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2023 Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M2 Max Chip (14-inch, 64GB RAM, 1TB SSD Storage)

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Starting refurbished around $1984 USD.

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I've been using this laptop the last two years with no issues. I run Lightroom and Photoshop simultaneously, processing 600+ images at a time and working in Premier Pro here and there. There are newer models available now, but if you're a creative looking for a solid partner to Adobe applications, I've had great luck with the upgraded RAM and M2 chip.

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MOFT Ergonomic Folding Laptop Stand with multiple angles

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Starting around $59 USD.

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I love this stand. So thoughtfully designed. I had a bulky metal stand before I started traveling and was so sad to leave it behind until I found this as a replacement. It folds down completely flat and lightweight, easy to tuck in behind my laptop. Surprisingly sturdy with four different angles. I use the lowest for working at a table and the tallest if I want to sit on the ground. 10/10 recommend for any working traveler.

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MagSafe Laptop Phone Holder / Adjustable Continuity Camera Mount

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Starting around $15 USD.

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Huge quality of life upgrade. I rarely use this to set my phone as a continuity camera, but I love the ability to simply pop my phone up next to my laptop as a second screen, track my food arrival, compare notes or reference images as I work.

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MOGICS Super Bagel Universal Adapter

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Starting around $59 USD.

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I would say this is essential for travel. I've used a Universal Adapter brick before, but I find this form factor and design very versatile. The center pops out as the adapter and the cord unrolls to plug into it. This gives an extra bit of length which is super useful for reaching difficult outlets. I'm able to plug my Apple Brick, USB C and USB A cords in all at once, though I rarely do. There's an Auto Reset Fuse which I don't know much about, but glad it's there. The form factor stows away so easily, I ended up using the case to hold my two cords. The whole setup is efficient, thorough and simple to travel with.

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STATIK MagStack Pro USB C 6FT Charging Cable 100W for Laptop

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Starting around $24 USD.

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Genius design. If you didn't know, you can charge your laptop directly through any USB C port. I swapped my laptop cord for this magnetic braided cord which packs up super clean and works effortlessly with the 96W brick from Apple. I primarily use it for my laptop, but the USB C end makes it more versatile than the MagSafe chargers. Make sure to get the 6ft length if you plan on using this for your laptop.

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4-in-1 USB-C Cable Charger for iPhone + Accessories

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Starting around $24 USD.

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I travel with only two cords. One for my laptop and this one for my phone, which is incredibly versatile for any other device I may need to charge. The attached adapters make it easy to connect pretty much any two devices so I plug directly into my laptop, laptop charging brick, or Universal Power Bagel Adapter without the need for another brick. The cord rolls up neatly with the magnetic feature, keeping my tech setup super clean and simple.

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Logitech Lift Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Mouse

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Starting around $69 USD.

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One of the best purchases I've made. I had a cheaper version before which gave out after a few months. This one has lasted over a year and I just swapped the battery out. Save your body and do it.

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Sony Alpha 7R III Mirrorless Camera with 42.4MP Full-Frame Sensor

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Starting around $2199 USD.

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This has been my main camera body the last three years. It's very lightweight with a quality sensor and two cards slots for simultaneous shooting. It does really well capturing 4k video so if you're looking for a hybrid camera, primarily for photography this is a great option.

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Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM Full-Frame Large-Aperture G Master Lens Black

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Starting around $1999 USD.

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This is the primary portrait lens I use for weddings. I haven't found anything to rival it. Beautiful, clean bokeh with fast focus. For 10 years, I've primarily shot with a 50mm forcing physical movement to frame each shot more intentionally than a zoom lens would encourage. Highly recommend for professional photographers using Sony looking for a romantic lens.

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SAMSUNG T7 Shield 2TB Portable Rugged SSD

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Starting around $285 USD.

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I recently switched from Hard Disk Drives to Solid State Drives for travel since they are smaller, faster and more durable. While I can't speak yet to the longevity, I did pretty extensive research leading me to Samsung as the most reliable brand. My dad has used this drive the last few years with no issues.

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Peak Design Small Camera Cube

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Starting around $59 USD.

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I travel very minimally with one camera body, two lenses, a video light, a few styling risers, memory cards and a set of filters. All of this packs down into the small camera cube which fits snuggly at the bottom of my AER personal item backpack (very carefully thought through and measured). I can also add a strap to the outside of the cube converting it into a large sling bag.

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PicTime Gallery Host

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One Month Free with this referral code.

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I've used PicTime for many years now as it's continued to build and expand it's platform to offer art galleries and unique deliverables for clients. The interface is clean, simple to use with a great live chat for any hiccups you run into.

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Chase Sapphire Reserve Travel Credit Card

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Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire® card with this referral link.

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I love this card. I did quite a bit of research and found this to be the best option. There is a $550 annual fee which is offset by the $300 travel credit you receive each year. If you're not traveling at least once a year, I wouldn't recommend this card, but there are lots of perks that made the $250 reoccurring fee worth for me.

• No foreign transaction fees.

• Pretty extensive travel insurance including car rental coverage when booked with the card.

• Priority Pass which gives you access to an extensive network of airport lounges with quieter environments, easy plug access, free food + beverages, sometimes showers (I have used) which is a huge quality of life upgrade while traveling.

