We chose the Samsonite hardside expandable luggage with spinner wheels for our frequent overseas trips due to its incredible durability and lightweight design. The 360-degree spinner wheels make navigating airports a breeze, and the expandable feature provides extra space for those extra souvenirs and holiday shopping sprees. Plus, the sleek design and built-in TSA-approved locks give us peace of mind and style on the go. Of all the suitcases we’ve had over the past three decades, the Samsonite brand has been the most durable and perfect travel companion for all our adventures!

For John’s overseas travels, he opted for a men’s travel backpack because it’s incredibly versatile and convenient. It offers ample storage for all his essentials, including a laptop, clothes, and travel documents, while keeping everything organised.

The backpack is also designed for comfort, with padded straps and a breathable back panel, making it easy to carry around all day. Plus, it’s durable and secure, with lockable zippers and water-resistant material, ensuring his belongings stay safe and dry. Overall, it’s the perfect companion for his adventures abroad.

A travel carry-on tote bag became my go-to for overseas trips due to its versatility and convenience. It fits perfectly in overhead compartments, making it ideal for flights.

The multiple compartments help me stay organised, and the durable material ensures it can handle the rigors of travel. I love that it has external pockets. One for my drink bottle to stay hydrated. And the other pocket for my mobile phone gimble. Plus, it’s stylish enough to use as a day bag for exploring cities. Whether I’m in Japan or Italy, this tote bag keeps my essentials within easy reach and adds a touch of elegance to my travel gear.

Packing cubes are affordable, lightweight fabric containers that zip closed and fit neatly into suitcases and carry-on bags. They help separate and organise travel items, saving space and keeping luggage tidy.

For an average-sized check-in suitcase, use three to four packing cubes. Allocate a small separate area for shoes and toiletries to keep everything organised and accessible.

RAE’S TIP: Mesh see-through packing cubes, labelled for different categories like tops, bottoms, activewear, and underwear, make it easier to find what you need. Always carry a spare packing cube for dirty laundry to keep clothes fresh and organised and for electronic chargers, travel adaptor, and the like.

To ensure peace of mind during my overseas trips to Asia and Europe, we invested in Bluetooth trackers each. With all the exploring and moving around, and at our forgetful age, it’s easy to misplace things.

The tracker helps us quickly locate our essentials like wallets, keys, and even our luggage. Plus, it saves both of us from the stress of searching for lost items, letting us focus on enjoying the food tours, scenic drives, and unique experiences. It’s a small investment for a hassle-free travel experience!

For our overseas trips, John chose the Qumox luggage digital travel scale to avoid unexpected higher-weight baggage fees. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry, and the high precision ensures accurate measurements up to 50kg.

The comfort-grip handle and adjustable strap make weighing both our suitcases simple and hassle-free. Plus, the tare function and auto shut-off feature add convenience. This scale gives us peace of mind, knowing we won’t face any surprises at the airport. Particularly, as I’m the culprit with the reputation for overpacking or returning from our holidays with too many shopping items!

To ensure our carry-on and hand luggage are easily identifiable and less likely to get lost during our overseas travels, we bought luggage tags.

With tags, we can quickly spot our bags on crowded carousels and avoid mix-ups. Plus, having our contact information on them provides peace of mind in case they get misplaced. It’s a small investment for a smoother, stress-free travel experience.

I bought shoe bags for my overseas travel to keep my luggage organised and clean. They protect my clothes from dirt and odours, especially after a long day of exploring or hiking. Plus, they make packing and unpacking easier, saving me time when I’m on the go.

Shoe bags are also great for keeping separate my casual, evening glam and day walking shoes in good condition, preventing scuffs and scratches. Overall, they help me stay organised and ensure my belongings stay in top shape throughout my trip.

To keep our dirty clothes separate from our clean ones during overseas travel, we bought a laundry bag each.

It helps us stay organised and makes packing and unpacking easier. Plus, it prevents any unpleasant odours from spreading to our other belongings.

It’s a simple, lightweight solution that ensures our suitcase stays neat and fresh throughout our trip.

To keep our dirty clothes separate from clean ones and prevent odours and stains, we bought a washing laundry bag for overseas travel.

It allows us to wash clothes anytime, anywhere, which means we can pack fewer clothes and travel lighter. This also saves us money on hotel laundry costs which can soon add up over an extended holiday period. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and cost-effective compared to disposable plastic bags.

