travel essentials nsa

The Imposition Of Travel Restrictions On Nsa Employees: A Closer Look

• Last updated Oct 01, 2023
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category United States

In an era where cybersecurity is paramount and data breaches can have far-reaching consequences, it's hardly surprising that government agencies like the National Security Agency (NSA) are taking extra precautions. One such measure is the implementation of strict employee travel restrictions. These restrictions serve to safeguard sensitive information and protect national security interests. While they may inconvenience employees, they underscore the seriousness with which the NSA takes their duty to protect classified information. Join us as we delve into the world of NSA employee travel restrictions and uncover why these measures are essential in an increasingly interconnected world.

What You'll Learn

What are the current travel restrictions for nsa employees, how do these travel restrictions impact the work and operations of the nsa, are there any exceptions or exemptions to these travel restrictions for certain types of employees or situations, are there any measures in place to ensure compliance with these travel restrictions, have the travel restrictions been effective in achieving their intended objectives and protecting national security.

As an employee of the National Security Agency (NSA), it is important to stay up to date on the current travel restrictions in place. These restrictions are implemented to ensure the safety and security of NSA employees and the overall mission of the agency.

The current travel restrictions for NSA employees are put in place to mitigate any potential risks or threats to national security. These restrictions may vary depending on the nature of the travel and the destination. NSA employees must adhere to both domestic and international travel guidelines.

Domestic travel restrictions within the United States may be imposed in areas where there is an increased level of security concern. This can include travel to certain cities or regions where there may be a higher risk of terrorist activity or other threats. NSA employees must obtain proper authorization and clearance before traveling to these restricted areas.

International travel restrictions are even more stringent, as they involve crossing borders and potentially entering areas with different laws and security protocols. NSA employees must follow the guidelines set forth by the Department of State and other relevant agencies. This may include obtaining proper visas and travel documentation, as well as receiving security briefings before departure. In some cases, travel to certain countries or regions may be completely prohibited due to ongoing conflicts or high levels of security risk.

It is important for NSA employees to understand and comply with these travel restrictions to ensure their own safety and the successful execution of their duties. Failure to adhere to these guidelines can result in disciplinary action and potential harm to national security.

To illustrate the impact of travel restrictions, consider the following example: An NSA employee who is assigned to a sensitive intelligence mission may be required to travel to a certain city within the United States. However, if that city is currently experiencing a high level of security concern due to a potential terrorist threat, the employee may be restricted from traveling to that location until the threat is mitigated. In this case, the travel restriction is necessary to protect the employee and prevent any compromise of sensitive information.

In conclusion, the current travel restrictions for NSA employees are in place to safeguard national security and the well-being of employees. These restrictions may involve limitations on both domestic and international travel, and failure to comply with them can have serious consequences. It is essential for NSA employees to stay informed and follow the guidelines set forth by the agency and relevant government entities. By doing so, they can contribute to the overall mission of the NSA and ensure the protection of critical information.

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Travel restrictions have become a common measure implemented by governments around the world in an effort to contain the spread of infectious diseases. These restrictions have had a significant impact on various aspects of society, including the work and operations of the National Security Agency (NSA). The NSA, like many other organizations, relies heavily on international travel for its operations and the exchange of intelligence with foreign partners. The restrictions imposed on travel have disrupted these activities and presented new challenges for the agency to overcome.

One of the primary ways travel restrictions impact the NSA is by limiting the ability of its personnel to engage in face-to-face meetings and collaborations with foreign partners. The agency often depends on in-person meetings to exchange sensitive information, coordinate operations, and build trusting relationships with its counterparts in other countries. These restrictions have forced the NSA to rely more heavily on virtual communication tools to maintain these relationships, which can present cybersecurity risks and reduce the effectiveness of their collaborations.

Another significant impact of travel restrictions on the NSA is the disruption of traditional intelligence gathering methods. Agents and analysts often travel to foreign countries to gather intelligence firsthand, conduct surveillance operations, and build networks of informants. The inability to travel has hindered these activities and forced the NSA to develop alternative methods to gather information. This can include increased reliance on signals intelligence, cyber espionage, and other technological means to compensate for the lack of on-the-ground presence.

Travel restrictions have also affected the training and development of NSA personnel. Many employees participate in international conferences, workshops, and training programs to enhance their skills and knowledge in various areas. These opportunities help keep the agency at the forefront of technological advancements and intelligence strategies. With restricted travel, the NSA has had to find alternative ways to provide training and development opportunities, such as virtual conferences and online courses. While these options offer some benefits, they do not fully replicate the immersive and collaborative experience of in-person events.

Additionally, travel restrictions have impacted the morale and well-being of NSA employees. International travel can be a rewarding experience, providing opportunities for personal growth and cultural exchange. The restrictions have not only limited these experiences but have also caused increased stress and uncertainty among employees. The inability to foresee when travel will be possible again creates an additional layer of complexity for agents and analysts who rely on international cooperation for their work.

To adapt to these challenges, the NSA has been actively working on finding innovative solutions. The agency has increased its investment in virtual communication technologies and has implemented stricter cybersecurity measures to mitigate the risks associated with remote collaborations. They have also been collaborating closely with foreign partners to explore new ways of sharing information and conducting joint operations without physical presence. Moreover, the NSA has been investing in research and development to enhance remote intelligence gathering capabilities, including advancements in signals intelligence and cyber espionage.

In conclusion, travel restrictions have had a significant impact on the work and operations of the NSA. The limitations on international travel have disrupted face-to-face meetings, hindered intelligence gathering, and affected training and development opportunities. However, the agency has been actively adapting to these challenges by leveraging virtual communication technologies, strengthening cybersecurity measures, and exploring new methods of collaboration with partners. The future of the NSA's operations will likely involve a combination of in-person and virtual interactions to ensure the highest level of effectiveness, while also adapting to the evolving global health landscape.

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In response to the global pandemic, many countries have implemented travel restrictions to help slow the spread of COVID-19. These restrictions vary from country to country but generally include requirements such as mandatory quarantines upon arrival, negative COVID-19 tests, and limitations on non-essential travel. However, there may be exceptions or exemptions to these travel restrictions for certain types of employees or situations.

One common exception to travel restrictions is for essential workers. Essential workers are individuals who perform critical services necessary to maintain the daily operations of a country. This can include healthcare workers, emergency responders, transportation workers, and other essential personnel. These workers are often exempt from travel restrictions and may be required to show proof of their essential worker status in order to travel.

Additionally, some countries may have exemptions in place for individuals who need to travel for compassionate reasons. This could include situations such as a death in the family, a medical emergency, or to provide support for a loved one. In these cases, individuals may be able to apply for a compassionate exemption to travel restrictions.

Furthermore, countries may have specific travel corridors or bubbles in place for certain regions or countries with low COVID-19 case numbers. These travel corridors allow for easier travel between designated countries or regions and often come with fewer restrictions. For example, Australia and New Zealand have established a travel bubble, allowing residents of both countries to travel between the two without needing to quarantine.

It's important to note that these exceptions and exemptions can vary widely between countries. It's crucial for individuals to research and understand the specific travel restrictions and exemptions in place for their intended destination before making any travel plans.

To navigate these travel restrictions and exemptions, it's recommended to follow a step-by-step process:

• Research: Begin by researching the travel restrictions in place for your desired destination. Check official government websites and consult with travel advisors or agencies for the most up-to-date information.
• Identify essential worker status: If you believe you qualify as an essential worker, gather the necessary documentation to prove your essential worker status. This may include letters from employers, professional licenses, or identification cards.
• Apply for exemptions: If you need to travel for compassionate or other exceptional reasons, find out if there is an exemption process in place. Follow the designated process and provide any required documentation or evidence to support your case.
• Seek professional advice: If you're unsure about the travel restrictions or exemptions, it's always wise to seek advice from a professional such as a travel agent or immigration lawyer. They can guide you through the process and provide expert assistance.
• Monitor travel advisories: Keep a close eye on travel advisories and updates from official sources. These can change rapidly, and it's important to stay informed about any new exemptions or restrictions that may impact your travel plans.

To illustrate these exceptions and exemptions, consider the example of a healthcare worker traveling internationally. Many countries recognize the critical role healthcare workers play in fighting the pandemic and have exempted them from certain travel restrictions. These healthcare workers may be required to show their medical licenses or employment letters as proof of their essential worker status.

In conclusion, while there are strict travel restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be exceptions and exemptions for certain types of employees or situations. Essential workers and those with compassionate reasons for travel may be eligible for these exceptions. It's essential to research and understand the specific travel restrictions and exemptions for your intended destination and follow the necessary steps to ensure compliance with the rules.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented challenges worldwide, including the need for travel restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. Numerous countries have implemented measures to restrict travel, with varying degrees of success. However, it is essential to have measures in place to ensure compliance with these travel restrictions to effectively control the spread of the virus.

One of the fundamental measures to ensure compliance with travel restrictions is the implementation of strict border control protocols. This includes screening travelers at airports, ports, and land borders for symptoms of COVID-19, as well as conducting thorough health checks. These checks often involve temperature screenings and health questionnaires to identify potential high-risk individuals. Travelers who display symptoms or have a travel history to high-risk areas may be subjected to further testing or quarantine measures.

In addition to border control measures, governments and health authorities have utilized technology to enforce travel restrictions. Many countries have set up travel tracking systems, such as electronic visa platforms or health declaration applications, which require travelers to provide detailed information about their travel history and health status. These systems allow authorities to monitor and track the movements of individuals, ensuring that they comply with the travel restrictions in place.

Furthermore, governments have implemented strict penalties and fines for non-compliance with travel restrictions. These penalties act as a deterrent and encourage individuals to adhere to the guidelines set forth by health authorities. For example, travelers who fail to comply with mandatory quarantine measures may face hefty fines or even imprisonment. By imposing severe consequences for non-compliance, authorities aim to create a sense of accountability and responsibility among individuals.

Education and public awareness campaigns also play a vital role in ensuring compliance with travel restrictions. Governments and health authorities have utilized various platforms, including social media, television, and radio, to convey critical information about travel restrictions, their rationale, and the importance of adherence. These campaigns emphasize the role that individuals play in preventing the spread of the virus and highlight the potential consequences of non-compliance. By educating the public, authorities hope to garner public support and cooperation in complying with travel restrictions.

Finally, international collaborations and coordination among countries are crucial in enforcing travel restrictions. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other global health bodies have been instrumental in facilitating communication and coordination between countries. Sharing information and best practices helps countries learn from each other's experiences and strengthens their ability to enforce travel restrictions effectively. Cooperation also allows for the implementation of uniform measures and protocols across borders, ensuring a cohesive and coordinated approach to travel restrictions.

While these measures are essential in ensuring compliance with travel restrictions, it is vital to recognize that no system is foolproof. Compliance ultimately depends on individuals' willingness to adhere to the guidelines and regulations set forth by authorities. Therefore, fostering a sense of responsibility, empathy, and understanding within the population is crucial. Only through collective effort and cooperation can we effectively control the spread of the virus and mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

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Travel restrictions have become a common strategy employed by governments worldwide to protect national security and achieve specific objectives. However, their effectiveness in achieving these objectives is not always clear-cut and may vary depending on various factors such as the context, implementation, and compliance.

Firstly, it is important to establish the objectives of travel restrictions. These policies are typically implemented to mitigate potential threats to national security, protect public health, or regulate the inflow of people to manage resources or ensure economic stability. Whether they achieve these objectives depends on various factors.

One essential factor is the context in which the travel restrictions are implemented. In response to a specific security threat, such as terrorism, travel restrictions can be effective in preventing potential attackers from entering a country. For example, following the 9/11 attacks in the United States, stricter visa policies and enhanced border control measures were implemented to prevent the entry of individuals with potential links to terrorism. These measures, coupled with improved intelligence sharing, have contributed to a decline in successfully executed terrorist attacks.

Similarly, travel restrictions can be effective in managing public health emergencies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, countries implemented travel bans and restrictions to control the spread of the virus. Numerous studies have shown that travel restrictions can significantly reduce the transmission of infectious diseases by limiting the movement of infected individuals across borders. For instance, research on the Ebola outbreak in West Africa highlighted the importance of travel restrictions in containing the disease and preventing its spread to other regions.

However, the effectiveness of travel restrictions also relies on their implementation and compliance. If restrictions are not properly enforced or if individuals can easily circumvent them, their effectiveness may be significantly diminished. Enforcing travel restrictions requires coordination and cooperation between different government agencies, including immigration authorities, law enforcement agencies, and health departments. Without proper collaboration and resources, the ability to effectively enforce these restrictions may be limited.

Furthermore, compliance with travel restrictions by individuals is crucial for their effectiveness. If people do not adhere to the imposed restrictions, such as by providing false information or using unauthorized routes, the intended objectives may not be achieved. Public awareness campaigns and clear communication from authorities are essential to promote compliance and ensure that travelers understand the implications of non-compliance.

Lastly, it is important to consider the potential unintended consequences of travel restrictions. While such measures may protect national security or public health, they can also have negative economic, social, and humanitarian impacts. Restricting travel can disrupt trade, tourism, and international cooperation. It may also have disproportionate effects on vulnerable populations and hinder access to essential services or opportunities.

In conclusion, travel restrictions can be effective in achieving their intended objectives and protecting national security or public health. However, their effectiveness depends on various factors, including the context, implementation, compliance, and potential unintended consequences. Governments need to carefully consider these factors when implementing travel restrictions to strike a balance between achieving their objectives and minimizing any negative impacts.

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Frequently asked questions.

Yes, there are restrictions on NSA employee travel. These restrictions are put in place to protect national security and ensure the safety of employees.

The main reasons for these travel restrictions are to prevent the disclosure of classified information, protect against potential security threats, and ensure that employees are not put in dangerous situations.

The specific travel restrictions for NSA employees vary depending on their level of access to classified information and their job responsibilities. Generally, employees are prohibited from traveling to certain countries or regions that are deemed high risk for security threats. They may also be required to obtain approval from their supervisors or a security officer before traveling.

These travel restrictions are enforced through a combination of policies, procedures, and technological tools. NSA employees are required to adhere to the travel restrictions outlined by the agency and may face disciplinary action if they do not comply. Additionally, the agency uses advanced technology to monitor and track employee travel to ensure compliance with these restrictions.

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Protect Your Trip »

27 things you should always pack in your carry-on bag.

Create your packing list of essentials and new in-flight finds.

What to Pack in a Carry-on Bag

Packing your carry-on bag for a flight is exciting – but it can also be overwhelming. With a little planning and a concise list of airport and in-flight essentials, you can maximize space and be prepared for your journey.

To help you decide what to pack in your carry-on bag, our team compiled this list of must-have items. Download the packing list here to use while you prep for your next trip, then read on to learn more about what to pack.

Carry-on packing list

Travel wallet, passport holder, toiletry bag, tsa-approved liquids bag and compliant containers, prescription medications, glasses case, travel pillow, packing cubes, tech organizer, luggage tracker, zippered pouches and reusable silicone bags, mini clip bag, hand sanitizer, bluetooth wireless adapter, wired earbuds or headphones, e-reader or a great book, travel adapter/converter, travel first-aid kit, reusable water bottle, activities or games, light jacket, change of clothing.

Protect your credit cards and cash with an RFID wallet like the Travelon RFID Blocking Single Zip Wallet , which prevents scammers from wirelessly stealing your personal information. This travel wallet is especially useful since it can also hold most smartphones.

If you're traveling internationally, an option like the TIGARI Passport Holder can protect your travel document and make it easy to locate in your carry-on bag. You'll need access to your passport at airport security, when you board the plane and when you're filling out entry forms, so keep the passport holder as well as a pen within reach. Once you arrive at your destination, put the passport wallet somewhere safe at your lodging or – if you feel inclined to keep it with you – stow it in your travel purse, belt bag or backpack to ensure it's safe while you explore.

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Pack your toiletry bag in your carry-on so you can easily freshen up and so that you'll have essentials like toothpaste and deodorant in the event your checked luggage is lost in transit. Also consider packing toiletries that are useful for travel (particularly the dry air on planes), even if they're not part of your daily routine at home.

U.S. News senior travel editor Marisa Méndez recommends including a facial moisturizer and a body lotion in your toiletry bag. "My skin always dries out on flights and it's nice to have something to soothe my skin," she says.

"I always love having facial spray to freshen up after the flight," says Elizabeth Von Tersch , also a senior travel editor at U.S. News. She always keeps one in her purse. " Mario Badescu and Evian are great." These facial sprays help to moisturize your skin after the drying environment on a plane or give you a little midday pick-me-up.

When packing your carry-on bag for a flight, you'll want to have a clear quart-sized bag that meets Transportation Security Administration guidelines for liquids and gels. Some Dopp kits or toiletry bags include a removable bag for travel-size liquids, or you can buy this reusable TSA-approved clear bag on Amazon . Put any liquids or gels you're traveling with in this bag, including shampoo, lotion, liquid makeup items and hand sanitizer.

Keep in mind that all liquids and gels must be in travel-size bottles or containers measuring 3.4 ounces or less. Remember: You'll need to remove this clear quart-sized bag from your carry-on bag at security, so consider packing it in an external pocket or an easy-to-find spot in your carry-on suitcase. To learn more about TSA regulations, consult our article about what is allowed in a carry-on .

Never stow prescription medications in checked baggage : If luggage is lost or delayed, replacing these medications while traveling can be extremely challenging or even impossible. If you take multiple medications, consider a travel pill sorter like the EZY Dose Pill Organizer , available for about $5 on Amazon.

Whether you wear glasses for vision correction or you're packing your favorite pair of sunglasses, keeping them protected while stowed in your carry-on is essential. If you're bringing multiple pairs, a case like the foldable Dagne Dover Remi Glasses Case can hold up to three pairs, or the Lug Eyeglass Holder & Mini Pill Case works well for eyeglasses and contacts.

Courtesy of Cabeau

Resting throughout your journey can help you feel refreshed when you reach your destination and make the time pass a little quicker. But nothing can (literally) cramp your style like a stiff neck from sleeping wrong. Choose a comfortable neck pillow for travel like the top-rated Cabeau Evolution S3 or the MLVOC Travel Pillow (less than $30 on Amazon). For a travel pillow that doubles as a packing cube, consider the Tube pillow , which holds up to three days' worth of clothing.

Packing cubes aren't just for organizing clothing and shoes. Maximize space in your carry-on bag with these handy travel compartments . While Eagle Creek's PACK-IT line features the top-rated compression packing cubes on the market, many travelers also swear by the Veken Packing Cubes , which are usually available for $20 or less on Amazon. To maximize space even more, consider Lug's compression packing cubes .

If you're planning to travel with jewelry, watches or items that would be difficult to replace, be sure to put these in your carry-on bag, as checked items run the risk of being misplaced. For jewelry, a compact case that is easy to spot like the Lug Mini Swizzle is ideal for rings, cufflinks or earrings.

It's easy to let your charging cords get lost at the bottom of your bag or get your headphones tangled somewhere in your tote. A handy tech organizer such as the CALPAK Tech Organizer or the BAGSMART Tech Organizer , with zippered compartments and sections for specific cords, can help reduce tangled messes (and the need for you to search for your essentials in a tight airplane cabin).

Even though you'll have your carry-on bag with you, it's still a good idea to have a luggage tracker like an Apple AirTag or a Tile Pro securely attached to your bag. In the event you and your bag get separated, you'll be able to track down where you parted ways (because when you're jet-lagged it's easy to be a bit absent-minded).

Smaller than packing cubes, zippered pouches and silicone bags like the Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bags are perfect for storing everything from snacks to scrunchies. If traveling with family, consider different colored pouches for each traveler's items so you can easily tell them apart without removing everything from the bag.

Get a handy little bag with a carabiner clip, such as the CALPAK Luka Key Pouch , to securely attach to the outside of your bag for quick-grab items like gum, hand sanitizer or individual travel wipes . Once you're at your destination, you can clip it on a belt loop or use the elastic band to slide it on your wrist for your room key, lip gloss and other small essentials.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Let's face it – traveling can introduce your body to a host of unwanted germs. Carrying a bottle of travel hand sanitizer will keep your hands clean on the go, even if there's not a bathroom nearby. To disinfect surfaces like airplane tray tables, arm rests or tables, consider having a pack of disinfecting wipes at your disposal as well.

During a flight, the low humidity and high altitude can have a drying effect on your skin and lips. To combat the dry air, consider packing a hydrating lip balm like this new stick option by Aquaphor . What's more, if you choose a balm over a liquid moisturizer, you won't need to store this product in your clear TSA-approved liquids bag.

In-flight entertainment can help your travel day go faster, but being tethered to the seatback with wired headphones can feel a bit constricting. Plus, you may have to unplug to let your seat mates in or out. Avoid those troubles and connect your wireless headphones to the in-flight system with Twelve South's AirFly ($35 or less on Amazon), which wirelessly transmits audio via Bluetooth.

If you'd prefer to connect directly to the in-flight entertainment to watch a movie (or maybe just tune out your seatmates), buy some inexpensive wired earbuds like this well-rated set by Jogteg . You can keep them in your carry-on so you're always ready, even on flights where they don't pass out complimentary headsets.

Having a book or magazine in your carry-on bag is always a good idea. Whether you encounter a delayed flight, a long layover or a plane with less than stellar in-flight entertainment, a good book will help pass the time.

On everything from red-eye flights to international jaunts, a good eye mask can block out light from overhead, the seatback screens and plane windows. The Nodpod Sleep Mask is especially relaxing since it's weighted.

