Welcome to my gear page with everything you need to know about what to pack, which items are essential, and what, after over three years of traveling nonstop, I consider to be the best possible items to have on hand when traveling abroad.
Whether you're traveling to hot or cold climates, developed or developing countries, through Europe, Asia, South America, North America, Oceania or Africa, these items all make sense to bring with you on the road to make your life easier, to protect your belongings, and to have a more worry-free vacation.
If you want to help support Be My Travel Muse at no cost to you, the links below are affiliate links which give me a small commission when you make a purchase through the links. The links below lead to the US Amazon site, but if you are in the following countries, simply follow these links: Amazon UK, Canada, Germany
Recommended Packing Gear
Ladies' Backpack
When I'm not traveling carry-on only, I take a 60L backpack along with me. It's perfect for when I'm traveling long term in varying climates or need to take a lot of camera gear with me, plus it's comfortable and fits my body well. Generally, I suggest trying backpacks on in person, but if you can't then go for Osprey.Packing Cubes
My biggest secret for packing light and being organized when traveling? Packing cubes! I've had the same Eagle Creek cube for three years and take it on absolutely every trip with me, packing it to the brim and it's still just as good as new. Worth its (light) weight in gold!For Peace of Mind
I can't tell you how many dorms, bamboo huts, and even hotel rooms I've stayed in where I was so glad to have this wire mesh bag protector. If you travel long-term, eventually you will come across a situation where there is no locker or safe, and that's when this wire mesh bag comes in very handy. I never travel without it.For Electronics
When I'm traveling with all of my camera gear, I bring along this backpack with locking zippers in order to keep my computer and cameras organized and safe. It's small enough to stay with me during transit and sturdy enough to tackle any part of the globeCamera Gear
Sony Alpha a6000 Camera
I bought this camera because it's just one model down from the camera that all of my favorite photographers use (the A7). It's lightweight, excellent in low light, and has tons of functions including WiFi capabilities. This camera helped me take my photos to the next levelWide-Angle Lens
When I want to take stellar photos with not just what the eye can see, but the periphery as well, my wide-angle lens helps me get all of the scenery into one shot, beautifullyGoPro
For rad underwater shots, videos, or to have a versatile camera that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, check out the GoPro. I love it for the fish-eye effect and for situations when a normal camera would bite the dust (or water!)Cheap, Lightweight Tripod
I resisted buying a tripod for a long time and now I wonder why. They're essential for long-exposure shots and this one is super cheap at under $24!For the Ladies
The Guidebook for Solo Female Travelers
Everything I know from three years of traveling all over the world solo in one convenient book. Designed to take the fear out of planning so that you can get right to enjoying the trip of a lifetimeSlash-Proof Shoulder Bag
When I'm out for the afternoon without my camera gear or computer (which are locked up in my room), I love this slash-proof shoulder bag with locking zippers to peruse markets and walk around cities with fewer worries.SPF 30 Facial Moisturizer
Most of the time when I travel, nothing goes on my face - except for daily moisturizer with SPF 30! Made with aloe vera as the first ingredient, this stuff is good for your skin for daily use and it's the one thing I bring with me in bulk rather than buying it on the road. I don't mess around with my skin!Packtowl
You never know when you'll need your own towel - at a beach where your accommodation only provides one, at a hostel where there aren't any on offer, when camping, or when staying with friends, it's always nice to have your own quick-drying towel.Other Essentials
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a must no-matter where you're traveling. Sure, the small stuff can be covered out of pocket, but when a real emergency strikes, travel insurance can bring you home, pay your medical bills, and help you to replace your stolen belongings. Should the worst occur, be prepared.Waterproof Phone Case 
Now, my phone can go swimming! Lifeproof's Nuud case has less bulky coverage but still protects your phone from water and freezing temperatures, not to mention adding some protection in case you drop your phone. Portable Charger
Why did I resist a portable charger for so long? This thing is so convenient, and has saved me more than once when my camera ran out of battery, or worse, my phone at a time when I needed it for navigation. This model is cheap, holds four charges, and can charge up to two things at once via USB cable.
Kindle
I like to read when I travel - a lot! What I don't like is lugging around several books or only having to choose between what's on offer at the book exchange. The Kindle allows me to carry hundreds of books at once without the weight, and the battery power lasts nice and long too!