Everything I actually use — for China travel, family adventures, and life on the road. Jump to what you need:
Essential for Easy China Travel
China isn’t a “just wing it” destination — a little prep goes a long way
ExpressVPN
Google, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook are all blocked in China. A VPN makes them work again. ExpressVPN is what I’ve used for years — fast, reliable, and easy to set up before you land.
🎁 30 free days with my link
Ubigi eSIM
No local phone number needed? An eSIM connects the moment you land. Ubigi has excellent data plans across China and 190+ countries. Much cheaper than roaming.
Trip.com
The only major booking platform that consistently shows hotels that accept foreign passports. Also makes booking high-speed trains easy — and in English.
Klook
Best-priced tickets to attractions across China & Asia — including Disneyland Shanghai & Tokyo, and Universal Studios Beijing & Osaka. Discount via my link.
Wise Debit Card
Banks charge outrageous international fees. Wise doesn’t. I use it across Asia and it links to AliPay for QR code payments inside China. Saves us hundreds per year.
🎁 Free card with my referral link
My China Essentials List
My curated Benable shopping list — every essential item I’d pack for a trip to Beijing. Gear, gadgets, and things you won’t find on generic packing lists.
Camera & Tech Gear
What’s actually in my camera bag
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
The best entry-level vlog camera, full stop. Lightweight gimbal camera that produces professional-quality video straight out of the box. This is what I use for all my YouTube content.
Universal Travel Adapter
One adapter to rule them all. Multiple USB-C ports + interchangeable plug heads means no more hunting for sockets in hotel rooms. Works in 150+ countries.
Portable Power Bank
A high-capacity power bank is non-negotiable when you’re navigating with maps, translating signs, and keeping kids entertained all day. This is the one I carry.
Family Travel & Moving Abroad
Things that made traveling with kids — and moving overseas — so much easier
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones
Non-negotiable for long-haul flights. I’ve only ever used Bose — the noise cancelling is genuinely elite and beats Sony and Apple in real-world use. Airline pilots swear by them too.
Compression Packing Cubes
Traveling with kids is chaos without these. We give each family member their own cube — no more digging through a suitcase in a dark hotel room at midnight.
Complete Family Packing List
My full interactive packing list for families traveling with school-age kids (5–12). Tick items off as you pack, with direct Amazon links for every item.
Free Resources
No purchase needed — just useful things to help your trip go smoothly
Pre-Departure Checklist
My simple Notion checklist for the things that can make or break a trip — visas, insurance, bookings, and everything in between.
Download freeInternational Drivers Permit (NZ)
Thinking of driving overseas? Find out if you need an IDP before you land — and how to get one from NZ.
Read the guideWatch on YouTube
See all of these products in action on my YouTube channel — real travel footage, honest reviews, and tips from the road.
Visit YouTube channel