Ron and I took our first trip together about 19 years ago. We were younger, fresher, and juggling a whole lot more responsibility than we do these days. Back then, our travels were shorter and more tightly planned, squeezed in between raising kids and running businesses. Over time, though, things shifted. The kids grew up and eventually moved out, we sold the businesses, and retirement brought a new kind of freedom we hadn’t experienced before.
These days, our adventures can stretch out for a couple of months at a time, and we’ve learned a lot along the way. We’ve discovered some go-to travel items that make life on the road more comfortable, and we’ve picked up a few helpful tools and habits that keep our planning fun and our inspiration flowing.
Over time, we’ve come to appreciate that travel isn’t just about what you bring in your suitcase. It’s also about what sparks your imagination before you ever leave home, and what helps keep things organized once you’re actually out there exploring.
We’ve found a rhythm in our routines, and part of that includes surrounding ourselves with things that both ground and inspire us. There are the practical items that make the logistics easier, the books and resources that fuel our wanderlust, and the tools that help with the nitty-gritty planning side of things.
So, whether we’re curling up with a guidebook and a glass of wine while dreaming up the next destination, or packing up those small comforts that help unfamiliar places feel a little more like home, these are the things we’ve come to rely on. Below is a collection of what we love most — from the essentials we pack, to the things that help us dream, plan, and get going.
- Recommended Books – Books have always played a big part in how we travel. Some help us map out the details, others offer rich history and context, and then there are the novels — the ones that bring a place to life through story. We love diving into fiction set in the destinations we’re headed to, or even just dreaming about. There’s something special about walking the same streets a character once did, or recognizing a local tradition because you read about it first. Whether it’s a well-worn guidebook, a historical deep dive, or a beautifully written novel, books have a way of adding layers to our travel experience that we wouldn’t trade for anything.
- Our Travel Must Haves – I have a list of Travel Must Haves that I keep in Notes on my phone to refer to when organizing my things suitcase. When you’re on the road for more than just a quick getaway, the little things can make a big difference. Over time, we’ve found a handful of items that consistently make travel smoother, more comfortable, and just plain easier. Whether it’s something that helps us stay organized, adds a touch of home to a hotel room, or saves the day when plans shift, these travel must haves have earned their place in our bags. If you’re planning a longer trip, these are the things worth packing.