I Traveled Abroad For Four Months — Here Are Products That Helped Me Get By

So many unexpected gems!

Hi! My name is Arielle, and I am currently doing a program called Remote Year. That means I'm working remote while traveling abroad, writing about all the cool places I see in Latin America.

Arielle Calderon

I traveled for four months, and packed everything in one medium suitcase and a backpack. Here are some travel essentials I recommend for long trips.

1. Away Medium Luggage

Arielle Calderon

I own two Away bags and I LOVE them both (I even wrote about it on BuzzFeed)! For my four months of travel, I purchased the medium size. It fits a surprising number of items and I never go over the weight limit when checking my bag. It also comes with a laundry bag which has been an essential while living abroad for so long. Overall it's just very easy to organize my things and I'm so happy with my purchase.

Get it from Away for $275.

2. Weekender Backpack

Facebook: eBags

Ok, this weekend backpack is AMAZING. I use it for all my side trips now, and have been able to pack for 10 days with it. There are lots of pockets, a back section for a laptop, an ejectable bottle holder, and the ability to lock the zippers. It's actually unreal how much this thing can fit.

Get it from eBags for $129.99.

3. Packing Cubes

Arielle Calderon

I really didn't think I would find these so useful, but they are a game-changer! I had more room in my suitcase when I actually used the packing cubes and it was easy to organize by category. I didn't need them for clothes, but I used them for shoes and loose items.

Get the 5-piece set from Amazon for $44.99.

4. Woodulisten Speaker

Arielle Calderon

If you're traveling for an extended period of time, I cannot express how amazing having a portable speaker is! Whether it's listening to music in the shower, jamming to the Top 40 while getting dressed, or needing tunes for a house party, a speaker is necessary. I love this Woodulisten speaker because it's so small, but surprisingly loud.

Get it from Amazon for $39.99.

5. Mophie Charger

amazon.com

When you're working remote and traveling on the road for so long, you're bound to run out of juice. Mophie sells a range of chargers, but the bigger it is, the more charges you get out of it. As a person who constantly uses her phone for work, I found an external charger to be essential on an everyday basis.

Get an XL Rose Gold charger from Amazon for $55.99.

6. Google Chromecast

Arielle Calderon

When you're traveling for an extended period of time, you want to believe that you'll be so wrapped up in exploring and consuming the local culture that you won't watch TV. But you know what? Sometimes you just need a night in to watch Netflix. And that is why I am so happy I bought a Google Chromecast! You just plug it into the wall and the HDMI into the TV, and bam! One of the best purchases I've made for this trip.

Get it from Amazon for $35.

7. Kindle Paperwhite E-reader

Arielle Calderon

If you've only got so much room in your luggage, it's impractical to take up space and weight with a ton of books. That's why I love my Kindle. I can download books any time I want, and the battery lasts a long time. No, it doesn't have the same feeling as reading a physical book, but convenience wins this round.

Get it from Amazon for $99.99.

8. PopSocket

Arielle Calderon

I know this seems like a strange product to recommend for travel, but I swear this thing helps! I take lots of photos over mountains, on cliffs, and in bars with drunk people. Having the extra security of gripping my phone makes me feel safer and less likely to drop it in unfortunate circumstances.

Get a 6-pack from Amazon for $9.90.

9. Waterproof Cell Phone Pouch

amazon.com

I actually forgot this at home and have been kicking myself for not bringing it. BUT I did use this when I went to Hawaii and it was great. You can put your cell in the pouch, lock it up, and it will be protected from water. Obviously I wouldn't recommend bringing the whole thing directly into the ocean just in case, but it's good if you're on a boat and don't want to risk getting your phone wet.

Get it from Amazon for $6.36.

10. Gel Neck Pillow

amazon.com

Travel pillows can be super hit-or-miss, especially depending on each individual and their preference of comfort. I personally find this gel one to be nice because it's meant to be more cooling than a normal travel pillow. I'm still open to trying new ones if anyone has suggestions, but for now, this is a keeper.

Get it from Amazon for $15.25.

11. Collapsable Water Bottle

amazon.com

Is this water bottle kind of awkward to drink out of? Yeah. But it packs easily, it's super light, and it still functions like a water bottle. In the countries with non-drinkable tap, my roommates and I usually buy a gigantic 5L water and then fill up our bottles with it.

Get it from Amazon for $11.95.

12. Muscle Massage Roller

amazon.com

Whether I'm going for a run, or taking a spin class, or hiking a mountain, my muscles get tight and need some relief. This massage roller fits well in any suitcase and doesn't take up a lot of room. If you plan to be active on any extended travel, I recommend getting this!

Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

13. Spiky Massage Ball

amazon.com

Similar to the massage roller, I also swear by this spiky massage ball. I myself have plantar fasciitis, so this really helps my foot feel better. You can also use it for back relief, shoulder relief, etc.

Get it from Amazon for $5.91.

14. Portable Mini Fan

Arielle Calderon

People straight up LAUGH whenever I whip this out of my purse, but they're pretty jealous when it's hot AF outside and I'm cooled down. If you're going to be in a warmer environment, I 100% recommend you invest in a portable mini fan. You can charge it with a wall charger and it's not heavy. Being comfortable is worth the stares TBH!

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

Arielle Calderon is a writer temporarily based in Latin America participating in Remote Year. Read all her Remote Year adventures on BuzzFeed.