For my daily life and travels, I chose the Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds because they offer exceptional sound quality and comfort. These earbuds are incredibly lightweight and fit snugly in my ears, making them ideal for extended wear without discomfort.

The active noise cancellation is a game-changer, especially during long-haul flights. I can immerse myself in my favourite music or podcasts without being disturbed by background noise. Additionally, I can easily turn off the noise cancellation while walking or jogging, which helps me stay aware of my surroundings for safety.

With a battery life of up to 8.5 hours, I don’t have to worry about them running out during the day. What I love most is the seamless Bluetooth connectivity; I can switch between my phone and laptop effortlessly, making them versatile for both home and travel.

These earbuds not only enhance my daily routine but also add a touch of style with their feminine Chilled Lilac color. While some people may prefer traditional wired earbuds, the freedom and quality of these wireless ones are simply unbeatable!

For my overseas travel, I chose a Kindle eReader because it’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry. It holds thousands of books, so I never run out of reading material.

The battery lasts for weeks, perfect for long trips. Its glare-free screen is ideal for reading in bright sunlight or dim light, particularly suitable for long-haul plane entertainment.

Plus, I can download books anytime with Wi-Fi, avoiding the hassle of finding bookstores abroad and lugging them unnecessarily around with me. Some people like turning the pages of a paperback. That’s just not me!

To escape the constant hum of airplane engines and bustling airports, I bought noise-cancelling headphones for my overseas travel.

They help me relax and enjoy my favourite music or podcasts without distractions. Plus, they’re perfect for long scenic drives in Italy, letting me immerse myself in the journey without external noise. Whether I’m relaxing on a Mediterranean beach, travelling on Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train or savouring a quiet moment in a café, these headphones ensure I have a peaceful and enjoyable experience.

To ensure our devices stay charged throughout our trip, we bought a portable power bank for overseas travel. With long flights, layovers, and exploring new places, having a reliable power source is essential.

It gives us peace of mind knowing we can always access Google maps, translation apps, and stay connected with family and friends. Plus, it’s compact and easy to carry, making it a convenient addition to our travel gear. And of course, it’s perfect for keeping my Samsung phone charged so I can capture all those amazing travel photos!

For our trips to Asia and Europe, we chose a Universal Travel Adaptor because it’s incredibly versatile. It works with multiple plug types, so we don’t have to worry about compatibility issues.

Plus, it has USB ports, which means we can charge our phones, headphones, ear pods, and other gadgets simultaneously. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to pack. This little device ensures we stay connected and powered up, no matter where we are. It’s a must-have for any traveller who wants a hassle-free experience.

To ensure our devices are safe from unexpected power surges during overseas trips, we bought a Power Board with surge protection. With multiple outlets and USB ports, we can charge all our gadgets simultaneously, which is super convenient.

The boards long extension cord is also a bonus when connected to hard-to-reach or inconveniently placed hotel power sockets.

Its compact design fits easily in John’s suitcase, and the international plug adapters mean we can use it anywhere. Plus, the peace of mind knowing our electronics are protected is priceless.

A cable organiser bag is essential for overseas travel because it keeps all our electronic accessories neatly arranged and easily accessible. No more tangled cords or lost chargers!

It saves us time and stress, especially when we need to quickly grab a cable or adapter. Plus, it helps us stay organised and ensures we don’t forget any important tech gear. Whether we’re charging our phones, camera, or laptop, everything is in one place, making our travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.

To enhance our travel experience, we bought a waterproof portable Bluetooth speakers for our overseas trips. Whether we’re relaxing in a cosy Airbnb, doing a poolside yoga session, having a picnic in a scenic spot, or enjoying a beach day, music sets the perfect mood.

They’re compact, easy to carry, and offer great sound quality. Plus, they help us stay connected during calls or virtual chats with family and friends. It’s like bringing a piece of home with us, making every moment more enjoyable and memorable.

To share music and movies with my husband during long flights and train rides, I bought a headphone splitter for overseas travel. It has been a godsend on numerous occasions when one of us has lucked out with a faulty airplane entertainment console on a long-haul flight.

It’s compact and easy to carry, making it perfect for my travel bag. Plus, it allows us to enjoy the same entertainment without disturbing others.

Whether we’re watching a movie or listening to a podcast or playlist, the splitter ensures we stay connected and entertained together.

