Although I can usually get away with shorts and comfortable shirts on my travels, there are occasions when a collared shirt and pants are appropriate. I’m self-employed, so I sometimes speak at conferences, advise companies or attend business networking events. Since I only travel with carry-on luggage and a backpack, my clothing is compressed.

That’s why I travel with this portable travel steamer, which is a fraction of the size of most steamers and keeps me looking sharp and trim.

All my devices come with cables, chargers and plugs. I use this CAOODKDK organizer bag because it is small but still has enough pockets to keep all my cables and my AirPods separate. It’s waterproof, has three compact sections, and is hard to beat for price.

Eight years of full-time traveling have taught me the importance of packing light. By using packing cubes to compress my clothes, I can move around airports, train stations, Ubers, and shelters more efficiently.

I like this packing cube set from Veken because it’s incredibly affordable, comes with eight pieces (more than enough for any trip), and includes bags for laundry, underwear, bathroom, and cosmetics. It’s an all-in-one set of packing cubes that organizes all of my travel essentials, and I’ve found the set to last a long time too.

I travel domestically when visiting family and friends, but many of my trips have also been international. Other countries have different types of power outlets, requiring travel with an international adapter. I like the EPICKA universal travel adapter because it has four USB ports and is compatible with any cable and charger. Plus, the device is lightweight, affordable, and can be plugged in almost anywhere.

The places I travel to have an interesting mix of weather. I was born and raised in Wisconsin, so I prefer cooler weather; I use a portable fan to cool down in hotter climates, but also when it’s stuffy in a terminal or plane. I like the Nezylaf Handheld Mini Fan because it is rechargeable, lightweight, and charges via USB. Although it is small, the mini fan produces powerful airflow and cools you while being quiet at the same time.

I never travel without my iPhone 16 Pro Max. I use it for business, FaceTime calls with my kids, and watching entertainment shows. Phone cases and holders allow me to use my phone hands-free while traveling. I use CASEKOO iPhone cases because they have an extendable stand on the back and MagSafe charging functionality. The case is light but robust; I’ve dropped my phone more than a few times and this case has survived the fall well.

As a footrest, I like the CushZone airplane foot hammock, which can also be used under the desk. It’s easy to use and portable, and it’s amazing what a difference adjusting your leg position makes when sitting on a plane for hours. This hammock features a long top strap so you can attach it over the tray table or other part of the seatback depending on the type of aircraft you are flying.

Because I pack strategically, I can’t be like one of those vacation travelers who brings their bedroom pillow on the plane as a second carry-on. This microplush blanket zips up into a pillow and has a fluffier feel, making it a little more comfortable than covering yourself with your jacket when the plane gets drafty.

This portable massage gun is so small, yet does a great job of massaging your muscles and fits nicely in a carry-on. A massage gun is a great way to prevent tension from sitting for hours. If you’re traveling for more than a few hours, combine this with a few stretches to ensure you feel energized and not exhausted when you reach your destination.

I love this new world of smart sunglasses because they give me a new way to incorporate my love of technology into my everyday life. The Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses combine function, utility and productivity. Thanks to an installed AI assistant, they can take pictures and videos, display information about what you’re watching, and even create captions. You can also live stream, answer calls, and use voice control hands-free. I like that these glasses work well as plain old sunglasses, which also makes them a great gift.

Our modern smartphones have come a long way and take great photos, but when it comes to quality, digital cameras still reign supreme. I’m a business owner who sometimes does lifestyle marketing, which means I need good photos and videos from my travels. I use my iPhone 16 Pro Max, but I also use digital cameras.

I like the Sony ZV-1 digital camera and have used it for years. It’s been my best travel camera and the LCD screen folds out so I can see what I’m shooting, which is perfect for vlogging.

It is important to drink enough fluids while on the go. So why not get a little playful every now and then to make sure you’re meeting your daily recommended water intake? I like the WATER.IO smart water bottle because it tracks your daily hydration using a free app. The bottle is insulated, stainless steel, and BPA-free, and at 17 ounces, it’s a smaller, friendlier option for carry-ons and backpacks.