"Even if you plan to grab a bite at the airport or on the plane (if that's an option), pack some snacks," says Amanda Norcross , content and SEO strategist for travel at U.S. News. "Flying is unpredictable and stressful for many travelers, and 'hanger' only makes things worse." Trail mix, granola bars, crackers, pretzels, dried fruit and popcorn are some good snack options you may want to throw in your carry-on. Also put chewing gum in your carry-on to freshen breath and help with ear popping.

It's not always easy to find a charging station at the airport, and there are restrictions when it comes to packing batteries in your carry-on baggage for any flight. One option that meets Federal Aviation Administration guidelines is the Anker 537 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K for Laptop) . This device can charge a laptop, smartphone or tablet quickly, to keep your devices running even on a long flight.

For international travel – since different countries use different plug shapes – packing a universal adapter or converter will enable you to charge your devices and other electronics. Before purchasing, consider what your needs will be, especially regarding the shape of the wall outlet plugs and the voltage of the countries you'll be visiting.

A travel adapter such as the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter on Amazon makes plugs from the U.S. fit into electrical outlets around the world, whereas a travel converter like the ALLWEI International Travel Adapter converts the electricity voltage. If you're traveling overseas from the U.S., you'll need both of these devices to use electronics like laptops, curling irons and hair straighteners (unless your device is dual voltage, like the BaBylissPRO Nano Mini Straightening Iron ).

For minor injuries like blisters from new shoes or unexpected cuts and scrapes, pack a first-aid kit with Band-Aids and triple antibiotic ointment like Neosporin in your bag.

Staying hydrated while traveling is a must. Pack a reusable water bottle like the Corkcicle Canteen Triple Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle to fill up at the airport before your flight and refill throughout your travels. Even better – an insulated bottle will stay cold for hours.

Whether it's a long flight or layover (or maybe you just need a good distraction), having some activities like a miniature coloring book and mini colored pencils or small packable games can be really useful.

"I took a small coloring book and a small set of pencils on a flight once and it was life-changing," Méndez says. U.S. News senior digital producer for travel Leilani Osmundson says she and her husband love to bring a deck of cards and portable two-player games to pass the time.

"I typically wear a lightweight jacket on the plane to free up space in my carry-on," says Norcross. "If the plane is too warm, I can easily stuff it under the seat in front of me with my backpack." If you're in need of a simple yet effective packable jacket , check out the Amazon Essentials Puffer Jacket .

Whether your coffee spills off your tray table or you lose your checked baggage, an extra outfit is handy to have. Pack a versatile outfit (including socks and underwear) into your carry-on bag so you have a backup option, or perhaps have your swimwear and flip-flops ready to head directly to the beach the moment you arrive. For tired or swollen feet, having a pair of compression socks and a change of walking shoes can make your travel day much more comfortable.

What not to pack in a carry-on bag

When packing a carry-on bag or suitcase, it's important to note that some items are prohibited on all flights, due to Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The prohibited list includes aerosol products (such as anti-static spray or pepper spray), lithium or lithium-ion batteries, firearms and ammunition, flammables, and explosives. For more details on what you can and can't pack in your carry-on, visit the TSA's What Can I Bring? and the FAA's Pack Safe websites.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Rachael Hood loves to see how much she can fit in her carry-on bag. She always brings a few snacks, a good read and little luxuries to make the journey comfortable. Hood used her personal travel experience, along with her retail background and research expertise, to curate this list.

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Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

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• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

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18 Simple Travel Essentials for 2024 & Beyond

Whether you’re headed out for a quick business trip, a monthslong world tour, or a laid-back weekend at the beach, our list of 2024’s best travel essentials has you covered.

Sure, some necessities are obvious — toiletries, medications, snacks, phones — we know you’ll pack those. We’re here to cover the game-changing items you may not have thought of that’ll help elevate your packing list and make life easier on the road.

Whether it’s a minimalist wallet, a compact Bluetooth speaker, a lightweight laptop case, or something else, we bet you’ll find a piece of gear here that will add value to your travel bag. We know this because we’ve traveled extensively with every item on this list and stand behind each recommendation.

Packing is a juggling act, so let’s dive into the must-have gear we’d never travel without.

Travel Essentials for Men & Women

• Personal Item Bag: Our Top Picks
• Travel Organizers: Our Top Picks
• Minimalist Wallet/Purse: Slimfold & Travelambo
• Bluetooth Headphones: Apple AirPods Pro
• Titanium Water Bottle: Our Top Picks
• Laptop Case/Sleeve: tomtoc 360º
• Phone Case: OtterBox
• Lightweight Power Bank: Nitecore NB10000 Gen II
• Compact Bluetooth Speaker: JBL Go 3
• Travel Adapter: Anker
• Cellphone Kickstand/Tripod: The Pocket Tripod
• Ultralight Camera Clip: Peak Design
• High-Quality Travel Journal: Moleskine
• The Write Everywhere Pen: Space Pen
• Noise-Blocking Earplugs: Howard Leight by Honeywell
• Merino Wool T-Shirt: Wool&Prince & Wool&
• Versatile Travel Pants: Slim Dungarees & Vuori Ripstop
• Do-It-All Travel Shoes: Our Top Picks
• Tips for a Perfect Packing List
• Final Thoughts: Travel Essentials for Men & Women

Essential Travel Gear & Accessories

Personal item bag our top picks of 2024.

Here’s our top essential: A personal item bag that’ll hold and protect the stuff you need close at hand, every day and everywhere. We’re talking about travel documents, snacks, personal care items, electronics, changes of clothes, and assorted accessories.

Browse through our favorite personal item bags for a wide variety of lightweight, weather-resistant, and feature-rich options. I often take a duffel bag for longer trips, but backpacks and messenger bags are more convenient for hands-free sprints down the concourse near departure time.

What to Look for in a Personal Item Bag: Search for a comfortable, airline-complaint bag suitable for one-bag travel and will help you avoid extra boarding fees by stashing underneath the seat in front of you.

Travel Organizers Our Top Picks of 2024

I like keeping my belongings nice and tidy inside my bag, so travel organizers are lifesavers. I rely on them to help me find essential toiletries, packing cubes, ditty bags, cables, adapters, and all the other miscellany of life on the road. ‘Tidy’ is satisfying.

Trust me, travel organizers make packing and unpacking much less of a hassle. I especially love the transparent and zippered bags that keep everything visible, secure, and easily accessible. Travel is stressful enough; we don’t need the extra burden of chaotic clutter.

What to Look for in a Travel Organizer: Search for durable, water-resistant packing solutions that fit your belongings comfortably and have the proper dimensions to stash inside your main travel bag without restriction.

Minimalist Wallet/Purse Slimfold Soft Shell Wallet Travelambo Purse

A purse or wallet designed for travel is another sanity saver. Monitoring your spending is easier with a lightweight, compact, minimalist front-pocket wallet — we highly recommend the Slimfold Soft Shell wallet pictured above.

Women may want a stylish but minimalist purse with organized storage for the basics. The Travelambo we recommend will efficiently stash your ID, cash, credit cards, and not much else. Minimalism is a good thing when traveling.

Why We Travel With the Slimfold Soft Shell Wallet: It’s soft and stretchy yet durable and sports RFID protection to thwart hackers and thieves. Its lightweight and minimalist design helps reduce bulk in our pockets.

Bluetooth Headphones Apple AirPods Pro

Wireless headphones are a top travel necessity for anyone listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks that muffle their noisy surroundings. I use my Apple AirPods Pro daily when I travel. High-quality Bluetooth headphones like these are a no-brainer.

AirPods are my favorites as they have excellent sound and solid battery life. Plus, you can use their built-in microphone to talk on the phone when a call comes in. And, of course, they’re cordless, so the aggravation of tangled cords will be a non-issue.

Why We Travel With the Apple AirPods Pro: They pump out quality sound and use active noise cancellation to block out background noise. If you’re an iPhone user, they connect to your phone automatically once you put them in your ears.

Lightweight Titanium Water Bottle Our Top Picks of 2024

You need to stay hydrated, whether you’re summiting a mountain or wandering crowded city streets. I recommend sipping your beverage from a titanium water bottle; they’re rugged, ultra-lightweight, and won’t leach off any flavors to your drink.

Titanium water bottles come in all shapes and sizes and should fit easily and compactly in your bag. And by saying ‘no’ to single-use plastic containers, you’re doing your part to combat pollution, including microplastics in the water supply.

What to Look for in a Titanium Water Bottle: Opt for a single-wall bottle if your focus is keeping it lightweight. Go for double-wall if you want to keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. We love the Snow Peak Aurora, pictured above, over all others.

Laptop Case/Sleeve tomtoc 360°

Laptops have become essential for traveling, whether watching Netflix, working remotely, or keeping in touch with loved ones. Packing your laptop without proper protection is a big no-no, so grab a laptop case or sleeve for extra protection.

I like the Tomtoc 360° because its plush padded shell includes corner reinforcement and a decent amount of storage for accessories. I’ve dinged-up laptops in the past, so I’m a big advocate of protective cases and sleeves.

Why We Travel With the tomtoc 360°: It’s the lightest and most straightforward laptop case/sleeve for our needs. It fits our MacBook Pros like a glove, and its zippers are buttery smooth. There are ten colors to choose from!

Durable Phone Case OtterBox

Many people choose an OtterBox as their go-to phone case, and so do I. They’re the market’s most trusted brand, and their cases are definitely ‘engineered to endure.’ There’s a wide variety of stylish designs and colors, so grab one to protect your precious phone.

Imagine trying to travel the globe with a smashed phone. Not a pleasant picture, is it? Too many phones are BSB designs — “Beautiful, Slippery, and Brittle” — so protect your phone and your investment with a rugged case from a trusted brand.

Why We Travel With an OtterBox: OtterBox is the OG in smartphone protection and has a reputation for putting out sturdy, reliable, and ergonomic products. They come in various colors and styles and offer MagSafe options for iPhones.

Ultra-Compact & Lightweight Power Bank Nitecore NB10000 Gen II

Letting your gadgets run out of juice in the middle of a busy day is a rookie move. Use a power bank like the Nitecore to top up your device batteries. Despite its compact size, this will keep your electronics alive until you can return to your home base to charge up and wind down.

This Nitecore is a medium-duty 10,000mAh power bank sized for phones, tablets, and cameras. However, if you also need to charge laptops and other power-hungry devices, consider splurging for a bigger, more powerful unit.

Why We Travel With the Nitecore NB Gen II: It’s the lightest and most compact 10,000mAh power bank on the market. Its carbon fiber enclosure is sleek, durable, and IPX5-rated water resistant.

Compact Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker JBL Go 3

Do you like to listen to music as you get ready in your hotel room or soak in a sunset on the beach? Then, grab a portable Bluetooth speaker. This may not seem like ‘essential’ travel gear, but many of us (myself included) consider it a necessary comfort of home when out on the road.

The JBL Go 3’s sound quality makes it an easy recommendation, as does its portability, waterproofing, and value. I use it to listen to podcasts, create white noise for sleeping in noisy environments, and to motivate myself during bodyweight travel workouts .

Why We Travel With the JBL Go 3: For its size, it cranks out respectable sound and punchy bass. It’s lightweight, portable, waterproof, and dust-proof. At $50, it’s a good value that should last for several years of travel.

Compact International Travel Adapter Anker 735

If you’re a globetrotter like me, you already know that reliable and powerful travel adapters are must-haves. This is the lightest and most compact charger I’ve used that can charge my MacBook Pro, and it keeps all of my other electronics powered and ready to go. Ironically, I use it to keep my Nitecore power bank topped up… a charger for a charger.

Frequent travelers stay in touch and find their way using their digital devices, so it’s wise to recharge with a compact and reliable product. We rely on our adapters, and it’s good to know that Anker has a reputation for reliable and innovative products.

Why We Travel With the Anker 735: It’s about 40% the size of a standard MacBook charger and has two extra USB charging ports; it’s as compact and lightweight as you could ask for. Anker products are as rock-solid as they come.

Compact Phone Kickstand/Tripod The Pocket Tripod

Your phone’s camera will take better low-light photos if you stabilize it with a tripod. And this tripod is the size of a credit card, making it a perfect travel companion. It’s also a kickstand to hold your phone steady while it plays videos as you nod off during the flight to your next destination.

Versatility is why I chose The Pocket Tripod as a travel essential. It’s a convenient and innovative piece of gear that I always have on hand, ready for the next great photo opp. A steady camera means less image blur, better self-portraits, and more hands-free video chats.

Why We Travel With the Pocket Tripod: It reliably props up phones when filming adventures, chatting with loved ones, or watching movies on an airplane. It weighs half an ounce and can be stashed away virtually unnoticed in a wallet or purse.

Ultralight Camera Clip Peak Design Capture

When I travel with a camera, I keep it close at hand with the Peak Design Capture clip. I no longer have an excuse to leave my camera behind because I don’t want to bother with straps or cases. Always having my camera within reach means no more missed opportunities for the perfect photo.

I prefer the Peak Design Camera Clip to tangle-prone camera straps. It’s lightweight and easy to attach to a backpack, bag, or belt. Use it if you travel with an expensive camera to keep it hands-free until the moment you need it.

Why We Travel With the Peak Design Capture: We travel with expensive cameras that must be protected at all costs. Not only does the Capture protect them, but it also allows us to forego annoying and cumbersome camera straps.

High-Quality Travel Journal Moleskine

Travelers keep journals to document and make sense of their lives. Paper journals have been around for centuries, and they’re a tradition that’s far more intimate than typing notes into a cell phone. Moleskine journals are legendary — Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, and David Bowie all captured their thoughts on those distinctive creamy ivory pages.

For me, journaling is calming and therapeutic, especially in nature. My thoughts and memories seem to expand when I write by hand. It’s a ritual I cherish, and traveling inspires me. Set your smartphone aside and give it a try. It’s delightful.

Why We Travel With the Moleskine Soft Cover Journal: Information comes at us from a million different directions while traveling, and we need a journal to make sense of it all. The Moleskine is durable and has 240 no-bleed pages.

The Write Everywhere Pen Fisher Space Pen

High-quality journal pages deserve high-quality pens, and that’s where Fisher Space pens come in. They were designed for astronauts floating in zero-gravity environments! I’ll bet their journal entries are slightly different from yours and mine.

Fisher Space Pens have a no-nonsense heft, plus a special ink with a velvety glide. Their compact Bullet Pens slip easily into purses and pockets, and writing with one puts me in the mood to jot down my day’s adventures. Life’s too short to use Bic pens.

Why We Travel With the Fisher Space Pen: This bad boy will write underwater and in zero gravity, in case your travels take you somewhere out of this world. It’s compact, rugged, streamlined for smooth writing, and will last forever.

Noise-Blocking Earplugs Howard Leight by Honeywell

Moving from Point A to Point B often exposes you to plenty of noise — jet engines, city traffic, crowds, and much more. Battery-operated noise- canceling headphones have their place, but simpler, old-school noise- blocking methods like earplugs are also worth considering.

Traditional earplugs like these colorful inserts from Honeywell can block many of the noises you’ll encounter when traveling. I use mine regularly on airplanes when I’m tired of my headphones but still need relief from the cabin soundscape or Jerry from Omaha snoring loudly in the seat next to me.

Why We Travel With the Howard Leight by Honeywell Earplugs:  Whenever you inevitably cross a screaming child in an airplane, you’ll thank us for this recommendation. These are comfy, contoured, and soil-resistant to prevent dirt build-up.

Essential Travel Clothing

Merino wool t-shirt wool&prince (men’s) wool& (women’s).

Clothes designed for travel enthusiasts should be lightweight, comfortable, and well-fitting. That’s why I suggest Merino Wool T-Shirts from Wool&Prince (for men) and Wool& (for women). W&P is a top supplier of Merino wool clothing and my favorite brand on the market today.

W&P shirts are super soft, anti-microbial, odor-resistant, and perfect for travel. Banish smelly clothes that cause discomfort over the course of a day. The best part for travelers is that these shirts can remain odor-free for several days — quite a benefit for those on the go.

Why We Wear Wool&Prince While Traveling:  We can get away with wearing wool clothing for days, if not weeks , at a time between washes while traveling. Seriously. Wool&Prince shirts are true to size, fit incredibly well, and don’t shrink.

Lightweight & Versatile Travel Pants Outlier Slim Dungarees (Men’s) Vuori Ripstop (Women’s)

I’m a travel pants nerd. When searching for the perfect pair, do your homework and choose one that balances comfort, functionality, and style. You’ll spend long hours wearing these travel pants, so you’ll want to be comfortable and good-looking.

Slim Dungarees and Ripstop pants are two of our absolute favorites. I’ve sampled several pairs of pants and travel jeans , and Vuori is one of my favorite brands. They’re versatile, and I wear them for everything from hiking to bouncing around town.

Why We Wear Ourlier & Vuori While Traveling: Both brands make incredibly stylish, comfortable, and durable pants that fit well. They’re durable enough for year-round use and breathable enough to wear in hot and humid climates.

One Pair Do-It-All Travel Shoes Our Top Picks of 2024

For the no-checked-luggage traveler, I recommend bringing only ONE pair of do-it-all shoes. That can be tricky, especially if your trip involves a mix of city streets and hiking trails. Versatility and comfort should always be your top priorities, but never discount the value of a stylish pair of shoes or boots.

We’ve simplified your choice by listing our favorite footwear for both men and women. From sneakers to loafers and slip-ons to athletic shoes, you’ll likely find several varieties that might pique your interest for your upcoming trip. I only travel with one pair of shoes, so they must be versatile and comfortable.

What to Look for in a Pair of Travel Shoes: Search for a comfortable and lightweight pair of shoes that’ll let your feet breathe as you pile up the steps during your adventures. Bonus points for kicks that can be dressed up and dressed down.

Six Tips for a Perfect Packing List

Efficient travel requires a savvy mix of preparation, planning, and organization if you’re going to thrive out there. No matter the length of your trip, you must learn to prepare and pack wisely. To help you, here are a few tips for putting together the perfect packing list:

If It Doesn’t Add Value, It’s Not Essential

Avoid packing items that don’t serve a purpose or add value to your travels. Leave it at home if it doesn’t make the trip more enjoyable, productive, or efficient.

Define your essentials based on your activities — backpacking, camping, hiking, or visiting a new city. Pack only the essentials: clothing, footwear, technical gear, and personal care essentials that add value to your travel.

Focus on Multi-Purpose Essentials

Have you ever regretted your packing choices while out on the road? To avoid that feeling, pack items that serve multiple purposes. This will save time, and you’ll have fewer items to track.

For instance, select shoes or pants ideal for multiple activities, such as hiking and sightseeing. Another great multi-purpose item is an all-in-one bag like a fanny pack or backpack that can also be worn crossbody.

Aim for Compact and Lightweight Gear

Selecting the right items can be daunting, so if you’re a ‘just-in-case’ packer, you’ll quickly end up with an overstuffed bag. Stay focused on proven methods — lightweight and compact packing is the way to go.

Look for items that’ll pack up tightly and fit snugly in your bag or suitcase. Choose clothing and other items that will last the entire trip and can fold up neatly. Opt for shoes or sandals with lightweight soles that offer grip and traction but won’t overload your bag.

Do Your Homework Before You Buy

Avoid making terrible travel decisions, and always read reviews thoroughly before purchasing. This is especially true when making a rushed, last-minute purchase. Learn from customer experiences and insights into the product’s performance in different conditions and climates.

For example, if you’re shopping for technical apparel or a multi-purpose tool, tap into the wealth of knowledge out there. Solid research could lead you to buy something that performs well and lasts for years.

Embrace Minimalism

If you’re a minimalist traveler, you know the truth of the saying “less is more.” Minimalism is all about embracing the principle and avoiding the temptation of packing too much stuff. Clutter will drag you down and hold you back.

Start by looking for versatile items of clothing and footwear that can be used interchangeably in different settings or scenarios. And when you return home, keep track of the items you used most and decide what can be left behind next time.

Invest in Quality — Buy Once, Cry Once

Last but not least, invest in quality travel gear. The up-front costs of high-quality items are often offset by their greater utility and longer lifespan.

If you have to replace cheaper items every few trips, are they really saving you money? Probably not, especially if the higher-quality items have a solid warranty and offer reputable customer service.

Final Thoughts: Travel Essentials for 2024

Are you ready to draft your own perfect packing list for 2024? Our list of travel essentials for men and women may not match yours, but we hope you found a few items that will add value to your next journey. The goal is to find gear and clothing that will add consistent value to your life on the road.

Please share any tips or gear recommendations you have in the Comments section below. We’re especially interested in hearing what’s worked for you (or not) regarding trip planning, organization, packing lists, and any advice you may have on travel-friendly clothing or general-use gear.

We’d also love to hear your thoughts on the minimalist lifestyle, specifically regarding travel. What kind of travel do you do, and how much do you pack? Have your definitions of ‘must-haves’ and ‘luxuries’ changed over the years? After all, being a nimble traveler is both a physical and a philosophical journey. Let’s share and compare our paths.

Last Updated on March 19, 2024

Lauren De Almeida

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The best travel accessories to pack on every trip

By Madison Flager

Packing lists will vary based on where you're going and how long you're travelling for, but the best travel accessories can improve every trip. From tech gadgets to keep your electronics powered up and luggage accessories that ensure you're not hit with an overweight baggage charge, having the right gear means a smoother journey, every time. Below, we've rounded up 27 essential items to pack inside your carry-on bag , weekender , or checked luggage . Consider these the travel gear staples to bring on your next trip – and all your future holidays after that.

