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After almost a decade of travel blogging, Tara Povey has narrowed packing down to a handful of items she refuses to leave home without. Her list focuses on saving space, staying comfortable and avoiding airport hassles—practical priorities for anyone planning trips this summer.
Toiletries that cut bulk and liquids
Povey favours compact, non-liquid options that keep her under the airport restrictions and free up space. Shampoo bars are a go-to: they weigh less than bottled shampoo, avoid plastic packaging and slot easily into a carry-on. She mentions the Lush “Honey I Washed My Hair” and Garnier “CoCo” Ultimate Blends bars as favourites.
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Alongside shampoo bars, she packs solid perfume or a small atomiser of her signature scent to avoid carrying glass bottles. A solid or balm deodorant—she cites Wild Refill—serves double duty for freshness and can also help prevent chafing on long walking days.
Sun protection is non-negotiable for her. Povey carries factor 50+ sunscreen for body use—she names P20—and prefers Kiehl’s or Dermalogica for facial SPF. The point she stresses is simple: protect skin whether at home or abroad.
Small tech and travel gear that make a difference
A universal travel adapter tops her tech list. These multi-format adapters typically include several USB‑A and USB‑C ports, so one device can charge phones and other kit across different countries.
She also relies on silicone suction phone stickers—small pads that adhere to shiny surfaces so you can prop a phone on a window or mirror. Povey uses them to film herself without a tripod and keeps extras to give to fellow travellers.
Another practical item she’s embraced is prescription sunglasses. Getting a pair allowed her to actually see wildlife on tours; affordable online options she mentions include Zeelool and Firmoo, provided you have your prescription to hand.
Bags and bottles: light, bright and flexible
Povey swears by a reliable cabin-sized backpack. She has used a Cabin Zero pack for ten years, usually the 36L model, and switched to the 44L briefly for a trip to Iceland to fit bulkier layers. She also appreciates colourful luggage as an easy way to spot her bag.
For everyday carrying she brings a small cross-body or bum bag with essentials—phone, passport, money—and recommends Cotopaxi for colourful, ethically made options. A foldable shopping tote lives permanently in her bag for extra carry space on return journeys or for beach days.
On hydration, she prefers a collapsible water bottle over heavyweight tumblers. Having been struck by a heavy reusable cup that escaped an overhead locker, she opts for something light and packable that still saves on buying drinks.
Comfort on long days out
When exploring a new place, Povey’s first priority is comfortable shoes. She avoids brand-new trainers and relies on tried-and-tested pairs such as Skechers Uno Lite for memory-foam comfort, or the Vans Mountain Edition for a blend of urban style and outdoor capability.
She always packs blister plasters—Compeed is her pick—because foot pain can derail a day of sightseeing. Small, lightweight and potentially trip-saving, they’re the sort of thing you hope not to use but are glad to have.
These essentials reflect a clear philosophy: choose items that save space, serve more than one purpose and keep you comfortable while you explore. Povey says a little preparation goes a long way, especially as many of us plan summer trips away.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ.
