Luggage & Bags
What you carry matters as much as what's inside it.
TSA-friendly and perfectly sized for the small cruise cabin bathroom.
Shop on AmazonI used one of these for years and it's a solid option — hangs on the back of any door and keeps everything visible. I've personally moved away from it to save space, but many travelers swear by it.
Shop on AmazonSue's pick — protects your toiletry bottles from leaking in your bag. Simple and effective.
Shop on AmazonGame changer for staying organized — especially on longer trips or back-to-back destinations. Compress your clothes and keep categories separate so you're not digging through your whole bag.
Shop on AmazonSue's pick — compresses bulky clothing down so you can fit more in your suitcase. Game changer for longer trips.
Shop on AmazonLightweight and packable — ideal for port days when you don't want to carry a full bag.
Shop on AmazonThis is what I bought Paul when he wanted something that didn't look like a diaper bag. Fits under the seat and actually looks good doing it.
Shop on AmazonI was meh about my previous pick but found this one and may seriously consider it for my next long-ish flight. Keeps your tray table area tidy.
Shop on AmazonA bit more feminine than a standard carry-on and perfectly sized for embarkation day when your luggage hasn't arrived yet. Ilana's pick.
Shop on AmazonA solid carry-on sized backpack for long travel days — fits under the seat or in the overhead and keeps everything organized and accessible.
Shop on AmazonKeeps your bag secure and makes it instantly identifiable on the baggage carousel.
Shop on AmazonMelanie's idea — theft deterrent and keeps your suitcase from busting open in the cargo hold. Simple and worth it.
Shop on AmazonOverweight luggage fees are expensive. Weigh your bag before you leave the hotel room and save yourself the headache at check-in.
Shop on AmazonMy next bag when mine finally bites the bullet — highly recommended by Wirecutter. Soft-sided and perfectly sized for carry-on. If you're in the market, this is the one I'd buy.
Shop on AmazonI have a version of this and love refilling it in the airport before boarding. Staying hydrated on long travel days makes a bigger difference than people realize.
Shop on AmazonOne-handed operation with a built-in straw — Wirecutter's pick. Worth considering if you're in the market for a new one.
Shop on AmazonKeeps your passport, cards, and boarding pass organized in one slim sleeve. On my list.
Shop on AmazonOverseas Travel
A few extras I always bring when crossing borders or plugging in abroad.
Universal voltage converter — essential for Europe and other destinations with different outlets and current.
Shop on AmazonThe right plug adapter makes all the difference — I grab this one specifically for UK outlets.
Shop on AmazonOne brick, multiple devices — charges your phone, iPad, and headphones simultaneously so you're not hunting for outlets.
Shop on AmazonMany hotels outside the US don't provide washcloths. These compressed tablets expand with water into a full-size cloth — pack a few and you'll always have one.
Shop on AmazonCruise Essentials
Years of sailing have taught me what actually makes the cabin comfortable. These are my tried-and-true picks.
NTONPOWER 3-outlet strip — surge protectors are not allowed on cruise ships, so this is the one to pack.
Shop on AmazonNeosmuk magnetic hooks — I recommend the 85-pound rated ones. Cruise ship walls are magnetic, and these are incredibly useful for hanging bags, lanyards, and coats.
Shop on AmazonSimple Houseware 24-pocket organizer — hangs over the cabin bathroom door and keeps your counter clear.
Shop on AmazonHandy Laundry collapsible mesh hamper — collapses flat in your bag and keeps the cabin tidy. I recommend one per person.
Shop on AmazonPlug-in night light — very dim, adjustable, and perfect for navigating the cabin without waking your travel companion.
Shop on AmazonBattery-powered night light that sits on the bathroom counter — no plug needed. I use this alongside the plug-in version so both the cabin and bathroom are covered.
Shop on AmazonCruise ship cabins can get stuffy — this fan attaches magnetically to the cabin wall and makes a real difference for sleeping. Ladonna's pick and she won't sail without it.
Shop on AmazonHard-shell luggage tags designed specifically for cruise ship door holders — much sturdier than paper tags and reusable sailing after sailing.
Shop on AmazonThese are actually AirTag holders that do double duty as Princess Medallion carriers — wear your Medallion or AirTag on your wrist. A great group gift for Princess sailings.
Shop on AmazonDebbie's favorite — stylish enough to clip on your bag without looking like a tracker. Because it shouldn't have to be ugly.
Shop on AmazonThese are actually AirTag holders that clip onto your own watch band — my group loved them on our last Princess sailing.
Shop on AmazonLightweight dissolvable soap sheets — no liquid restrictions, no mess. Perfect for hand-washing in the cabin sink on longer sailings.
Shop on AmazonIrons and steamers aren't always available in the cabin. A quick spritz and smooth-out handles most wrinkles before dinner.
Shop on AmazonBuzzFeed favorite — hands-free and perfect for Caribbean cruises. Pool deck, port days, waiting in embarkation lines.
Shop on AmazonInspired by Sue's pick. Helps drown out cabin noise for sleeping on long hauls — compact enough to toss in your carry-on.
Shop on AmazonAlaska Cruise Extras
Alaska is unlike any other sailing. These additions make all the difference on glacier days and wildlife watching.
