My Travel Gear (Updated 2026)

What is my travel gear and other essentials right now—and what has changed radically since my last updates?

Instead of updating my old travel gear blog post from 2018, I’ve overhauled this guide to reflect my current setup. Most of my gear has changed significantly as I’ve streamlined for better performance and value.

Every product shown below is essential to my travels, especially for my frequent trips between Europe, the USA, and Thailand.

Disclaimer: I am not sponsored or paid by any of the brands mentioned below. I have bought everything with my own money.

What stayed and what changed?

While I still stick to certain brands like Google, Aer, and Amazon (Kindle), the specific devices have all been upgraded to their latest iterations. The biggest shift has been moving away from the Micro Four Thirds camera system to Full Frame, and swapping the Apple iPad for a high-end Samsung tablet.

Photos and videos

Sony A7IV + Sigma Lenses

I have moved on from the Micro Four Thirds system. My primary setup is now the Sony A7IV. It offers incredible dynamic range and autofocus performance. I pair it with a few select Sigma lenses, which provide the perfect balance of sharpness and build quality without the extreme price tag of native G-Master glass.

Google Pixel 9 Pro

I continue to believe Google makes the best smartphones for travelers. The Pixel 9 Pro is my daily driver. The AI features and the consistency of the camera, especially for quick architectural shots in Helsinki or street food in Bangkok, keep me in the Pixel ecosystem.

Entertainment & Productivity

Samsung Galaxy Tab 11 Ultra

I have officially replaced my iPad with an Android alternative. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 11 Ultra is a productivity beast. Its massive, vivid screen is perfect for watching movies in business class or getting work done when I don’t want to pull out a laptop.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (Latest Model)

The Kindle is the one constant in my bag. I am now using the newest Paperwhite. It remains the best way to read during long-haul flights thanks to the warm light adjustment and the e-ink screen that is easy on the eyes.

Nothing Ear(3) Headphones

I’ve swapped my older noise-canceling sets for the Nothing Ear(3). While they might not be the absolute market leaders in ANC, they offer incredible value for money, a unique design, and great sound quality in a very pocketable case.

Other travel essentials

Aer Travel Pack 3

My bag of choice is now the Aer Travel Pack 3. It’s the gold standard for one-bag travel. The organization is top-notch, and it fits perfectly in overhead bins while still being comfortable to carry through massive US airports.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7

Replacing my old fitness trackers, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 handles all my health tracking and notifications. It integrates perfectly with my Pixel and Tablet.

Cards & Finance

Managing money across Europe, the US, and Thailand requires flexibility. I’ve moved toward more fintech-focused solutions for better exchange rates and lower fees.

• Wise Card: Essential for holding and spending multiple currencies (USD, THB, EUR) without getting hit by massive bank markups.
• Curve Black: This allows me to carry one physical card but switch between different underlying accounts. It’s a great way to manage spend and add an extra layer of security.

Your travel gear?

What are your most trusted travel essentials for 2026? Let me know in the comments below!