We often get asked for suggestions on products for various situations. To answer these questions we’ve put together a list of everything we use while traveling.
Contents
Credit Cards
Many of these credit cards are affiliate links, meaning if you apply for them we will get a small bonus, at no cost to you. These are all cards we use and value in our travels. If you choose to use our links, we thank you!
We have 4 main credit cards we use for travel. Which ones you will want will depend on your travel habits.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
We think this is a must have card, especially if you are travelling via Amtrak, but even if you are not. We often find ourselves at the train station in New York and Chicago and our go to brand is the Marriott as they are often located closest to the stations. You can’t argue with the Fairfield Inn & Suites Penn Station being right across the street from Moynihan Train Hall in NYC.
This card comes has a $95 annual fee but you’ll get 1 free night per year valued at 35,000 points. This more than makes up for the fee if you plan on travelling. Depending on the generous sign up bonus you get when you sign up you could get enough points to stay for several nights free on your next trip.
Get the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card here: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/252s/IR7JBX5LIU
If you plan to travel on Amtrak or overseas in Asia, the Marriott card is a great choice.
Chase IHG Rewards Premier Mastercard
We love this card for overseas travel. We don’t find ourselves using it as much in the US, but in Bali and the rest of Asia there are some great properties and deals you can get with the points. If you know you’ll be staying at an IHG property this is a great one to get as you’ll get a free night each year as well as a great sign up bonus.
Get the IHG Premier Rewards Card here: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/210j/R8X1XH34NR
One of our favorite features of IHG is the low cost Intercontinental options overseas.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
This is our most versatile card as it provides 3x points on dining worldwide. When we travel we eat out quite a bit, so this is our is also our most used card. The points are great because they’ll transfer to Hyatt at a 1:1 rate, giving you free nights in the process. There is a much higher annual fee of $550 on this card, so make sure you’ll use all of the perks before applying. It is immediately offset with a $300 travel credit, so if you are going to travel the fee is justified. We use this card for lounge access at most airports.
Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card here: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19j/HFRIGT7AWS
If you are going to travel internationally, this one is a great choice.
Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred Mastercard
If you are planning to use Amtrak Sleeper Car trains this card is a must. With the sign up bonus alone you’ll be able to get a roomette trips for free. Sign up for this card at Amtrak.
The Most Requested Item
By far the most requested item we get is the charger we use in our videos. We have been using this one for the last year and love it! If you are going on an Amtrak trip, don’t go without this charger!
- [THE PERFECT WORLDWIDE TRAVEL ADAPTOR] – Use this 4 port usb charger to 150+ countries, fits with US UK EU CHINA outlets. This all in one travel adapter comes in one piece, and where many USB Travel Adapter comes in many pieces.
Last update on 2023-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This box will charge 4 regular USB devices at once. It will plug into the single outlet in an Amtrak Roomette and let you charge one item from a regular plug and 4 USB Items at once. Problems solved! They come in packs of 1 or 2, you really only need 1.
Packing
Backpack that Allie uses
- LARGE CAPACITY AND ORGANIZED: men travel backpack owns 20 independent pockets for large storage and organization for small items. 3 spacious main multi compartments with many hidden pockets can accommodate lots of stuffs like college supplies, travel accessories, clothes, stationery, notebook, cord organizer, side deep Zipper pocket for Easy access essentials, side Elastic net pockets conveniently hold travel gear umbrellas or water bottles. Ideal Book bag backpack for high school Boys perfectly
Last update on 2023-04-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Backpack Rob Uses
- Endurax hiking camera backpack is large to fit camera with long lens attached like Tamron or Sigma 150-600mm lens. Top quick access compartment can still fit a DSLR camera with lens attached. An extra large protective padding included to prevent cameras in main compartment from shaking.
Last update on 2023-04-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This backpack serves several purposes for us. First of all it is waterproof, so it holds our most valuable gear, including cameras, drones, and computers. Secondly, it has a hard shell on the top and the back, so there is added protection if it gets bumped or falls. The hard shell also doubles as a drone launch and landing pad if you carry one! Most importantly though, this backpack is large. If you are riding in coach you’ll want to keep all of your valuables with you when you leave your seat, and this backpack will fit everything you need and more.
Rob carries this backpack and loves the comfort and durability it has shown so far.
Lowepro Camera Bag
Allie carries this smaller camera bag for her GoPro and Nikon Zfc Camera. Even though we both carry a GoPro, we use the one she carries for almost all of the filming we do, since it is easily accessible. This bag has proven to be a valuable addition to our luggage. She loves just taking this bag down to the observation car or even the dining car to take take some pictures and videos.
- PROTECT YOUR GEAR: a durable, molded PVC-free base safeguards gear from moisture and impacts; recycled exterior fabric with PU lamination provides waterproofing and extra protection from the elements
Last update on 2023-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
21 Inch Suitcase
When we first started riding Amtrak we both were using the large 26 inch suitcases, and they were just too big for every situation. If you are checking your bags or are going to leave them in the storage compartment on the lower level of a Superliner Sleeper Car, those will work, but they can be difficult to get up the steps on Amtrak trains.
Instead we now use the 21 inch suitcase and it is much easier. In general these bags are much easier to manage than our older, larger bags. If you are doing a long trip, each person should have one, but for a trip of just a few days, you could get away with just one.
