As an overpacker, preparing for my first cruise felt like a challenge. Cruise cabins have limited space, you need clothes for a variety of activities, and forgetting something isn’t as easy to fix as running to a nearby store. While researching what to bring, I discovered several travel gear essentials and packing strategies that made life on board easier. What surprised me most was how many of those items followed me home. Today, they’re staples in my suitcase whether I’m cruising, road-tripping, or flying across the country.
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Packing Cubes That Make Unpacking Simple
I’ve tried packing cubes before, but was never a huge fan. I bought these for my cruise and was surprised by how much more organized they made packing. I was able to separate out items easily and take out the bulkiness using the compression. The best part was, when I got to the cruise cabin, I was able to unpack just the cubes and put them straight into the drawers and closet for easy unpacking. It made the whole unpacking process easier and gave me some peace of mind that my clean clothes weren’t going straight in a dirty storage area.
A simple hack that lets me bring my own pillow
I’m getting set in my ways enough that sometimes I just want my own pillow when I travel. At a minimum I like to bring my own pillowcase, but on my most recent trip I decided to go one step further. I vacuum‑packed my pillow until it was flat as a pancake, and now it’s officially a travel hack I’ll be doing more often. These bags were the perfect size for a full‑size pillow, felt sturdy, and didn’t reinflate at all while I traveled. The pillow fit perfectly in the top of my checked bag and helped me sleep so much better throughout the trip.
A Disinfectant Spray That Helps Me Clean Quickly
Many common disinfecting wipes aren’t effective against norovirus, which is why I prefer a disinfectant spray designed for that purpose. This spray is my go‑to for high‑touch spots in hotel rooms and cruise cabins. It smells a little like a pool, works quickly on hard surfaces, and gives me peace of mind when I’m settling in.
Mini Watercolor Paint Set for Travel Journaling
I got this little watercolor kit for my Alaska cruise to paint scenes right from the balcony. Since then, it’s come along on several more trips. It’s an easy way to slow down, take in my surroundings, and end up with something much more personal than a quick photo. I’m definitely not an artist, but taking a few minutes to make a colorful travel log is entirely worth it.
A Folder That Keeps Travel Paperwork Organized
One thing that surprised me the most about cruising is the amount of paperwork I ended up with! I like to keep a file folder filled with printed travel information like excursions or reservations when I think I’ll be away from my laptop or a signal, and I was glad I had it on a recent cruise. It was great for keeping all the paperwork organized and from taking over the room.
A Small Fan That Helps Me Sleep Better Away From Home
I originally bought this fan for cruising, but it quickly became a permanent part of my travel kit. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more particular about recreating a consistent sleep environment wherever I go. I’ve always liked sleeping with a fan for airflow and white noise. This small fan fits perfectly on a bedside table, plugs in easily, and has three speeds so I can adjust the airflow to my preference.
A Ginger Tea That Makes Cold Days More Comfortable
This tea is one of my favorites. It’s warm, calming, and nice to have on chilly days or when my stomach needs settling. Even on shorter trips, I’ve been known to carry one or two of these teabags with me.
A Fleece and Rain Coat Duo that Work for Rainy Days and Cold Nights
Pre-cruise, whenever I planned a cold-weather trip, I’d end up packing sweatshirts, rain jackets, and heavier coats because I didn’t want to be caught unprepared. On my cruise, I discovered that a fleece jacket layered under a lightweight rain jacket handled almost every situation I encountered, including standing on deck in front of glaciers. The fleece provided warmth, while the rain jacket blocked wind and rain without adding much bulk.
What I like most about this combination is its flexibility. I can wear the fleece on its own for cool mornings, use the rain jacket by itself during warmer wet weather, or wear both together when temperatures really drop. Since that cruise, this layering system has become my go-to approach for unpredictable weather. It keeps me warm, dry, and comfortable without filling half my suitcase with “just in case” jackets.
A Rain Hat That Keeps Me Comfortable Outside
In case you haven’t already heard it, let me be the first. Rain gear is important in Alaska. I overpacked rain gear for my cruise and this is the one item I’d buy a million times again. With a wide brim, it kept the rain off my glasses and I could use it as a mini umbrella to try to take photos. It was a comfortable hat and had a strap to keep it from blowing off on the one really rainy day we had on the trip.
A Cardigan That Dresses Up Any Evening
As a tall plus size woman, I like having a cardigan that actually fits the way I want it to. This one is comfortable, easy to pack, and works well when I want to dress up an outfit without feeling overdressed. The scalloped edges add a nice detail, and the colors pair well with blouses and dresses. I brought it on a cruise to dress up for dinners, but now I find myself bringing it on other trips to warm up on a plane or dress up a casual outfits.
A small pillow that’s more useful than I expected
I bought this pillow on a whim a while back and never really used it until I brought it with me on a cruise to use for back support. It’s now a common travel item because i used it way more than I expected. It’s easy to throw in the car for a camping trip, take on the plane to sleep (or for lumbar support as I get older), or use for a relaxing day on a hammock. I also love that it comes with a washable pillowcase which makes it feel cleaner and more practical for travel.
