If you travel a lot for work or pleasure, you’ve likely experienced the displeasure of feeling rundown during or after your trip. Years ago, I caught a cold (or worse) after nearly every flight, and I was tired of it. I asked my doctor what I could do to stay healthy when flying frequently. She gave me several tips to minimize germ exposure on planes.

I learned minimalist packing by necessity when I traveled through 14 countries in 8 months as a recipient of the Bonderman Travel Fellowship. For the many friends and colleagues who have asked me for packing advice over the years, here are my favorite packing tips and gear.