- Hardside spinner luggage for work travel, weekend getaways, or as international carry-on
- Includes a 21-inch hardside spinner with a protective extra-thick ABS hard shell and scratch resistant blue finish
- 4 double spinner wheels ensure smooth-rolling mobility in any direction
Last update on 2023-04-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sea & Train Sickness
Allie has motion sickness so we use these items to help eliminate that. They do a good job.
Ginger Chews
If you think you might have a problem with motion sickness on the train, these could help. Allie uses them and says they do help to settle her stomach if she is experiencing any type of motion sickness.
- SWEET & SPICY. Prince of Peace Original Ginger Chews are an easy and tasty way for you to enjoy ginger on the go.
Last update on 2023-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For more severe cases on cruise ships she takes these.
- Meclizine HCL 25 mg 100 Tablets
- – Antiemetic, Motion Sickness
- – Prevents and Treats Nausea, Vomiting or Dizziness associated with Motion Sickness
- -Made in USA
Last update on 2023-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Electronics
We carry an extensive amount of Cameras and accessories while we travel.
GoPro Hero 12 Black
The best way to capture video while you travel is with a GoPro. The newest version out as of this writing is the Hero 12 Black. We each have one while we travel.
- High Dynamic Range Video + Photo: HERO12 Black takes its best-in-class image quality to the next level with HDR for both videos (5.3K and 4K) and photos. Great in environments with both shadows and bright light, HDR captures the subtle details of the scene that might typically blend into the darkness of shadows or disappear in the bright spots of your shot. The result is dynamic footage with true-to-life color and precision.
Last update on 2023-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
INUI Portable Charger
Ok, so you bring a lot of electronics with you on the train. We do too! We also carry a larger charger that will charge two USB devices at once. Great for a tablet, phone or computer. This one doesn’t need an outlet to charger your devices so it really helps out when your battery is running low.
- ✅【From INIU–the SAFE Fast Charge Pro】Experience the safest charging with over 38 million global users. At INIU, we use only the highest-grade materials, so we do have the confidence to provide an industry-leading 3 years warranty.
Last update on 2023-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Amazon Kindle Oasis
Allie loves to read on a train as she enjoys the passing scenery. She’s tried most of the Kindle’s and this one is her favorite. It is easy to hold and easy on the eyes.
- Our best 7″, 300 ppi flush-front Paperwhite display.
- Adjustable warm light to shift screen shade from white to amber.
- Waterproof (IPX8) so you can read in the bath or by the pool. Your Kindle has been tested to withstand accidental immersion in water.
Last update on 2023-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Tablet
Rob has a Samsung tablet and Allie carries an iPad with her on the train. It is good to download a few movies because on the long distance trains you won’t have WiFi or cell service in some places.
- The included S Pen makes it easier than ever to write notes and personalize photos and videos, all without needing to charge. The S Pen attaches magnetically right to your tablet so you can quickly put it down and pick it back up without losing it
- PC PERFORMANCE. TABLET PORTABILITY: Transform your tablet into a PC experience with DeX mode and the optional keyboard¹ with expanded trackpad. (Keyboard sold separately)
Last update on 2023-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone, P3 wide color, and an antireflective coating
Last update on 2023-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Computers
Allie has the better computer, lets just get that out of the way. But, she does edit most of the videos so it is justified! She uses this ASUS ROG tablet due to the graphics card inside it and the portability.
- ULTIMATE VERSATILITY – Z13’s tablet form factor gives you the flexibility to follow your flow. Use the touchscreen with active stylus support for drawing and taking notes or attach the included keyboard for serious work and play..Bluetooth Technology : Bluetooth 5.2
- CLASS-DEFYING POWER – Just because you game on the move doesn’t mean you should sacrifice any performance. Speed through any task on the go with the Intel Core i9-13900H Processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 at 65W TGP on Windows 11.
Last update on 2023-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Rob has a very portable computer because he is also carrying an Xbox in his backpack! It is not quite as powerful as the one Allie has, but it is much lighter and thinner.
- CAREER ACCELERATING SPEED: Strivers and thrivers, this is the PC laptop for you; Accomplish your ambitions with a powerful processor that’s the latest design by Intel — ideal for fast-paced lifestyles
- THIN, LIGHT, PREMIUM DESIGN: Go ahead, live that fast-paced life — Galaxy Book3 Pro won’t slow you down; Featuring a slim, lightweight design that’s made to move with you, this powerful PC is always ready to help you pursue your ambitions
Last update on 2023-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Beryl Travel Router
We can’t live without this one. You may not know it, but there are tons of US websites that you can’t access while outside the US. The only way to get on them is to use a VPN. You could setup a VPN for every device you own, or you could do it once on this router and then just connect your devices to it. The other advantage is that not all devices can get on a VPN by themselves, such as an Xbox. But, with this router you can connect your xbox that you use to stream shows to your VPN.
It can be complicated to setup if you have to tech knowledge, but there are good video tutorials out there.
- 【DUAL-BAND WIRELESS ROUTER】Up to 867Mbps (5GHz) + 400Mbps (2.4GHz) impressive dual-band WiFi speeds. Support up to 40 wireless devices simultaneously. Tethering,Repeater Compatible.
Last update on 2023-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
E Sim Cards
We use Airalo to buy our sim cards before we get to any country. You can buy them for 1 country, a region, or the entire world. They are easy to use and cost effective. Since we started doing this, we haven’t looked back, it has been amazing.