When John and I rent cars overseas, there’s one thing he never forgets to pack—the Miracase Car Phone Holder. With its military-grade suction and rock-solid grip, it sticks to the dashboard, windshield, or vent like it was built into the car.

No matter how bumpy the roads get (and trust me, we’ve tested that), our phones stay put and perfectly angled for maps, videoing, or snapping quick roadside shots. It’s one of those little travel hacks that makes a big difference.

For our overseas travels, we decided to buy a his and hers hanging toiletry bags because it keeps our essentials organised and easily accessible.

With limited counter space in hotel bathrooms for both our toiletry bags, hanging it up frees up room and keeps everything at eye level. The multiple compartments help us stay organised, and the water-resistant design protects my items from getting wet. Plus, it saves us time when packing and unpacking.

I chose a large packable tote bag for my overseas travel because they are incredibly versatile and convenient to carry on flights and travel after expansion.

There are also small foldable tote bags, saving space in my luggage, and are perfect for spontaneous shopping trips, carrying snacks, or even as an extra bag for souvenirs.

Plus, both bags are lightweight and durable, making them ideal for day trips, going to the gym and exploring local markets.

Having a few of the small tote bags on hand means I’m always prepared, whether I’m in Japan or Italy, and they help me stay organised without adding bulk to my travel gear.

To ensure our essentials like passport, cash, and cards are safe during our overseas trips, we bought a travel neck wallet for each of us.

It’s discreet, worn under clothing, and has RFID-blocking technology to protect against electronic theft. Plus, it’s lightweight and comfortable, making it easy to access our items without fumbling through bags.

For our overseas travels, we opted for a passport wallet to keep all our essential documents organised and secure. It has multiple compartments for our passports, boarding passes, credit cards, and cash, making it easy to access everything quickly.

The RFID-blocking feature protects our personal information from electronic theft, and the durable material ensures it withstands the rigors of travel.

Plus, it adds a touch of style to my travel gear, making my journeys smoother and more enjoyable.

For our overseas travels, we decided to buy a his and hers hanging toiletry bags because it keeps our essentials organised and easily accessible.

With limited counter space in hotel bathrooms for both our toiletry bags, hanging it up frees up room and keeps everything at eye level. The multiple compartments help us stay organised, and the water-resistant design protects my items from getting wet. Plus, it saves us time when packing and unpacking.

To prevent leg swelling and discomfort during our overseas flight, we bought compression socks. And, whilst sometimes you are like a pretzel trying to get them on, they are well worth the small investment!

Long flights can cause poor circulation, leading to swollen, achy legs. Compression socks help improve blood flow, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and making the journey more comfortable. John has had two DVT post-holiday medical episodes in the past, and no longer risks not wearing his compression socks  It’s risky business and should be taken very seriously at our age.

Plus, they give us peace of mind knowing we’re taking care of our health while traveling.

Comfort is key on long flights, so I bought a travel neck pillow for my overseas travel.

It’s critical for me to wear a neck pillow as I have discs fused in my neck. If I sleep crooked, I’m feeling sore and sorry for myself later. I’ve tried and tested a few neck pillows to finally find the one that suits me. It helps me avoid neck pain and get some rest, making the journey more bearable. Plus, it’s compact and easy to carry.

Whether I’m on a plane, train, or bus, having that extra support makes a huge difference. It can be trial and error to find the right one to suit you, but it is one of those small investments that pays off big time in terms of comfort and relaxation.

For my overseas travel to Asia and Europe, I bought flight earplugs to ensure a comfortable journey. These earplugs help reduce the pressure changes during take off and landing, which can be quite uncomfortable. Plus, they block out the noise from the engines and other passengers, allowing me to relax and even catch some sleep.

With scenic drives and food tours planned, I need to arrive well-rested and ready to explore. These earplugs are a small investment for a much more pleasant travel experience.

To ensure I get quality rest during long flights, layovers and in hotel bedrooms, I bought a sleep mask for my overseas travel. It helps block out light, making it easier to sleep regardless of the time zone.

Plus, it’s perfect for adjusting to new environments, whether I’m sleeping in a hotel bed and the on TV glare is disturbing my sleep. I’m the type of person that needs 7-8 hours beauty sleep, or I’m agro the next day!

A good night’s sleep means I can fully enjoy long days out and about sightseeing and unique local experiences without feeling exhausted. It’s a small investment for a more comfortable and enjoyable trip!

To stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste during my overseas travel, I bought a reusable water bottle. I never leave home without it!

It’s convenient for refilling at water stations, especially in countries like Japan and Italy where tap water is safe to drink. Plus, it saves money and helps me stay eco-friendly.

The bottle is lightweight and fits easily in my tote bag, making it perfect for long scenic drives and outdoor hiking adventures. It’s a small step towards sustainable travel, and I feel good knowing I’m contributing to a cleaner planet.

Audiobooks with Audible are a fantastic way to pass the time. I love listening to them on long flights, at the airport, or by the pool.

Some, like Michelle Obama’s Becoming, are even narrated by the author, making the experience more intimate. Her audiobook was my first, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Long flights or relaxing on the beach are perfect times for catching up on your reading list.

Try Audible with a 30-day free trial today!

For our overseas travel, we bought his and hers microfibre towels because it’s incredibly lightweight and compact, saving precious space in our luggage.

It dries super fast, which is perfect for when we’re on the move and need to pack up quickly. Plus, it’s highly absorbent, making it ideal for beach or hiking days in Italy or hot springs in Japan.

The towel is also easy to clean and resistant to odours, ensuring it stays fresh throughout our trip. Overall, it’s a practical and versatile travel essential that enhances our travel experience.

I bought his and hers Turkish beach towels for our overseas travel because it’s lightweight, quick-drying, and versatile.

It doubles as a beach towel, blanket, or even a wrap, saving space in my luggage. Plus, its stylish design adds a touch of elegance to my travel gear.

The high-quality cotton ensures comfort and durability, making it perfect for various climates and activities. Whether I’m lounging on a beach in Sicily or visiting an onsen in Japan, this towel is a practical and chic travel essential.

For our overseas travel, we bought the Rockkii Picnic Set for 2 because it’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry.

Our picnic set is one of our most used items on our overseas road trips.

The set includes everything needed for a perfect picnic, from plates to cutlery, all neatly organised. Its durable design ensures it can withstand various outdoor conditions.

Plus, having a picnic set allows us to enjoy scenic spots and local delicacies on our road trips without the hassle of finding restaurants. It’s perfect for spontaneous, self-guided food tours and scenic drives!

RAE’S TIP: Try and find a picnic set that includes a wine bottle opener. If not, throw one in from home. I’ve also added salt and pepper sachets, paper serviettes and two teaspoons. It’s amazing how much you can cram into the picnic set.

When travelling overseas, I always pack my Mini UV Travel Umbrella. It’s compact and lightweight, fitting easily into my bag without adding bulk.

The UV protection is a lifesaver on sunny summer days, shielding me from harmful rays while I explore new places. Plus, it’s sturdy enough to handle unexpected rain showers, keeping me dry and comfortable.

Whether I’m wandering through the streets of Japan or Taiwan or the unexpected afternoon tropical showers in Vietnam, this umbrella ensures I’m prepared for any weather. It’s a small but essential travel companion that makes my trips more enjoyable and worry-free.

I bought a his and hers Yeti coffee travel mug because it’s a game-changer for overseas travel. Its stainless steel vacuum insulation keeps our coffee hot for hours, perfect for those long scenic drives and my early-morning hotel caffeine fix.

The mug is durable and spill-proof, so we don’t have to worry about messes in public transport. Plus, its bottom shape sits perfectly in a rental car drink console. It also fits snugly in our backpacks, making it easy to carry around.

Having my favourite brew on hand keeps me energised and ready for all the unique experiences these amazing countries have to offer.

When we travel as a couple, especially during Japan’s Sakura season, I always pack our Portable Clothes Steamer Iron. It’s compact, lightweight, and folds neatly into the suitcase, making it an easy addition to our travel kit. With fast preheating and strong steam output, it smooths out wrinkles in seconds and keeps our outfits looking fresh for long days under the blossoms.

The best part is how simple it is to use with clothes still hanging — no ironing board needed. We switch it on, let it warm, and steam whatever we’re wearing that day. The adjustable steam levels work for both our wardrobes, from delicate pieces to thicker layers, and the 2‑in‑1 design lets us choose between dry ironing or steaming on the go.

It’s a small tool that makes a big difference, keeping our travel outfits crisp, comfortable, and camera‑ready throughout the trip.