Here’s a collection of my all-time favorite products that that I would buy over and over again. From the best surf accessories to travel essentials and indispensable beauty products – these are my go-to picks that I can’t stop recommending to everyone.

Travel Essentials

NordVPN

The ultimative Travel Hack! In my opinion NordVPN offers the best value for money. It has worked flawlessly for us since day one, and the app is super easy to use. A VPN is an absolute must-have for me when traveling, especially for these three key reasons:

1. Data Security & Privacy
   • Ever since our Booking.com account got hacked in Vietnam, I never travel without a VPN! Public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, cafés, or airports are often unsafe. A VPN encrypts your connection and protects you from hackers trying to steal personal data like passwords or payment information.
2. Access to Blocked Content & Streaming Services
   • Many countries have restrictions on certain websites or streaming platforms like Netflix or Spotify. If I want to watch a show that’s only available on German Netflix while abroad, I simply connect to a German VPN server – and just like that, I can stream as if I were at home.
3. Cheaper Flights & Hotel Deals
   • Booking platforms often show different prices depending on your location. With a VPN, you can change your virtual location and often find better deals on flights and accommodation. I’ve used this trick many times to save money while traveling!

For frequent travelers, a VPN like the reliable NordVPN is an absolute must-have, especially if you work online or visit countries with restricted internet access.

eSIM (Saily)

An eSIM makes traveling outside the EU significantly easier for me. It saves me the hassle of searching for the right mobile provider in each country and allows me to get online quickly and effortlessly via an app. This way, I avoid buying a physical SIM card and dealing with the often-complicated setup process. That also means no more collecting plastic SIM cards from different countries, only to lose them in the end (at least, that’s what happens to me).

This is especially useful when arriving at an airport and needing instant connectivity – whether to find the way to your accommodation, book an Uber, or simply stay reachable. Another big advantage: You don’t have to share your private phone number, as you can use a secondary number instead.

I’ve had the best experience with the App Saily. It covers a wide range of countries, offers attractive package deals, and is incredibly easy to set up. Plus, during the installation process, it automatically checks whether your smartphone is eSIM-compatible.

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Get 5% off your Saily eSIM with the discount code “saltwatersecrets”!

Toiletry Bag

We’re often on the road for long periods, traveling to countries where my go-to beauty products aren’t available. That’s why I needed a toiletry bag with plenty of space, yet well-organized – and I’ve finally found the perfect one. It seriously fits so much! This Lychii toiletry bag offers surprising storage capacity without being bulky. Thanks to its smart design, I can keep everything neatly organized, and the transparent material helps me find what I need at a glance. Plus, the sturdy handle makes it super convenient to carry!

Jewelry Organizer

I’ve tried plenty of jewelry organizers and spent a long time searching for the perfect one – something that maximizes space while keeping everything securely in place. The Vlando jewelry case is exactly what I needed! It organizes jewelry into small transparent pouches, allowing me to pack a surprising amount – perfect for longer trips. I also attach my earrings in pairs to a button, so they stay neatly together.

Insect Bite Healer

This little mini miracle by heat it is a total game-changer for me! It relieves itchiness from insect bites using heat, so there’s no need for extra chemical or creams that take up space and eventually expire. The best part? You can use this tiny device as a keychain! Just plug it into a USB-C port when needed and control it effortlessly via an app.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is always at the top of my shopping list before a trip. I swear, ever since taking it daily, we’ve felt significantly less run-down after flights, had more energy, and even tolerated exotic food abroad much better.

Especially while traveling, we spend long hours in close quarters with other (partially sick) people. On top of that, traveling can be stressful and often comes with a lack of sleep, which also takes a toll on my skin. Vitamin C has noticeably strengthened our immune system and improved our recovery.

If you, like us, struggle to get enough Vitamin C while traveling, I highly recommend Liposomal Vitamin C!

Packing Cubes

Keeping my suitcase organized helps me pack efficiently and stay on top of what I have during longer trips. Especially when switching accommodations, packing cubes are the ultimate tool for quick and stress-free packing—without having to fully unpack. Besides keeping things neat, packing cubes have another big advantage: they save space! By rolling up clothes tightly and packing them into the cubes, you can fit way more into your suitcase.

I’ve been using the ECOHUB packing cubes for four years now, and they’re still going strong. (They’re even machine washable!)

Cable Organizer

On long flights or when I’m living out of my suitcase while traveling, it drives me crazy when my carry-on is a mess and everything is scattered around. With the AGPTEK cable organizer, I can find exactly what I need in no time.

