On Episode 3 of the Buying Season podcast, we talked about traveling to origin as a coffee buyer coming from the U.S. and how we prepare—what we bring with us and how to stay safe. Here’s a list of my essential items.

Links to purchase the items are provided (note that if you purchase using any Amazon links, I will get an affiliate credit).

KN95 face masks
There’s nothing worse than showing up to spend 5 or 6 days with suppliers and being sick the whole time—or getting them sick. I recommend wearing a high quality KN95 mask when you’re traveling—at the very least on the plane.

Lectrofan white noise machine
Good sleep is essential—and this machine helps me get there, no matter where I am in the world. Whether you’re dealing with loud streets, overly quiet places, confused roosters, or a hotel DJ that can’t seem to find the fader, you’ll be happy you have this along with you.

Mosquito repellent incense
I learned about this while traveling in Guatemala. It’s certainly easier to travel with than the Thermacell device I use at home and does a better-than-adequate job of keeping mosquitos away. Pair it with a Permethrin treatment of your clothes (do that before you travel) and you’ll be in good shape, even in the lowlands.

Insect sting and bite healer wand
If you do get bitten, however—by mosquitoes or any other insect/bug—you’ll want instant relief. This device has become my go-to. It’s small, lightweight, and very effective.

trtl travel pillow
Everyone has their own opinion on travel pillows, but this is the only one I’ve used that worked for me and didn’t make me overheated. It also collapses much smaller than the puffy memory foam ones and includes a carrying case. I clip it to the outside of my carry-on backpack, and off we go.

Grayl purifying water bottle
Most places you go, you won’t be able to drink the water—nor even use it for brushing your teeth. Bottled water is the safest solution, but a wasteful one: that’s where this bottle comes in. I’ve used the Grayl to render tap water safe in some surprising situations which meant that I was never out of water in the field.

DJI Osmo Action camera
While I love bringing along my drone when I can, it’s not always legal or possible to bring it to origin. The Action camera, however, comes with me everywhere I go. It’s basically unbreakable, ultra-portable, shoots quickly. Get the shot and figure it out in post. Consider picking up a spare battery and telescoping tripod.

Compact USB-C and 110v power adapter ( Type C | Type D | Type E/F | Type G )
I love these because you only need 1 plug to power or recharge every device in your kit, whether you’re on a plane or borrowing an outlet at a cafe. When I find them, I prefer the type that collapses, saving valuable space in my luggage. Depending where you’re going, you’ll need one or more adapters. Here’s a quick reference:

• Brazil: type N
• Burundi: type C and E
• Colombia: same outlets as in the U.S. (type A and B)
• El Salvador: same outlets as in the U.S. (type A and B)
• Ethiopia: most commonly type C and type E
• Guatemala: same outlets as in the U.S. (type A and B)
• Honduras: same outlets as in the U.S. (type A and B)
• Kenya: type G
• India: most commonly type C and type D
• Mexico: same outlets as in the U.S. (type A and B)
• Rwanda: type C and J
• Tanzania: type G and type D
• Uganda: type G

Solar charging power bank
There are a ton of different models on the market, but the ability to keep my phone, camera and Macbook charged in the field is key—while the solar charging feature is slow, it does work and can give just enough juice to ensure your phone is charged enough so that you can take GPS readings and appropriately document your travel.

Medicine kit
I 3D printed a little medicine case for all of the pills I bring along—naproxen, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, Imodium, Dramamine, melatonin (for jet lag), Benadryl, Allegra. I always bring along Liquid IV packets for rehydration (in case of traveler’s diarrhea); bandages; alcohol swabs; bar soap. In the U.S. you’ll need a prescription for: Albuterol rescue inhaler, malaria meds (I usually opt for doxy or Malarone), Azithromycin. I’d recommend getting the vaccines recommended by CDC/WHO for travel to that area as well (most commonly influenza/covid-19/Hep A/Hep B/Tdap/Typhoid/Yellow Fever).