Top 10 Must-Have Items Every Traveling House Sitter Needs
Traveling as a house sitter is an incredible experience that every animal lover should enjoy! But to truly maximize your adventure, it's important to have the right gear. As seasoned traveling pet sitters, there are some items we refuse to leave home without. That’s why we've compiled a list of our top 10 travel essentials that we always bring with us to a house sit. From versatile, collapsible backpacks ideal for carrying pet care essentials, to noise-canceling headphones for those long noisy plane rides, our recommended items will enhance your comfort and convenience on the road. Explore the world with ease and make your pet sitting travels stress-free with our tried-and-true gear recommendations!
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Ultra-lightweight Collapsible Day Pack for Hassle-free Travel
A reliable daypack is a must-have for any traveling pet sitter, and our top pick is the Columbia Lightweight Packable 21L Backpack. This collapsible backpack is incredibly versatile and saves valuable packing space, making it perfect for city explorations, dog-walking, and hikes alike. We love its ample storage capacity, which can easily fit leashes, collapsible doggy bowls, extra water and rain jackets. The backpack's durability and water-repellent feature have proven to be reliable even after a year of use. It folds up into its own pocket, making it easy to break down when it’s not in use, and ridiculously easy to pack into our carry-on. This is an essential item that we absolutely refuse to leave home without! If you want to purchase this versatile, go-to backpack for any adventure, follow the link below!
Top-Rated Bose QuietComfort 45 Noise-Canceling Headphones: Bluetooth and Wireless
For our international pet sitting adventures, we’ve found ourselves on plenty of long-haul flights. Something we learned early on is that a pair of apple headphones is not going to cut it when we’re on a 12 hour long flight surrounded by crying babies. That’s when we decided that having noise-canceling headphones was a must! These headphones have been a game-changer for us, drowning out distractions and creating a peaceful atmosphere. After purchasing these headphones we were able to travel with less jet lag, and arrive to our house sits rested and ready for adventure. Although they can be expensive, they are a worthwhile investment to travel in comfort. After testing multiple options, we've found that the Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones offer the best value for money. They're durable, comfortable, and provide effective noise cancellation, making them a must-have for any traveler looking to improve their in-flight experience.
The Ultimate Travel Adapter For Worldwide Use
New international travelers often look past the importance of owning a reliable travel adapter, and we're no exception. We’ve been there done that, and quickly learned that a sturdy multi-country adapter is an essential item to add to the packing list. That's why we recommend investing in a versatile and universal option like the Ceptics World Travel Adapter! This high-quality adapter works in over 150 countries, making it an ideal choice for globetrotting home and pet care providers. With the ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously and a compact size that comes with a convenient carrying case, the Ceptics adapter is the perfect solution to your charging needs. We especially love that this adapter provides a port for two usb-c’s and one usb-a plugin. With this adapter handy, you’ll never have to worry about a low battery slowing you down on your pet sitting adventures.
The Best Travel Pillow for Comfortable and Restful Journeys
A comfortable travel pillow can make all the difference on a long flight or layover, which is why it's a must-have item for frequent travelers. After trying out various options, we found that the MLVOC Travel Pillow with Memory Foam Neck Support is the best choice for us. Its contoured design provides excellent neck support, while the memory foam material ensures maximum comfort. Plus, it's machine washable and comes with an Airplane Travel Kit that includes a 3D contoured eye mask, earplugs, and a storage bag. This kit has been a lifesaver on long-haul flights or layovers, helping us get some much-needed rest. By investing in a quality travel pillow like the MLVOC Travel Pillow, you can ensure a comfortable and restful journey.
Versatile Travel Backpack for Any Destination and Occasion
A weekender-style travel backpack is a must-have for us as it allows us to pack light and avoid the hassle and expense of checking bags. Unlike a day pack, a good carry-on backpack should offer ample space while meeting airline size requirements. We recommend the eBags Mother Lode Jr Travel Backpack as it's lightweight, compact, and fits easily under the seat in front of us. With multiple compartments for organizing our gear, this backpack has plenty of space for clothes and other essentials. While it can be expensive, the lifetime warranty offered by eBags makes it a worthwhile investment. Travelers looking for a reliable and versatile carry-on backpack should definitely consider this one.
Top Quality Walking Shoes for Comfortable Travel
When traveling, comfortable and durable footwear is crucial, especially if you're spending a lot of time on your feet. As pet sitters who frequently explore new cities and the great outdoors, we always make sure to pack high-quality walking shoes. We prefer multipurpose shoes that can handle a variety of terrains, and the Columbia Peakfreak X2 Outdry Hiking Shoe for men and Columbia Peakfreak X2 Outdry Women's Walking Shoe for women are our top choices. These shoes are made by a trusted outdoor wear brand and provide excellent comfort and support. With their superior durability, we can count on them to last through any adventure.
Durable Rolling Suitcase for Travel - Lightweight and Stylish
A reliable rolling suitcase is a must-have for frequent travelers, and choosing the right one can make all the difference. It's important to find a suitcase that is durable, spacious, and easy to maneuver. After trying out various options, we have been using Rick Steves' Rolling Suitcase for four years now and highly recommend it. Rick Steves' suitcases are well-crafted, sturdy, and designed to meet all the needs of a traveler. They fit snugly in overhead bins and come with features such as compression straps and multiple compartments for organization. By combining this rolling suitcase with a good travel backpack, you can easily pack all your essentials and avoid the hassle and cost of checking bags.

Stay Charged On-The-Go with the Best Portable Power Bank
One of the most nerve-wracking experiences while traveling is finding yourself stranded with a dead phone battery, especially in an unfamiliar place where you rely on your phone's GPS for directions. That's why having a reliable portable power bank is essential. With so many different types available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. For us, the Portable Charger Power Bank - 40000mAh PD 30W has been a game-changer. It's lightweight, easy to carry, and eliminates the stress of low battery on mobile devices. This medium-sized power bank is perfect for keeping our phones and other devices charged while on the go.
6-Foot Extension Cord: Keep Your Devices Connected Anywhere
When you're on the go, having a reliable extension cord can be a lifesaver. With multiple devices needing to be charged at once or limited plugs in some areas, an extension cord is essential. We recommend using a 6-foot 360° rotating flat plug extension cord/wire, which has been a game changer for us. It's particularly useful in airports or places with limited plugs, allowing you to work on the couch, charge devices in bed, and charge multiple devices simultaneously. Whether you're a frequent traveler, a student, or simply looking for a convenient solution at home, having an extension cord handy can make charging your devices a breeze. Don't risk running out of power when you need it most - add an extension cord to your packing list today!
Travel Toiletry Bag with Removable TSA-Approved Containers
When traveling, having all your toiletries in one place can save you a lot of hassle. That's why we recommend investing in a high-quality toiletry bag. Not only will it keep your items organized and easy to access, but it will also protect your clothes from any spills or leaks. We also suggest bringing travel-sized bottles of your favorite shampoo, conditioner, and lotion to save money on buying new products at every destination. Our top pick for a toiletry bag is the Everest Deluxe Toiletry Bag. With multiple pockets and durable material, it has served us well for over five years. Don't underestimate the value of a good toiletry bag on your next trip!

As you start your own journey, making sure you have the right travel gear can make all the difference when traveling, especially when you're a travel pet sitter going international. From a good backpack and rolling suitcase to comfortable walking shoes, these top 10 items can make your travel experience much smoother and stress-free. With the right gear, you can save money by avoiding checked baggage fees and by bringing your own toiletries. We hope that these recommendations have been helpful, and we thank you for reading!