There are a few things that make travel feel seamless—items that earn their place in our carry-ons trip after trip. Not flashy, not excessive, just thoughtfully chosen pieces that make the journey more comfortable, more intentional, and a little more enjoyable from the moment we leave home.
These are the travel essentials we actually use, whether we’re crossing an ocean, hopping on a train, or heading off to a remote island.
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Bowers & Wilkins Noise-Canceling Headphones
A good pair of headphones is non-negotiable, and Bowers & Wilkins strike the perfect balance between design and performance. The noise canceling takes the edge off long-haul flights, while the sound quality is rich enough to actually enjoy your music or audiobook—not just tolerate it.
They’re comfortable for hours, beautifully made, and feel more like a travel companion than a gadget.
→ Shop Bowers & Wilkins headphones here
A Kindle Loaded With Our Current Reads
We never travel without a book—or ten. A Kindle means we can bring an entire library without the weight, whether it’s a novel for the flight, a travel memoir for lazy afternoons, or something wine-related for a quiet evening.
It’s compact, easy on the eyes, and perfect for switching between reading moods mid-trip.
→ Find the Kindle we travel with here
What we’re reading right now:
- The German Girl — a beautifully written historical story for slow afternoons by the sea
- The Housemaid— the kind of addictive thriller that makes a long flight disappear
- Atomic Habits — ideal for a little mid-flight reset and inspiration
A Small Bodum Travel Coffee Maker
Hotel coffee rarely inspires, so we bring our own solution. A small Bodum travel coffee maker takes up very little space and guarantees a proper cup in the morning—especially important when jet lag has you up before sunrise.
There’s something grounding about starting the day with a familiar ritual, even on the other side of the world.
→ Shop our go-to Bodum coffee maker here
Yeti Rambler Insulated Bottle
One of the simplest travel upgrades? A truly good insulated bottle. We always have a Yeti Rambler in our carry-on—especially for long travel days when staying hydrated makes all the difference.
It keeps water cold for hours, and it’s perfect for adding a hydration packet on flights or after a long day in the sun. It also saves us from constantly buying plastic bottles in airports and beach towns. It’s a small habit, but one that aligns with how we like to travel: comfortably, thoughtfully, and with a lighter footprint.
→ Shop the Yeti Rambler we travel with here
→ Shop our go-to hydration packets here
Tumi Voyageur Crossbody Bag
This bag is the perfect carry-on companion. The Tumi Voyageur crossbody is sleek, secure, and perfectly sized to hold passports, boarding passes, phones, and essentials—without ever feeling bulky.
It stays with us through airports, train stations, and city walks, and is especially ideal for days when we want to travel light but keep valuables close.
→ View the Tumi Voyageur crossbody here
The Tannins and Travel Takeaway
These are the 5 pieces that quietly elevate our travels—items that make the journey smoother, mornings better, and experiences more intentional. Nothing excessive, nothing disposable. Just well-chosen essentials we reach for every time.
If you’re building your own carry-on kit, start with what makes you feel comfortable, grounded, and connected—wherever you land.