• A trusted tote
• A travel wash bag
• Packing cubes
• Jewellery case
• Reusable travel bottles
• Hydrating skincare products
• A portable charger
• A power adapter
• A luggage scale
• A way to find your luggage
• An e-reader
• A portable fan
• A portable steamer
• An eye mask
• A neck pillow
• A shawl or blanket
• Hand sanitiser and wipes
• A reusable water bottle
• Snack containers
• A passport holder
• A back-up travel bag
• An umbrella

1. A trusted tote

A tote bag is the ideal personal item. It's roomy enough to store all your odds and ends, and everything you'd want with you during a flight, and is usually pretty pliable, meaning you can squeeze it under the seat without taking up all of your foot room. Look for one with comfortable shoulder straps, should you overload it with snacks. A trolley sleeve is a nice feature, too, so you can slide it over your suitcase while cruising through the airport.

2. A travel wash bag

A travel wash bag is key to staying organised — and avoiding spills in your luggage. We like these options from Away and Bagsmart for their water-resistant materials and ample space for your toothbrush and toothpaste, razor, soaps, and more. A hanging bag, like those below, also allows you to keep items tidy and off the bathroom counter.

3. Packing cubes

Don't underestimate the power of a good packing cube . Articles director Lale Arikoglu has waxed poetic about her love of Paravel's packing cubes (other editors are fans of Away's set ), which come in a range of sizes to store everything from bathing suits and socks to T-shirts.

4. Jewellery case

A rule to live by: never check your valuables, especially jewellery. Keep necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings safe and neatly organised inside a jewellery case. We like Monica Vinader's for smaller accessories; if you're packing sunglasses and watches, you'll want something slightly bigger, like this Smythson option.

5. Reusable travel bottles

Rather than buy plastic travel-sized toiletries , get yourself a set of leakproof travel bottles that allow you to bring your at-home favourites on the go. They're great for storing toiletries and beauty products, and tubs can also be used to keep small items like jewellery or vitamins.

6. Hydrating skincare products

Even if you're not the type of person with a multi-step in-flight skincare routine , a few basics can go a long way in keeping your skin happy and healthy after a long day of travel. Since hand sanitiser remains a travel essential, a hand balm to apply once or twice a day is equally important to keep them moisturised. Aesop's smells incredible, and will last for several trips to come — a little bit of the thick, creamy balm goes a long way. Don't forget a hydrating lip balm, either.

7. A portable charger

There's nothing like a dead battery to slow down a trip. Keep all your accessories charged up with a power bank — Anker is our favourite, but iWalk's mini charger is a great option if you're short on space.

8. A power adapter

For international travel, a power adapter is a must to make sure you can get devices charged up in the airport and your hotel room. Apple's World Travel Adapter Kit comes with seven AC plugs with prongs that fit into different electrical outlets around the world, and each one is labelled with the regions they are compatible with. (As for compatibility, it works with Apple USB-C power adapters; MagSafe and MagSafe 2 power adapters; 10W, 12W, 30 and 35W USB ports; and portable power adapters.) We also recommend this Bluetooth converter , which lets you use your regular cordless earbuds to watch a movie in flight.

9. Headphones

Whether the plan is to listen to music, watch a movie, or just drown out noisy neighbours, most of us won't board a plane without headphones. Make sure you have your go-to on hand, plus a pair of corded earbuds (if you don't have one of these Bluetooth adapters ).

10. A luggage scale

Give yourself some added peace of mind with a digital luggage scale; it’ll let you know how much damage your souvenirs did before arriving at the check-in counter on the way home.

11. A way to find your luggage

Speaking of luggage, the Tile Pro and Apple AirTags can help locate lost bags (or wallets, or keys, depending on what you attach it to). In fact, a luggage tracker is one of the items contributor Harrison Pierce wishes he had when he began travelling full-time .

12. An e-reader

Even travellers with a library full of books at home have to admit it: E-readers are an essential travel accessory for bookworms . They are so much lighter than even one paperback book, and let you bring as many options as you want along for the ride.

13. A portable fan

If you're headed somewhere warm, or just tend to run hot, do yourself a favour and pack a portable fan. Whether you choose a handheld option or one you can wrap around your neck, it'll give you the breeze you need whether you're in the back of a crowded bus or van, standing in line at Disneyland, or kicking back in a beach chair .

14. A portable steamer

If you're travelling to a wedding or heading out on a business trip, you may want to bring a portable steamer along to make sure your formalwear looks its best after you take it out of your suitcase. Traveller contributor Erinne Magee put nine travel steamers to the test to find out which ones are the best options for travellers — below are two of her favourites.

15. A tech kit

All of those tech items mean you're going to have plenty of charging cubes and cables to keep track of. Save space in your backpack — and save yourself the headache of digging through your bag — by keeping everything wrapped up in a tech kit like the ones below.

16. An eye mask

For a comfortable journey at 30,000 feet — especially one where you hope to get some shut-eye —an eye mask is crucial. For more help sleeping, try the Bluetooth sleep headband recommended by US contributor Iona Brannon, which lets you listen to music or white noise without anything in or around your ears; in a pinch it can even double as an eye mask, she says.

17. A neck pillow

Another comfort essential: a travel pillow . It can take some time to find the style you like best, and your pick might vary depending on whether you're in-flight or in a car. Two we like: The classic memory foam wraparound neck pillow, which can be tightened or loosened per your preference, and the innovative fleecy neck wrap recommended by commerce writer Charley Ward .

18. Cosy socks

We love a good pair of compression socks to fight that pins-and-needles feeling that comes from sitting still for too long, be it on a long-haul flight  or a road trip . For those who prefer a cosier option, we recommend socks from Barefoot Dreams .

19. Earplugs

When you need some peace and quiet, swap your noise-cancelling headphones in for earplugs. This set comes with multiple sizes, so you can find the right fit, and share with any family members you're travelling with.

20. A shawl or blanket

For those who run cold, an oversized scarf will get plenty of use in transit, and can even double as a blanket. Opt for a quality material you can pack for years to come, like cashmere.

21. Hand sanitiser and wipes

As for general wellness, hand sanitiser is a must — buy a set and drop one in all your most-used totes and sling bags so you're never without. Some biodegradable wipes are nice to have on hand too, especially if you're travelling with little ones .

22. A reusable water bottle

Rounding out our collection of the best travel accessories are some odds and ends, like a good reusable water bottle, so you can stop buying overpriced bottles at the airport (and be kinder to the environment).

23. Snack containers

If overpriced airport snacks aren't your jam, come prepared by filling reusable Stasher bags with popcorn, crackers, fruit, or whatever else you'd like in-flight before you leave your house. A reusable utensil set is another nice-to-have travel accessory that'll allow you to turn down the plastic cutlery you might be handed in the airport or elsewhere on the road. The spoon and chopsticks are particularly TSA-friendly (while utensils are technically allowed through security , it's at the discretion of the agent if they'll let plastic knives or forks).

24. A passport holder

Also handy: a high-quality passport holder (bonus points if it has space to hold your credit cards) to keep your most important document protected. Aspinal's can be personalised with your initials for an added £20.

25. A back-up travel bag

For trips where you plan to shop, something lightweight, like Paravel's Fold-Up Bag or Baggu's Cloud Bag , is a smart addition to your packing list. Stuff it with souvenirs on your way home, or use it for overnight or weekend trips within a longer holiday.

26. A travel umbrella

Depending on your destination, a travel-size umbrella might be worth the space in your luggage. And if you're driving, tossing one in the backseat is a no-brainer. Contributor Claire Volkman tested out around a dozen options on our US sister site to determine which are the sturdiest and most compact. Shop two of her favourites, both available in the UK, below.

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The Five Foot Traveler

Reaching new heights, 137 travel essentials: a comprehensive packing list.

by Sarah Gallo | Aug 15, 2019 | Resources | 2 comments

You’ve decided that you wanted to travel somewhere new, so you booked a flight, secured your hotels, and told all of your friends. You eagerly search Instagram for the must-see spots and, before you know it, you leave in a few weeks! Now, I never recommend saving packing for the last minute, but it’s silly to start gathering your travel essentials few months out too. 

This article is meant to serve as a guideline for the most efficient ways to go about packing your travel essentials. Coming from someone who has visited over 100 countries, it’s safe to say that I’ve done enough trial and error for all of you! In this article you will find the most useful carry on essentials, packing and clothing essentials, outdoor essentials, fitness “on the go” essentials, reading essentials, and business management essentials.

Chimp trekking in Uganda with travel essentials on hand

Now, here’s the thing: this list of travel essentials covers just about everything, so try not to get overwhelmed. No matter your age, no matter your type of travel, this comprehensive list should be used as a guideline to decide what you need to pack depending on your trip. For instance, you certainly won’t pack the same things for a luxury cruise through the Caribbean , an RV trip through New Zealand , or a road trip through South Africa . Of course, it should go without saying, but if you’re going to places like Antarctica or the Arctic, you will certainly need to include gear for extremities, and a packing list is almost always provided. 

Please note: This page contains affiliate links, meaning that The Five Foot Traveler may receive a small commission when you purchase any travel essentials using the links in this article at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your continued support!

I personally use and own everything that I recommend below. 

Before you begin packing, please make sure you go through this checklist of absolute, no questions asked travel essentials:

• Is your Passport valid for six months after you depart your destination and for the duration of your trip?
• Have you checked to see if you have all of the necessary visas for where you’re visiting?
• Have you purchased a comprehensive travel insurance plan ?

Hopefully you’ve answered YES to the above questions, so let’s dive in. First thing’s first, I always recommend having a staging area for your travel essentials well before you pack. For me, it’s the loveseat in my bedroom, but anywhere will do (although I do suggest keeping it out of reach from messy children or pets). Here, you can organize the travel goodies you’ve purchased and start organizing your piles of clothes and toiletries. I find this useful because I usually want to use the things I need to pack, so I’m not a big fan of throwing everything into a suitcase two weeks prior to departure.

And speaking of suitcases, decide early on the way you’d like to travel. Are you going on a luxury European vacation? Trekking through the Himalayas? Relaxing on a beach somewhere? Your luggage should reflect your style of travel. Since I started this travel journey as a backpacker, I initially checked a 55L backpack and used a hiking backpack as my carry on.

When I first started backpacking these were my travel essentials

Then I started traveling carry on only, where I used a spinner carry on and a hiking backpack as my personal item. Then, finally, when I transitioned into luxury travel and *gasp* needed to pack heels and a variety of dresses, I started checking a 24” spinner and bringing with me a carry on spinner on the plane and a cross body bag as my personal item for under the seat in front of me.

I've cleaned up a bit over the years though, don't worry!

I’ve loved every backpack, bag, and suitcase that I’ve owned and highly recommend picking and choosing between the following:

Airplane Personal Item

• Cross-Body Bag:  If you want to look a little more put together, but want easy access to all of your carry on travel essentials, a cross-body bag is a must. If you like to travel with your laptop, make sure you purchase one that has a laptop sleeve too. Of course, it should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you but roomy enough that you won’t have to dig around in it to find what you want. My Recommendation – Vera Bradley Lighten Up Weekender Travel Bag . This is honestly an absolute must for me, and I bring it everywhere I go.
• Backpack: Your backpack should be both supportive and spacious. I love that this also can substitute as a hiking day pack. Everything that I pack in my cross-body bag will also fit in my 24L backpack, so it just comes down to personal preference. My Recommendation –  Osprey Sirrus 24 Women’s Hiking Backpack and Osprey Stratos 24 Men’s Hiking Backpack. These both have incredible structure and hip support.

Airplane Carry On Item

• A Spinner Carry On Suitcase: If you’re questioning whether you should get a suitcase with two wheels or four wheels, always choose the four-wheel spinner. It will make your life easier as you both navigate crowds within the airport and on the busy streets of your destination. Trust me on this, as I converted from a two-wheeler to a four-wheeler and it made a huge difference in the way that I travel. My Recommendation – TravelPro Maxlite 4 21” Hardside Spinner. Hardside here is key. It helps you not to overpack, and it is also more durable for your travels. This is one of the most lightweight hardside carry on suitcases that you’ll find on the market, and it has a built-in TSA-approved lock as well as a limited lifetime warranty.
• If you’re not carrying on a suitcase, you may be able to carry on both recommended personal items – depending on the airline, size, and weight.

Airplane Checked Item

• Spinner Checked Suitcase: Again, I highly recommend a spinner four-wheel suitcase over a two-wheel suitcase for the purpose of ease. Personally, I like when my carry on spinner and checked spinner match, which led me back to TravelPro. I like the way that the inside is organized, and it’s helpful that each of their hardside spinners come with a built-in TSA-approved lock. My Recommendation – TravelPro Maxlite 4 25” Spinner and TravelPro Maxlite 5 29” Spinner. Depending on the type of trip you’re taking (and how many shoes haha), you’ll need to decide which size checked luggage works for you. I find it useful to have a 25” and 29” on hand, but 99% of the time I will choose just to bring the 25” Spinner, as I’ve found that’s more than enough for me. If you’d like to purchase the 21”, 25”, and 29” as a set – which is the best bang for your buck – you can do so here.
• Trekkers Pack: Now, if you’re moving around a lot, camping, trekking, and staying in refugios, then a trekkers pack will certainly be the better option for you. When I first started traveling I used a trekkers pack, and it definitely has its benefits for the active among us! When researching which pack to get, make sure that it’s easily opened from multiple points on the bag, that it has plenty of pockets for your smaller items, and provides you with plenty of support. My Recommendation – Osprey Ariel AG 65 Women’s Backpacking Backpack and Osprey Atmos 65 AG Men’s Backpacking Backpack . I tried on what felt like hundreds of trekkers packs before realizing that these were, hands down, the ideal pack that I was looking for. I have carried quite a bit of weight in mine, and it was always comfortable on the hips and shoulders. Plus, Osprey has an “all mighty guarantee” where they will repair any damage free of charge and, if they can’t fix it, they will replace it at no cost to you. Incredibly, this applies to all of their products, no matter the purchase date. You can read more about it here , if interested. 
• Rolling Duffle: At the end of the day, some people just love duffle bags (my grandpa is one of them!). They’re a great combination of a duffle bag and rolling suitcase, and you have the ability to carry the bag or roll it, depending on your circumstances. My Recommendation – TravelPro Rolling Duffle Bag with Drop Bottom. This comes in all different colors and sizes, but I recommend the 30”, as it’s plenty roomy without being overwhelming. This rolling duffle is lightweight, yet incredibly durable; it survived a few weeks of safaris in Africa with no problems. It also has many different pockets and separators to keep your bag well-organized. 

To keep your luggage organized as a whole, I couldn’t recommend packing cubes highly enough. I originally didn’t think they had much use, but they’ve changed my life when it comes to packing – whether it’s just for a weekend trip or a year-long journey. They come in all different sizes, and I use a variety of small, medium, and large packing cubes. My Recommendation: I have tested many packing cubes over the years, and I can say – without a doubt – that the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cubes are the absolute best on the market. They are incredibly durable and as lightweight as possible. And look at how nicely they fit into a suitcase!

How I pack my carry on to include all travel essentials

And always remember: lock all of your luggage with TSA-approved locks if you don’t have a suitcase with built in locks. Both checked luggage, and carry on (yes, this means backpacks too). I’ve tried many different locks over the years, but these are my favorite. I presume you’re like me and don’t want people sifting through your checked bag nor people sneaking into your carry on while you sleep (have you heard the stories of valuables being stolen from airplanes?).

But now that you’ve chosen your luggage, you’re probably wondering what travel essentials are actually necessary to pack….

I’m going to break down my packing list into easy-to-organize categories for you. Just remember to pick and choose what you most need for the trip you’re taking. So, let’s do this!

Carry On Essentials

Documents & Confirmations: These are things that you simply must have on you at all times. DO NOT leave your house without packing these into your personal items, as they are absolute travel essentials. 

Comfort: Unless you travel first class, flights are rarely considered comfortable – and it doesn’t matter if it’s an easy 5-hour flight or a 19-hour flight! Make your life easier by packing these few travel essentials for a bit of extra comfort. There’s no way that I could do an overnight flight even semi-comfortably without these!

Noise Cancelling Headphones, Eye Mask, Pillow – Travel Essentials

• Blow Up Pillow:  I’ll start by saying that I think I’ve tried every airplane pillow out there, or just about! Since I take so many overnight flights, and we all know how airplane pillows feel, it makes sense to bring your own. I began not to worry about the shape or size — if it helped me sleep, it was a keeper. My Recommendation – Haobaimei Airplane Pillow. I know, I know it looks a bit silly, but I promise you that it’s the best airplane pillow out there. It has allowed me to sleep comfortably in a variety of positions. I’d like to be able to describe it in detail, but you’re better off clicking this link , and scrolling to the “product description” to see all of the reasons why this pillow is a must!
• Foot Rest: You’re probably thinking, “what?” But yes, airplane footrests are a thing, and quite comfortable. Rather than trying to squeeze your legs under the chair (and slam your shins along the way), you can instead set up your footrest. My Recommendation – Sleepy Ride. I’ve had this footrest for years; it’s incredibly lightweight and folds up tiny. It’s very easy to set up, and you can adjust the height to your preference. 
• Eye Mask – Eye Masks are a tricky thing. Assuming that it will be over your eyes for hours on end, you need to ensure that it doesn’t press against your eyes, doesn’t let light in, and doesn’t slip off your head. My Recommendation – Manta Sleep Mask. I was drawn in not only by their 100% darkness guaranteed, but also by the fact that you can still open your eyes behind the mask too! The fact that there is zero pressure on your eyes, and that it’s fully customizable to your unique face makes it a must have!
• Compression Socks:  Compression socks are important to wear while flying, especially if it’s a long-haul flight! They not only increase circulation, but they help prevent blood clots and swelling too. My Recommendation – Alvada Compression Socks for Men & Women. Get them and remember to bring them on your next flight! 
• Cambridge Mask: I have always traveled with a mask on hand, should I get sick or should there be something going around. Cambridge Masks are amongst the best out there, as their masks meet the N99 standard and protect against almost 100% of pollutants, viruses, and bacteria *if the mask is worn correctly.* Whenever using a mask, make sure that it's snug on your face, avoid touching the front of the mask, and be sure to wash your hands before putting the mask on/taking it off.  My Recommendation –  Cambridge Mask Co.
• Earplanes: Have you ever struggled with painful ear popping on airplanes? Well I get horrible ear pain whenever I fly… to the point where I cannot fly without them. My Recommendation – EarPlanes Pack of 3. These work fantastically to relieve the pressure in your ears during take off and landing, while muffling some of the noise too. 
• Reusable Water Bottle:  I always recommend traveling with a water bottle on hand for two reasons. (1) It’s good to have a bottle that the flight attendants can fill up for you so that you’re not stuck to 3 sips of water until the next flight attendant comes back. (2) Having a reusable water bottle can help minimize your plastic waste. My Recommendation – Hydro Flask. The Hydro Flask is a BPA-free stainless steel, slip free water bottle. It comes in a variety of sizes and will keep hot drinks hot for up to six hours and cold drinks cold up to 24 hours. Definitely handy to have while traveling!
• Sweatshirt or Jacket: Planes (or any type of transportation honestly) can sometimes be unbearably cold! I definitely recommend always having a sweatshirt or jacket on hand, or both, as I doubt anyone wants to be freezing and uncomfortable for hours on end. 
• Change of Clothes: No one likes a smelly person 😉 But in all honesty, it’s important to have a change of clothes on hand for just in case your luggage gets lost. If you’re going on a beach trip, pack a bathing suit. A hiking trip, pack your spandex. You get the point. 
• Carabiners – While this may seem a bit random, carabiners are incredibly useful for travel. I use a carabiner to clip my water bottle to my carry on, as well as to clip my pillow and footrest to the seat in front of me too. You don’t need anything fancy, so something like these will do. 

Technology & Valuables: Anything of value should never be checked. Make sure that all technology and valuables (like jewelry & sunglasses) are packed in your carry on and in a locked compartment. Some of these things may be obvious, but I’m still including them if you reference this as your packing list. 

As a content creator, I obviously pack a lot more tech than the average person, but please use the list below as a guideline for what to pack tech-wise according to your needs. Perhaps you’ll even find something new to bring with you on your next trip! 

A typical day with my laptop on the road

• Smartphone: This is a given these days, but make sure you pack your phone! It’s also incredibly helpful to have some apps downloaded that might help make your travel easier. My favorite is App in the Air 🙂 My Recommendation – iPhone Xs Max. If you’re looking for a new smartphone, I have an iPhone Xs Max 256 GB and absolutely love it. 
• Noise Cancelling Headphones (and iPod):  Airplanes are noisy. People are noisy. Babies are noisy. Get rid of the noise! My Recommendation – Bose QuietComfort 35 II. These wireless, bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones are honestly a dream. They are the very first thing I pack in my personal item, as I couldn’t do a flight without them! Of course, make sure you have music downloaded on your phone or iPod to listen to as well (and yes, I still use an iPod). 
• Earbuds: While I’m obsessed with noise cancelling headphones, it’s always a good idea to have a regular pair of earbuds too. They do make noise-cancelling earbuds as well, but those have never felt right to me. My Recommendation – Apple Airpods with Charging Case. These Airpods automatically connect to your device and charge within 15 minutes once you put them back in their case. They’re small, lightweight, and easy to travel with. 
• Kindle:  I don’t go anywhere without my Kindle. I love that it allows me to travel with as many books as I’d like, without the burden of actually having to lug them around. My Recommendation – Kindle Paperwhite. The flush design is as close to “paper” as it gets and there are no glares (this I can promise, as I always read at the beach in the sun!). It is also waterproof, which is convenient, and pairs with bluetooth headphones as well if you’re an audiobook listener. 
• Laptop:  Depending on what you do or for how long you’re traveling, you may not need to bring your laptop. My Recommendation – MacBook Air or MacBook Pro 15”. These both have very different uses. For travel, the MacBook Air is significantly easier to travel with. While it’s infinitely lighter though, it doesn’t have the same processing power as the MacBook Pro 15”. If you plan on editing a lot of photos or videos, unfortunately the heavier MacBook Pro 15” should be your go-to. I personally used (and loved) the MacBook Air for years before switching to the MacBook Pro 15”, which is what I use now (for a stronger and faster laptop). 
• Laptop Case:  Even if your backpack or messenger bag has a laptop sleeve, be sure to have your laptop in its own protective case! My Recommendation – CCPK Laptop Sleeve. This is as basic a laptop sleeve as it gets, but it is snug and will protect your laptop, without adding extra bulk. 
• External Hard Drive:  If you’re on the road a lot or take excess photos, you’ll certainly want an external hard drive on hand to back everything up! My Recommendation –  LaCie Rugged Mini External Hard Drive. I’ve had multiple LaCie Rugged Hard Drives, and I’ve loved each and every one of them. They’re perfect for any kind of trip, as they’re compact, durable, and water-resistant. And if you’re interested in learning how to better edit your photos, it even comes with a complimentary one-month membership to Adobe! 
• USB Drive: I can’t even begin to tell you how many times people ask if I can give them a USB drive with photos. It’s an extremely small, very useful thing to have on you if you’re in the content creation space. My Recommendation – SanDisk Cruzer Glide CZ60 USB Drive . I personally recommend the 256 GB, as you’ll never worry about running out of space, but any will do based on your needs. 
• DSLR Camera: Now this one is tricky one because every person has different travel needs and preferences. I’ve personally traveled with a Canon, Sony, and Panasonic… but it wasn’t until I traveled with an Olympus Camera that I was fully content. My Recommendation – Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II. Not only is it the lightest DSLR that I have ever carried around with me, but it’s waterproof and weather-sealed, which makes it ideal for every situation. This is my go-to travel camera these days, and you can read the full review of my Olympus products here.  