• Global Entry and TSA PreCheck which is $120 value.

• Plus some bonus points + perks for booking travel through them which I don't do often, but if you're a luxury traveler this may also be a huge piece for you too.

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Osprey Farpoint Men's Wheeled Travel Pack 36L

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Starting around $299 USD.

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After a month of destroying my body hauling a WANDRD bag around Europe, I thought deeply about what I needed to feel comfortable with my petite frame. Any weight on my shoulders for any period of time wears on me quickly. Most travel gurus ward against wheeled bags saying the wheeling application adds weight and eats into the internal space. It does slightly, but after testing many bags, I realized this compromise was an aid to keep me honest in packing and a feature I would thank myself for in the long haul (pun intended).

• Just enough internal organization to be helpful + unobtrusive

• Most comfortable internal frame for backpack mode

• Handsfree standing design in wheeling mode — so helpful in the airport

• Small quick access pocket on the top

• Large internal mesh section for keeping dirty clothes or shoes separate

• Simple compression straps inside and out (also great for strapping additional items externally i.e. water bottle, jacket)

• Quality construction you'd expect from Osprey with sturdy zips, handles and material.

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Osprey Daylite Hanging Toiletry Kit

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Starting around $30 USD.

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I spent a lot of time researching my toiletry kit in the context of my whole setup working to get the dimensions to fit the travel bottles I fell in love with below. I knew I wanted to keep my toiletries with me on the plane so this needed to fit compactly in my Aer backpack along with my camera cube. It does with room leftover for a full-size eye solution and a few strategically placed snacks. Easy to access through TSA and to freshen up on the plane. I've used several hanging bags which ended up being too long, resting awkwardly on the countertop. I liked this "two tiered" design better for hanging or folded open on the counter. The strap is smartly designed compared to a hook with limited usage. As everything with Osprey: thoughtful design, beautiful quality of materials, just enough organization to be helpful, but not too prescriptive.

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3.4 Oz 100ml Clear Airless Pump Travel Size Bottles

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Starting around $15 USD.

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I found myself so annoyed by the typical plastic and silicone travel bottles, always squirting out too much product or struggling to get the last bit out. When I lived in my apartment, I put products into pump dispensers and it was a simple quality of life upgrade that made all the difference. I did some research with that idea in mind and came across these. They look larger than 3.4 oz, but I measured and had no issue going through TSA. I can fit 4 perfectly into my Osprey toiletry bag with just enough room for my foundation bottle. So far, no leaks and I'm able to ration out my products more consistently.

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Aer Go Pack 2 Travel Backpack

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Starting around $99 USD.

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Love this bag. I did a lot of research to land on it. The material has a nice finish with quality hardware. It's very durable and thoughtfully designed. There's just enough organization to fit everything I want it to without being too bulky with added infrastructure. The bag itself is very light. There isn't much padding to protect items like a laptop, but I appreciate the slim design more. I have my own padding for gear with the Peak Design Small Camera cube that fits like a glove at the base of the bag. Two generous water bottle pocks I love with a quick access pocket at the top. This utilizes full allowance for a personal item means I can keep my camera gear, laptop, toiletries and a set of clean clothes with me no matter what. After unpacking, this is the perfect day bag. Very comfortable, lightweight, easy to move around with.

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GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz Water Purifier Bottle

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Starting around $99 USD.

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I tried several bottles for filtering water including LifeStraw and Larq. This seemed to have the most robust filtering system. I liked the pressing application in this bottle over the filter built into a straw you have to pull water through with lots of resistance. That way you have a reservoir of clean water you can sip or pour from. This is also designed for adding drink mixes after the water has been pushed through the filter — a feature I didn't find any where else. The design is sturdy and easy to drink from. My only complaint is the awkward effort of physically pushing the filter down, trying not to splash water everywhere in the process.

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Ultralight Titanium 1500ml / 54 fl oz with Insulated Sleeve and Thermal Cup

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Starting around $149 USD.

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I got this bottle in tandem with the GeoPress to store my purified water and help insure I stay on track with my water intake each day. The titanium weighs almost nothing which means the water is the main weight. I used to drink Essentia every day and this is the closest alternative I've found in keeping that rhythm going while traveling and minimizing plastic use.

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Life360 Tile Trackers

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Starting around $75 USD.

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Luckily have not had to use these yet. I have one in each of my bags. While I try not to check my carry on, I did have to on the way to Bali and it was a nice peace of mind to see where my bag was on a map.

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Ultra Thin MagSafe Anker MagGo Power Bank

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Starting around $75 USD.

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Huge life saver. I've used this almost every day to keep my phone functioning when I'm not near an outlet. The form factor is thin, charges my phone wirelessly. Easily recharges with either USB C cord I have. Highly recommend.

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The Sak Tess Sling Purse

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Starting around $119 USD.

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I took a lot of time to think about this sling and it's the one item on this list I'm not 100% sold on yet. I wanted something to function aesthetically as an accessory and not just for practicality's sake. The quality is beautiful with a suede finish but I find I reach for my Aer bag more often. We'll give it more time and I may replace it here if something else comes along.

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