Published 30th Mar. 2026
Written by Tom Barber
Reading time
Whether you’re heading off-grid, diving beneath the waves or spending a few days spotting wildlife in the savannah, the right kit can make all the difference. To help you get inspired, we’ve asked our specialists to share the gear they never go on a trip without, from practical essentials road-tested around the world to little comforts that simply make life on the go more enjoyable. Are you planning your next adventure and wondering what to pack? Read on for inspiration on what to stuff in your suitcase…
‘My Vivo Barefoot Trackers are the best – incredibly lightweight with thin soles that let you feel connected to the ground but comfortable. Perfect for everything from long hikes in Yellowstone to strolls along the cobbled streets of Prague, these boots are built for wherever the road takes you. Every scuff tells a story.’
Image by Nick Andrews
‘My lightweight stainless-steel Bambaw water bottle has rattled around rickshaws and even travelled by yak on my trek around Mount Kailash in Tibet, and it’s still going strong. I’d take it over any travel companion – it keeps me hydrated in every climate.’
‘While I’m away, I jot down the date, location and highlights from each day in my Waterstone’s vegan-leather notebook. It’s a lovely way to remember the small details from a trip. For anyone who loves to capture memories beyond photos, a notebook like this can become a travel keepsake you return to again and again.’
Image by Nick Andrews
‘Travelling with two sporty young sons makes a Waboba ball a packing-list essential. It bounces off water for daring, diving catches, keeping the youngsters entertained and active wherever you are. Top tip: always take two – one inevitably disappears.’
‘I always buy Mares masks. The shape gives a wide field of view, and a perfectly fitted mask is the single most important piece of dive kit you’ll ever own – it can completely change your experience, whether you’re exploring coral reefs in the Maldives or wrecks in the Red Sea.’
Image by Nick Andrews
‘This trusty carabiner has summited the highest peaks on three continents – Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Elbrus in Russia and Aconcagua in Argentina – and made it to the Everest Base Camp for good measure. Small but mighty, it’s proof that sometimes the simplest gear is the stuff you end up depending on the most.’
‘I often venture well beyond mobile coverage, and I’ve used my Garmin to check maps at 18,000ft in the Himalayas and send messages from a dive boat 550 miles off Costa Rica. Nothing says adventure quite like texting from the middle of nowhere.’
Image by Nick Andrews
‘My lanyard means I can slip my phone in my pocket. It once proved its worth when someone tried to snatch my phone – only to discover it was firmly attached to me! It’s so lightweight you won’t even notice it in your suitcase or backpack, and yet it can save you from stressful moments (and maybe even a few embarrassing chases).’
‘I know, I know – phone cameras are brilliant now – but the Canon PowerShot G16 is a classic. A proper camera that easily slips into a jacket pocket and takes beautifully crisp photos. Investing in a good camera is a bit like investing in memories – even better if you print them out, stick them in a scrapbook and reminisce on your adventures away from a screen.’
Image y Nick Andrews
‘A kikoy (a traditional East African sarong) is the ultimate travel companion: skirt, scarf, head or face covering, nightwear, makeshift towel, an extra layer on a chilly morning safari drive or even an impromptu picnic blanket when you want to stop and soak in the view. I get mine from Kenya Kanga Collection.’
Header Image by Nick Andrews
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
Introducing travel heroes: individuals who inspire us with their innovation, dedication and creativity within the travel industry. These are people who embody the Original Travel mission and values in their work and who deserve a moment in the spotlight. Developed from our Original Traveller feature, read on as we celebrate our favourite global champions of sustainability, cultural heritage and conservation.
20th April 2026 - Travel Inspiration
Seeing great art remains one of travel’s most rewarding pursuits. Sure, the classics – Paris, New York, Madrid, Amsterdam – will always dazzle, but for true connoisseurs, the real thrill is discovering something a little more off the beaten track. Luckily, we’ve mapped out an atlas of alternative destinations that deserve a place on every culture-curious traveller’s itinerary: from art-dotted islands in Japan’s Inland Sea and a minimalist mecca hidden in the Texan desert all the way to Cape Town, where contemporary African art blooms between galleries and vineyards.
13th April 2026 - Travel Inspiration
With a rich blend of ancient traditions, pop culture and ultra-modern cities, a getaway to Japan or South Korea often becomes something more. Suddenly, you’re not just a visitor, you’re part of the fan club. These are destinations people fall for quickly and return to often, finding new favourites with every trip. From the neon lights of Tokyo to the sizzling barbecues of Seoul, the real question isn’t which is better, but which do you visit first?
6th April 2026 - Travel Inspiration
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
