Shop My Favorites
Things I Use and Recommend
After planning trips for my clients, these are the things I recommend again and again: travel essentials first, plus smart home and pet gear so everything back home is taken care of while you’re away, and my personal favorites.
Travel Essentials
The gear I recommend to clients before every cruise and resort trip: organized, charged up and comfortable from the airport to the cabin.
Packing Cubes Set
Keeps outfits organized and makes unpacking in a small cabin or hotel room take minutes.
See options on Amazon →Apple AirTag for Luggage
See where your checked bag is from your phone, at the airport or the cruise port.
See options on Amazon →- Cruise favorite
Cruise-Approved Power Strip (No Surge)
Cabins have few outlets, and surge protectors get confiscated. This kind is allowed on board.
See options on Amazon → - Cruise favorite
Magnetic Hooks
Cruise cabin walls are metal. Hang hats, bags and lanyards to free up space.
See options on Amazon → Universal Travel Adapter
One adapter with USB-C for Europe, the Caribbean and almost everywhere else.
See options on Amazon →Portable Power Bank
A slim battery for long excursion days, flights and theme parks.
See options on Amazon →Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Quiet flights and better sleep on the plane.
See options on Amazon →Memory Foam Travel Pillow
Neck support for red-eyes and long transfers.
See options on Amazon →TSA-Approved Toiletry Bottles
Leak-proof, carry-on-sized bottles that clear security.
See options on Amazon →RFID Passport Wallet
Passport, cards, boarding passes and cruise card in one secure place.
See options on Amazon →- Cruise favorite
Cruise Card Lanyard
Keeps your cabin key card handy all day, and a must for kids.
See options on Amazon → Waterproof Phone Pouch
Take photos at the beach, pool or snorkel stop without worrying.
See options on Amazon →
Cruise & Beach Packing Checklist
The everyday items travelers most often forget, and end up paying double for in the ship’s shop or at the port. (Noise-cancelling headphones are in Travel Essentials above.)
Polarized Sunglasses
Cut the glare off the water on deck and at the beach.
See options on Amazon →Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Required at some Caribbean and Hawaii stops, and kinder to the coral.
See options on Amazon →Mini Hand Sanitizers
Clip-on bottles for excursions, buses and buffets.
See options on Amazon →Refillable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated ashore; refill free at the ship’s water stations.
See options on Amazon →Hanging Toiletry Bag & Travel Razor
Keeps toiletries off the tiny cabin counter, with a compact razor for the trip.
See options on Amazon →E-Reader
A whole library for sea days, readable in bright sun.
See options on Amazon →Multi-Port USB Charger
Charge phones, watches and cameras from one outlet.
See options on Amazon →Waterproof Disposable Camera
Fun for snorkeling and kids; no worries if it gets wet.
See options on Amazon →Extra Camera Memory Cards
Never run out of space halfway through the trip.
See options on Amazon →Rechargeable Batteries & Charger
For cameras, flashlights and kids’ toys.
See options on Amazon →Compact Travel Umbrella
Tropical showers pop up fast; this folds small enough for a daypack.
See options on Amazon →Small First Aid Kit
Bandages, pain relievers and motion-sickness basics in one pouch.
See options on Amazon →Packable Daypack
Folds into its own pocket; perfect for shore excursions.
See options on Amazon →
Best Credit Cards for Frequent Travelers
The right card earns points toward your next trip and adds protections like trip cancellation coverage and no foreign transaction fees. Here are the cards I see work best for my travelers, from no annual fee to luxury.