Always travel equipped with a good camera!

• Lenses:  Again, lenses will depend on the type of photo that you’re aiming to get. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II can be purchased with two different lenses, or you can purchase the lenses separately. My Recommendation – M. Zuiko 14-150mm f4-5.6 for your everyday lens and M.Zuiko 7-14mm f2.8 PRO for a wide angle lens. I originally thought I wouldn’t need a wide angle lens, but sure was wrong!
• GoPro: By now I’m sure you’ve heard that the GoPro is the best action-cam on the market and, guess what, it’s true. Whether you’re running down the beach, zip-lining through the air, or diving with sharks, the GoPro can help perfectly capture the moment. My Recommendation – GoPro Hero 8. The GoPro Hero 8 prides itself on filming in 4K, taking 12 MP still shots, and having the best stabilization on an action camera. This is a must for any adventure traveler! 
• Memory Cards:  Make sure you purchase high quality memory cards. I always recommend smaller memory card sizes, and a lot of them. If a memory card were to become corrupt, I would hate to lose everyone on a 256 GB memory card! My Recommendation – SanDisk 32 GB Extreme Pro for your camera and the SanDisk 64 GB Micro SD for your GoPro. The Extreme Pro writes quite quickly at 95 mbps and the Micro SD is a Class 10, meaning that it will work great for full HD video playback. Both SD Cards are waterproof, shock proof, and temperature-proof. 
• Gimbal:  No one likes shaky videos. If you’re shooting with a smartphone or GoPro, a gimbal helps stabilize your videos and keeps them smooth. They’re relatively lightweight and portable, and a necessity if you want to get into video. My Recommendation – DJI Osmo Mobile 2. DJI is an incredible reputable brand and their gimbal is one of the most lightweight on the market. Run, jump, do everything in between, and this gimbal will keep your videos stable. 
• FitBit: It’s no secret that I’ve always loved my FitBit. I’ve worn one for years, and I love that it provides me with in-depth sleep analytics while also counting my steps, calories, and distance walked for the day. My Recommendation – FitBit Versa. I’ve had a few different FitBit’s over the years, and the Versa is definitely my favorite! It’s the biggest competitor to the Apple Watch, and I prefer its exercise analytics and sleek design. You can also download your favorite apps and music on your FitBit Versa too! 
• Portable Speaker:  I actually bought the UE Roll out of necessity when our other speaker died on a road trip through New Zealand , but I’m SO happy we did! It’s incredibly portable and easily hung up or carried with you. My Recommendation – UE Roll Wireless. This bluetooth speaker is not only wireless, but waterproof and shockproof too. It has great sound quality, and  it makes for the perfect addition to any camp out, beach day, or general use around the house. 
• Portable Battery Charger: You never know when your phone or camera might die. I always always always carry a portable battery charger with me. Not only does it ensure that I will always be charged up, but it’s also nice to be able to provide your friends with a bit of juice when their phones die too (because, no, they typically never have an external battery charger). My Recommendation – myCharge AdventureMax Portable Charger . The myCharge is an important buy for travelers because, aside from having dual USB ports for charging (which is awesome), it is also splash-proof, drop-resistant, and dirt-proof, making it the perfect travel buddy. It’s also incredibly small and compact and has an attached carabiner, so it’s easy to throw in your purse or attach off a backpack.  
• International Adaptor: No matter where you’re traveling, this is an absolute must. I always carry at least two international adaptors so that, if one breaks, I always have a back up. You would be surprised how many people forget to pack an international adaptor. My Recommendation – Upgraded Universal Travel Adaptor. The reason I love this travel adaptor is that not only does it have a standard plug, but four USB ports as well. Sometimes I don’t have a long time to charge my equipment, but with this adaptor I have the ability to charge everything at the same time. This Universal Adaptor works in over 150 countries, so it’s certainly handy to have!
• Chargers: If you have a lot of gear, it’s likely that you have a lot of cords and cables. While there’s no need to elaborate, these are the main chargers that I always have on hand. 

Medications: When people think of travel essentials, they don’t typically think of meds, but important Medications should never be checked! Should your luggage be lost, you don’t want to be without your daily meds. If you have prescribed medication, ensure that it is packed in your carry on. Aside from our individual health needs, I recommend packing – at minimum – Advil, Allergy Medications, Pepto-Bismol (or something similar), Motion Sickness Tablets, Tylenol AM/PM, and Malaria Tablets (depending on your destination), as well as Neosporin Cream and Hydrocortisone Cream. And, of course, if you carry an EpiPen, don’t forget that either! 

Miscellaneous: These are some small things I wasn’t sure how to categorize, but I make sure to have all of these in my carry on as well!

Packing Essentials

Clothing: Clothing is a tricky one, as this really varies per person. I’ve done 8 month trips where I’ve had 5 tops and 5 bottoms, and weeklong cruise trips where I have 20 outfits for 7 days. I highly recommend Anatomie as your go-to travel clothing brand though, and they’ve actually been endorsed by both Forbes Travel Guide and Condé Nast Traveler. Please take the time to view these three articles:

• The Best Travel Pants For Women
• The Best Travel Shirts For Women
• Travel Clothes For Women 

With the founders of Anatomie, my go-to travel clothing!

In general though, you can use the table below as a rough guideline for the types of clothing you should pack. I don’t go anywhere without these things – no matter what season it is. Remember when packing, your clothes will typically get a bit wrinkly, so I recommend bringing a travel-sized wrinkle releaser as well as a dual-voltage travel steamer. 

Toiletries: Do yourself a favor and purchase the Eagle Creek Pack It Quick Trip Toiletry Bag . It’s the perfect sized toiletry bag and very lightweight. It should easily fit all of your toiletries, aside from your Microfiber Towel ( this is a must! ). There’s no need to explain what each toiletry is needed for though, so I’m providing you with another table with what to bring – 

Shoes: Shoes are always a personal preference. I used to travel with just one pair of flip flops and one pair of hiking boots, but times have changed a bit. I know other people who practically need a whole suitcase just for their heels. With that said, these days I typically pack sandals, a pair of flip-flops, black heels, nude heels, cross-training shoes, sneakers, and hiking boots when I’m going on a longer trip. And, of course, plenty of socks! I recommend Puma’s ankle socks and Darn Tough hiking socks. 

Gotta have a good pair of heels while you're cruising!

Outdoor Essentials

Camping: So you’ve decided that you want to become one with nature, or you’re simply on a trip that’s better suited for camping – awesome! Years ago I spent two months camping through Central America and another two months camping through Africa, and both were incredible experiences. It helped that I was well-prepared though! It’s important to note that even if you decide to camp in the summer (or in a desert), it is not always warm at night. I’ve learned this the hard way, so make sure you pack many layers and are prepared for every type of climate, every time. My go-to camping equipment is as follows –

Couldn't have camped in New Zealand without my lightweight tent!

• Big Agnes Tent: Big Agnes is the best of the best when it comes to finding the most lightweight, durable tents. I used a bulkier tent for my first camping trip and regretted it instantly. My Recommendation – Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 3. I’ve loved every night that I’ve spent in this tent — it’s unbelievably light for a three-person tent, very comfortable, and weatherproof too! I always opt for a three-person tent over a two-person tent so that we can keep our gear inside with us and have a little extra space. 
• Sleeping Pad: A good sleeping pad is a necessity. When I first started camping I tried to go cheap to save money, but it was a terrible decision. It definitely isn’t fun spending the night slipping and sliding off your mat, or feeling the ground under your back. My Recommendation –  Big Agnes Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad. This sleeping pad comes with the option of it being insulated or uninsulated, and I’d definitely recommend the insulation as it’s rated for 3-season camping and still only weighs in at 21oz! This folds up incredibly small (about the size of a water bottle) yet doesn’t compromise on its comfort. 
• Sleeping Bag: A roomy yet packable sleeping bag is also, obviously, very important for camping. I recommend getting a 2-3 season sleeping bag and doing your research to ensure that it’s super lightweight. My Recommendation – Sea to Summit Spark Down Sleeping Bag. The beauty of this sleeping bag is that it weighs just over a pound and packs down to just 4.9L! It also comes with a compression bag so that it compresses down to the size of a water bottle. This sleeping bag is water resistant, has a great hooded component, and will keep you warm all night. 
• Sleep Liner: This is something that a lot of people forget about, but it’s incredibly handy. I suggest traveling with a sleep liner for a few reasons. First, it can be an extra layer if it’s colder outside, but it can also be your only layer if it’s too warm for your sleeping bag. Also, it doesn’t need to be used just for camping. When I used to stay in hostels, I’d use my sleep liner in bed rather than use the blanket. My Recommendation – Sea to Summit Adaptor Coolmax Liner Traveller with Insect Shield. I’ve used this all over the world. You can purchase it without the insect shield, but I personally prefer having the extra insect repellant treatment, especially when in outdoorsy locations. 
• Ultra Light Pillow: You want a comfortable, small blowup pillow to have with you. I’ve seen way too many people fold up their clothes into an uncomfortable pillow when they could have just brought a lightweight pillow. My Recommendation – Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Ultra Light. I’ve had this pillow for about five years now, and it’s never let me down. I won’t go anywhere without it. Not only does it pack down to smaller than the palm of my hand, but it’s genuinely comfortable! There have been many times where I’ve been in luxury hotels with pillows that were too high for me, so I just blew up this little pillow.  
• Hammock or Sleeping Hammock: If you’re camping, sometimes you just want to hang out outside of the tent… literally. A hammock definitely comes in handy during those times! Travel hammocks are easy to set up and are great for lounging, napping or reading a book. My Recommendation – ENO DoubleNest Hammock. This is a two person hammock, but comfortable for just one as well. It folds down small and is quite lightweight. Sometimes we bring it on our hikes as well, rather than just keeping them at the campsite! If you don’t feel like sleeping in the tent, or have a third-wheeler tagging along, the ENO Ember 2 Under Quilt could be of use too. 

Who doesn't love a good hammock?!

• Cookware: If you’re camping, you’ll definitely want the ability to cook easily. We all know though that no one wants to lug metal pots and pans to their campsite. My Recommendation – Sea to Summit X-Series. It doesn’t get much better than lightweight, durable, and collapsible cookware! The 5-piece set comes with one pot, two bowls, and two mugs, so you may need to order more than one set depending on how many people you’re camping with. They fold up smaller than you could imagine! 
• Spork: A spork is just one of the most convenient things you could have. Whether you need a spoon, knife, or fork, the spork has your back! I always carry a spork with me in my daypacks as well, as you never know when you will need one. My Recommendation – Tapirus 5 Spork of Steel Utensils Set. I highly recommend these rust-proof stainless steel sporks over their plastic equivalents. I had numerous plastic sporks break on me before transitioning to stainless steel and haven’t had any problems since. 
• Inflatable Lounger: Have you seen these things?! They’re infinitely better than any camp chair and fold up even smaller! These are truly one of the most interesting and useful camping additions that I’ve seen. My Recommendation – AlphaBeing Inflatable Lounger. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, click that link and check it out — it’s one of those things that is better visualized than described.  
• LED Camping Lantern: You certainly need something to light up your campsite or tent once it gets dark. As I like to keep things small and portable, I always suggest going for a lantern that collapses into itself. My Recommendation – MISPO 6 Pack Portable Camping Lantern with LED Flashlights. These are the perfect mini lanterns to put in and around your campsite. Then, when you’re not using them, they barely take up any space and pack away easily.  

Hiking: It’s important to practice safe hiking anywhere you go. As always, I recommend looking up your hiking trails in advance, letting someone know where you’re going, and having a trail map handy. Bring many layers, in addition to the following –

Couldn't have tackled the Matterhorn Base Camp without my hiking poles!

• Hiking Backpack: If you’re planning on taking day trips from your campsite or accommodation, a good hiking backpack is a necessity. I always look for things like good waist support and structure, as well as ample pockets. My Recommendation –  Osprey Sirrus 24 Women’s Hiking Backpack and Osprey Stratos 24 Men’s Hiking Backpack. If you don’t remember why I chose these packs specifically, please scroll back up to the “luggage” section. 
• Trekkers Pack: If you’re going on a multi-day hike or staying in refugios along the trail, then you’ll need a bigger and better trekkers pack. Like the hiking backpack, this needs to be both structured and very comfortable. My Recommendation – Osprey Ariel AG 65 Women’s Backpacking Backpack and Osprey Atmos 65 AG Men’s Backpacking Backpack . Jump back up to the “luggage” section if you’d like a refresher on these options.  
• Hydration Pack: Whether you’re going out on a two hour hike on a hot summer day or a long trek, a water bladder makes a massive difference! You won’t have to deal with taking off your backpack to take a sip, or worrying about your water bottle falling out of the side pocket. Plus, you can carry far more water with a hydration pack as well. My Recommendation – CamelBak Crux 2L or 3L Reservoir. I originally thought I’d save money by going with a non-name brand, but when I did that my water always tasted like plastic and, quite frankly, it was disgusting. CamelBak deserves the praise that it gets, and it’s definitely worth the price tag. I have both a 2L and a 3L, depending on what type of hike I’m doing. I find the 3L more useful on a day-to-day basis, as it doesn’t always need to be filled to the top.
• Hiking Poles: Hiking Poles are a necessity for any hiker, in my opinion. Hiking poles not only make you a bit faster, but they take some pressure off your knees too. I always look for carbon poles are they are a lot lighter than aluminum poles. My Recommendation –   Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles. Not only are these lightweight, 100% carbon fiber, and of the highest quality, but they also fold into three sections which makes them incredibly convenient to pack or attach to a backpack when not in use. 
• Headlamp: Whether you’re completing a sunrise or sunset mission, wandering around your campsite in the evening, or misjudged the length of your hike, it is imperative to carry a headlamp on you whenever you’re hiking! My Recommendation – Black Diamond Storm Headlamp. This headlamp is both waterproof and dustproof, which is always helpful! It also had three different color LED options, as well as adjustable intensity. I also love that it has a lock mode, which keeps my headlamp from turning on in my pack!

Hiking in the dark can be dangerous without a headlamp

• Water Filter: A water filter is very important when you’re out hiking. If something happens and you run out of water, you can stick it into any water (from a dirty puddle to a river) and it should come out clean. My Recommendation – LifeStraw Personal Water Filter. The LifeStraw removes waterborne bacteria, waterborne parasites, and micro-plastics found in the environment from your water. It is the most reliable water filter system for a hiker on the market. One of the admirable things about LifeStraw is that for every product purchased, a child receives safe drinking water for an entire school year – pretty remarkable! 
• Pocket Tissues: You never know when you’ll have a runny nose, have to clean up a spill… or need to pee. Just have them on you. 
• First Aid Kit: This should be a given, but I know plenty of people who don’t hike with one. Should anything happen, it helps to know that you’re properly prepared. My Recommendation – M2 Basic 150 Piece First Aid Kit. This is a travel-sized first aid kit that is about the size of your hand, so there’s no excuse not to put it in your backpack!
• Bug Spray Wipes: Applying bug spray is typically a pain and tends to leave you sticky and oily, but not with the wipes! My Recommendation: Repel 94100 Sportsmen 30-Percent Deet Mosquito Repellent Wipes. I started traveling with these in 2013 and haven’t looked back. They’re incredibly easy-to-use, portable, and protective. 
• Clif Bars or Clif Protein Bars: You definitely need to ensure that you have some sustenance to keep you going while hiking. Although I’m not a big fan of the sugar content in Clif Bars, there’s no debating the fact that they were designed to help give your body fuel while active. My Recommendation – Clif Bar Variety Pack or, if you’re looking for a higher level of protein, the Clif Builders Protein Bar Variety Pack. While Clif Bars are – hands down – the tastiest protein bars on the market, my favorite flavors are the White Chocolate Macadamia and the Chocolate Mint. 
• Hiking Boots: Wearing good hiking boots is, of course, imperative. Over the years, I’ve spent ages researching the best and most comfortable brands. Another aspect that’s always important to me is that they’re waterproof, as you never know what conditions you might be hiking in or if the weather might take a turn. My Recommendation – Lowa Women’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot and Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot. Once I discovered Lowa, I never turned back. I’ve owned four different pairs of their hiking boots, as I’m incredibly happy with the model. They are properly waterproof and supportive, and perfect for any type of hike be it short distance or long distance. 
• Hiking Socks: If you hike a lot, you know how important a comfortable, breathable sock is. If you’re anything like me, your socks probably also take a bit of a beating, so you need to find something reliable. My Recommendation – Darn Tough Hiker ¼ Cushion Sock – Womens and Darn Tough Hiker ¼ Cushion Sock – Mens. Not only are Darn Tough socks incredibly comfortable and antimicrobial, but they are guaranteed for life! If you’re a frequent hiker, there’s no brand more reliable than Darn Tough, and they’re certainly worth the price tag.  
• Base Layers: Base layers have saved me time and time again while out for long hikes, and I cannot stress their importance! If I’m not wearing my base layers, they’re in my bags. While there are so many brands and base layers out there, it’s important to do your research as I simply can’t list them all. My Recommendation – Women’s Ultra-Soft Long Johns & Warm Top Set and Men’s Thermal Underwear Set. Always, always make sure that your base layers are moisture-wicking!
• Down Jacket: I carry a down jacket with me on every trail, every camping trip, and even every airplane. It doesn’t matter whether it’s sweltering hot or freezing cold, I always have one with me to ensure that I’m prepared. My Recommendation – Mountain Hardwear Women’s Ghost Whisperer Down Hooded Jacket and Men’s Ghost Whisperer Down Hooded Jacket. These jackets are, in my opinion, the best lightweight down jackets on the market. The hood is important, as it provides that extra warm, and they’re both machine-washable. Another aspect that I love – and find to be incredibly useful – is that it folds up into itself so that it packs down extremely small. The jacket is worth every cent to me, and I wouldn’t travel without it!

Staying warm in Iceland thanks to my down jacket

• Rain Jacket: You’re pretty much crazy if you decide to go hiking without a rain jacket. Not only could the weather change from a beautiful day to an ugly storm in the blink of an eye, but it also serves as a windproof layer as well. My Recommendation – Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire Jacket and Outdoor Research Men’s Horizon Jacket. After testing out multiple lightweight rain jackets, and finding myself soaked after a good rain, I decided to invest in a GORE-TEX rain jacket. While they’re slightly bigger, these rain jackets will still packs down small enough to throw in your backpack… and it will actually keep you try! They are waterproof, windproof, and extremely breathable due to the multiple venting systems. 
• Hat: An easily packable sun hat always comes in handy. While there are plenty of “cute” ones out there, I like to make sure that I purchase hats that can both be thrown in the wash and are moisture-wicking. My Recommendation –  Outdoor Research Women’s Solar Roller Hat. I discovered this hat a few years back, and found it so convenient that it’s the only hat that I ever hike or travel with. While this is obviously a women’s hat, the male or uni-sex equivalent would be the Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat.  
• Buff: Buffs have many uses – whether you’re wanting to keep your neck, face, or head warm. They’re lightweight and incredibly useful. My Recommendation – Buff Polar Multifunctional Headwear. I’ve owned many buffs in my life and, when I’m outdoors, the Polar Buff is most definitely my favorite. It has a SPF 50 and has fleece at the bottom and microfiber at the top, making it the perfect accessory to keep both your neck and face warm in chilly temperatures. It’s also moisture-wicking and quick-drying, and can be worn in over ten different ways! 
• Gloves: There are honestly so many warm, cozy gloves on the market that it’s hard to choose just one. My Recommendation – Outdoor Research Women’s PL Base Sense Gloves and the Outdoor Research Men’s PL Sensor Gloves . You need a glove that can withstand cold weather, is wind resistant, and offers touchscreen compatibility. 