Alaska weather changes fast. A packable, taped-seam waterproof shell is non-negotiable for port days in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. Columbia, Patagonia, and REI all make solid options at different price points.
Temperatures on glacier excursions can be 20–30 degrees cooler than on the ship. A lightweight merino wool or moisture-wicking base layer makes a huge difference. This one's personal to fit and brand — shop what you know works for you.
Layers easily under your rain shell and keeps your core warm without restricting your arms. Packs down smaller than a jacket and works hard on cool sea days too.
Shop on AmazonOn my list for the next Alaska sailing. Glacier days and windy deck time can get cold fast — disposable or rechargeable hand warmers are a smart addition.
Shop on AmazonI went with a budget-friendly pair and they do the job for glacier viewing and wildlife watching from the deck. Want more magnification or optical clarity? Look for 8x42 or 10x42 models from Nikon or Celestron.
Shop on AmazonA small waterproof backpack protects your camera, extra layers, and snacks on wet excursion days. Choose one that fits your body and how much you typically carry.
Keeps your hat on your bag or belt loop so you're not juggling it on windy deck days. Small but genuinely useful in Alaska.
Shop on AmazonSue's favorite version — keeps your hat secure on windy deck days and port excursions.
Shop on AmazonHealth & Wellness
Things I don't leave home without. Travel is hard on your body — these help.
Travel-sized collagen pills — no powder, no mess. Easy to toss in your bag and take with your morning water.
Shop on AmazonTravel disrupts your gut. I start these a few days before departure and continue through the trip.
Shop on AmazonLong flights and hot ports are dehydrating. I toss a few packets in my bag and mix them into a water bottle — way more effective than plain water.
Shop on AmazonSue's pick — perfect for longer trips. Keeps your medications and supplements organized by day so you never miss a dose.
Shop on AmazonAnti-diarrhea medication — a non-negotiable for international travel. Different water, different food, different bacteria. Pack it and hope you don't need it.
Shop on AmazonShip-EEZ Sea Sickness Patch — even if you think you don't need them, pack a few. Better to have them and not need them.
Shop on AmazonMy go-to recommendation for first-time cruisers worried about seasickness. Less drowsy than Dramamine and very effective.
Shop on AmazonNatural nausea relief that actually works. I keep these in my bag for tender stomachs — great for clients who prefer to avoid medication.
Shop on AmazonLight sleeper or sitting near a loud neighbor — earplugs are cheap insurance for a good night's rest on the plane or in the cabin.
Shop on AmazonSue's pick — because sometimes bathrooms are gross. Compact pack that fits in your day bag.
Shop on AmazonTravel means confined spaces. TSA-approved carry-on size so it goes with you everywhere.
Shop on AmazonSafety & Security
Peace of mind is part of a good trip. These are the items I think about more than I talk about.
Cosmo magazine top pick. A loud personal alarm that clips to your keychain — simple, non-lethal, and worth having especially for solo travel days.
Shop on AmazonAn extra layer of security for hotel and cabin doors — works on any door with a standard latch. On my list.
Shop on AmazonLocks to a fixed object at the beach or in your room — keeps valuables secure on excursion days when you don't want to carry everything. On my list.
Shop on AmazonAll the rage in my travel fashionista group — keeps cash and cards completely hidden and accessible only to you. Smart for busy markets and crowded ports.
Shop on AmazonDoesn't need to be plugged in, so there's no chance of leaving it behind. Hotel room air quality matters more than most people realize.
Shop on AmazonTech & Accessories
Protect your devices. You're going to be using them constantly.
I use mine for reading, streaming, and pulling up documents — especially on long sailing days.
Shop on AmazonA sturdy case that doubles as a stand — essential for propping up your tablet on a tray table or cabin desk.
Shop on AmazonOne scratch from a bag zipper and you'll wish you'd put one on. Easy insurance.
Shop on AmazonPlace one inside each checked bag. Worth every penny for peace of mind at baggage claim.
Shop on AmazonSue's pick for Android users — she tagged her grandkids at Disneyland and carries one in her purse at all times. Same peace of mind as AirTags without needing an iPhone.
Shop on AmazonBelkin Power Bank — keeps your phone and tablet charged through any delay.
Shop on AmazonDoubles as a compact tripod — great for group shots on port days without asking a stranger to hold your phone.
Shop on AmazonBuy it in a bright color so it's easy to find in your carry-on. Keeps all your cables, adapters, and chargers in one place — no more digging.
Shop on AmazonA Caribbean cruise essential — beach days, pool decks, and water excursions are all more relaxing when you're not worried about your phone.
Shop on AmazonLong-Haul Flights
I bought these for Europe and will be bringing them every time.
WEERSHUN Travel Pillow — memory foam with adjustable support. A game changer on overnight flights.
Shop on AmazonMy next travel pillow experiment — I can't use my current pillow and noise cancelling headphones at the same time. Hoping this one solves that.
Shop on AmazonSoundcore Anker Life Q20 — hybrid noise cancellation at a fraction of the price of premium brands.
Shop on AmazonNidra Sleep Mask — the contoured shape lets you blink naturally. I won't travel without it.
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