- Best all-around
Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Points transfer to many airline and hotel programs
- Trip cancellation and interruption coverage when you pay with the card
- Primary rental car coverage, and no foreign transaction fees
Capital One Venture Rewards
- 2 miles per $1 on every purchase
- Use miles to erase travel purchases, including cruises
- No foreign transaction fees
- Best value premium
Capital One Venture X
- Yearly travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, plus bonus anniversary miles
- Airport lounge access
- Extra miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Annual travel credit and a long list of statement credits
- Priority Pass and Chase Sapphire airport lounges
- Chase’s strongest trip delay, cancellation and baggage protections
The Platinum Card from American Express
- The widest airport lounge access, including Centurion Lounges
- Hotel elite status and premium hotel benefits
- Airline, hotel, Uber and other credits (most need enrollment)
- No annual fee
Wells Fargo Autograph
- Bonus points on travel, restaurants, gas and transit, streaming and phone plans
- No foreign transaction fees
- Cell phone protection when you pay your bill with the card
- Cruise card
Royal Caribbean Royal ONE
- Bonus points on Royal Caribbean Group cruises
- Points go toward future cruises and onboard extras
- The Plus version earns more on cruises for a yearly fee
- Cruise card
Carnival Rewards Mastercard
- Earn rewards on Carnival cruises and everyday spending
- Use them toward future Carnival cruises and onboard purchases
- Works with Carnival’s loyalty program
Mark’s tips for paying for a trip
- Booking through me doesn’t change your points. You still pay the cruise line or resort with your own card, so you earn the same rewards.
- Pay with a card that has trip protection. Many travel cards cover trip cancellation and interruption, which can work alongside travel insurance.
- Skip foreign transaction fees. Use a card without them on board and abroad; ship and port purchases are often charged in other currencies.
- Pay it off each month. Interest wipes out rewards fast.
General information only, not financial advice. Annual fees and benefits were checked in November 2026 and can change at any time; welcome offers change often, so see each issuer’s site for current rates, fees and terms. Approval depends on your credit. These are regular issuer links: Anchor & Sea doesn’t earn anything from them.
Smart Home for Travelers
Relax on vacation knowing the house is secure. Check the door, the cameras and the thermostat from anywhere.
Video Doorbell
See and talk to whoever comes to the door, and get package alerts from anywhere.
See options on Amazon →Smart Lock
Let in a pet sitter or family with a temporary code, and confirm the door is locked.
See options on Amazon →Indoor Security Camera
Check in on the house (and the pets) from your phone.
See options on Amazon →Smart Plugs for Lights
Put lamps on a schedule so the house looks lived-in.
See options on Amazon →Smart Thermostat
Save energy while you’re gone and come home to a comfortable house.
See options on Amazon →Water Leak Sensors
Get an alert on your phone before a small leak becomes a big repair.
See options on Amazon →
Pet Travel & Care
Whether your pet comes along on the road trip or stays home with a sitter, these make it easier on everyone.
Pet Camera with Treat Tosser
See, talk to and toss a treat to your pet while you’re away.
See options on Amazon →Automatic Pet Feeder
Meals on schedule, even if the sitter is running late.
See options on Amazon →Airline-Approved Pet Carrier
Soft-sided and sized to fit under the seat for in-cabin travel.
See options on Amazon →Dog Car Seat Cover
Protects your seats and keeps your dog secure on road trips.
See options on Amazon →Collapsible Travel Bowls
Food and water anywhere; they fold flat into a bag.
See options on Amazon →Pet GPS Tracker
Peace of mind if a nervous pet slips away in a new place.
See options on Amazon →
Personal Favorite Items
Things I’ve bought myself and can personally vouch for, from pets to travel to grooming to your beautiful home. Great products I highly recommend.
For Your Pets
Pet MD Dog Ear Finger Wipes
Ear cleaning without the wrestling match. These slip over your finger so you can gently clean deep into the ear in seconds, and the eucalyptus and aloe leave ears fresh and soothed. 50 wipes per tub.
See options on Amazon →Elk Antlers for Dogs (Large, Whole)
A whole, natural elk antler that gives big dogs something satisfying to work on. It outlasts most chews and doesn’t leave the greasy mess of rawhide or bully sticks. As with any chew, supervise and take it away once it gets small.
See options on Amazon →MYOS Canine Muscle Formula with Fortetropin (360 g)
Help your dog stay strong as the years add up. This all-natural supplement, powered by Fortetropin, supports mobility, strength and recovery and helps reduce the muscle loss that comes with normal aging. A great fit for senior dogs and active dogs alike. Check with your vet before starting any supplement.