Fitness “On The Go” Essentials

I get asked all the time how I stay in shape while on the road. Whether I’m in a luxury hotel and eating my heart out, or camping and carb loading, I can’t say that it’s easy. But I will say that it takes conscious effort every single day. I’ve learned to say no to two $0.25 ice cream cones in the same day, as tempting as it is! I also implement a strict workout routine, which has gotten infinitely easier since I started using LiveKick Fitness. They specialize in one-on-one personal training and private yoga done via live video — think FaceTime but for fitness! You can choose your (highly qualified) instructor for a time that works for you, no matter where you live in the world! I’ve done everything from high intensity exercise in my ocean view hotel in Australia to yoga in my office at home in the States. And the best part is, you don’t need access to a gym or any equipment if you don’t want! You could try out LiveKick Fitness here, and be sure to use the code “FIVEFOOTTRAVELER15” for 15% off your LiveKick plan! Other than being armed with my LiveKick Fitness App, I travel with –

Screen cap of my LiveKick personal training (left) & yoga (right)

• Resistance Loop Exercise Bands – I started using looped resistance bands when I injured my knee two years ago, but it’s a fantastic addition to any workout when you’re a new exerciser or an exercise junkie. I use these largely for strength training and physical therapy.
• Flat Exercise Bands – Flat exercise bands give you a few more options, which allows you to truly get a full body workout whenever you want.
• Rumble Roller – My 12-inch RumbleRoller is one of my favorite things that I pack, when I have the space! Nothing feels better than this spiky foam roller after a good hike or exercise. 
• Cross-Training Shoe – I’ve made the mistake many times of doing aerobics and weight-lifting in a running sneaker, which just isn’t good for you! The Nike Air Bella’s are light-weight and comfortable trainers.
• Running Shoe – If you’re also a runner though, I’d recommend packing your running shoes too. Maybe you’ll be luckier than I and could find a one-shoe-fits-all for you though! I’ve worn Brooks Ghost sneakers for many years now and I’ve been quite happy with them. 
• Travel Yoga Mat – I always wanted the ability to be able to stretch anytime, anywhere, which led me to research travel-sized yoga mats. The Plyopic Travel Yoga Mat is both lightweight, eco-friendly, and foldable so that you can bring it wherever you need. 

Reading Essentials

Beach reads are always necessary. Sometimes it’s nice to get lost in a good story and enjoy a book with a view. While I could individually summarize these books, I think it’s best if you check them out yourself to see which one is best for you 🙂 Here are some of my favorite travel books –

It may not be the beach, but I thought it was a great spot to read!

• Love with a Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRoche
• What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding by Kristin Newman
• Vagabonding by Rolf Potts
• Wild by Cheryl Strayed
• On the Road by Jack Kerouac
• In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
• Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
• Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
• Drink, Play, F@#k by Bob Sullivan
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

If you feel like being slightly more intellectual on your vacation, I highly recommend these excellent entrepreneur books:

• Expert Secrets by Russel Brunson (#1 recommended biz book!)
• DotCom Secrets by Russel Brunson
• 177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class by Steve Siebold
• How to Make Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson
• Ca$hvertising by Drew Eric Whitman

Business Management Essentials

More and more frequently you will find people on the road who have the freedom to work remotely. If you are a business owner, or wannabe business owner, these are my absolutely necessary softwares and systems needed to keep my business running online, even when I’m not in front of my computer. Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean that you need to stop making money 🙂

Working remotely on the beach in Australia

• ClickFunnels – Whether you run an online business or you’re looking to become a digital nomad, ClickFunnels is an absolute must! This software helps you great the highest converting sales funnels amongst many, many other incredible features. They offer a free Affiliate Bootcamp that I highly recommend going through if you’re new to the online space. If you aren’t new to working online, and haven’t checked out ClickFunnels though, you can grab your free trial here. Email me if you do, and I will share with you my top converting sales funnel.  
• GetResponse – Email marketing is key to success. No matter what business you’re in, you need the ability to directly reach out to your followers or consumers without every having to think about social media algorithms. Through email marketing you can get your audience to know, like, and trust you… and ultimately buy from you. And the beauty of this is that if you’re on a trip, you can set up an email autoresponder series to continually bring in sales without you having to even open up your computer! GetResponse is free for under 1,000 email contacts, and have incredibly reasonable rates after that given the service they provide. You can sign up for your free account here.  
• BlueHost – Do you have a blog or website? It needs to be hosted somewhere to be kept safe! Your web host ensures that your site continues to run smoothly and backs up your site daily should anything go wrong; it’s your website’s safety shield. BlueHost offers incredibly low rates, and I’m able to give them to you for even lower. You can purchase your BlueHost web hosting for just $3.95/month here! 
• ClickMagick – I personally never click on an “ugly” link – a link that has a ton of numbers and letters and seemingly goes on forever. ClickMagick allows you to turn those long ugly links into short, clean URLs using your domain name. You can grab your ClickMagick account here.
• Later – If you’re wondering how people post to Instagram on the go or have beautifully crafted Instagram feeds, it’s likely because they use a tool to help them get organized. I first discovered Later last year and have used them ever since to help schedule, analyze, and organize my accounts. Because they’re an official partner of Instagram, you can craft your posts and then schedule them to be automatically posted to Instagram! And the best part is, it’s free! Set up your free account here. 
• TailWind – If you understand the value of Pinterest for your business, TailWind is an absolute must. It allows you to easily schedule out your Pins and re-Pin from others in your niche. You can adjust your settings so that you auto-Pin throughout the day, without having to sit in front of your phone or computer the whole time! Pinterest is a huge driver of traffic to websites, so it’s important that you take advantage of its benefits. TailWind is also free, and you can claim your account here.  
• LiveLeap – Are you someone who likes to go live on social media a lot, either to showcase what your business has to offer or to show off your latest vacation? LiveLeap allows you to live stream on Facebook across multiple pages, which can increase your views ten times more than without it! So if you stream on your business page, you can also connect it to your personal page and Facebook group so that your live video goes live on all of those pages at once. It’s a great way to expand your reach! You can set up your account here. 

I hope that this list of travel essentials didn’t overwhelm you! I obviously travel full-time and am always over-prepared, so you just need to pick and choose which of these items is most important for the type of trip that you are preparing for. I wish you the best of luck with packing… as I sure as heck know how much we BOTH need it! As you pack and prepare for your next trip, please let me know in the comments below if I missed any important travel essentials. 

I'll leave you with some penguins – and a great travel hat!

In the meantime, please ensure that you purchase travel insurance before you leave! Of all of these travel essentials, t ravel insurance is arguably the most important thing to have on hand (after your passports and visas). I’ve had to use my travel insurance multiple times on the road, even though I’m healthy. You never know when something might happen; take comfort in knowing that whether your flight gets cancelled or you wind up sick and in the hospital, you will be covered. I recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance for all of you. You can get a free quote here.  

Pin “137 Travel Essentials” For Later!

The only thing I would add is: a few zip lock bags. I’ve done a lot of travelling…roadtrips, backpacking in Europe, rail and air travel, and won’t go anywhere without them. You never know when something will start leaking, or you have leftover snacks, or need a waterproof place to stash your phone or pocket camera. They take no space at all, and never say “I told you so!” when you do need one.

YES! Great tip! I always have them on me too 🙂

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Hi, I’m Sarah!

Hello World! I’m Sarah Gallo, The Five Foot Traveler, and I choose to dream out loud. After conquering a crippling fear of flying, I’ve developed an unquenchable passion for traveling. Since my newfound freedom, I have set foot on all seven continents, explored 114 countries, and continue to strive to live life to the fullest. Continue Reading…

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8 small travel essentials that make a big difference

Foot hammocks and facial sprays add comfort to long flights

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When flying, the most important thing is getting to your destination safely — but if you can make it from point A to point B comfortably, that's even better. Set yourself up for success by packing carry-on items to make life in the air a breeze. Here are eight small yet mighty travel essentials. 

Aesop Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol 

One spray is enough to have you feeling refreshed

Airplane cabins have notoriously dry air, which can be bad news for your skin. Spritz your way back to hydration with Aesop's vegan Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol, a refreshing rose petal-infused mist. Spray it as often as necessary and be sure to take a deep breath in to savor the fresh floral and citrus scent. 

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Basic Concepts airplane foot hammock

Give your feet a break with this comfortable hammock

Get ready to kick up your feet and relax. It only takes seconds to get this padded hammock set up; hang it around your tray table, adjust the straps to the desired length and voila! You have yourself a foot or leg rest to make the cramped airline seat feel more luxurious. This position can help reduce swelling and alleviate backaches.

$14.99, Amazon

Hammacher Schlemmer The In Flight Hanging Organizer

This hanging organizer keeps everything you need handy 

Instead of digging around in your carry-on or trying to stuff all your things into the tiny seatback pocket in front of you, keep your books, magazines, iPad and laptop in this roomy organizer. It hangs from your tray table hook and has six pouches to hold all your flight essentials. If things get bumpy, zip it up to ensure everything stays put.

$59.99, Hammacher Schlemmer

Comrad compression socks

Say goodbye to swelling with these compression socks

Think of compression socks as hugs for your legs. These socks gently and continuously squeeze your calves, increasing circulation and preventing blood from pooling — making them a game changer for anyone who experiences mild to moderate swelling and leg pain on an airplane. Comrad's unisex compression socks are made of breathable material, offer a medium 15-20 mmHG of graduated compression and come in more than a dozen colors and patterns. 

Starting at $27.99, Amazon

Origins Peace of Mind On-The-Spot Relief

The name says it all

Maybe flying makes you nervous, or the plane hit a rough patch of turbulence that shook you up. Instead of downing several glasses of wine, try Peace of Mind On-The-Spot Relief, a sensory treatment infused with a blend of peppermint, basil and eucalyptus oils that you can rub onto the back of your neck or temples for a calming effect. The bottle fits in your pocket, making it easy to grab when you need to de-stress.

$19, Origins

Cincha travel belt 

The Cincha travel belt keeps your bags in place

Your tote or weekender is staying put with the Cincha Travel Belt. This elastic belt secures your personal item to your wheeled carry-on so you no longer have to worry about it slipping, sliding or falling off as you rush through the airport to board your flight. These come in a variety of fun colors and patterns to jazz up any luggage, like purple and blue stripes and traditional leopard.

$39.99, Cincha

Jisulife portable handheld fan 

No air nozzles on the plane? No problem.

This tiny, two-speed portable fan will help you stay cool even when the cabin is stuffy. It has a flashlight and can run for 14 hours, plus it doubles as a power bank in case your phone runs out of juice. The rechargable fan does make a little noise, but it should not disturb your fellow passengers. 

$17.99, Amazon

BlueHills premium soft travel blanket

Curl up with this lightweight BlueHills travel blanket

Even on the shortest flights, you probably want to get cozy — it gets cold up at 30,000 feet! This lightweight, machine-washable plush blanket is big enough to keep you toasty without encroaching on anyone else's space. It comes with a zippered carrying case, and when the blanket is tucked inside you can also use it as a travel pillow. Win-win.

$29.99, Amazon

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Catherine Garcia is night editor for TheWeek.com . Her writing and reporting has appeared in Entertainment Weekly and EW.com , The New York Times , The Book of Jezebel , and other publications. A Southern California native, Catherine is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

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I've Been to 68 Countries, and These Are the 13 Items I Always Travel With — No Matter the Season

These travel writer-approved clothing and gear must-haves start at just $15.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

As a travel journalist who jets around the world on assignment nearly three weeks out of the month, packing has become as routine as doing the dishes or walking the dog. But that doesn’t make it any easier when trips could take me from one hemisphere — and season — to another with only a carry-on. 

After nearly a decade of tiny apartment living in France, where my closet space is the size of a very small pantry, I’ve learned to edit down my minimalist French wardrobe and style the essentials so they can be worn in a variety of ways. A flowy midi skirt paired with comfy sandals in summer in the South of France takes on a whole new look with thigh-high boots and a leather jacket in Vienna in the fall. And a one-piece bathing suit doubles as both swimwear and a bodysuit that you can wear with jeans, shorts, or a long skirt in nearly any setting (and season). 

 If you’re looking to streamline your suitcase with items that are versatile and functional yet still stylish, I’ve got you covered. With items starting at just $15, you won’t have to dish out too much for classics you can wear around the world — and the go-to gear that will make it all so much easier.

Travel + Leisure / Lane Nieset

Lightweight Carry-on Luggage

Since my trips often are back-to-back and involve a few forms of transportation (like a taxi to a ferry to a plane to a train), I want to travel as light as possible and save time (and stress) not waiting for a checked suitcase to arrive on the baggage claim carousel.

Away’s classic Carry-On With Pocket is one of the best I’ve found at a price that doesn’t rival your rent. The durable, lightweight hard shell means it won’t get too dinged up when you’re rolling it through train stations or stashing it in the overhead bin — and the compact size means it fits on most planes. The hidden, water-resistant laundry bag makes it easy to separate your dirty clothes, and the built-in pocket holds larger laptops and tablets, plus has sections to store smaller essentials like your passport or wallet.

A similar option at Amazon for much less, this Wrangler smart luggage set with a cup holder and USB port includes a 20-inch carry-on that has expandable capacity, and the cupholder in the back can double as a storage spot for your phone while it charges up through the USB port. As someone who often is trying to balance a Starbucks iced Americano in one hand while juggling my luggage in the other, I find the cup holder makes rolling through an airport so much easier.

High-waisted Yoga Pants

Hikes, yoga, a long-haul flight — there are endless situations in which I find myself reaching for my trusty leggings. And as someone who is on the shorter side with some curves, finding leggings that fit properly has always been a challenge — they’re either too long, too tight, or keep slipping down my waist. When I came across Patagonia’s lightweight, performance-oriented tights , they instantly became a staple in my suitcase. Made from mostly nylon and a spandex knit, they offer just enough stretch while still giving support, and are versatile enough for exercise, long hikes, and just lounging. Plus, they are great to wear around a lodge or cabin somewhere colder in the winter, like the French Alps or Aspen. On sailing trips, I practically live in them, since they’re quick to dry and easy to wash and hang. 

A similar option at a more affordable price point from Amazon, these high-waisted workout leggings are buttery-soft and squat-proof, meaning they’ll stay up even during your most high-intensity workout. The hidden waistband pocket is great for storing a credit card or keys while on a run or hike, and the high-waisted, seamless waistband acts as tummy control, making them look even more flattering. And for those of you who also worry about length, these hit right above the ankle, so they won’t bunch at the bottom.

Birkenstock Uji Sandals

A comfortable pair of shoes is a must anytime, anywhere, and bonus if it’s a sandal you can slip on and off. My style has always been more Greek goddess than granola, so I tend to gravitate toward sleek leather footwear in shades like camel and cognac (take these Ancient Greek Sandals , for instance). But the Birkenstocks I knew as a child carry a different cachet today. I’ve seen girls in Paris wear them around town during fashion week, noticed a lineup of styles at yoga studios in Bali, and seen friends back in Miami don them everywhere from the beach to a sleek craft cocktail bar. They’re referenced everywhere from And Just Like That … to the new Barbie movie, where they’re given the same kind of attention Carrie Bradshaw once showed her Manolo Blahniks. 

The Uji’s stylish upgrade on the classic silhouette still features the sandal’s signature contoured footbed, plus hook-and-loop straps in soft suede. The vibrant blue really pops, yet the color pairs with practically anything. Throw them on with boyfriend-style jeans and a light cashmere sweater for an airport ensemble, with shorts and a loose linen button-up at the beach, or even with a breezy summer dress when strolling around European cities (especially given the recent heat waves!). The deep heel cup, roomy toe box, and arch support ensure all-day comfort, so if you only pack one pair of shoes to get you through summer (or even fall, depending on where you’re traveling), you won’t regret these. Plus, they’re lightweight enough to throw in a tote in case you need a shoe switch.

Long-sleeve Crewneck Sweater

Unless I’m going on a trip skiing or somewhere like the Arctic that specifically requires heavy outerwear, I prefer packing layers that can be mixed and matched. The most versatile staple is a cashmere crewneck sweater, like this cream-colored one from J.Crew . A style for all seasons, I wear mine on boats and to the beach, and on cooler evenings in unpredictable climates like Copenhagen, where it could be summer weather one second and feel like fall the next.

A flattering look-alike at Amazon that shoppers have said is the “perfect weight for fall and inside during winter,” this cotton blend is soft and machine-washable, making it easier to travel with, since you won’t need to get it dry-cleaned. Wear it on its own or layer over a silk tank or under a boyfriend blazer with a pair of jeans and you’ll have a look that slips seamlessly from late summer into fall. 

Lane Nieset

Midi Silk Skirt

I often don’t have time or access to an iron, so I look for pieces that pack well and don’t wrinkle easily. An essential separate that you can mix and match, and dress up or down, an A-line silky skirt like this one from J.Crew is easy to pull on for dinner or a day of museum-hopping around cities like Rome or Florence. I’m a huge fan of earth tones like this burnt caramel, since it adds a layer of sophistication and matches with darker shades like noir or navy, and lighter colors like gray and white.

Snag a look for a fraction of the price on Amazon, where this satin-like midi skirt falls at the perfect length between the knee and ankle. With its side zipper and elastic high waist, this style is flattering on a variety of body types, and shoppers rave they “love the material and the way it fits.” I’m already planning on wearing this all fall with a mix of long-sleeve, fitted crop tops and chunky cable knit sweaters for day-to-night looks that I can wear anywhere from London to Los Angeles.

Cat-Eye Polarized Sunglasses

Sunglasses are as essential an item as sunscreen, and they’re one of the few accessories I say is a necessity year-round in any climate. Of course, the city or season can dictate style, but one that I’m currently loving is the tortoise-shade, contemporary cat-eye with squared-off wings from Stockholm-based Chimi , where all sunglasses are the same price and free of labels (plus, a portion of proceeds are invested in solar power initiatives). 

I stash mine in my ski jacket on the slopes and wear them everywhere from lunch with friends in Paris to beach clubs in Paros, Greece. A similar, less expensive style from Sojos at Amazon features polarized lenses to block glare and protect from UVA and UVB rays that, as one shopper raved , “feel good, look good, and are so sturdy, I got one for each car.” 

One-Piece Cut-out Swimsuit

Summer or not, a bathing suit should forever have a permanent place in your suitcase. First, it’s taking up a minimal amount of room, so you don’t have to worry about the space. And second, there is always a moment when you’ll need a bathing suit while traveling. Sure, there is the obvious: the pool or beach. But how about the baths in Budapest, the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, the hot springs in Switzerland, surfing in Morocco, or saunas in Scandinavia? One of my favorites from Free People, this ribbed one-shoulder silhouette is sexy enough while still being subdued if you’re at a beach surrounded by families (or with your own family). You can snag a similar style from Amazon for only $29 that looks great if you want to take your ensemble from day to night (or the pool to the bar), and can even be worn in a landlocked city like Berlin if you throw on a denim or leather jacket.

Wide-leg Linen Pants

The pandemic gave sweatpants a major comeback, but when I travel, I want something more lightweight, easy to wash, and stylish enough to go from a plane to a lunch date — especially if I have a long stopover in a city like London and don’t want to dig into my carry-on to change. Breezy, breathable linen pants are the perfect compromise on comfort and style. I found a pair of cream-colored A.L.C. wide-leg, drawstring pants that I’ve worn everywhere from Turks and Caicos to Kyoto, Japan. They can be dressed up with a fitted, one-shoulder top, double as a cover-up over a bikini at the beach, or you can pair them with a T-shirt or sweater on a plane.

But you don’t have to dish out for the look. This look-alike at Amazon is soft and slouchy while still being structured enough to wear out to dinner with a pair of sandal heels or wedges. Throw on a stack of bangles and statement-making gold hoop earrings and you’re ready for an evening out in the Caribbean or a balmy dinner in Bangkok or Bali. One customer raved that “love is not a strong enough word for how I feel about these pants — they fit me like they were made for me,” and most shoppers agreed they are “super comfy” and “fit most body shapes.” One person who lives in the San Francisco Bay area said they are the “perfect thickness” and an “ all-year-long pants choice .”

White Oversized Button-down Shirt

The one piece of clothing I purchased this summer that will still be a key player in fall was an oversized button-down. It’s arguably the most versatile wardrobe staple you can pack, since it can be worn any season, in any destination. Dress it up with sleek, high-waisted silk slacks, wear it open over a bandeau or bodysuit with loose jeans, or throw it on over a swimsuit at the beach. Some nights, I’ll even wear it as a nightshirt to bed. It’s one of the easiest ways to make an outfit look pulled together, yet can go from preppy to edgy with a switch of accessories like jean shorts with a studded belt or leather pants with heels. As one shopper commented , “I’ve been looking for a crisp white shirt and this fills the bill. I bought the small as I wanted it to be a bit more fitted, and it really does fit perfectly.” 

Comfy, Casual Loose-Fit Shorts 

One way I cut down on clothing for a lighter suitcase is with a few staples I know will get a ton of wear. Linen shorts with an elastic waistband like these from Reformation are a stylish form of loungewear for around a hotel room or Airbnb, by the pool or beach, at yoga or Pilates, or in a tropical locale like Bali or Costa Rica, where any thicker fabric would stick to your skin. 

An affordable alternative is this pair from Amazon , which can be adjusted for a loose fit or worn as a high-rise with a tank or swimsuit top. Shoppers like them so much, some have bought a second pair in a different shade. As one customer raved , “I have been looking for a pair of comfy and somewhat flattering linen shorts — these are so worth it.”

Packable Patagonia Duffel Bag

I wouldn’t describe myself as outdoorsy (my camping experience has been limited to music festivals and Burning Man), but outdoor gear really is one of my weaknesses. Style is often sacrificed for functionality, which I totally get, but I believe you can have the best of both. Enter: Patagonia’s holy grail of duffel bags. About as durable as you can get, the lightweight, water-resistant duffel is made from 100-percent recycled fabric and has removable ergonomic shoulder straps, so you can wear it like a backpack. The padded base protects your belongings if the bag gets knocked around, and the zippered side pocket and mesh interior pocket help keep smaller items organized. What I love most about this bag is how much you can fit inside, especially if you’re using compression packing cubes . I just brought mine on a three-week trip that started with a seaside getaway in Croatia where I ferried to a few different islands and continued with a sailing trip in Sweden and needed a soft-sided bag that could be stored under the bed in the boat’s cabin.

