Travel Gear that we recommend

These type-C travel adapters work for most of Europe.  They work very well and if you only plan on being in Europe, this is an excellent choice.

A piece of technological magic, this lets you connect your own headphones via bluetooth to the small seat back screens on a flight.  Now you can use your deluxe noise-cancelling headphones and enjoy that in-flight entertainment in your own soundproof world!

Over-ear noise cancelling headphones are amazing but bulky.  If size is an issue, consider noise cancelling ear buds, they work almost as well and are very small.  Some people find ear buds uncomfortable so be sure to consider your preferences and comfort before selecting a style.

To go with the Apple Airtags, these are simple leather holders that can be used as keychains.  These are the ones I use but there are many styles.

Apple AirPods are the most popular noise cancelling earbuds on the market.  They are a great space-saving alternative to the over ear headphones above.

A good alternative to the more expensive AirPods, these TOZO earbuds are ones that some of our guides use and can vouch for.  They are a great space-saving alternative to the over ear headphones above.

Portable chargers are essential modern travel gear to maintain your cell phone charge through a long day of touring / photographing. They must be carried in carry-on luggage.  We like ones with 10,000mAh or more and that include cables (I personally own the one linked here) but it is a matter of personal preference.

A day backpack (daypack) is a useful item on any trip.  It can be used as your personal item on a plane as well as a small pack to carry what you need on a day of touring. A backpack reduces the aches that often come from carrying a purse or sling bag on one shoulder.

Collapsible luggage made for every traveler. With Rollink stylish and practical luggage, you’ll love the journey as much as the destination!

These are good for keeping phone/passport/money dry if you participate in any water-related activity where you want to keep your items dry and safely with you.

We recommend lightweight waterproof shell coat and pants when traveling in Iceland.  Items that are easy to take on and off over other clothes. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND PONCHOS OR UMBRELLAS IN ICELAND DUE TO THE PREVALENT WINDY CONDITIONS THERE.

This is an incredibly useful item for any travel.  It can be used on a cold plane, if it gets chilly on a summer night, or layered under waterproof gear to serve as a winter coat.

A Swim Parka is a lower priced option to the full parka in the previous link.  They work great and you may even have one lying around the house if you have a swimmer..

A great alternative to the fleece pants for those who prefer leggings.

These are primarily for Iceland in the fall/winter/spring but useful anytime you travel someplace cold. We often suggest ski gloves because they are windproof as well as warm.

We recommend windproof hats when traveling in Iceland.  You should look for something with either an outer rainproof shell or a knit cap with lining.  The wind will go right through any single layer knit or fleece – double layer is key. A wide brim sun hat is not advised in Iceland (again, the wind).

For Iceland. This skirt is amazing if you are outside in the cold for long periods of time (such as observing the stars or the northern lights!). You wear it over whatever other clothes you have on and it is like a wearable blanket!  Also makes it easy to lie on the ground and not worry about the dirt. Warning: unless you are petite, order up a couple sizes.  Norsari makes another option/style.

We love these wraps so much that one of us went home and made one from an old blanket! Worn over your other clothes, these are perfect for any observing run where you stand outside in the cold for long periods of time.  In the fashion forward world of astronomy, men wear these too!

Water shoes are useful if you are planning on doing water-based activities – particularly if it involves walking on rocks or if you need grip.

We recommend sun hats when traveling to hot, sunny places such as our upcoming trips to Australia, Spain, or Egypt.

We’re looking at you, Australian Outback, with your intolerable flies.  So intolerable that almost everyone is willing to forego fashion to wear these useful hats and nets.

When you are out in extreme heat and want to explore but it is just. so. HOT.  These bandanas soak up water in little polymer crystals and then slowly release that water over several hours, cooling your neck/head when you need it most.

Reefsafe sunscreen is a biodegradable option that is a thoughtful choice no matter what sunny destination you travel to.  Also required in certain destinations.

Why a pill case and why this one?  This one is compact and it is encased so that pills don’t fly all over your bag if a compartment pops open. These are handy even if you don’t carry prescriptions – I keep one filled with generic medicine like Advil, Tylenol, Cold medicine, Dramamine, antihistamine, etc (I label the lids with tape).  A one-stop-shop pharmacy while on the road.

These are sheets of concentrated laundry detergent and is for anyone who does laundry in the sink on a trip or does not want to pay for detergent at a laundromat (ok, this may hint of our backpacking past..). We use these at home too since they are eco-friendly and do the job of cleaning well.

Cough drops are so useful!  Particularly on dry airplanes or in crowded places.  They will save you from getting glared at if you start coughing post-covid.. I find that this brand is very good and I always carry a handful with me.

Full confession, I have not traveled without Via packets since 2010.  It is always possible to get a cup of hot water, often for free, and voila!  Coffee when you want it! Admittedly, it helps if you can drink it black. If you find yourself in a tea-drinking country, these will let you enjoy a cup of coffee when none is available otherwise.

A travel-sized first aid kit is always advisable.