I've used it in older hotels with questionable locks, guesthouses, hostels, and even Airbnbs where I just wanted an extra layer of privacy. Most trips I never take it out of the pouch—but the few times I have, I've been very glad it was there. It's one of those items you hope stays unnecessary.
I used to think of AirPods as a tech accessory. Now I think of them as a quality-of-life tool. Waiting room? Podcast. Grocery run? Audiobook. Noisy coffee shop? Instant focus mode.
They've turned a lot of "dead time" into enjoyable time. I don't even use them for music that much anymore.
Sunglasses.
Not because they're fashionable, but because they dramatically improve my mood.
Bright parking lots, long walks, outdoor lunches, driving west at sunset—everything feels more comfortable. They're one of the few items I use almost every single day.
I spent years treating sunglasses as an accessory. Now I treat them as equipment.
Travel Gear That You Pack Every Time
frequent travellers
$250
compact
durable
repeatedly useful across trips
Portable Door Lock
I bought one thinking I'd probably never use it.
I've used it in older hotels with questionable locks, guesthouses, hostels, and even Airbnbs where I just wanted an extra layer of privacy. Most trips I never take it out of the pouch—but the few times I have, I've been very glad it was there. It's one of those items you hope stays unnecessary.
AirPods
I used to think of AirPods as a tech accessory. Now I think of them as a quality-of-life tool. Waiting room? Podcast. Grocery run? Audiobook. Noisy coffee shop? Instant focus mode.
They've turned a lot of "dead time" into enjoyable time. I don't even use them for music that much anymore.
Sunglasses.
Not because they're fashionable, but because they dramatically improve my mood.
Bright parking lots, long walks, outdoor lunches, driving west at sunset—everything feels more comfortable. They're one of the few items I use almost every single day.
I spent years treating sunglasses as an accessory. Now I treat them as equipment.