Laurence’s Favorite Things

In Laurence’s bag every trip

Flat-plug power strip with USB-C

Hotel rooms and cabins never have enough outlets. One strip charges four people’s phones, tablets and watches overnight. Get one without surge protection: cruise lines confiscate surge protectors.

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

One adapter for the US, Europe, the UK and Australia, with USB-C and USB-A ports built in. It changes the plug, not the voltage.

Anker Zolo 10K power bank

Small enough for a pocket and enough charge for a long park day or a delayed flight. The USB-C cable is built in, so there is nothing to forget.

In Laurence’s bag every trip

Etekcity digital luggage scale

Hook it on the handle, lift, and know the weight before the check-in desk does. Saves an overweight-bag fee on the way home, when the bags are fuller.

In Laurence’s bag every trip

Matein travel laptop backpack

Fits under the seat as a personal item, holds a laptop, and has enough pockets for passports, snacks and chargers. One of Amazon’s best-selling travel backpacks.

BAGSMART electronics organizer

Every cable, plug and adapter in one zip case instead of loose at the bottom of the bag.

Packing cubes

One color per person, so a family of four can find everything without unpacking every suitcase.

BAGSMART hanging toiletry bag

Hangs on the back of the bathroom door, which matters when four people share one small hotel or cruise bathroom.

Apple AirTag

One in each checked bag, so you can see on your phone whether the bags made the connection before you land.

Noise-canceling headphones

For long flights and noisy airports. Sony’s WH-1000XM line is the usual pick; Anker’s Soundcore Q20i is the budget one.