The Gear That Actually Matters
13 years of client feedback taught me what works (and what's just marketing)
The Game Changers
Away's The Large + Laundry Bag Combo
Everyone talks about the battery. I care about the laundry bag. Trust me—after a week in Sri Lanka, you'll understand. The large size fits everything, rolls smooth as silk, and that interior organization system actually works.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
Better than the headphones for long flights. Smaller footprint, same noise canceling, and you won't look like a robot walking through airport security. Plus, they don't mess up your hair before that business dinner in Tokyo.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel (40L)
The bag my clients buy after their first river cruise. Waterproof, packable, and tough enough for adventure but sleek enough for the Four Seasons. It's the Swiss Army knife of travel bags.
The Sleep Saviors
Slip Silk Sleep Mask
Not just Instagram hype. Real silk, properly weighted, blocks 100% of light. After testing dozens with clients who cross time zones monthly, this one wins. Worth every penny when you're trying to sleep on Emirates at 2 PM.
Casper Travel Pillow
Forget those neck donuts. This one actually supports your head without making you look ridiculous. Memory foam that doesn't go flat, and a cover you can wash after that long haul to Auckland.
Magnesium Glycinate (Doctor's Best)
My secret weapon for jet lag. Take two before that red-eye, and you'll actually sleep. No grogginess, no habit forming. Just better sleep at 35,000 feet.
The Tech That Travels
Anker PowerCore 26800 PD
Charges your laptop, tablet, and phone multiple times. TSA-approved size, fast charging, and reliable. Because finding outlets in Marrakech's medina is harder than you think.
Universal Travel Adapter (Epicka)
Not sexy, but essential. Works in 150+ countries, includes USB ports, and has saved more trips than I can count. One less thing to worry about when you're figuring out Georgian electrical outlets.
Apple AirTags (Pack of 4)
Put one in your main bag, one in your camera bag, one in your passport holder. Trust me on this. When Royal Air Maroc sends your luggage on its own adventure to Casablanca, you'll thank me.
The Comfort Details
Bombas Ankle Socks (Merino Wool)
Sounds boring. Changes everything. No blisters on those cobblestones in Prague, temperature regulation in desert climates, and they don't smell after a week of hiking. Buy six pairs.
Lululemon ABC Pants
The pants my male clients live in. Look good at dinner, comfortable on planes, quick-dry for unexpected rain in Scotland. One pair works for 90% of travel situations.
Outdoor Research Sun Hat (Sombriolet)
UPF 50+, packable, and stylish enough for yacht dinners. Protects your investment (that expensive facial) while exploring Oman's deserts or Tasmania's trails.
The Unexpected Essentials
Tide To-Go Pens (Pack of 3)
Because spilling wine on your shirt five minutes before meeting the expedition leader in Antarctica is a real thing that happens to real people.
Portable Steamer (Conair ExtremeSteam)
Hotel irons are terrible, and wrinkled clothes kill the vibe at five-star resorts. This one heats up fast, works on anything, and fits in your carry-on.
Cash Stash Belt
Old school? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. When ATMs fail in Bhutan (they will), you'll need backup. This one's comfortable enough to forget you're wearing it.
The Splurge-Worthy
Globe-Trotter Centenary Carry-On
If you're doing this travel thing seriously, get serious luggage. Hand-built in England, lifetime warranty, and it gets better with age. My clients have been using the same ones for decades.
Hermès Travel Blanket
Cashmere-silk blend, folds to nothing, and transforms any business class seat into something special. Yes, it's expensive. Yes, you'll use it on every single flight for the next 20 years.
The reality? Great gear doesn't make bad trips good. But when you're somewhere extraordinary, you want equipment that keeps up with the experience.
Questions about any of these? I've tested them all personally (occupational hazard).