After Visiting 12 Countries Last Year, I Finally Found My M.V.P. Travel Items-Here's What's Forever in My Bag

"Variety may be the spice of life, but when it comes to travel, I like sticking to the same top essentials on each trip. If I'm going to be agonizing over a travel-related decision, it's not going to be packing-related. As a full-time travel writer and gear reviewer of more than a decade, I've tested hundreds of products in real-world settings and simulations to identify the top performers."

"With more than 62,900 five-star ratings, these compression socks come highly recommended by shoppers, many of whom heard about them from their podiatrists or saw flight attendants wearing them. Not only are swollen feet and ankles unsightly, but they're also painful. These socks definitely make a noticeable difference when I wear them on long flights, but they also came in handy this summer when I was hiking around Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks while conducting research for a guidebook."

More than a decade of real-world product testing narrowed hundreds of travel items to 14 dependable Amazon picks used on every trip. The selection emphasizes durability, affordability, and proven performance across varied itineraries, from cruises to mountain treks. Examples include budget-friendly cable ties for cord organization, highly rated Charmking compression socks that reduce swelling on long flights and hikes, and a Cadence Parcel clear kit serving as a quart-sized carry-on toiletry bag. Usage spanned 12 countries, including a Thailand wedding and a Vietnam honeymoon at Six Senses Con Dao.

Read at Travel + Leisure