The Fighting Couple gets asked a lot, “What products do you guys like to travel with?” So we put this post together to give you a peek inside our travel bags and see first hand some of our favorite things. Traveling as a couple, it is critical to travel with the right gear. Being prepared can take a lot of the stress and worry out of the trip. More importantly, having a little style as you travel will make the experience all the more rewarding. So lets open the bags and show you our faves!
Mint and Pink Travel Case from Marble Hill Design Studio
A Girl’s Best Friend
They say that makeup bags come in all sizes and shapes. We have not found this to be the case. Either you have a super jumbo full on makeup “trunk,” or a mini compact holder that fits a stick of lipstick and a small brush. We have finally found the solution, the Marble Hill Studio’s handmade “Mint and Pink Women’s Cosmetic Travel Bag.” The bag’s ample size 10″ x 4′ x 6″, allows me to take all of my “girl gear” for a weekend or week-long with ease. I can even fit my handy propane curling iron in it. (Yes they make them. And yes I love it.) The mint color doesn’t come through well on pictures, but it is gorgeous with the pink bow in person. Who doesn’t want a bag engraved with your name and topped with a cute bow. Can you say, “Adorable?” (As tested: Women’s Cosmetic Travel Bag Price: from $60.00)
Saved by the Strap
Lovely camera straps from Capturing Couture
The great inventor Henry Ford once said of his automobiles, “You can have any color you like as long as it is black.” This adage also seems to apply to today’s DSLR cameras. So what do you do to personalize and spice it up a bit? Our friends at Capturing Couture offer the perfect solution. You are going to love this one….. They offer a great collection of colorful and creative camera straps to fit just about any style or taste. The Fighting Couple’s choice? The Harmony of course!
The Capturing Couture camera strap is a good mix between beauty and brawn. Take the snaps for example…where two rivets to the webbing would be ample, they put three. Where some straps put lining on the shoulder straps, this one has lining and padding. This is especially nice on those long days of sightseeing. The Harmony style is a great option for traveling couples. The colors are not too out there as to scare Mike away from packing the camera. Our only concern is how long the beauty will hold up under pressure of Amazon mud or Thai seaweed…stay tuned. (As tested: Harmony 2” camera strap starting at $39).
The Travel Jewelry Dilemma
We are longtime fans of Keli’s Kreations. I have taken Kelli with us to three continents now, and she hasn’t let me done once. So what makes Keli so wonderful? Problem: every time you pack necklaces and bracelets, they always end up in one knotted mess by the time you arrive in country, or worse, they break. Can I get an amen ladies? That’s where Keli comes to the rescue. Her diva collection organizes and protects your bling. Your Keli will fit nicely into your carry on even in your purse. Your necklaces will be protected and you won’t lose one earring. Pick the style and color you like best and never worry about the jewelry dilemma again. Luci swears by this and she travels a lot and wants to look her best. What’s worse than forgetting your jewelry to go with the power suit: Having it break because you packed it in flimsy plastic sandwich bags. Get a Keli! (As tested: Diva Lite Price: from $33.00)
Leather Travel Pouch from Nomad Travel gear.com
Shave in Style
We love international travel items that hold up well under pressure, that said, we are definitely not the scruffy backpacking types. One of my (Mike) fave items to travel with is my Nomad Travel Gear shaving bag. This is one item that I use on every trip, overnight business trip? Yes. Extended Europe vacation? It’s a must have. Don’t let the subtle exterior fool you, this is one tough character. I do like the touch of class with the light tan leather, red accents and heavy-duty brass zipper. Very refined. I do worry about the lack of lining over time. I will keep you posted on how it holds up. (As tested: Leather Pouch Price: from $85.00)
The Luggage Workhorse
The Delsey Helium 4.0
Besides our carry-on luggage, we have two primary bags in our travel luggage fleet. One is this heavy industrial grade plastic hard side aka “Ole Ironsides.” Empty, it weighs roughly the same as a WWII era battleship. Due to weight conscious airlines, all we can pack inside is a pair of socks….just kidding…but pretty close. Bag number two is much lighter, but is a little like a Hollywood starlet….cute, but going to pieces at a very young age. But now we have found the ultimate and our quest for the perfect bag ended with the Delsey Helium Breeze 4.0. Sounds high-tech? Well it is. The case is crafted from bullet proof ballistic grade nylon. It generous size 18” x 28” x 11” and ample pockets make it the new admiral of the fleet.
What we love about the Helium is the little extras that go a long way. The bag includes a built in over weight indicator. Isn’t that cool? It’s a little handle that comes out and tells you if you are over 50 lbs. Don’t get us wrong, we always look for a reason to fight…but over-packing and paying a hefty fee shouldn’t be the reason. (Fight over which Michelangelo is better or who has the better Pad Thai, Bangkok or Phuket.) The other nice surprise with the Helium is the “Easy access” compartment. It is located at the bottom of the bag and allows for easy entry for those damp cloths or shoes. It keeps them separated from the rest of your clothes! Genius! (As tested: Delsey Helium Breeze 4.0 Price: from $179.00)
Just so you know, some companies featured in this post were kind enough to provide samples for us to review. Does this affect our love of these products? Nope. Not one bit. Our opinions are our own. Lets go travel!
We are Mike and Luci.