Our pick
eSIM
Airalo
Mobile data from the moment you land, without hunting for a SIM shop.
Buy a data package for one country, a region or worldwide, install it before you leave, and switch it on at arrival.
Visit Airalo →
← All gear categories
Travel essentials.
The things you book, not pack: mobile data, a VPN, lounge access and a place to leave your bags. Sort them before you go and arrival day gets a lot easier.
Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Category 01 · 4 picks
Mobile data & VPN.
Online from the moment you land, and safe on public Wi-Fi.
Before you buy
An eSIM only works if your phone supports eSIM and is not locked to your network. Check both in your phone settings before you buy. VPN use is restricted in a few countries, so check the local rules for your destination.
eSIM
Holafly
Unlimited data plans for travellers who stream, navigate and hotspot all day.
Pay per day instead of per gigabyte, so you never watch the data counter. Best for heavy users and longer stays.
Visit Holafly →Our pick
VPN
NordVPN
Safer browsing on hotel, airport and café Wi-Fi.
Encrypts your connection on public networks and lets you reach your usual services from abroad.
Visit NordVPN →VPN
ExpressVPN
A simple, fast VPN for travellers who just want it to work.
Easy apps for phone and laptop, with servers in many countries. A good choice if you are new to VPNs.
Visit ExpressVPN →Category 02 · 3 picks
Airport & city.
Better layovers and bag-free last days.
Read: 25 airport hacks that actually save time and money →Our pick
Lounge access
Priority Pass
A quiet seat, food and showers during long layovers.
Membership gives access to a large network of airport lounges worldwide. Some credit cards include it, so check yours first.
Visit Priority Pass →Luggage storage
Bounce
Drop your bags in the city and explore without them.
Book a spot in a nearby shop or hotel for a few hours, ideal between check-out and a late flight.
Visit Bounce →Luggage storage
Radical Storage
The alternative network for storing bags by the hour or day.
Compare locations near the station or your hotel and book online in a minute.
Visit Radical Storage →Category 03 · Guide
Travel insurance.
We do not recommend a specific provider here, because the right policy depends on where you live, where you go and what is already covered.
What to check
Medical costs abroad and medical repatriation are the parts that matter most. Then check trip cancellation, the excess you pay yourself, and whether your activities (skiing, diving) are covered. Many credit cards and existing policies already include some travel cover, so check those first. This is general information, not insurance advice.
Category 04 · 1 pick
First aid.
A small kit for the minor things.
First aid
Travel first aid kit
Plasters, painkillers and blister care when the pharmacy is closed.
A small, ready-packed kit covers the minor things. Add your own medication and anything specific to your destination.
Check current price →Newsletter
New gear picks, first.
An email when we add new items or change a recommendation, so your kit stays current.
Double opt-in, unsubscribe any time. No spam.
Now pack the right things for your trip.
Answer four questions and get a packing list built for your trip in under a minute.