13 Genius Travel Products That Made My International Honeymoon Totally Stress-free — From $15

The very best honeymoons are a calming respite after the hecticness of a wedding, with relaxing days spent at a pool, beach, or spa, ideally with a good book or drink (or both). Maybe there’s an excursion or two, but the goal is to come back refreshed, de-stressed, and even deeper in love.

My partner and I took a slightly different approach, opting to celebrate our nuptials with a nonstop adventure around Thailand. After all, the eclectic destination has bustling cities, historic temples, lush national forests, picturesque beaches — and as first-timers, we wanted to see as much of it as we could. Our 15-day itinerary consisted of eight flights, seven hotels, five boat rides, and countless taxis. What could possibly go wrong? 

Thankfully, what could have been a chaotic experience was ultimately one of the best trips of our lives. I think one reason for that was our very intentional planning and packing strategy. Here are 13 products that made our action-packed honeymoon run smoothly and largely stress-free. 

Space-saving Carry-ons 

Nomatic Carry-On Classic

When you're going on a long vacation to a single destination, you can afford to haul a hefty checked bag with you. But when your trip has multiple connecting flights to move you around the country, being able to travel carry-on-only is a godsend. This brilliantly designed roller bag was durable and tough, yet easy to glide around crowded terminals or toss into small spaces while taking boats and Tuk-Tuks. While the brand’s marketing says it holds enough for three to four days, I fit everything except my shoes and toiletries for two weeks thanks to its spacious interior and genius compression features.

COR Surf The Island Hopper Backpack 40L 

Newly updated with even more interior space, this TSA-compliant carry-on is built for travelers on the move. Its clamshell design made one-night stays a breeze, letting my husband fold out the bag like a suitcase to easily access what he needed while keeping the rest tucked in place. When used with compression packing cubes, he easily fit enough shirts, shorts, socks, underwear, accessories, and toiletries — plus his size 14 sneakers — for the entire trip. And thanks to the padded, ergonomic shoulder straps, adjustable chest strap, and new waist belt — a combination that helps distribute the weight more evenly — it was comfortable to carry even when fully stuffed.

Long-trip Essentials 

Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes

I love how organized I feel when I travel with packing cubes, but I was a skeptic when it came to styles sold as “compression.” Well, consider me a convert, because these lightweight cubes created the space-saving impact of a vacuum sealer — without any of the hassle. Simply fill the bag and zip it closed (folding works better than rolling, FYI), then use the second zipper system around the outside to help squash everything down. I’m convinced we were able to pack twice as much as we would have without them.

Conair Power Steam Travel Steamer

We moved around a lot. We also packed a lot of summer fabrics (looking at you, linen). The combination made for a lot of wrinkly clothes. Measuring a bit larger than a small travel hairdryer, this dual-voltage steamer more than earned the space it took up in my carry-on. Ready in 30 seconds with a powerful (non-spitting) steam, it made de-wrinkling a dress or shirt before dinner a breeze.

Arm & Hammer Power Sheets 

We wanted to pack as efficiently as possible, and these concentrated laundry sheets made that possible. They dissolved quickly and clump-free in cold water, and were just as effective on dirt and odors as regular detergent. Pro tip: Before you leave for your trip, cut a few sheets into smaller squares and store them in a ziplock bag. (I cut up six sheets total for our two-week trip.) That made it easy to parse out exactly what we needed — one or two squares for washing a few socks in a sink, versus six or seven when we were tackling a big batch of sweaty workout clothes in a hotel tub.

Versatile Footwear and Apparel 

ECCO Women’s Yucatan Sport Sandal

Because much of our itinerary revolved around boat travel, I knew I needed comfortable sandals that were slip-proof. But I also wanted to be able to wear them around Bangkok and the island towns. Translation: I needed something serious that also somehow looked cute. These supportive sandals were easy to pair with my flowy skirts and dresses. Their neoprene lining kept my feet free of blisters, no matter how many miles we walked, while their durable rubber outsole easily gripped wet wooden planks, slippery plastic piers, and sandy beach trails. (They even shockingly stood up to the challenge of an impromptu muddy, steep morning hike to a hidden lagoon at Rayavadee in Krabi.) With 25 color options, you’re bound to find something that works with your style.

Made+ Skiff Sneaker

Shoes feel like the toughest component of carry-on-only travel — even more so when one member of your party wears a size 14. This new USA-based footwear brand has an eye for style, comfort, and sustainability; using 100 percent recycled yarn (created from plastic bottles), the fully-knitted upper is as breathable as it is durable. With just enough cushion and a locked-in fit, this co-ed model doubles as a stylish city sneaker that can wrack up 20,000-plus steps per day and a solid trainer for quick lifts at the hotel gym. 

Chubbies Amphibious Short 

We didn’t exactly have a “chill” honeymoon. Most of our days on the islands of Thailand involved a little of everything: hopping into some kind of activity, hopping around beachy bars and restaurants, and sometimes hopping back into the ocean for a sunset dip. These ultra-functional shorts were the perfect partner in crime. The four-way stretch and quick-drying fabric made them comfortable for any land or water activity, while the heathered, matte finish read more chino than athletic.

Pang Wangle Essential Wrap 

Out of all the apparel I packed, this super-soft, lightweight wap may have been the MVP. Made from recycled cotton and Tencel, the breathable and moisture-wicking fabric was far from heavy in tropical temps. Measuring 6 feet long, I used it every single day in multiple ways, from full-coverage wrap on chilly flights and breezy boat rides (or when my shoulders had gotten too much sun) to a simple sarong and beach blanket. Bonus: This one is woven with an odorless, EPA-approved insect repellent to keep mosquitos, ticks, and flies from bugging you — and yes, it really does work.

Game-changing Travel Accessories 

Chums Waterproof Splash Bag 

If your destination is dusty, sandy, near water, or calling for rain, this waterproof pouch is clutch. The lock-tight closure keeps your valuables untouched and unscathed, while the clear touchscreen-friendly case lets you access and operate whatever you need without removing it from the pouch. I opted for the smaller size that was a perfect fit for my phone; it helped me capture crystal-clear videos on a rainy boat tour through Khao Sok National Park and schools of fish while snorkeling off Hong Island.

Costa Del Mar Piper Aviator Sunglasses 

Heading somewhere sunny or tropical? These are a great all-in-one solution. These aviators are a timeless style that pair well with poolside cocktails and sunset dinners, yet their look is far from their best asset. Made with super-lightweight (and strong-as-steel) Titanium, the rose-gold frames are built to stay in place during all your active adventures, while the ultra scratch-resistant glass lenses deliver sharp clarity, heightened contrast, and 100 percent UV protection.

Lo & Sons Waverly 2 Purse

With its two-part adjustable strap, I totally underestimated the value of this chic convertible bag, which can be worn as a crossbody, shoulder bag, belt bag, or wristlet. With room for daily essentials (phone, charge bank, cards, cash, lip gloss, sunscreen stick), the versatility and ability to carry it from day to night made it the only purse I needed — from walking around busy Bangkok streets and packed airport terminals, to dressy date-night dinners on the beach at night. 

SeaLine Skylake Dry Pack 

Over the course of two weeks, we accumulated some extra stuff — extra water (you want to stick with bottled versus tap in Thailand), snacks, and a celebratory bottle of bubbly — to take from one destination to the next. This 18-liter waterproof day pack made it easy to expand the amount of things we had with us (plus making essentials like our PackTowl and playing cards easy to access) while keeping it all protected no matter how we traveled. It was the perfect companion for long days exploring the islands and took up next to no space in our carry-on when it was time to stash it away.

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