LuggageCarry-on & checked
Away suitcases
Durable hard-shell luggage with smooth 360° wheels, a built-in compression system and a lifetime warranty.
Why I pack it: it's tough, easy to roll through an airport and organized inside.
Luggage
Carry-on and checked luggage
Hard-shell suitcases that roll well, survive baggage handlers and fit in the overhead bin.
LuggageCarry-on & checked
Béis luggage
Hard-shell rollers with smart storage, including pockets for laptops, shoes and the things you need fast.
Why I pack it: lots of compartments, so I'm not digging for things at security.
Packing
Packing cubes
Any brand works. The point is fitting more in a carry-on and finding things without unpacking everything.
PackingAny brand
Packing cubes
Zippered fabric cubes that keep clothes sorted by outfit, person or day. Compression cubes squeeze out extra room.
Why I pack them: with a family, one cube per person makes hotel check-ins and repacking fast.
Power
Power banks and chargers
Long travel days, dead outlets and old planes. These keep my phone and headphones charged.
PowerCarry-on only
Anker power banks
Portable batteries that can recharge a phone several times. Keep them in your carry-on, since airlines don't allow them in checked bags.
Why I pack them: no hunting for an outlet at the gate.
PowerWall chargers
Anker chargers
Small fast chargers with multiple ports, so one plug charges a phone, laptop and headphones at the same time.
Why I pack them: one charger instead of a tangle of cables, and fewer adapters overseas.
On the plane
Long-haul flight comfort
The small things that make a 12-hour flight feel shorter, in any cabin.
ComfortNeck pillow
trtl travel pillow
A soft wrap with a hidden support that holds your head up, and it packs much smaller than a U-shaped pillow.
Why I pack it: it actually keeps my head from falling forward when I sleep upright.
ComfortHeadphones
Bose noise cancelling headphones
Over-ear headphones that block out engine noise, crying babies and loud neighbors.
Why I pack them: I land less tired after a long flight when it's quiet.
ComfortPhone mount
Tray table phone holder
A small clip-on mount that holds your phone or tablet at eye level on the tray table or seatback.
Why I pack it: hands-free movies when the seatback screen is small or missing.
Travel gear FAQ
Can I bring a power bank on a plane?
Yes, in your carry-on. Airlines don't allow spare lithium batteries in checked bags, and most limit size to 100 watt-hours, which covers nearly every phone power bank.
Are packing cubes worth it?
Yes, especially for carry-on only trips or families. They keep things organized and compression cubes free up space.
Away or Béis: which luggage is better?
Both are durable hard-shell suitcases. Away is simple and sturdy; Béis has more pockets and compartments. Pick based on how you like to organize.
What's the best neck pillow for sleeping on a plane?
I use the trtl because it supports your head without the bulk of a U-shaped pillow and packs flat.