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Photo illustration by Dana Davis/NYT Wirecutter; source photos by Nicholas Kristof, Adobe Stock

New York Times opinion columnist and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Nicholas Kristof has over four decades of experience reporting across the globe, including stints as bureau chief in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Beijing, and assignments that have taken him across Africa and Europe.

Which is all to say that he has packing down to a science.

“My challenge when traveling is to be prepared to interview either a warlord or a prime minister, to relax by a Marriott pool or spend the night in a hut with no electricity—without getting robbed or checking a bag.”

We asked him to tell us about the essentials on his packing list—from pickpocket-proof pants to tiny can openers that make unexpectedly good gifts. Four continents, 160 countries, and alas, a few robberies later: Here’s what he never travels without.

Including a dressy polo shirt that packs down small→

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A good portable charger Kristof always brings a charger that functions as a phone and laptop charger, but also as a portable battery. He recommends Anker, and so do our experts→

(Actually good) instant coffee A pack of instant coffee takes up little space, and all you’ll need to make it is hot water. Our experts found the best-tasting options→

A tough travel backpack If he’s going far off the beaten track, Kristof opts for a backpack secured with a stout padlock→

Maria Adelmann/NYT Wirecutter

Maybe you’re not a Pulitzer Prize-winning travel columnist who needs to pack light and be prepared to dart off on assignment at a moment’s notice. Maybe you actually want to pack heavy, so you’re not without your favorite board games or craft projects while you’re enjoying your vacation.

Wirecutter’s staff writer and travel expert Maria Adelmann is here to tell you: That’s okay. And she has some advice to make overpacking work, like rolling your clothes, using compression sacks to squish, and stuffing every last nook and cranny of that carry-on.

How to stuff your suitcase silly→

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

A big moment in every kid’s life is when they get their first two-wheel bike. We think this luxe pick in our guide to the best first pedal bikes will not only delight them, but also boost their confidence riding. We love this perfectly balanced bike because it’s lightweight enough to throw in the trunk or for a kid to push up a hill without help—and it comes in fun colors.

A sleek, light, top-of-the-line first ride→

See Wirecutter’s gift of the day: more of our absolute favorites for the season—from luxe and sparkly splurges to precious stocking stuffers.

More advice from Kristof: Here are 12 of his best travel tips for seeing the world’s best places.

You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can’t always respond, but we do love to hear from you.

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