The ultimate checklist of everything you need for a cross-country trip

Traveling the world is on most of our bucket lists but it’s usually out of our wallet’s reach. Rather than shell out on an international extravaganza, explore the wonder of your own country (just make sure you have the right stuff).

• What are the best travel gadgets for world explorers? Most people only go abroad once a year on vacation. But for true world explorers, travel is a way of life. Here’s the best travel tech for surviving in any country.
• Which travel organizers keep things tidy on trips? From not wanting your smelly shoes on your clothes to weight limits, there’s a lot to consider. Start packing the smarter way with these (pretty clever) travel organizers.
• Where can I find more travel gadgets? Here’s a collection of must-have travel gadgets that you need for every trip.

A serious case of wanderlust is no joke and, sometimes, the best-kept secrets are in your own backyard. While the world is full of beauty, traveling within your country can offer surprisingly stunning experiences.

Whether you’re going by plane, train, or automobile, your level of enjoyment will be down to what you pack. We’ve got you covered with everything you need for a cross-country trip – from the right luggage to ways to be the inevitable jet lag.

Pack smarter

First things first: you need great luggage for total peace of mind on any trip. While auto-follow suitcases and smart luggage have been popular in the past few years, the technology isn’t as promising as it sounds. Practically speaking, great luggage should effortlessly hold and organize your essentials while remaining sleek and easy to move.

TUPLUS X1 Aluminum Hard Case Luggage

Designed for the modern traveler, this rolling suitcase provides convenience and comfort whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally. Featuring a patented One-Touch open system, TUPLUX X1 enables quick access to your items.

LugLoc GPS Luggage Tracking Device

Totally compact, this system easily fits into any suitcase, bag, or luggage you have. Using Bluetooth and cell-tower technology, you get real-time updates right to your smartphone regarding the whereabouts of your luggage. It makes travel a total breeze.

Vasco 7-Piece Smart Packing Luggage

This system uses intuitive design to organize your bag. The first in this set, the No.1, includes three different sized packing cubes complete with unique compression zippers to help reduce space in luggage by 60%. With these, you can compartmentalize various clothing and accessories.

Carry it all on the go

In addition to packing for your entire trip, you won’t be spending the entire journey in a car, train or plane. You also have to consider what you’d need to lug around on day trips and adventures. Of course, a solid backpack offers comfort, convenience, and plenty of space for your gear.

Multifunctional Backpack with USB Charger

This bag features a USB charger you can use it to top up your mobile devices anywhere on the go. Additionally, the spacious design ensures you can store all your necessities with total organization. There are three compartments inside the backpack and there’s enough space to hold everything from your laptop to your iPad to even your notebooks.

Catch up on rest

Rather than succumb to the adventure-killing sleepiness, catch up on your rest while you travel. It’ll help you feel more refreshed each day so you can truly make the most of your trip.

Sondre Travel Voyage Compact Travel Pillow

At first glance, you’ll notice this comfy little companion is more than just a cushion. The 2-in-1 design gives you total comfort and privacy wherever you are. The Voyage Pillow combines two musts for public-transport sleeping: a pillow and an eye mask. Most importantly, the pillow portion is filled with ultra squishy microbeads.

Sleep anytime, anywhere

Sleeping on a sometimes requires more than just a great pillow – an eye mask can help block out ambient light so you can truly sleep any time of day.

GOSLEEP 2-in-1 Travel Pillow Set

This patented travel pillow and sleep mask set is ideal for travelers who want to get some shuteye while on the go. It prevents your head from bobbing whether you’re falling asleep on an airplane tray table or a stranger. Additionally, it promotes good posture and helps you enjoy restful sleep while sitting up.

Tune in

No great trip is complete without music and that’s a fact. An awesome set of headphones can help you zone out, tune in, or simply catch up on podcasts.

Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones II

These headphones feature the excellent noise-canceling technology of Bose with the addition of built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Now you only need to use your voice to play music, receive texts, manage your tasks and receive answers. Just flip a switch to enjoy Acoustic Noise Cancelling, which neutralizes any external noise.

Rise above time zone changes

Jet lag is a thing and it can spoil your entire trip even if you aren’t traveling by plane. Stay a step ahead of time zone changes to keep yourself on your a-game.

AYO – Sleep Better, Beat Jet Lag, Get More Energy

With AYO, you can wake up feeling fully rested and ready for your day. It works by resetting your biological alarm clock to match your needs in order to improve your sleep and daily energy levels naturally. It’s perfect for minimizing the jag lag when you travel through time zones.

Capture the memories

How does that saying go? ‘If you don’t get any photos then did you even go on a trip’? Live it up to the fullest on your adventure and document it every step of the way.

Ricoh Theta S – 360-Degree Spherical Digital Camera

This 360-degree spherical digital camera enables you to take high-quality pictures by using a newly-developed f/2.0 lens. Capture with continuous HD video recording of 1080p at 30 frames per second for up to 25 minutes. It comes with 8GB of internal memory and can be paired with your smartphone to enjoy live streaming via USB or HDMI.

EDC sorted

When it comes to travel, less is more. It’s a total drag having to lug around (and be responsible for) so many things. Rather than risk losing your valuables, carry in a smarter way.

hardgraft Leather iPhone Xs/Xs Max Card Wallet

This wallet/case combo is an ideal everyday carry for those who like to keep things minimal. Sleek and slim, the grey microsuede and rich vegetable-tanned leather give your iPhone soft yet durable protection.

Staying hydrated

Staying hydrated on a trip is a must. Whether you’re flying or driving, you need to keep up with the water intake to make sure your body is capable of taking all the beauty around you.

Soma Glass Water Bottle

Coming with a soft yet durable silicone sleeve to protect the glass, this stunning bottle holds a perfect 17 ounces so you can take your filtered water on the go. At the top of the Soma Glass Water Bottle is a beautiful natural bamboo cap to provide a leak-proof seal.

Getting your java on the go

If you love coffee as much as we do, you’re going to need an on-the-go solution. Rather than spend money at every fast food place you see to get your fix, make a fresh cup anywhere.

Keurig K-Mini Plus Portable Coffee Maker

Under five inches wide, this slim brewer allows you to have great coffee no matter where you are. Ideal for small spaces, the Keurig K-Mini Plus produces fresh coffee from K-Cup pods in just a few minutes.

Which of these products are you grabbing for your next cross-country trip? Share with us in the comments below.