Travel Shop
Gear That Makes Every Trip Easier
After planning trips for my clients, these are the things I recommend again and again: travel essentials first, plus smart home and pet gear so everything back home is taken care of while you’re away, and a few of my personal favorites.
Travel Essentials
The gear I recommend to clients before every cruise and resort trip: organized, charged up and comfortable from the airport to the cabin.
Packing Cubes Set
Keeps outfits organized and makes unpacking in a small cabin or hotel room take minutes.
See options on Amazon →Apple AirTag for Luggage
See where your checked bag is from your phone, at the airport or the cruise port.
See options on Amazon →- Cruise favorite
Cruise-Approved Power Strip (No Surge)
Cabins have few outlets, and surge protectors get confiscated. This kind is allowed on board.
See options on Amazon → - Cruise favorite
Magnetic Hooks
Cruise cabin walls are metal. Hang hats, bags and lanyards to free up space.
See options on Amazon → Universal Travel Adapter
One adapter with USB-C for Europe, the Caribbean and almost everywhere else.
See options on Amazon →Portable Power Bank
A slim battery for long excursion days, flights and theme parks.
See options on Amazon →Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Quiet flights and better sleep on the plane.
See options on Amazon →Memory Foam Travel Pillow
Neck support for red-eyes and long transfers.
See options on Amazon →TSA-Approved Toiletry Bottles
Leak-proof, carry-on-sized bottles that clear security.
See options on Amazon →RFID Passport Wallet
Passport, cards, boarding passes and cruise card in one secure place.
See options on Amazon →- Cruise favorite
Cruise Card Lanyard
Keeps your cabin key card handy all day, and a must for kids.
See options on Amazon → Waterproof Phone Pouch
Take photos at the beach, pool or snorkel stop without worrying.
See options on Amazon →
Cruise & Beach Packing Checklist
The everyday items travelers most often forget, and end up paying double for in the ship’s shop or at the port. (Noise-cancelling headphones are in Travel Essentials above.)
Polarized Sunglasses
Cut the glare off the water on deck and at the beach.
See options on Amazon →Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Required at some Caribbean and Hawaii stops, and kinder to the coral.
See options on Amazon →Mini Hand Sanitizers
Clip-on bottles for excursions, buses and buffets.
See options on Amazon →Refillable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated ashore; refill free at the ship’s water stations.
See options on Amazon →Hanging Toiletry Bag & Travel Razor
Keeps toiletries off the tiny cabin counter, with a compact razor for the trip.
See options on Amazon →E-Reader
A whole library for sea days, readable in bright sun.
See options on Amazon →Multi-Port USB Charger
Charge phones, watches and cameras from one outlet.
See options on Amazon →Waterproof Disposable Camera
Fun for snorkeling and kids; no worries if it gets wet.
See options on Amazon →Extra Camera Memory Cards
Never run out of space halfway through the trip.
See options on Amazon →Rechargeable Batteries & Charger
For cameras, flashlights and kids’ toys.
See options on Amazon →Compact Travel Umbrella
Tropical showers pop up fast; this folds small enough for a daypack.
See options on Amazon →Small First Aid Kit
Bandages, pain relievers and motion-sickness basics in one pouch.
See options on Amazon →Packable Daypack
Folds into its own pocket; perfect for shore excursions.
See options on Amazon →
Smart Home for Travelers
Relax on vacation knowing the house is secure. Check the door, the cameras and the thermostat from anywhere.
Video Doorbell
See and talk to whoever comes to the door, and get package alerts from anywhere.
See options on Amazon →Smart Lock
Let in a pet sitter or family with a temporary code, and confirm the door is locked.
See options on Amazon →Indoor Security Camera
Check in on the house (and the pets) from your phone.
See options on Amazon →Smart Plugs for Lights
Put lamps on a schedule so the house looks lived-in.
See options on Amazon →Smart Thermostat
Save energy while you’re gone and come home to a comfortable house.
See options on Amazon →Water Leak Sensors
Get an alert on your phone before a small leak becomes a big repair.
See options on Amazon →
Pet Travel & Care
Whether your pet comes along on the road trip or stays home with a sitter, these make it easier on everyone.
Pet Camera with Treat Tosser
See, talk to and toss a treat to your pet while you’re away.
See options on Amazon →Automatic Pet Feeder
Meals on schedule, even if the sitter is running late.
See options on Amazon →Airline-Approved Pet Carrier
Soft-sided and sized to fit under the seat for in-cabin travel.
See options on Amazon →Dog Car Seat Cover
Protects your seats and keeps your dog secure on road trips.
See options on Amazon →Collapsible Travel Bowls
Food and water anywhere; they fold flat into a bag.
See options on Amazon →Pet GPS Tracker
Peace of mind if a nervous pet slips away in a new place.
See options on Amazon →
Personal Favorite Items
The things I personally use and love, at home and on the road.
Coming soon: I’m putting this list together now. Check back shortly.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links, so BM Vacations may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I’d suggest to my own clients.