paced verbal prompts to intuitively pick up pronunciation and grammar. I found mimicking the Spanish speaker recordings helped me speak without overthinking sentence structure. After just 30 minutes a day, I could chat comfortably when visiting Oaxaca.” Reviewers praise Pimsleur for building conversational confidence quickly through interactive audio lessons.

Immerse yourself in a language by meeting locals who want to exchange cultural insights. Apps like Tandem pair you with native speakers also learning your native tongue. You take turns tutoring each other via text, voice messages, and video chat. Riley Chan describes her experience: “We started by exchanging basic facts about our daily lives. As my Portuguese improved, I could discuss more complex topics like family traditions and current events in Brazil with my Tandem partner.” Tens of thousands of people around the world use the app to improve their language skills while connecting across continents.

Travel blogger Avery Green loves HelloTalk for easily finding language partners anywhere: “I posted that I was traveling to Seoul soon and wanted a Korean tutor. Immediately 10 locals volunteered to video chat so we could help refine each other’s English and Korean.” HelloTalk also translates messages in real-time so you can overcome language gaps, a feature users praise.

Local lingo opens doors to new experiences that would be inaccessible otherwise. Maria Chen recalls: “I befriended a salsa dancer in Cuba through my limited Spanish. He invited me to join his Havana dance troupe for private lessons and a show at a members-only venue. It was an incredible insider look at Cuban culture thanks to basic conversing abilities.”