Shop Our Site
Books and Travel Gear
This page contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. All products featured are items I personally use or recommend.
If you click through to Amazon from this page, I may earn a small commission on any qualifying purchases you make during that visit—whether it’s the item I shared or something else you find.
Using these links helps support my blog and allows me to keep it ad-free. I truly appreciate your support!
Our #1 recommendation: a snorkeling swim buoy dry bag that keeps valuables dry, provides a float when you need a rest, helps boats see you, and makes it easy to spot your loved ones in the water.
Learned this the hard way: not all snorkel gear is created equal. Skip the pool-aisle masks and choose a tempered glass snorkel mask for crystal-clear, fog-free views. We bring our own set on every island trip, and this Cressi snorkel set is our family favorite for comfort, quality, and reliability.
No fancy underwater camera needed. I take the majority of my snorkeling photos and videos with my phone. These Seawag cases have not failed us yet. View color options here.
Our favorite space-saving float rolls up small and fits easily in a suitcase. It sits low in the water so it’s great for relaxing and snorkeling. This 4-in-1 Hammock float we purchased from Amazon rolls up to the size of a paper towel roll and is perfect for the pool or calm Caribbean sea.
A compact, portable carbon monoxide detector designed for peace of mind while traveling or at home. Easy to pack, simple to use, and ideal for hotels, vacation rentals, RVs, and boats—because safety should always come with you.
When using your phone isn’t practical—like during rafting trips or scuba diving—we rely on our fully waterproof GoPro cameras. This ultra-compact camera makes it easy to capture high-quality photos and videos without the stress, thanks to built-in image stabilization.
I love the hard carrying case I purchased separately for travel day protection. For extra peace of mind, you can add a waterproof case, lens filters, and a floatable handle. We also recommend the all-in-one accessory kit (not pictured), which includes mounts, straps, stands, anti-fog inserts, and just about everything you could need for capturing your outdoor adventures.
After years of searching, this is the first reef safe sunscreen I’ve used that truly holds up in intense tropical heat—without compromising on ingredients. I tested it in Costa Rica in 95° sun, and it stayed effective through long days of swimming, exploring, and being on the water. Order your reef safe sunblock here.
Learn “the power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking”. Discover the advantages of being an introvert and your unique gifts you bring to the world. Click the image above to purchase the book on Amazon, or buy the audiobook in Audible here.
Shoes are always one of the heaviest things to pack, which is why I keep coming back to these Teva wedge sandals. I’ve repurchased them multiple times over the years because they’re incredibly lightweight and so versatile.
They’re perfect for the pool or beach, but stylish enough to pair with a sundress for dinner. I especially love the wedge design—it offers a little extra support, helps with posture, and keeps my back happy even after long days of walking around the resort.
*Note: These are recommended for narrow feet.
Keep the bugs away—naturally.
This organic, travel-size bug spray was our go-to in Costa Rica, from the depths of the rainforest to beach sunsets. When mosquitoes and no-see-ums came out in full force at dusk, this little bottle held its own—no harsh chemicals, just effective, plant-based protection.
And the bonus? It smells amazing. On a rainforest hike, the couple behind us kept trying to figure out where the fresh, familiar scent was coming from—thinking it was the surrounding plants. It was this!
Locally made here in Union, Maine, we never travel without these apple cider vinegar tonics. Helps with the digestive issues that arise while traveling. Our favorite flavor is this Elderberry tonic that also supports the immune system. Click the image above to view all Herbal Revolution products on Amazon or order the Elderberry here.
This breathable mesh bag carries all 3 of our snorkel sets, 2 hammock floats, and 2 dry bag buoys with room to spare! We bring this with us on beach days and on every snorkel tour.
This is one of my favorite Caribbean travel hacks, especially for island driving, planes and boat days. I avoid medications like Dramamine due to side effects, so I rely on these acupressure wristbands.
I was so excited to find this dry bag purse! It is big enough to carry your phone, keys, money and sunblock, but small enough to carry as a purse. This item has saved the day on catamaran trips when we needed to swim to shore. See all the fun color options here on Amazon.
Our phones are our lifelines when we travel. Taking lots of pictures and videos while on excursions can drain your battery quicker than you are used to. For on the go charging, I bring my power bank everywhere. Check it out here.
Learn how to make gratitude a daily practice in your life. This book is also a wonderful audiobook to listen to at night or while driving. Click the image above to order the book, or click here to view the audiobook that is available through Amazon Audible.
Ah yes, I’ve reached that middle age stage of life where I need glasses to read. As I struggled with glare from the sun while sitting on the beach with a book, it finally dawned on me to search for reading sunglasses! This 4-pack of sunglass readers includes multiple magnification and color options. They have quickly become a must-pack for every trip!
No frills here, just a quality lightweight backpack. I’ve tried the fancy travel bag packs in the past and found them to be heavy and over-designed. Our whole family uses these simple Adidas backpacks every trip!
Book the Trip!
Browse our Expedia Shop for Our Hotel Recommendations. Click here!
