Useful travel tools

I’ve created a list of items that I usually bring with me when I travel. I currently have and use all of these items.

Schwab Bank Investor Checking
When using ATMs around the world, you’ll be hit with fees. These fees can add up quickly to more than $50 per trip. The Schwab checking account is a great solution since it has no foreign transaction fees and no ATM fees. When you open a Schwab checking account, you will also get a brokerage account, but it has no fees, and you don’t need to use it.
I opened my Schwab checking account more than a decade ago and eventually started using the brokerage account too. I always carry my Schwab debit card with me.

TripIt
Great app for organizing trips. It will search your email for flight tickets, restaurant reservations, lodging, and car bookings. I have only used the free version, and I find it very useful to manage my trips. If I ever use the paid version, I’ll do a review, but I can definitely recommend the free version.

Atomizer
These have been fantastic for bringing my favorite perfumes in a much smaller container. They save lots of space.

Bombas
I get that during a long flight you want to take off your shoes to be comfortable. Some even go barefoot (please don’t). I always travel with my Bombas and put them on to fly comfortably without upsetting anyone.

Travel Monitor
In case you need to bring your office with you. I’ve brought for longer trips to work remotely.

Kindle
I’m always reading something, and I love books. However, some of our favorite books can be very heavy and voluminous. I usually bring my Kindle when my luggage space is limited.

Rocketbook
A reusable notebook that saves space and paper.

Noise Canceling Headphones
I have two travel headphones. My Bose Earbuds are compact and have amazing Noise-Canceling technology; these are great for work and short trips to save space.
I also have the Beats Studio3; they are very comfortable and connect great with Apple products but definitely take more space.

Audible
I download a good book or podcast before my flight and have a few hours of great content.

International Credit Cards
My favorite travel credit cards are Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and American Express Platinum (Personal and Business).

Carry-on luggage
I’ve had a Samsonite Hardside for five years now. I’ve traveled the world with it and never had a problem bringing it to the cabin.

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