Besides, It’s super versatile! You can use it not only for cables but also for pens, makeup, or other small essentials. I usually pack my charging cables, headphones, power bank, and a pen (So often you randomly need a pen and just can’t find one—haha!) – so everything is neatly organized and easy to grab.

Resistance Bands

I always have my latex resistance bands with me. They’re an essential part of my warm-up before surfing (especially for shoulder external rotations) and perfect for my daily 30-minute workouts. I’ve been using them for years, and they’ve never broken. Thanks to the small travel pouch, they’re ideal for trips.

Remote Working

Laptop Screen Extender

As great as it is to work from anywhere with a laptop and simply toss it into your bag while traveling, the small screen can be really frustrating for certain tasks—especially when you need a split screen. The KEFEYA portable monitor has completely changed the way I work on my laptop! Since using it, I’ve been much faster and more efficient without getting lost in endless tabs.

The practical carrying case makes it super easy to take on trips. And since it doesn’t have its own battery, you can even pack it in your checked luggage if your carry-on is already full.

Surf Accessoires

Surfboard Wax

Surfboard wax is a must-have accessory for any surf trip. While you can find surf wax in almost any surf shop, I love having my own on hand since prices can sometimes be marked up depending on the surf destination. My go-to wax brands are Sex Wax and Sticky Bumps, though for tropical regions, I prefer Sex Wax since Sticky Bumps tends to get too soft in the heat. Make sure to check the recommended water temperature when buying your wax!

Key Safe

A key box significantly eases my surf sessions. Since I almost always drive to the surf spot, my key feels safest stored in a key box. When I’m walking to the spot, I keep my house key there so I don’t have to carry it. The Puroma Lock Box is incredibly robust and has been my trusty companion for years!

Surfboard Repair Kit

Another thing I always keep in my board bag is a repair kit for small dings on my surfboard. It’s so easy for PU boards to get minor cracks, and it’s super frustrating to arrive at a surf spot only to find a ding from transport—especially if there’s no surf shop nearby or you don’t have cash on hand. The repair material cures within 3-5 minutes in UV light, so you can hit the water right away. Just remember: Polyester ding repair is NOT suitable for epoxy boards—but the other way around works!

Dry Bag

A dry bag is especially useful when you’re traveling by boat, heading to the surf spot, or riding a scooter in the rain. It keeps your essentials like your wallet and phone dry. I also love using the dry bags to store wet clothes after a surf session—keeping them separate and waterproof without needing plastic bags.

With Earth Pak, you even get a waterproof phone case included!

Surfboard Leash

My absolute favorite leash is from Creatures of Leisure. I can’t say for sure if it’s the best on the market, but unlike my FCS leash, my Creatures of Leisure has never snapped.

Surfskate

A surfskate is the ultimate training tool for surfers—whether as a supplement to surfing or for those who don’t live near waves. No other tool helps you practice mechanics and movements as effectively as a surfskate. I personally love Smoothstar, which I find especially great for beginners.

Skin Care

Daily Sunscreen

I have very complicated facial skin—sensitive, prone to allergies and breakouts, yet with dry patches. It took me years to find the right sunscreen that I could use daily without clogging my pores or causing redness. My esthetician in Berlin recommended Reviderm, and I particularly love the Solar Skin Shield Fluid. It offers excellent protection, feels great on my skin, and is super gentle. Bonus: It gives a gorgeous glow!

When I lived in Australia, I unfortunately didn’t have access to Reviderm. So, I got some advice locally and, after trying a few products, I discovered the SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum from Mecca. It’s super lightweight as well and also gives a beautiful glow. Plus, it’s enriched with niacinamides for improved skin texture. If you live in Australia or NZ, this is the best pick.

During our trip to Asia, I also ran out of my Reviderm sunscreen and decided to try the one from elta MD. I tolerated it really well, and it quickly became one of my go-to alternatives. Definitely one of my favorites whenever I run out of Reviderm and don’t manage to restock in time!

Sunscreen for Surfing

Finding a water-resistant sunscreen for 1–2 hour sessions in the ocean was a real challenge since many “extra water-resistant” sunscreens clogged my pores and triggered acne. When available, my top choice is the Shiseido Face Cream, as its effectiveness is activated by heat, water, and sweat. A more affordable and widely available option is La Roche-Posay Anthelios. I’ve been using it for years and absolutely love it. However, if I surf during peak midday sun, I always add extra zinc to my nose and cheekbones for extra protection.