Apple World Travel Adapter Kit

When I first started traveling abroad in college, I carried around adapters and clunky converters that often broke and just weren’t that necessary. I quickly ditched items like my hair straightener and streamlined my electronics while on the road. Now, I only have my MacBook and iPhone, so all I need is the right AC plug that works with outlets in places I travel to frequently. The Apple World Travel Adapter Kit comes with a set of seven plugs that can be switched out depending on the region. I’ve had my set now for about five years and haven’t had an issue yet. As one shopper said , “I bought this for a trip to London and Brussels, which required two different plug types, and this was the easiest way to meet that need.”

Everyday Hydrating and Cleansing Oil

If you’re traveling with only a carry-on, the most challenging thing about packing is liquids. Since you can only bring a handful of travel-size toiletries , I look for items that are multi-purpose. I’ve tried all types of oils, but the Everyday Oil Mainstay Blend has had a permanent place in my makeup bag for the past few years.

The plant-based scent is crafted from organic and wild-harvested botanical oils like lavender, palo santo, geranium, and clary sage, so it feels like an in-flight aromatherapy boost when I use it as a moisturizer on my hands or face while on planes. Nourishing, hydrating, and even cleansing (it can replace face wash), Everyday Oil is my secret to keeping my skin dewy when it’s feeling its driest after a long-haul flight or trip somewhere frigid like Swedish Lapland in the height of winter.

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NSA Travel Essentials UV Sun Tent

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I started Twin Mummy and Daddy in 2012.  

Over time Twin Mummy and Daddy has gone from strength to strength. I write about our family life, my love for running and our passion for adventure and travel.  

We’ve also started living a more eco-friendly life. As such I also write about our zero waste journey in a bid to encourage others to think about the impact they have on the environment.

I’m a keen runner and in April 2019 I ran the London Marathon for an amazing charity called WellChild. It’s one of my biggest achievements to date. I raised over £2,000 for the charity and learnt so much along the way.

This year we’re passionate about spending time outdoors. We’ll be sharing our travel, days out and camping adventures right here on Twin Mummy and Daddy.

12 Comments

Michelle Bailey

July 20, 2015 at 1:41 pm

What a fab idea! I've never really thought about using a portable travel cot before especially not on the beach or on holiday. It's really great it can be put up and put away easily 🙂 #FamilyTested

July 21, 2015 at 8:14 pm

Hi Michelle, thanks for your comment. It really is a great tent. Our last one was so big and we just couldn't fold it back up again, but this one is perfect and super easy to put-up and down x

Kim Carberry

July 21, 2015 at 8:02 am

That looks great! What a fantastic idea….Glad you managed to get it back down easily 🙂

It was great on the beach. It provided somewhere cool for the girls to eat and have a rest x

fashion-mommy

July 21, 2015 at 8:27 am

I think these are such a great idea – we always used to use one when Joe was little.

#Tried/Tested

I love it! It's such good value for money. I can see us using it all summer! x

Mummy & Bean

July 21, 2015 at 9:27 am

This looks like a great idea! The fact that it could double as a travel cot makes it great value too! #TriedTested

July 21, 2015 at 8:15 pm

Definitely and It's surprisingly spacious too x

Baby Isabella

July 21, 2015 at 10:14 am

We totally agree after reviewing ours last month! It's a great product and is perfect for a UV tent and even a play den! Hope you're looking forward to using it all summer! Great review x #TriedTested

Hello! I'm sure we'll get lots of use out of it x

Helen Porter

July 21, 2015 at 8:09 pm

this looks fantastic fun I can imagine using it anywhere even through the winter as a play den looks like you will get great use out of it this summer the girls look like they love it! #triedtested

July 21, 2015 at 8:18 pm

Hi Helen! It really is fantastic! I love it! We'll definitely use it indoors and out! x

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Privacy Overview

The Ultimate List of Travel Essentials

By CNT Editors

The secret to packing smart will not be found in a YouTube tutorial. (Rolling socks? How innovative!) The real trick, as our perpetually on-the-road editors will tell you, is to find those brilliantly designed lifesavers, like a natural hand sanitizer that won’t offend the entire cabin, headphones that will make coach as silent as a Zen garden, and these other balms, bags, and gear we can’t stop talking about.

This story was originally published in May 2017 and has been updated with new information.

In-Flight Beauty

Fake a Good Night Sleep: “For those of us too vain to get on an overnight flight sans makeup, these wipes clean, exfoliate, hydrate, and prep skin for that pre-landing swipe of bronzer.” — Rebecca Misner, West Coast Editor

Buy Now: Ursa Major, Essential Face Wipes, $24 for pack of 20, huckberry.com

Three Products In One: “I use this balm as a makeup remover, face cleanser, and moisturizer. Also it smells like vacation: a not-too-sweet blend of coconut, vanilla, and mango.” — Lauren DeCarlo, Deputy Editor

Buy Now: One Love Organics, Skin Savior Multi-Tasking Wonder Balm, $49, thedetoxmarket.com

Like Q-Tips, But Better: “Twist the swab and the tip becomes moistened with a cleanser that gently removes eye makeup.” — R.M.

Buy Now: Too Cool for School, Dinoplatz Magic Wand, $12.90, amazon.com

Stay Superhydrated: “Unlike most face serums that reek of essential oils, this one has a nice nutty smell and dispenses neatly through a tiny pump.” — Alex Postman, Features Director

Buy Now: Malaya Organics, Rejuvenating Face Serum, $75, amazon.com

Jessica Puckett

Caitlin Morton

Olivia Morelli

Keep It Healthy

If You're Headed to the Zika Zone: “I love that this organic, essential oil-based bug spray—which actually works—smells like cedar, geranium, and rosemary instead of a high school chem lab.” — R.M.

Buy Now: Zoe Organics, Insect Repellent, $19.95, dermstore.com

For the Germophobe: “I semi-obsessively use this sanitizer on my seat and tray table every time I fly. Nobody minds, though: the light scent of mandarin rind and rosemary leaf are quite welcome in economy." — Mara Balagtas, Style Editor

Buy Now: Aesop, Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash, $10, shop.nordstrom.com

The Accessories

Yep, We Are Pro–Fanny Pack: “Say what you will, but a flush-against-your-hip bag like this is the easiest place to stash your boarding pass and phone.” — Pilar Guzmán, Editor in Chief

Buy Now: Clare V., Fannypack, $259, clarev.com

The Packable Brim: “Finally a Panama hat sturdy enough to survive getting crammed in an overhead bin.” — M.B.

Buy Now: Janessa Leoné, Adriana, $207, janessaleone.com

The Classic Shades: “The original folding pair of lenses that pack super small; in tortoiseshell they go with everything.” — P.G.

Buy Now: Persol, PO714, $370, sunglasshut.com

Featherweight Kicks: “Head-spinningly light, they pack down to almost nothing so I don’t have to give up my morning run .” — Erin Florio, Senior Editor

Buy Now: APL 'Techloom Pro' Running Shoe, $139.95, shop.nordstrom.com

High and Low Tech

Make Movie Magic: “So long to shaky hands and bad vacation videos: This gimbal keeps your smartphone shots Kubrick smooth.” — Phil Falino, Video Producer

Buy Now: DJI, Osmo Mobile 2, $139, store.dji.com

Dance Party in Room 204: “It’s got tremendous sound and nearly endless battery life, but the real kicker is that this waterproof Bluetooth speaker floats.” — Paul Brady, Articles Editor

Buy Now: Ultimate Ears, Wonderboom, $67.99, amazon.com

The Best Way to Stay Charged, Period: "You never know where that hotel room outlet is going to turn up, so I carry extra-long twin-head cables that can charge my phone and a speaker." — Paulie Dibner, Managing Editor

Buy Now: Native Union, Belt Cable Twin Head, $39.99, nativeunion.com

What to Wear

The Blazer: “This classic shape, with a little stretch, pulls together a look, particularly if you’re rushing off the plane to a meeting.” — M.B.

Buy Now: J. Crew, Regent Blazer, $198, jcrew.com

No Breaking In Necessary: “These ultra lightweight boots feel like your most comfortable sneakers right out of the box, so there's no need to spend the week before your trip breaking them in.“ — Andrea Whittle, Contributor

Buy Now: Danner Women's Mountain 600, $200, danner.com

Maybe the Best Airplane Pants Ever: "These pants were made for travel. They're flexible enough incase you find yourself sprinting to your gate and comfortable enough to withstand an 8-hour flight. I love to throw them on in the morning while I'm running out to the nearest cafe to grab a coffee. — A.W.

Buy Now: Lululemon, On the Fly Pant, $98, shop.lululemon.com

Packing Upgrades

Dead-Simple Organization : "Not only do they make you a far better packer, but packing cubes are ideal for multi-city vacations. Plus, you can snap them up in fun, eye-popping colors." — Lale Arikoglu, Digital Lifestyle Editor

Buy Now: Paravel, Packing Cube Trio, $55, tourparavel.com

A Solution for Swim Trunks: “When you’re roadtripping with kids who can’t resist a hotel pool, these waterproof totes are everything.” — A.P.

Buy Now: Flight 001, Go Clean Wet Suit Bag, $18, amazon.com

Tame Carry-On Clutter: “I keep receipts, business cards, and other stuff tidy in this textured vinyl pouch—in sunflower yellow—that looks like Comme des Garçons.” — E.F.

Buy Now: Delfonics, Quitterie Pouch, $22.10, amazon.com

All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Packing List

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• Office of the Director of National Intelligence
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Students and Internships

We offer internships, scholarships, a co-op program and other programs for students in high school up through doctoral candidates. The application process for our student programs is the same as our job application process.

Our programs are paid; salary is based on your education level. We may also offer paid time off, holiday and sick leave, subsidized housing assistance (if eligible) and travel reimbursement (if eligible).

Undergrad and graduate programs

We generally accept applications from September 1 to October 15. Check the individual programs for exceptions. Each internship announcement will provide specific application requirements.

Mathematics programs

Director's summer program (dsp).

Open to: Undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors Majors/fields: Mathematics, computer science and physics When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

Each summer, we invite about two dozen exceptional mathematics students to collaborate with each other and with NSA mathematicians on problems critical to the intelligence gathering and information assurance missions of the agency. You will work on a wide range of problems and apply abstract algebra, geometry, number theory, analysis, probability, statistics, combinatorics, graph theory, algorithms and computer science skills. You will use mathematical theory, apply what you learn to real-time solutions and enjoy success built on hard work and innovation. You will use state-of-the-art resources, as well as a variety of computational algebra and statistics packages.

We are seeking participants who have distinguished themselves in undergraduate research or national mathematics competitions. Admission to this program is highly competitive.

Cryptanalysis and Signals Analysis Summer Program

Open to: Undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors Majors/fields: Mathematics and computer programming When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

You will contribute to mission-essential operations by transforming collected data into a format analysts can readily consume for intelligence purposes by analyzing signals and protocols and overcoming security measures. Each summer, we invite 12 students to learn, use and further NSA's tradecraft as they work on operational problems of national importance.

This program begins with classified briefings on modern cryptography and operational projects that you will use for research throughout the summer. Research problems may include applications of math, statistics, computer science, reverse engineering and software development. You will work with data from many sources, analyze a wide range of technologies and access cutting-edge computing resources. Your results are integrated to provide new capabilities to our organization.

Graduate Mathematics Summer Internship (GMP)

Open to: Graduate students Majors/fields: Mathematics and statistics When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

In this program, exceptional mathematics and statistics graduate students work directly with mathematicians and statisticians on mission-critical problems and experience the excitement of the NSA technical community firsthand. You will work on a wide range of problems involving mathematics, statistics, data science, cryptology, and communications technology and document your work in internally published technical papers. You will access state-of-the-art computing resources and software packages such as Python, R, Sage, Magma, MATLAB and others.

Summer Program for Operations Research Technology (SPORT)

Open to: Graduate or doctoral students Majors/fields: Applied mathematics, data science and big data analytics, statistics, operations research, modeling and simulation, industrial engineering, systems engineering, computer network engineering, computer science or management science. When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

SPORT offers you the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge in the stimulating professional environment of one of the most advanced intelligence agencies in the world. You will spend the summer developing innovative solutions to unique problems.

You will apply the technical skills you've learned in graduate school to challenging operational problems. You will lead the technical development of your project and communication with your agency customer, work with operations research analysts and attend weekly seminars on best methods and practices. At the end of your internship, you will present your findings directly to your project customer, fellow interns and senior leadership.

Cybersecurity programs

Centers of academic excellence in cyber operations (cae-cyber ops) summer intern program.

Open to: Undergraduate sophomores, juniors, or seniors and graduate students Majors/fields: Cybersecurity, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

The CAE-Cyber Ops Summer Program is our premier outreach program for students enrolled in the cyber operations specialization at NSA-designated universities. You will gain knowledge of specific cyber-related topics and apply your skills to address various real-world technical challenges. You will work on a broad range of problems involving applications of computer science and engineering.

You will participate in a capstone activity focused on specific real-world technical problems. You will gain better understanding of how to conduct data analysis and will apply that learning to developing real-time solutions and experience the excitement of success built on hard work and innovation. The outstanding work you accomplish is documented in the program's year-end report.

The goals of the program:

• Introduce our country's future leaders in cyber-related fields to the agency's mission and share the excitement of working on problems of national importance.
• Provide a deep understanding of the vital role that computer science and engineering play in enabling the agency to tackle a diverse set of technical challenges.
• Encourage undergraduate and graduate computer science and engineering majors to continue cyber-related studies and careers.
• Afford participants the opportunity to provide solutions to current operational problems.

Cyber Summer Program

Open to: Undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate students Majors/fields: Cybersecurity, computer science, engineering, mathematics, network security, Information assurance When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

This program is our outreach effort to the very best undergraduate and graduate computer cybersecurity, computer science, engineering, mathematics, network security and information assurance students in the country. You will work with other students in teams and directly with technical professionals on mission-critical cyber-related problems.

You will work on a broad range of problems, applying computer science and engineering skills. In the first two weeks, you are broadly exposed to the NSA's cyber mission through lectures, classes and tours. Then, you choose a current mission-drive problem that you will focus on for the summer. You will present your work to senior leadership, as well as have it documented in the year-end report. You will learn and develop data analysis, network analysis and exploitation techniques, apply what you learn to come up with real-time solutions and experience the excitement of success built on hard work and innovation.

The goals of the program are to:

• Introduce our country's future leaders in cyber-related fields to the Agency's mission and share with them the excitement of working on problems of national importance.
• Provide a deep understanding of the vital role that cybersecurity, engineering, mathematics, network security and information assurance majors to continue their studies and pursue careers in the cyber-related fields.
• Provide solutions to current operational problems.

Cybersecurity Directorate Summer Intern Program (CSDIP)

Open to: Undergraduate juniors, graduate students and doctoral students Majors/fields: Cybersecurity, computer science, computer engineering, information systems, information assurance, computer forensics, systems engineering, network engineering When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

The National Security Agency's (NSA) Cybersecurity Directorate Summer Intern Program (CSDIP) is an exciting opportunity for outstanding undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in a variety of technical fields to experience and contribute to the mission of NSA. The newest of NSA's internship programs, CSDIP invites students in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, Information Assurance, Computer Forensics, Systems Engineering and Network Engineering to participate in a 10-12 week program where they join the Cybersecurity Directorate (CSD) and work directly with NSA technical professionals on mission-critical cyber-related problems.

The goal of the CSDIP is to:

• Introduce our country's future cyber leaders to the CSD mission in cyber-related fields and to share with them the excitement of working on problems of national importance.
• Provide a deep understanding of the vital role that Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, Information Assurance, Computer Forensics, Systems Engineering and Network Engineering plays in enabling the Cybersecurity Directorate to tackle a diverse set of technical challenges,
• Encourage bright undergraduate, graduate and doctorate students in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, Information Assurance, Computer Forensics, Systems Engineering and Network Engineering majors to leverage their studies and pursue careers in the cyber-related fields,
• Provide solutions to current cyber related operational problems.

The students participating in the program work on a broad range of cybersecurity problems involving applications of computer science, cybersecurity and engineering. The students are presented with a set of current mission-driven problems which they will focus on for the summer. Students learn and develop data analysis and cybersecurity skills, apply what they learn to obtain real-time solutions, and experience the excitement of success built on hard work and innovation within NSA's Cybersecurity Directorate.

Hawaii CAE Cyber Operations Summer Internship

Open to: Undergraduate sophomores, juniors or seniors and graduate students Majors/fields: Cybersecurity, computer science, computer engineering and electrical engineering When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

Your knowledge is applied to real-world, mission-related technical projects. Participants in the program will work on a broad range of problems involving computer science and engineering. As an added bonus, this position is in Hawaii, so you will spend the summer in a tropical paradise unlike anything you can find stateside.

As a participant in the program:

• You will learn about NSA's unique mission and will be exposed to the broad scope of cyber studies and careers.
• You will gain a deep understanding of the vital role that cyber operations play in enabling NSA to work a diverse set of technical challenges.
• You will work on a classified project that will support a real mission.

Computer science, engineering and information systems programs

Installations and logistics (iandl) intern program.

Open to: Undergraduate freshman, sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students Majors/fields: Architecture, accounting, business management, business statistics, control systems, data analytics, data visualization, design and planning, economics, engineering, environmental science, finance, fire protection, operations/supply chain management and urban development/city planning When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

Along with valuable work experience, you will gain substantial exposure to our mission operations through supporting functions and tours of various sites. You will interact with leaders daily and receive unparalleled mentorship and professional development. The internship will culminate in a final presentation to senior leadership, describing your project impact and summer experience at the NSA. By the end of the program, you will understand the infrastructure backbone of an intelligence agency.

Previous intern projects have included:

• Contribute to construction and renovation projects that support facility operations and maintenance through infrastructure planning, design development, standards application and project management services.
• Monitor our 24/7 operations at the Facilities Control Center with a team of control systems specialists, including experts on fire alarms, SCADA and electrical systems.
• Coordinate master plans for the new campus under construction, backed by quantifiable cost-benefit analysis.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical system deficiencies through control management systems with a team of seniors engineering and optimizing functionality for successful future operations.

Data Center Facility Management (DCFM) intern program

Open to: Undergraduate freshman, sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students Majors/fields: Mechanical engineering, electrical/power engineering, industrial control systems and information technology/networking When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

This program provides you with real world exposure to data center facility management and technology. You will gain hands-on experience managing a data center. Positions are available in Washington D.C.–Ft. Meade, San Antonio, Texas and outside of Salt Lake City, Utah.

You will learn about the dynamic field that governs the facilities and complex engineering frameworks that support massive parallel computing systems. DCFM involves an unprecedented integrated approach that combines power and HVAC engineering disciplines with information technology. All these branches of knowledge join together to help create a safe and secure environment where parallel computing systems and their infrastructure can operate at peak efficiency with optimal potential for future expansion. DCFM also ensures that efficient and forward-thinking practices are implemented during the design, construction, installation, and maintenance projects that occur regularly within the walls of an operating data center.

• Research of Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) tools, which are software-based programs to better manage most aspects of a data center.
• Creation of room layouts to optimize efficiency of a data center.
• Collect and analyze power space and cooling data for new system installations.
• Use of 6 Sigma Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tool to better understand how certain factors affect the information technology environment.
• Design of a new-zero data center facility with the latest industry power and cooling infrastructure technology.

Science of Security (SoS) summer intern program

Open to: Undergraduate freshman, sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students Majors/fields: Computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, information technology, mathematics, psychology When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

This paid internship allows you to gain hands-on experience working with researchers on innovative cybersecurity research and technology. The Research Directorate (RES) is home to a highly technical and talented workforce that performs cutting-edge research and creates breakthroughs in mathematics, computer science, engineering, cybersecurity, physics, neuroscience and linguistics that lead to creative solutions to our most challenging problems.

The Summer Intern Program for Science and Technology (SIPST)

Open to: Undergraduate sophomores or juniors Majors/fields: Computer science, cybersecurity, data science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, network engineering, software engineering, telecommunications When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

You will work with leading computer scientists and engineering on the nation's toughest cyber problems while enhancing your skills in assignments related to your major. You will work closely with a project mentor on a specific, mission-focused problem while learning in an exciting high-tech environment.

Computer Science Intern Program (CSIP)

Open to: Undergraduate students, graduate students and doctoral students Majors/fields: Computer science with preference given to those who have completed courses in data structure, discrete mathematics or structures and calculus I and II. When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

In this program you are assigned to projects that contribute to our mission. Projects culminate in a short presentation and technical paper. Projects are typically in the areas of:

• Information retrieval
• Information visualization
• Computer and network security
• Machine learning/artificial Intelligence
• Human language technology/computational linguistics
• Ontology/taxonomy and graphical analysis
• Information query and question answering
• Knowledge and data representation, distillation and sharing
• Knowledge and database crawling
• Software agent planning and control
• Signal processing
• Architecture and systems

Summer Intern Program for Information Assurance (SIP/IA)

Open to: Undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate and doctoral students Majors/fields: Computer science, computer networking, cyber and Information Security, computer technology/computer information technologies, management information systems, information systems security, information assurance, computer and information systems, network system administration, computer engineering, cybersecurity engineering, mechanical engineering, electronics engineering, software engineering, electrical engineering, system/network administration and operations, systems security engineering, information assurance systems and project acquisition, cryptography, threat and vulnerability assessment, risk management, operations of computer emergency response teams, education and management, computer forensics/cyber forensics/digital forensics, defensive information operations When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

Accelerate your career in the field of information assurance in this program by experiencing hands-on technical experience. You will work on projects that enable the cyber mission through current analysis, expertise, training and tools. You will work on projects that include protecting and defending the nation's information systems networks and outmaneuvering cyber adversaries. To participate in this program, students must return to school for at least one semester following the internship.

