Most people aren’t born super-savvy travelers. It’s something that only comes withtime and experience. Maybe you’ve scrolled through Instagram and seengorgeous feeds of travel influencers making the road life look glamourous, easy and oh so enticing, but rewarding travel requires education, research, discipline, discernment and of course the right travel gear.

There are a lot of things that happen behind the scenes that can make your dream of seeing the world a difficult experience. I know because I spent an entire year living out of a suitcase while traveling the world. It seemed glamourous on the social feeds and in my messages home, but the day to day was super stressful. Learning new languages and trying to stay on top of schedules, bookings and local customers made for an exhausting process. Luckily I had tools and products that made my trip easier. If you are getting ready for your next trip, or just gathering ideas for must-have travel items, check out my favorites from Portland Leather Goods. You won’t want to leave home without them.

LEATHER WRAP JOURNAL

Don’t miss a beat on your next trip and document the journey with a handmade leather journal. Journaling is one of the best ways to keep track of your experiences, feelings, insights and ideas. Keeping track daily will help you not only maximize your experience but make the most of your entire trip. The travel journal makes a great keepsake and item to remember your journey for years to come. This customizable journal has options like names, initials andfirebrands, and it is the perfect companion to your next big adventure. Plus you can get refillable notebook inserts for all of the Portland Leather Journals, which makes picking up where your last adventure left off a total breeze.

LEATHER DOPP KIT BAG

Traveling to another country or location requires organization. Grab the Dopp Kit Toiletry Bags for personal items. You’ll love this 100% handmade leather product.

It ishandmade with full-grain U.S. cowhide and features a simple and classic design. A zippered top keeps the toiletries secure, and the minimalist interior provides easy access for all the daily essentials. It is strong, durable and watertight, plus the leather used to make this product is the same used in making boots, saddles and all manner of made-to-last, all-weather leather goods, meaning a separate lining is altogether unnecessary. It is oil-tanned leather,which is easy to care for and only gets better with use, ensuring this travel essential will stay strong with you along the entire trip.

LEATHER MUG HUGGER

For the camper, van lifer or traveling brewmaster, this Fire-Branded Leather Mug Hugger, is handmade in Portland, Oregon, and a perfect add to your RV. It slips on and off any 16-ounce wide-mouth Ball jar. You can order the Mug Hugger with or without the jar!It’s made with thick U.S.tanned cowhide — oiled and conditioned for a soft yet durable finish. The top-grade cowhide and the premium bridle leather handle are soft to the touch and sturdy enough to last a lifetime.

LEATHER ARTIST PENCIL CASE

Don’t forget to keep track of all your brilliant ideas on your next trip. You can do this with organization and a little extra planning. Grab the full-grain leather Artist wrap-pencil case to keep all your supplies, makeup brushes, pencils, or glasses in one place. This is perfect for a long day on the trail or a restaurant cultural tour, it slips nicely into your other bags and you’ll never need to search for a pen while on the go. It is made with the finest, most durable leather. The case is available in classic Black with a Black strap or distressed Canyon with a Saddle strap. You can personalize the leather case for yourself or a friend by adding a name, small initials or large initials.

LEATHER CAMERA STRAP

Do you love taking photos? Don’t forget to document your trip with the leather adjustable camera strap. It is made with the toughest full-grain leather. The wide neck allows you to carry any camera comfortably for long periods of time without neck fatigue. Major bonus, every strap is handmade to order, which means you can even customize your strap with your name or a power saying. Can we say “Not all those who wander are lost”!

ZIPPER TOTE

If you want the perfect carry-on companion with a lot more room for your essentials, check out the zipper tote. With its large spaces for separation and organization, the zipper tote will be your new best friend. They all come with a key-loop, outside pocket andan inside pocket. Now we are talking massive space. It’s the type of space for all your business goods, but built for even more, like your workout gear or makeup bag. This is an award-winning leather tote bag also made from 100% U.S. cowhide, which is tanned to perfection. Choose one of seven distinct colors inspired by Pacific Northwest style and grace. Color choices include Cognac, Honey, Deep Water (shown in photo above), Saddle, Merlot, or Black and you can choose from a Tan or Black handle color.

All products are handmade and delivered to your door at a reasonable price. Please allow 5–7 business days for production, and 1–3 days for shipping.

This article brought to you by Portland Leather Goods. We make award-winning handmade leather products in Portland, Oregon, from the finest full-grain hides, creating personalized products to showcase your personal style.