See options on Amazon →Collapsible Airtight Dog Food Container (23–25 lb)
Keep a whole bag of kibble fresh and sealed away from pests and moisture. It holds 23 to 25 pounds, and when it’s empty it collapses down flat, so it doesn’t eat up space in the pantry or garage.
See options on Amazon →
For Your Home
Colorfil Color-Changing Air Filter (20x30x1, 2-Pack)
No more guessing when to change your filter: it changes color when it’s time. MERV 8 catches pet hair, dander and dust and helps with cat and dog odor. Made in the USA, in the exact 19.75" x 29.75" size.
See options on Amazon →Coop Home Goods Crescent Adjustable Pillow (King)
The pillow that finally fits the way you sleep. The crescent shape cradles your neck and shoulder, and the fill is adjustable so you can make it exactly as firm as you like. Medium-firm for back and side sleepers, and CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified.
See options on Amazon →TOSORO Diatomaceous Earth Stone Bath Mats (2-Pack)
Step out of the shower onto a mat that’s dry again in minutes. Natural diatomite stone soaks up water fast, won’t slip, never gets soggy or musty like fabric mats, and wipes clean. You get two in a sandstone finish.
See options on Amazon →dreame X50 Ultra Complete Robot Vacuum
Come home from vacation to clean floors. This robot vacuum empties itself and cleans itself at its base station, so there’s far less for you to do. A huge help with pet hair, too.
See options on Amazon →
For Your Kitchen
- Travel-friendly
Kitchen Mama Mini Plus Electric Can Opener
Press one button and let it do the work. Cordless and USB-C rechargeable, it opens cans hands-free, stops on its own and leaves a smooth, safe edge. Compact enough for the RV or vacation rental, and a game changer for anyone with arthritis.
See options on Amazon → Veken Airtight Stainless Steel Coffee Canister (39 oz)
Fresh coffee starts with how you store it. This large stainless steel canister holds about 2.2 lbs of beans or grounds and seals airtight to lock out air and moisture, and it looks sharp on the counter.
See options on Amazon →
Outdoor & Patio
OMNI DEPOT Low-Fume Concrete Etcher & Cleaner
Bring tired concrete back to life. This heavy-duty cleaner cuts through stains and rust on driveways, patios, brick and masonry, and preps concrete for sealing or paint. Low-fume formula, 1 gallon, and protective gloves are included.
See options on Amazon →Ninja Fireside360 Fire Pit & Patio Heater
Turn the patio into everyone’s favorite spot. One piece of gear works as a fire pit or a heater, with 80,000 BTU to keep the whole group warm and three modes to choose from. Cooler evenings outside just got a lot longer.
See options on Amazon →
Beauty & Grooming
Biolage Color Last Shampoo (33.8 oz)
Protect what you paid for at the salon. Made for color-treated hair, it cleanses while helping color stay rich and shiny, and it’s paraben-free, mineral-oil-free and vegan. The liter bottle lasts a long time.
See options on Amazon →Biolage Color Last Conditioner (33.8 oz)
The perfect partner to the shampoo. It detangles and softens while helping color keep its depth and shine between appointments. Paraben- and silicone-free, vegan and cruelty free.
See options on Amazon →- Travel-friendly
Braun NEVO Men’s Electric Shaver
Braun’s best shaver, with AeroTouch technology for a close, comfortable shave. The 7-in-1 care system cleans and charges it at home, and the power travel case charges it on the road, so it’s always ready for your next trip.
See options on Amazon →
Health & Wellness
- Travel-friendly
Twinings Superblends Sleep+ Herbal Tea (96 Bags)
A cozy cup that helps you wind down. Chamomile, cinnamon and vanilla with 1 mg of melatonin, naturally caffeine-free. Tuck a few bags in your carry-on for the first nights in a new time zone. Six boxes of 16, 96 tea bags in all.
See options on Amazon → - Travel-friendly
KOVIUU Weekly AM/PM Pill Organizer
Never wonder “did I take it?” again. Morning and evening compartments for every day of the week, roomy enough for vitamins and larger pills, and easy to pack so your routine comes with you on every trip.
See options on Amazon →
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Amazon links on this page are affiliate links, so Anchor & Sea may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I’d suggest to my own clients.