Signals Intelligence Collection Program (SICP)

Open to: Undergraduate freshman, sophomores or juniors Majors/fields: Computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, mathematics, data science, physics, information systems, political science, area studies, international relations, history, telecommunications When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

In this program you will support NSA as a salaried intern by working on projects involving the development, production and modification of tools, software applications or hardware. You will have the opportunity to leverage your skills to support information collection strategies, implement mission initiatives with lawful compliance, manage collection tasks and understand critical mission data flows. You are mentored by experienced SIGINT professionals and will discover various career paths you could pursue in the future as full-time NSA employees. Finally, the friendships and networks SICP interns build during their tour can last a lifetime.

NSA Colorado College Summer Intern Program

Open to: Undergraduate freshman, sophomores and juniors Majors/fields: Computer science, engineering, mathematics, cybersecurity, political science, criminal justice, English or history When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

This program offers you the chance to gain hands-on work experience while building knowledge and skills in fundamental aspects of the NSA mission. We offer internships in multiple mission areas requiring a range of competencies like computer science, programming and engineering.

There are two positions offered for the NSA Colorado Summer Internship:

Software engineer internship positions duties:

• Analyze user/customer requirements related to software or software system design.
• Build software prototypes.
• Design, develop and debug software applications.
• Troubleshoot and debug computer code.

Target analyst internship positions duties:

• Conduct analysis of metadata.
• Conduct target analysis.
• Conduct target research.

Texas Summer Intern Program

Open to: Undergraduate freshman, sophomores and juniors Majors/fields: Computer science, engineering, mathematics and related fields When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

You will gain hands-on work experience while building knowledge and skills in fundamental aspects of the NSA mission. We offer internships in multiple mission areas requiring a range of competencies like computer science, programming and engineering.

NSA Hawaii Technical Summer Intern Program

Open to: Undergraduate freshman, sophomores and juniors Majors/fields: Computer science, engineering, mathematics or related fields When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

In this program, we offer internships in multiple mission areas requiring a range of competencies like computer science, programming, engineering and analysis.

You will gain hands-on work experience while building knowledge and skills in fundamental aspects of the NSA mission. Plus, this position is in Hawaii, so you will spend your summer in a tropical paradise unlike anything you can find stateside.

NSA Georgia Summer Internship Program

Open to: Undergraduate sophomores, juniors and seniors and graduate students Majors/fields: Science and technology, applied mathematics, computer engineering, electrical and mechanical engineering, computer science, cyber intelligence and security, information assurance or information technology When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

How would you like to spend your summer developing technological solutions that contribute to the security of our nation? Does the prospect of applying your skills to NSA/CSS mission spark your interest? You can join a team of highly skilled, motivated and passionate professions who lead the cryptologic enterprise.

You will gain hands-on work experience while building knowledge and skills in fundamental aspects of the NSA mission. Take charge of your professional development and experience a once-in-a-lifetime internship opportunity.

Research Experience Student Program (RESP)

Open to: Undergraduate and graduate students Majors/fields: Cybersecurity, computer network operations, computer science, engineering, physics and information technology When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

The National Security Agency (NSA) Laboratory for Telecommunication Science (LTS) Summer Internship Program offers paid research internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate-level university students pursuing STEM degrees.

The 12-week program offers interns the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with full-time NSA researchers on innovative cybersecurity research and technology. NSA/CSS Research Directorate (RES) is home to a highly technical and talented workforce that performs cutting-edge research and creates breakthroughs in cybersecurity, computer network operations (CNO), computer science, engineering, and physics that lead to creative solutions to NSA’s most challenging problems.

This internship offers introductory opportunities for collaboration with other Federal Laboratories and organizations.

Analysis programs

Summer language program.

Open to: Undergraduate students, graduate students and doctoral students Majors/fields: Any When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

Are you looking for an opportunity to use your critical language skills to aid in national security? The Summer Language Program provides hands-on language analysis experience to college undergraduate and graduate students during a 12-week paid internship. High foreign language proficiency combined with a wide array of majors and minors will be considered for this program. If eligible, participation during a second summer is encouraged but not required. At the end of your internship, a job offer may be extended for you to join NSA in a full-time position after graduation.

The Summer Language Program hires students with proficiency in Chinese, Russian, Farsi, Arabic, and various South Asian and African languages. The languages may change from year to year based on the agency's projected hiring needs.

Intelligence Analysis Summer Program

Open to: Undergraduate juniors and graduate students Majors/fields: International affairs/relations, intelligence studies, regional studies When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

Are you looking for an opportunity that will provide innovative professional work experiences that are meaningful to your career goals, enable you to explore the fascinating world of intelligence and give you the opportunity to serve your country? In this paid internship program, you will train in a multi-faceted cryptologic discipline and build knowledge and skills in the intelligence analysis field.

You will also build:

• Knowledge of the fundamental concept of modern digital communications and network analysis.
• Skills in advanced analytic tools and techniques.
• Knowledge of the structure and processes of the Intelligence Community through immersion in signals intelligence topics, projects and meetings.
• Skills in conducting independent and original research, document results and communicate findings to help satisfy customer requirements.
• Skills in systematically applying logic, creativity and judgement to the evaluation and use of intelligence.

Civil Liberties, Privacy and Transparency (CLPT) summer intern program

Open to: Undergraduate juniors and graduate students Majors/fields: International affairs/relations, intelligence studies, regional studies, economics, psychology or data science When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

Are you looking for a unique opportunity to learn about the NSA's mission while also directly contributing to civil liberties and privacy efforts? Would you like to join a team that promotes meaningful government transparency while helping NSA achieve the right balance between privacy and national security? In this program, you will see firsthand how fundamental privacy principles influence decision-making daily. We will expose you to a variety of cryptologic disciplines and civil liberties and privacy processes.

You will actively participate in or support ongoing CLPT activities like:

• Identifying and documenting existing Civil Liberties and Privacy (CLP) activities.
• Identifying and making recommendations regarding improvements to existing gaps in CLP protections and identifying topics for and providing input to external reports on activities.
• Creating written and briefing material suitable for both internal executive-level and public audiences.
• Establishing or coordinating mechanisms to ensure compliance with appropriate Department of Defense and Intelligence Community regulations and standards to ensure that protection of civil liberties and privacy is incorporated into policies and procedures.
• Managing or preparing, as appropriate, mandatory internal and external reports.

Workforce support programs

Office of the inspector general summer intern program.

Open to: Undergraduate juniors and graduate students Majors/fields: Accounting, information technology or cybersecurity When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

Are you looking for an opportunity that will provide innovative professional work experiences that are significant and meaningful to your career and academic goals, enable you to explore the fascinating and unique world of intelligence and give you the opportunity to serve your country? This program offers you training and experience in auditing multiple disciplines (e.g., program performance, cybersecurity and financial statements). You can be an agent for change, analyzing operations for efficiency and effectiveness and deliver results to our customers to reduce program costs and provide value to the NSA and the U.S. taxpayer.

You will join an audit team from day one with an assigned supervisor and sponsor to help you learn and acclimate. During your first few days on the team, you will participate in an overview to become familiar with various business functions at the NSA and within the Intelligence Community. You will have the opportunity to work on audits that provide meaningful recommendations for change within the agency and influence the direction of the Intelligence Community and DoD.

Your specific responsibilities are to:

• Assess and evaluate internal controls within the context of the audit objective.
• Identify and evaluate criteria to measure performance and evaluate compliance.
• Conduct interviews within the context of an audit or evaluation.
• Gather and analyze audit evidence and compare observed results to specified requirements in the criteria.
• Identify problems and develop recommendations to improve the agency's efficiency and effectiveness.
• Write work papers and reports outlining results and findings from audits and evaluations.

Summer Strategic Communications Intern Program (SSCIP)

Open to: Undergraduate juniors, seniors or graduate students Majors/fields: Writing, editing, journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising, social media, visual arts, television production, animation, museum management, archives When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

You will support the strategic communications organization's role of providing accurate and timely information on signals intelligence and cybersecurity mission and accomplishments to a variety of audiences using state-of-the-art messaging products.

You can intern in the following positions

• Corporate communications, messaging and public affairs: responsible for communications and major initiatives for the worldwide NSA workforce and external audiences.
• Multimedia production: videography or animation to support corporate video production.
• Graphic design: creating original artwork ranging from project graphics, cartooning, web graphic images, storyboarding and presentation graphics.
• Photography
• Museum collections management, archives or conservation.

Security and Counterintelligence Summer Intern Program

Open to: Undergraduate sophomores, juniors and graduate students Majors/fields: Communications, political science, international relations, sociology, history, criminal justice, homeland security, computer science or computer forensics When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

Join the Security and Counterintelligence (S&CI) world and support ongoing mission activities in areas like personnel security investigations, adjudications, physical security and access control, anti-terrorism/force protection or counterintelligence programs. You will work directly under the guidance of veteran security professionals responsible for protecting personnel, facilities and operations worldwide. In the process, you will understand how the S&CI group supports and interacts with the larger NSA enterprise and counterpart organizations across the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense.

Industrial and Organizational Psychology Intern Program

Open to: Graduate and doctoral students Majors/fields: Industrial and organizational psychology When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

As an intern working in the human resources strategy and program design unit, you'll learn to apply scientific and quantitative methods to address a wide range of human capital issues. You will gain valuable applied experience by working alongside psychologists in areas like personnel assessment (i.e. research and development work to support assessments used to select applicants for mission-critical positions), organizational design and development, human capital systems design and consulting, occupational/job analysis, organizational assessments and workforce surveys and program evaluation.

Well-Being Services Intern Program

Open to: Undergraduate sophomores, juniors and seniors and graduate students Majors/fields: Health promotion and wellness, health education, nutrition and dietetics When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

You will gain practical health promotion experience within the Office of Occupational Health Environmental and Safety Services (OHESS).

We seek candidates with:

• Interpersonal relationship and team-building skills.
• Program design, implementation and evaluation.
• Organizational skills for project places and events.
• Public speaking.
• Assistance with meditation and stress reduction programs.
• Assistance with health promotion and wellness special programming.
• Partnering with clinical staff to select appropriate health education materials.
• Judgment and insight to develop updates to our wellness webpages.
• Research for cause/benefit analysis and return on investment for wellness programs.
• Research topics and craft health tips for distribution to the agency workforce.

Office of Reasonable Accommodation and Accessibility Intern Program

Open to: Undergraduate juniors and graduate students Majors/fields: Rehabilitation counseling, counseling, psychology or sign language interpretation When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

You will gain practical experience in workplace accommodations and will gain a broad understanding of the reasonable accommodation processes and implementation. You will work alongside experienced sign language interpreters and reasonable accommodation experts.

In the reasonable accommodation part of this program, you will:

• Gain sound knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the reasonable accommodation process, from the initial request for accommodations through the implementation of the approved accommodations.
• Work directly with employees, management and resources available at NSA.
• Enhance your ADA and section 504 and 508 knowledge and compliance requirements.
• Enhance your counseling skills to aid employees and managers in the accommodation process.
• Facilitate briefings on working with persons with disabilities for various offices and staff at NSA.

In the sign language interpreter part of the program, you will:

• Gain sound knowledge of the fundamental concepts of interpreting and managing communication within highly technical and dynamic work environments.
• Enhance your understanding of NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct and how it applies in the workplace setting.
• Develop professional/personal skills that enable a skillful navigation through the diverse interpreting needs presented by the NSA community.

Human Resources Intern Program

Open to: Undergraduate juniors and graduate students Majors/fields: Human resources, business, economics or data science When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

You will acquire practical human resources experience while putting your intelligence and creativity to work in the Intelligence Community. We will assign you to one of these specialty areas: total compensation, human resource strategies, recruitment and staffing, benefits and employee services, human resources information systems, data analytics or global service delivery.

You will learn how to use data to deliver consultation and analysis to customers across the agency to help them gain a better understanding of their workforce. We will expose you to many parts of the agency, and you will interact with personnel at all levels. We look for teammates who want to learn how to help others to leverage workforce-based information for better decision-making and who demonstrate curiosity about information and data. Exposure to business intelligence tools (examples include Cognos, Tableau, PowerBI, Python, R, MS Excel, etc.) is beneficial but not required.

Business Management and Acquisition Summer Internship

Open to: Undergraduate juniors and graduate students Majors/fields: Finance, accounting, marketing, business administration, economics, operations research, industrial engineering, statistics or mathematics When: 12-week program from mid-May or June

Do you want to gain professional significant and meaningful work experiences that enable you to explore the fascinating and unique world of intelligence and give you the opportunity to serve your country? You will train and gain experience within a multifaceted business organization for business majors or those interested in applying their math knowledge to financial challenges. In this paid internship, you will build knowledge and skills in a variety of disciplines within the business field and attend various operational tours so you can understand what the NSA does in defense of our nation.

You will work directly with seasoned business professionals on activities like:

• Developing negotiation positions or negotiating multimillion dollar contracts.
• Preparing the agency's annual budget.
• Acquiring products and services from industry partners.
• Providing financial support in execution of the agency's budget and for major acquisition programs.
• Analyzing financial, performance and requirements data for business decision making.
• Gain knowledge of the fundamental concepts of government planning, programming, budgeting and execution.
• Preparing and processing contractual agreements.
• Using business IT systems and tools.
• Gaining a working knowledge of the agency's acquisition processes.
• Learning fundamentals of cost and price analysis of proposals.
• Using financial principles to identify trends in data.

Cooperative Education (Co-op) Programs

You will alternate semesters of full-time work with full-time study from entry into the program until you graduate. We require a minimum of 52 weeks of co-op work experience before graduation. You will work a regular 40-hour week during work periods, with each work block focusing on the specific areas you can focus on as a career.

We accept applications twice a year, from February 1 to March 31 and from September 1 to October 31.

Cooperative Education Program in STEM

Open to: Sophomores and second-semester freshmen Majors/fields: Computer sciences, electrical engineering or cybersecurity

Electrical or computer engineering

You will design, develop, test and evaluate electronic communications systems in advancing areas like optics, lasers, acoustics and microprocessors.

Computer science

You will explore high-tech opportunities, such as object-oriented methodology, multimedia, data warehousing/data mining, design/analysis development of software and systems, client/server development, networking and Internet technology.

Cybersecurity (technical track)

You will work on the frontlines of defense against our cyber adversaries, focused on the technical expertise needed by the NSA.

Cooperative Education Program—Hawaii

Open to: Second-semester freshmen and sophomores Majors/fields: Chinese language and studies, computer sciences, computer/electrical engineering, cybersecurity

Chinese language and studies

You will assist on projects and will have full use of NSA labs, equipment and advanced technologies. You will work in the original written or spoken foreign language by determining the relevance of the intelligence collected, researching it, analyzing it and putting it into context for national-level policymakers, military commanders and other customers.

Cooperative Education Program—Languages

Open to: Second-semester freshmen and sophomores Majors/fields: Foreign languages, including Russian, Korean, Farsi, Arabic or Chinese

Scholarship Programs

Louis stokes education scholarship (stokes) program.

Open to: High school seniors Majors/fields: Computer science, computer/electrical engineering, or Russian/Chinese language When: A minimum of 12 weeks during the summer

The Stokes Educational Scholarship Program allows you to gain valuable experience in your field while attending college and earning a degree. You will acquire real-world experience and receive a salary year-round. After you graduate college, you won't have to go through the job search hassle—we will hire you for a position in your area of study. By participating, you will agree to work for the NSA for at least 1.5 times the length of your study after graduation.

This scholarship covers tuition and mandatory fees up to $30,000 per year, a salary, and housing and travel costs during your summer employment if the school is more than 75 miles from headquarters. It also includes federal benefits.

High school student programs

We accept applications between September 1 through October 31.

High school student programs information

Gifted and talented language program.

Open to: High school seniors who are at least 16 years of age Majors/fields: Foreign language aptitude in Chinese, Russian, Korean, Farsi or Arabic When: 12 weeks from mid-May to mid-August

This 12-week summer internship in Fort Meade, Maryland, runs from mid-May to mid-August following your high school graduation. The program is for high school students with aptitude in Chinese, Russian, Korean, Farsi or Arabic. You will gain valuable experience in a foreign language.

High School Work Study Program

Open to: High school juniors who are at least 16 years of age Majors/fields: Business, computer sciences, applied arts, engineering, graphic arts or manufacturing When: Part-time employment from September to August of your senior year

This program is for students who plan to participate in a school-sponsored work experience program during their senior year. Positions are available based on requirements at each site. When applying, ensure the job opening is for your local site.

Administrative and technical students:

• Office assistant—you will perform basic administrative tasks—type, file, maintain records, answer phones and operate business equipment like word processors and personal computers.
• Computer aide—you will operate or maintain data processing equipment, often the most sophisticated equipment on the market.

Vocational students:

• Model shop—You will learn skills like machining, precision sheet metal, welding, woodworking, 3D printing, graphic design, sewing and painting.
• Vo-Tech—you will assist with:
• Operating and maintaining printing.
• Binding and packaging equipment.
• Operating computer graphics software across various computer platforms/experience in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Operating industrial/production equipment, machinery and tools such as die cutters, laminators, air compressors and soldering equipment.
• You will perform assembly line tasks requiring excellent hand-eye coordination to produce electronic assemblies, electronic media and printed products.
• Installation and logistics—You will assist with installing and maintaining architectural building systems by repairing, altering or constructing replacement items from materials such as wood, plastic or metal. You will apply surface finish treatments such as painting or staining. You may sanitize, declassify or destroy materials and dispose of other materials by recycling or other methods.

Language students:

• Chinese—You will use your Chinese language skills to perform daily duties. You need to excel in Chinese reading, writing and listening skills and have a lead Chinese instructor recommend you.
• Russian—You will use your Russian language skills to perform daily duties. You need to excel in Russian reading, writing and listening skills and have a lead Russian instructor recommend you.

Search for NSA job openings

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The Best Crossbody Bags For Travel, Built With Storage And Style

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Roomy enough to carry everyday essentials, the best crossbody bags for travel give you the freedom to explore without having to lug your suitcase around. We researched the best crossbody bags for travel that offer both storage and style and selected the MZ Wallace Small Sutton Deluxe as our top pick. We also found other great options for different travel styles, like a spacious crescent bag for beach trips and a sleek sling bag for organization.

The best crossbody bags for travel give you the freedom to explore without having to lug your ... [+] suitcase around.

A solid crossbody bag is versatile and provides convenient hands-free storage for every situation. This 4-in-1 leather bag from Lo & Sons stylishly transitions from day to night, while Lululemon’s popular Everywhere Belt Bag can be worn on the hip or across the body. Meanwhile, active travelers will get great use out of the Nomatic Navigator Sling , which features a water bottle holder and a stabilizer strap. Below, the best crossbody bags for travel in a variety of price points, styles and materials.

• Best Crossbody Bag For Travel Overall: MZ Wallace Small Sutton Deluxe
• Best Affordable Crossbody Bag For Travel: Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag
• Best Crossbody Bag For Organization: Aer Day Sling 3
• Best Crossbody Bag For Parents: Hobo Sheila Large Satchel
• Best Crossbody Bag For Beach Trips: Baggu Large Nylon Crescent Bag
• Best Crossbody Bag For Active Trips: Nomatic Navigator Sling 6L
• Most Versatile Crossbody Bag For Travel: Lo & Sons Waverley 2 in Nappa Leather
• Best Belt Bag For Travel: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1 L
• Best Crossbody Bag For Men: Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack
• Best Leather Crossbody Bag For Travel: Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Crossbody

Best Crossbody Bag For Travel Overall

Lightweight, stylish storage, mz wallace small sutton deluxe.

Dimensions: 9.8 × 5.5 × 10.20 inches | Weight: 1.08 pounds | Materials: Recycled oxford (polyester, nylon), leather

With a handy key ring strap and five interior pockets, this versatile bag is perfect for staying organized during travel. It can be worn as a crossbody or top handle tote and its water-resistant oxford fabric won’t weigh you down on your journey. There’s an easy-to-adjust nylon strap for a customized fit and the detachable interior pouch is big enough to hold a pair of shoes, plus the ample pockets provide plenty of space for your phone, keys, tickets and more. It weighs only a pound but can fit a surprising amount of items, plus its plush fabric folds down for packing.

Best Affordable Crossbody Bag For Travel

Security features plus many pockets, travelon anti-theft classic mini shoulder bag.

Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 2.25 inches | Weight: 0.7 pounds | Materials: Polyester, nylon

Travelon’s Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag packs an impressive punch for being so small. Its six pockets keep everything where you need it—including an RFID-blocking passport and card interior organizer—while a tethered key caddy with an LED light eliminates that dreaded “can’t-find-it-in-my-bag” feeling. The 5-Point Anti-Theft security system protects against theft threats with slash-resistant fabric, lockable straps and secure zipper pulls. Not only will you feel safe wearing this bag, but thanks to its 13 colors and prints, you’ll also look stylish anywhere your trip may take you.

Best Crossbody Bag For Organization

A compact sling bag with room to spare, aer day sling 3.

