Travel gear you can't go without

Are you looking for the perfect gift for the traveler on your list? Or maybe you're hoping to snag some swag for your next vacation. Keep reading for a round-up list of a few of my favorite things!
​Oh, yeah. Sorry for the lack of pictures. Honestly, I'm still trying to figure out which pictures I can use without violating copyright laws. If you want to see the product, just click on the product name. I DON'T get any commission or kickback from the links, I just love these products :) 

Running belt

When I discovered this neat little belt, I wasn't even traveling. Well, I sort of was. I was training for my first 5K, which was going to be in St. Augustine over the Bridge of Lions. It was amazing, by the way, but that's another story for another day. So, I needed somewhere to keep my phone and my car key while I was running the track in my pocket-less pants. Enter the running belt. I realized then that it is big enough for a passport and a few cards, as well. AND you can wear it up under your shirt pretty much undetected. Perfect for carrying the important stuff inconspicuously while traveling.   

Water Bottle

My water bottle is my constant companion. I have an earlier version of this one, but I know this one is just as good. It's double wall insulated and keeps your hot drinks hot and your cold drinks cold. Seriously. Our power was once out for over 24 hours. I filled my bottle up with ice water before going to bed that night and I was surprised that there was still ice in it in the morning. Traveling with a water bottle is always a great idea: Fill it up and sip on it at the airport (past security, of course!), on the cruise ship, or while relaxing at a resort. Paying closer attention to hydration is super important while traveling due to changing environments and humidity levels. 

Backpack

There's not a whole lot to say about this other than our Swiss Gear Backpack is the go-to carryon no matter where we are traveling. It's sturdy, durable, and has all sorts of pockets to cram our necessities in. It's everything you've come to expect from a brand like Swiss Gear. I also love that it's got a pocket for my laptop/tablet. 

Passport Wallet

This RFID blocking passport wallet has a spot to keep your passport (of course!), cards, and boarding passes handy. You can even get a different color for every member of your family. If you've ever done the passport shuffle at the counter trying to figure out whose passport is who's, you know the importance of color coding. :) I love that it has the outside strap to hold everything in place.  

Cord organizer

I'm going to be completely honest: I don't have one of these. But I NEED it. With all the gadgets we take on the road and, of course, none of them can use the same charging cords, I definitely need something to keep those bad boys organized. I usually just cram them in the front pocket of my suitcase and hope for the best. Then we arrive at our destination tired, on our last battery bar, and frustrated because our charging cords are all tangled up. Yes. This cord organizer would definitely help!

Scratch off World Map

Honestly, I can't decide whether I like the scratch off or the photo frame better. Both are great ways to keep track of and show off your adventures. But, I chose scratch off because I feel like it's better for the world traveler. It'd be kind of hard to fully appreciate that awesome photo from Germany in a world map. This map also has a water color under the scratch off option and I just love that. Once all of the countries are scratched off (and while your masterpiece is in progress), it looks amazing as a wall hanging. 

Travel Cup Holder

So, you're at the airport for your 1 hour and 2 minute layover (because you booked with your favorite travel agent and she got you the most reasonable layover available). You grab some coffee and an airport chair and sit down for a nice game of Match 3D while you wait. But...there's no place to put down your coffee. You don't want to chug it (it was expensive enough, may as well enjoy it), you don't want to put it on the floor because it might get kicked over, and the guy sitting next to you doesn't look like he'd be willing to hold it (so you don't bother asking). What ever will you do? You're going to whip out this trusty travel cup holder, attach it to your carry on, and commence to match random pieces of digital junk as fast as you can. 

Packing Cubes

Organizing your outfits by person, day, type, or occasion has never been easier. My 2 favorite ways to use these: 1. Each person gets their own cube (or cube set, depending on the size of the person and length of the trip). It's like having suitcases inside of a suitcase! 2. Each day gets their own cube. This is especially helpful if you're traveling by yourself, or if you're sending your child away with the grandparents. Each day, take out the cube and everything you need is right there at your fingertips. And if something gets flagged in security? They're not dragging out your entire suitcase just to inspect one item. Everything is neat and organized. Just how I like it. :) 

Did I miss anything? What's your favorite piece of travel gear for yourself or to gift others? Let me know in the comments!