5 Things Every Travel Writer Needs in Their Backpack
You’ve got the ideas, the pitches, and even the assignments. Now, it’s time to get the stuff. Here are five things every travel and lifestyle writer needs in their backpack to help them gather the quotes, images, and entire story on their next work trip.
Reporter’s Notebooks
While any notebook will do, this one by Field Notes has a few advantages. One, the top spiral allows pages to lay flat, making it easier to write on the go, and two, it has a back pocket so you can stash items like business cards and receipts you collect on your trip. Get a two-pack for $16.95 here.
Pencils
Having a writing utensil handy is a key part of the job. But rather than any old pencil, gift yourself something fancy like these Blackwing Pearl Pencils. Plus, it’s a purchase you can feel good about as a portion of the sales from all Blackwing products goes toward the Blackwing Foundation, which funds and develops arts and music education at the K-12 level. Buy a set of 12 for $30 here. Or, find a more affordable option with this 30-pack of Amazon Basics pencils for just $5.80.
Recorder
Planning to interview anyone for your stories? Carry a dedicated recorder to store all your interviews along the way. This one by G Brand comes password-protected, is voice-activated, and has a USB port for easy downloading to your laptop. Snag it here for $39.99.
Camera
Ready to level up your journalistic game? It’s time to invest in a camera. Learning to take great images can add tremendous value to your reporting and can help you score higher rates thanks to delivering text and images in one. We’re partial to the Fuji system as it’s highly functional and supremely stylish, like this Fuji XT4. It’s an expensive investment, but one that will undoubtedly pay dividends. Pick one up for $1,549 here.
Phone Tripod
If you’re not quite ready to invest the big bucks in a camera, you can at least level up your phone photography with this tripod from Joby. The lightweight tripod is flexible, allowing you to attach it to railings or uneven surfaces, or use it just to stabilize your phone on a table to record videos and selfies. Get one for your travel to-go bag for $27.88.
Bonus: The Actual Backpack
If you need a bag to house all your new goodies, make the AMBOR Laptop Backpack the one. The bag can fit all your things, including a laptop and carry-on items, and even comes with a charging port for your phone. The backpack also comes with anti-theft technology, making it ideal for all your trips around the globe. Purchase the AMBOR Laptop Backpack for $23.99 here.