Dimensions: 11.5 x 6 x 3 inches | Weight: 0.8 pounds | Materials: Cordura nylon

With a ballistic nylon exterior and a unique design that zips open for easy access, Aer’s Day Sling 3 is one of the more durable crossbody options out there. It has a 3L capacity that fits a surprising amount of items and its 8 pockets ensure everything stays in its place. There are multiple loops for strapping onto your luggage or storage and a handy front pocket with a key leash and cool security features like a secret back pocket. There’s also a sneaky Fidlock clasp that makes it harder for a pickpocket to snatch your bag.

Best Crossbody Bag For Parents

Extra space and storage for the whole family, hobo sheila large satchel.

Dimensions: 13.5 x 14 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 1.6 pounds | Materials: Raffia, leather

For parents or travelers who need to tote a lot of stuff on the go, a larger bag might be in order. Hobo’s Sheila Large Satchel offers nice organizational features and high style points. It’s made of a lightweight woven raffia with leather trim for added durability, plus its six interior pockets, key lanyard and accessible side exterior pocket are perfect for storing smaller items you may need throughout the day. Its main compartment is quite roomy, easily fitting a laptop, kid’s tablet, diaper wipes, snacks, toys, a backup outfit and more. The flexibility of its 3-in-1 styling really stands out—the adjustable strap can be worn as a crossbody, shortened for a shoulder bag or simply removed to transform into a classy top handle bag for a night out after the kiddos go to sleep.

Best Crossbody Bag For Beach Trips

Large and easy to wear for sandy days in the sun.

Urban Outfitters

Baggu Large Nylon Crescent Bag

Dimensions: 10.5 × 19.5 × 5.25 inches | Weight: N/A (not listed) | Materials: 100% recycled nylon

A beach bag calls for some pretty specific features: it needs to be durable and water-resistant, it should be big enough to hold bulky towels and ideally, it has a simple shape so sand won’t get lodged in the nooks and crannies. After much research, the Baggu Crescent Bag fits the bill. Its adjustable strap can be worn across the chest or as a tighter-fitting shoulder bag, the large size is roomy enough for a couple towels and a change of clothes and the zippered interior pocket keeps your wallet and keys secure. The quick-drying ripstop nylon is not only recycled, it’s also durable enough to withstand the windiest—and wettest—of beach days. Consider adding a few of Baggu’s fun printed flat pouches for additional organization.

Best Crossbody Bag For Active Trips

A durable sling with no detail spared, nomatic navigator sling 6l.

Dimensions: 13.5 x 9 x 4 inches | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Materials: 80% nylon, 20% polyester

Whether you’re hiking, biking or riding the metro, the Navigator Sling from Nomatic offers durability, storage and some impressive features. There’s a water bottle holder that zips away when not in use, a molded EVA back panel for wearable comfort and breathability, a tamper-resistant zipper and tech features like built-in tablet storage, an RFID-blocking pocket for your cards and a cord-pass through for charging your devices in different pockets. If you’re running or moving around a lot, there’s also a stabilizer strap that clips on to keep the sling even more secure to your body. Unlike some sling styles, this bag has multiple zippered storage compartments, the main one opening extra wide for easier access.

Most Versatile Crossbody Bag For Travel

Four ways to wear it.

Lo & Sons

Lo & Sons Waverley 2 in Nappa Leather

Dimensions: 5.6 x 8 x 2 inches | Weight: 0.6 pounds | Materials: Nappa, Saffiano or cactus leather

When you’re on the go, sometimes the last thing you want is to ruin the flow of the day by making a pit stop at the hotel to change out a bag before dinner. We like the Lo & Sons Waverley for its inventive versatility that adapts to your needs. The minimal leather design has an adjustable strap that can be worn 4 ways: as a hands-free belt bag, a longer crossbody, a casual shoulder bag or an elevated clutch with (or without) a wristlet. The main compartment is large enough for the essentials and the zippered inner pocket keeps smaller items secure no matter where your day—or night—takes you.

Best Belt Bag For Travel

Hands-free storage in a slim profile, lululemon everywhere belt bag 1 l.

Dimensions: 7.5 x 2 x 5 inches | Weight: N/A (not listed) | Materials: Nylon, recycled polyester

Over 22,500 reviewers agree: the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is sleek, lightweight and versatile enough to be worn just about anywhere your travels take you. It has a water-repellant nylon exterior and one main compartment, three mesh interior pockets for added organization and a back zipper for your phone or cards. Its adjustable strap can tighten for comfortable wearing around your waist or it can be extended as a crossbody sling. With a 1L capacity, this bag is definitely on the smaller side, so you might want to consider their larger 2L size if you need more space.

Best Crossbody Bag For Men

Rugged looks for when you're on the go, cotopaxi coso 2l hip pack.

Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 3 inches | Weight: 10 ounces | Materials: Recycled nylon, recycled polyester

This easy-wearing hip pack from Cotopaxi combines an urban rugged look with smart storage solutions. The recycled nylon exterior is durable with a matte TPU coating, making it water-resistant and easy to clean, while a fleece interior pocket stores your phone or other small devices without any scratch risk. There’s multiple grab handles for easy carrying, secure pockets for smaller items and in addition to the main zippered compartment, the exterior front flap pocket can store a rolled-up lightweight jacket when you get warm on the go. G-hooks on both sides can be adjusted for customized storage and it can be comfortably worn as a crossbody on the front or back, or around the waist as a belt bag.

Best Leather Crossbody Bag For Travel

Three storage sections in a minimal package, quince italian leather triple compartment crossbody.

Dimensions: 7.8 x 9.5 x 3 inches | Weight: 1.54 pounds | Materials: Leather

Quince’s smooth Italian leather crossbody might look simple from the outside, but there’s actually a lot of unexpected storage inside. The bag has three main compartments—two zippered sections flanking one open area that closes with snaps—plus three internal zippered pockets to take your organization a step further. It also comes with two detachable straps that allow for crossbody or wristlet wear. Quince is known for its fair prices and ethical manufacturing process, and if that’s not impressive enough, the brand also offers a generous 365-day return policy.

9 Of The Best Dress Pants For Men That Consistently Earn Top Reviews

The most comfortable sandals for women, according to a podiatrist, why trust forbes vetted.

Our team at Forbes Vetted is comprised of seasoned editors, writers and researchers who not only love travel, but love to shop. We approach all of our travel product roundups with a discerning eye, focusing on quality, value and more, taking the time to assess products so you don’t have to. From the best luggage locks to the best carry-on backpacks , we spend countless hours researching, vetting and testing travel products to bring you the best of what’s on the market so you can make smart and informed shopping decisions for that next big trip or cruise . This story was written by contributor Becky Eaton , who regularly writes fashion, accessory and travel product guides for Forbes Vetted.

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OFFICE HOURS AND RESERVATION TELEPHONE NUMBERS

NSA Bahrain

Office hours/availability.

Office hours are local and open for business Monday - Friday, unless otherwise specified.

Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Reservation Telephone Numbers

Local: +973-1785-6654/6656

Chat with a Representative

Chat with a representative to assist with the followings:

• Cancel Reservations
• Car Rentals
• Early Ticket Request/Ticket status
• Invoice Request
• Refund Request/Status of Refund
• Submit back to DTS

Manage your travel plans

General information

• Secure Flight Program
• State tax exemption forms
• DOD Travel Regulations Overview
• U.S. Department of State - Passport services
• U.S. Department of State - Travel warnings

Lodging and meals

• Per diem - domestic maximum rates
• Per diem - outside the continental United States
• Meals and incidentals breakdown

Transportation

• Government contract airfares - program office website

Travel Essentials Deluxe Travel Centre

by Trisha | Apr 28, 2017 | News | 0 comments

The  Deluxe Travel Centre is the perfect travel companion if you have a baby or toddler. It’s basically a small person (baby/toddler) tent that comes with a self-inflating mattress, quilted sleeping mat and tent pegs. Not to mention it all fits into a relatively small carrying bag to make it easily portable. It is also British Standards Travel Cot approved! 

To read more of Yvonne’s review click here :

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NSA data leaker Edward Snowden: Contractor believed to be in Moscow

• Updated: Jun. 23, 2013, 2:52 p.m. |
• Published: Jun. 23, 2013, 1:52 p.m.
• The Associated Press

snowden.jpg

A TV screen shows a news report of Edward Snowden, a former CIA employee who leaked top-secret documents about sweeping U.S. surveillance programs, at a shopping mall in Hong Kong on Sunday. The former National Security Agency contractor wanted by the United States for revealing two highly classified surveillance programs has been allowed to leave for a "third country" because a U.S. extradition request did not fully comply with Hong Kong law, the territory's government said Sunday.

(The Associated Press)

MOSCOW — A former National Security Agency contractor wanted by the United States for revealing highly classified surveillance programs was believed to have landed in Russia on Sunday — possibly as a stopover before traveling elsewhere — after being allowed to leave Hong Kong .

Edward Snowden was on an Aeroflot flight from Hong Kong that arrived in Moscow on Sunday afternoon and was booked on a flight to fly to Cuba on Monday, the Russian news agencies ITAR-Tass and Interfax reported, citing unnamed airline officials. The reports said he intended to travel from Cuba to Caracas, Venezuela .

Snowden did not leave Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport with the other passengers. Interfax reported that he was spending the night in the transit zone of the airport because he did not have a visa to enter Russia and had rented a room in a capsule hotel.

Snowden had been in hiding in Hong Kong for several weeks after he revealed information on the highly classified spy programs. The WikiLeaks anti-secrecy group said it was working with him and he was bound for an unnamed "democratic nation via a safe route for the purpose of asylum."

The White House said President Barack Obama has been briefed on Sunday's developments by his national security advisers.

Snowden's departure came a day after the United States made a formal request for his extradition and gave a pointed warning to Hong Kong against delaying the process of returning him to face trial in the U.S.

The Department of Justice said only that it would "continue to discuss this matter with Hong Kong and pursue relevant law enforcement cooperation with other countries where Mr. Snowden may be attempting to travel."

The Hong Kong government said in a statement that Snowden left "on his own accord for a third country through a lawful and normal channel."

It acknowledged the U.S. extradition request, but said U.S. documentation did not "fully comply with the legal requirements under Hong Kong law." It said additional information was requested from Washington, but since the Hong Kong government "has yet to have sufficient information to process the request for provisional warrant of arrest, there is no legal basis to restrict Mr. Snowden from leaving Hong Kong."

The statement said Hong Kong had informed the U.S. of Snowden's departure. It added that it wanted more information about alleged hacking of computer systems in Hong Kong by U.S. government agencies which Snowden had revealed.

Hong Kong's decision to let Snowden go on a technicality appears to be a pragmatic move aimed at avoiding a drawn out extradition battle. The action swiftly eliminates a geopolitical headache that could have left Hong Kong facing pressure from both Washington and Beijing.

Hong Kong, a former British colony, has a high degree of autonomy and is granted rights and freedoms not seen on mainland China, but under the city's mini constitution Beijing is allowed to intervene in matters involving defense and diplomatic affairs.

Hong Kong has an extradition treaty with the U.S., but the document has some exceptions, including for crimes deemed political.

Russian officials have given no indication that they have any interest in detaining Snowden or any grounds to do so. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that Russia would be willing to consider granting asylum if Snowden were to make such a request.

Russia and the United States have no extradition treaty that would oblige Russia to hand over a U.S. citizen at Washington's request.

WikiLeaks said it was providing legal help to Snowden at his request and that he was being escorted by diplomats and legal advisors from the group. WikiLeaks' founder, Julian Assange, who has spent a year inside the Ecuadorean Embassy in London to avoid extradition to Sweden to face questioning about sex crime allegations, told the Sydney Morning Herald that his organization is in a position to help because it has expertise in international asylum and extradition law.

The Cuban government had no comment on Snowden's movements or reports he might use Havana as a transit point.

In Ecuador, a high-ranking source at the presidency said there was no information about whether Snowden would seek asylum there. The source spoke on condition of anonymity for lack of authorization to speak on the issue.

Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino said last week that if Snowden asked for asylum, Ecuador would study the request.

The Obama administration on Saturday warned Hong Kong against delaying Snowden's extradition, with White House national security adviser Tom Donilon saying in an interview with CBS News, "Hong Kong has been a historically good partner of the United States in law enforcement matters, and we expect them to comply with the treaty in this case."

Michael Ratner, Assange's lawyer, said he didn't know Snowden's final destination, but that his options were not numerous. "You have to have a country that's going to stand up to the United States," Ratner said. "You're not talking about a huge range of countries here."

Ratner added that a country's extradition treaty with the U.S. is "not going to be relevant" because the country he ends up going to will likely be one willing to give him a political exemption.

Snowden's departure came as the South China Morning Post released new allegations from the former NSA contractor that U.S. hacking targets in China included the nation's cellphone companies and two universities hosting extensive Internet traffic hubs.

He told the newspaper that "the NSA does all kinds of things like hack Chinese cellphone companies to steal all of your SMS data." It added that Snowden said he had documents to support the hacking allegations, but the report did not identify the documents. It said he spoke to the newspaper in a June 12 interview.

With a population of more than 1.3 billion, China has massive cellphone companies. China Mobile is the world's largest mobile network carrier with 735 million subscribers, followed by China Unicom with 258 million users and China Telecom with 172 million users.

Snowden said Tsinghua University in Beijing and Chinese University in Hong Kong, home of some of the country's major Internet traffic hubs, were targets of extensive hacking by U.S. spies this year. He said the NSA was focusing on so-called "network backbones" in China, through which enormous amounts of Internet data passes.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it was aware of the reports of Snowden's departure from Hong Kong to Moscow but did not know the specifics. It said the Chinese central government "always respects" Hong Kong's "handling of affairs in accordance with law." The Foreign Ministry also noted that it is "gravely concerned about the recently disclosed cyberattacks by relevant U.S. government agencies against China."

China's state-run media have used Snowden's allegations to poke back at Washington after the U.S. had spent the past several months pressuring China on its international spying operations.

A commentary published Sunday by the official Xinhua News Agency said Snowden's disclosures of U.S. spying activities in China have "put Washington in a really awkward situation."

"Washington should come clean about its record first. It owes ... an explanation to China and other countries it has allegedly spied on," it said. "It has to share with the world the range, extent and intent of its clandestine hacking programs."

-- The Associated Press

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Sydney weather: intense rain threatens major flooding in NSW as SES issues warnings for drivers

Storm claims a life in Queensland after body of man found by his ute near Logan, while rivers in south of state subject to flood warnings

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Major flooding could threaten parts of Sydney and drivers have been warned to avoid non-essential travel as a deadly storm brings intense rainfall along the eastern seaboard.

An inland low and coastal trough joining forces over New South Wales was forecast to bring heavy localised falls to much of the state on Friday.

Sydney has faced its highest daily rainfall in two years, recording 111mm of rain in the 24 hours to 9am Friday. The city is on track to surpass its average total rainfall for April before the weekend.

“We’ll see the heaviest rain falling overnight, probably from midnight to around 7am to 8am,” Weatherzone meteorologist Angus Konta said.

Authorities warned 24-hour rainfall totals could top 200mm in Sydney and the south coast, with as much as 300mm dumped on the Illawarra escarpment overlooking Wollongong.

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Major flooding was possible along the Hawkesbury-Nepean River bounding Sydney from late Friday, with Penrith likely to cop as much rain in a day as one-and-a-half times the April average.

NSW forecast rainfall: 50mm falls from Coffs to Wollongong for today, but the system will move south tomorrow. Heavy rain in Sydney both days. (via @BOM_au pic.twitter.com/D3xl5pjjst — Luca (@IttimaniL) April 5, 2024

Transport for NSW took the rare step of warning drivers statewide to avoid non-essential travel, while the NSW State Emergency Service warned coastal communities from Sydney to Goulburn to stay indoors.

The SES has already conducted seven flood rescues overnight, six related to people in vehicles, and has responded to more than 550 incidents across the state during the past 24 hours.

The majority of calls have related to leaking roofs, sky lights and gutters, but chief superintendent Dallas Burnes said the service was preparing for flash flooding and riverine rises.

Storms have led to 92 flights being cancelled or delayed at Sydney Airport, mostly across the domestic network, and the city’s train network is experiencing widespread delays.

Nine schools across NSW have shut down amid the severe weather, six of which are in the state’s north-east. The shutdowns are affecting seven public schools and two independent schools.

Almost every river in eastern NSW and numerous rivers in southern Queensland are subject to a flood watches or warnings, as heavy rain and possible flash flooding hit both states.

“What we’ve got is a trough along the NSW coast and it’s extending right up into Queensland, so it’s dragging quite a bit of subtropical moisture down,” Konta said.

The trough is deepening and interacting with an upper-level low over NSW, which is further boosting the moisture level in the atmosphere, he said.

Storms have already claimed a life in Queensland after the body of a man was found by his ute near Logan, while a 30-minute wave of rain in northern NSW flooded enclosures at a wildlife sanctuary on Thursday.

“Due to the amount of water dumped into the park, we have relocated our animals and the hospital [has been] relocated to a higher position,” the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary said.

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With the catastrophic 2022 Northern Rivers floods fresh in minds, the SES said the silver lining for Friday’s system was that it was moving.

“If we go back to those northern river floods, it didn’t move as forecast,” the NSW SES commissioner, Carlene York, said.

“It stayed there, it kept dumping the rain and that’s obviously had the big impact.”

Volunteers had proactively deployed vehicles and vessels into danger areas.

Residents in such areas should clear gutters and tie down loose items ahead of time, SES metro zone commander Allison Flaxman said.

Severe weather is expected to gradually shift overnight to centre on NSW’s south coast, before easing throughout Saturday as the trough moves east to the Tasman Sea.

But persistent showers over the weekend will likely push Australia’s largest urban water supply dam to overflow on Monday.

Warragamba Dam, on Sydney’s south-western fringe, sat at 96% capacity as Friday’s storm approached.

“We require about 90mm of rain to fill Warragamba Dam … we’re expecting 100mm to 150mm,” Water NSW’s chief executive, Andrew George, told AAP.

“The spill will occur likely when the rainfall event has moved on, so it is very important that the community remain vigilant,” he said.

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Security team upgrades travel processes, earns NNSA coin

BY MYLES COPELAND AND KARLI MASSEY

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

Bernardo Diaz has been part of a few big changes.

He and his team from Sandia’s International Security and Risk Management were recognized by NNSA on March 12 for improvements that make it faster and easier for Sandians and other nuclear security enterprise contractors to travel to foreign nations on behalf of NNSA and other U.S. government agencies.

“Thousands of travelers will benefit from these improvements, enabling us to more effectively accomplish NNSA’s mission with our international partners,” said NNSA Sandia Field Office Manager Daryl Hauck, who presented Bernardo an NNSA Enhanced Mission Delivery Initiative coin in appreciation of his effort to help nuclear security enterprise processes move quicker and more efficiently. “He showed persistence in making it happen. He didn’t take no for an answer.”

NNSA’s Enhanced Mission Delivery Initiative aims to improve efficiency, productivity and collaboration across the nuclear security enterprise.

Bernardo worked with NNSA officials to reduce the number of approvals needed for these types of trips.

“I know what a pain it is to cut red tape,” he said. “I think my previous experience told me, ‘We can change it.’”

Bernardo’s “previous experience” includes reestablishing U.S. diplomatic relations with Cuba.

Havana was his first assignment as a diplomat for the U.S. Department of State. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were severed in 1961 and remained so when Bernardo arrived in 2014.

“It was a hardship post,” said Bernardo, who moved there with his wife and dog. “The Cuban people are incredible, but the work was hard. The country was stuck in the 1950s. Not much has progressed in terms of infrastructure.”

Bucking 70 years of history, Bernardo was part of the team that carried this international effort across the finish line. The Department of State Superior Honor Award hangs in his Sandia office, recognizing his “Outstanding sustained performance and significant contribution in support of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba.”

Years later, Veronica Robles, a member of his staff who helped lead the project, credited Bernardo with driving the improvement in the travel process.

“Bernardo really took the time,” Veronica said. “Our travelers go through a lot. The biggest thing I always go back to is to reduce the human stress of it all. How can we make it a little bit better? How do we get them out the door to do that mission work?”

“This award is satisfaction we’re doing what’s right to serve the mission,” Bernardo said.

NNSA awards coin for quick delivery

Coin presentations like the one to Bernardo are a new way the NNSA is recognizing Sandians who cut red tape and speed innovation and product delivery.

The second coin in this series went to manager Stephen Neidigk and his team from the Transportation Safeguards and Surety Program, which delivered a mobile high-security vault in just six months.

To meet a national security need on this tight timeline, the team used several forms of advanced manufacturing, including 3D printing, technical embroidery and model based systems engineering, to move from concept to construction without formal drawings.

Stephen’s team delivered models and manufacturing specifications that allowed several vendors to construct major components of the vault that were subsequently assembled at Sandia.

“Typically you spend 75% of your design time on the drawings,” Stephen said. “When you’re budget- and time-constrained, it forces you to figure out solutions within those constraints … This work required a functional prototype. It was a build-to-think exercise. Let’s build it, learn, adjust and do it again.”

This drastically different approach, which included Stephen carrying a 1/20-scale model of the vault to meetings to convey the concept and support design discussions, delivered a full scale prototype in about a quarter of the time usually required for this type of project. The solution was a 20-foot shipping container with a 30,000-pound vault inside.

“We didn’t recreate the wheel,” Stephen said. “Completing the prototype vault was an excellent example of Sandia’s ability to deliver at the speed of relevance. We utilized experience and technology developed over the last 40 years to save time and completed an 80% solution in six months as opposed to 100% solution in five years.”

“While other recent innovations have focused on process improvements, this project uses the Labs’ know-how in system integration, working with partners to meet a national security need,” Labs Director James Peery said during the coin presentation on March 18. “This is one of the areas where Sandia excels.”

• Sandia chases two big new goals
• How we know they work
• Conference offers perspectives on real-world nuclear issues