Dan Christian's Top 5 Travel Essentials I Never Leave Home Without
After hundreds of flights, countless hotel stays, and enough time zones to completely confuse my body clock, I've learned that great travel isn't just about where you go—it's about what you bring with you.
People often ask me what travel products I actually use versus what gets marketed to frequent travelers. So I thought I'd share my personal list of five travel essentials I never leave home without.
These aren't sponsored recommendations, and I don't receive royalties from any of these brands. They're simply products that have genuinely improved my travel experience.
#5 Emirates First Class Pajamas
You don't need to fly Emirates First Class to enjoy one of the best sleep products in travel.
Emirates makes its famous First Class pajamas available for purchase online, and they have become one of my favorite travel items. They're incredibly comfortable, but what makes them unique is the special moisturizing technology built directly into the fabric.
Combined with the soft material and premium fit, they're perfect for long-haul flights, hotel stays, and even recovering after crossing multiple time zones.
If sleep is your superpower while traveling, these are worth considering.
#4 Heys Smart Luggage
I've been a fan of Heys luggage for years, but their smart luggage features have taken things to another level. The ability to track your luggage location, monitor proximity, weigh your bag before check-in, and lock everything through a connected app provides a level of confidence every traveler appreciates.
We've all had those moments wondering where our bag is. Smart luggage won't solve every problem, but it certainly reduces the stress. For frequent travelers, this technology is becoming increasingly valuable.
#3 Timeshifter App
If you're crossing multiple time zones regularly, this may be the single most underrated travel tool available.
Timeshifter uses science-backed recommendations to help manage your circadian rhythm before, during, and after travel. It tells you when to seek light, avoid light, sleep, nap, and consume caffeine to minimize jet lag.
I've used it extensively on international trips and can honestly say it helps me arrive ready to perform rather than spending the first two days recovering.
Whether you're traveling for business, speaking engagements, conferences, or simply maximizing vacation time, Timeshifter can make a huge difference.
#2 Travel Trends Portable Battery Charger
Let's be honest. Your phone is your boarding pass, hotel key, navigation system, camera, communication device, translator, entertainment center, and increasingly your wallet.
Running out of battery while traveling is simply not an option.
That's why I never leave without a reliable portable battery charger. And why we created a Travel Trends Podcast charger which has become my go-to because it's super compact and dependable.
#1 Therabody SmartGoggles
This is my undisputed number one travel recommendation.
The Therabody SmartGoggles are a complete game changer. Imagine combining a blackout mask, heat therapy, massage therapy, and smart wellness technology into one device.
You put them on, select your preferred program (sleep, nap, headache), and within minutes you can feel your body begin to relax.
The combination of gentle massage, soothing heat, and total blackout creates an incredible experience whether you're trying to sleep on a flight, recover in a hotel room, or simply reset between meetings.
I've recommended them to numerous friends and colleagues, and the feedback is always the same: "Why didn't you tell me about these sooner?" Hence this list :)
And while it doesn’t need to be the official Top 5 list, there's one thing every frequent traveler should prioritize: Your airline and hotel loyalty status. The upgrades, lounge access, priority service, bonus miles, and travel perks can dramatically improve your travel experience over time. Start now if you haven’t already so you don't leave points, miles, or status opportunities on the table.
Hope my personal Top 5 travel essentials are helpful for you. Here’s that rundown.
✔️ Emirates First Class Pajamas
✔️ Heys Smart Luggage
✔️ Timeshifter App
✔️ Travel Trends Portable Battery Charger
✔️ Therabody SmartGoggles
I hope these recommendations help improve your next journey.
Safe travels,
Dan Christian
Host, Travel Trends Podcast