international travel accessories

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Traveling overseas? These must-have accessories will make for a seamless trip

Whether you’re planning to spend your next vacation on the white sand beaches of the Maldives or exploring the streets of Paris, you’ll want to make sure to pack all the necessary travel accessories to guarantee a stress-free and relaxing trip. If you don't know where to start, don't worry. Shop TODAY has got you covered.

We spoke to true packing pros — a pilot and two flight attendants — to get their best tips on how to tackle international travel and everything you need for the journey.

Expert tips | Tech | Sleep | Beauty | Fashion and accessories | Unique accessories | Carry-ons | How we chose | Meet the experts

Best international travel accessories

Organization is key

Preparing for an international vacation can be quite overwhelming, especially if it's your first time leaving the country. "Find your inner Marie Kondo ," suggests flight attendant Anna Tune. "Organization is a must when traveling internationally.”

“I started separating my things into separate compartments and it has made such a difference in efficiency and time management. For example, I have a toiletry bag, makeup bag , electronics bag for all of my chargers , shoe bag and even a tote with all of my important documents," says Tune. "It not only makes things easier to find, but it is less likely you will leave something behind.”

Comfort > style

In terms of what to wear on a plane, you'll want to opt for a more relaxed look.

Tune agrees that being comfortable is imperative: “I always bring my own blanket. I get cold very easily and an extra blanket is a game changer for me on a long flight. Also, legs and ankles tend to swell on long flights. Wearing compression socks will help with the swelling and also keep you nice and warm.”

Don't forget the right adaptor

Domi, a professional flight attendant and world traveler, is no stranger to long trips. Her essential travel tip? “Don’t forget an international adaptor/charger for your phone so you can stay connected during the flight and anywhere in the world. An external power bank is also a good idea in case the socket on board doesn’t work."

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Domi also advises travelers to drink a lot of water on board as the air can be very dry. “I always have an empty water bottle in my carry-on bag so I can pass it through security and then ask the flight attendant on board to refill my own bottle. Believe me, it’s less annoying than to ask for a glass of water every 30 minutes,” she says.

Don't be afraid to pack light

Professional pilot Stephen Sabato travels with the mentality that “less is more.”

“I use only a carry-on bag for work and for traveling internationally, no matter how long I am away. I feel like the key to traveling with luggage is to be able to have your bag with you on the plane. Just in case things go wrong, you can be flexible enough to have to change flights, especially if you are getting rebooked through a different connecting airport,” he says.

Check the rules of wherever you're going

Be sure to keep in mind that there are specific TSA rules for every country, so Sabato advises reading all of the information available on your chosen airline's website that pertains to your destination. "Most of the airlines have information dedicated to the countries that you are traveling to," he notes.

“For example, some countries require your passport to not be within six months of expiration. I have seen people turned away at customs in a foreign country for it, so there are a lot of little things that are important to look for,” Sabato says.

From hydrating face masks to noise-cancelling headphones , we’ve rounded up everything you could possibly need in preparation for your next (or first) international trip — starting at only $9.

Tech accessories for international travelers

Gritin 9 led rechargeable book light.

LED Rechargeable Book Light

• Lightweight
• Adjustable brightness
• Great battery life
• Doesn't store flat

Features : Dimmable, rechargeable | Battery life : 2.5 hours to charge, up to 60 hours once full | Light source : LED | Dimensions : 2.36 x3.94 x 1.77 inches

What’s better than losing yourself in a good book ? If the overhead light isn't enough, this LED rechargeable book light will certainly come in handy! Rated Amazon’s Choice in book lights, this eye-protecting reading light allows you to adjust the brightness from 100% to 20% with the press of a button, so you won’t wake your neighbor. The built-in 100mAh battery takes roughly two and a half hours to get a full charge and can last up to 60 hours.

Calpak Portable Charger

Portable Charger

• Compact size
• Not super powerful

Weight : 0.15 lbs | Materials : Faux leather | Tag dimensions : 4.75 x 3 x 0.5 inches | Strap length : 10 inches | Something to note : Power supply higher than 5V prohibited

Don’t miss capturing one moment of your journey with this portable charger from Calpak, that also doubles as a chic luggage tag. This compact, lightweight charger features a USB port and includes an insert card for your personal information. “Awesome for travel or carry every day. Stylish design. Highly recommend,” raved one verified reviewer.

Epicka Universal Travel Power Adapter

Universal Travel Power Adapter

• Charges multiple devices
• Can be temperamental

Colorways: 4 | Input voltage: 240 volts

This universal power adapter is Shop TODAY Travel Awards winner for best international travel tech. This all-in-one charger features four different plug types that can be used in over 200 countries. Satisfied Amazon customers speak to the size, overall quality and performance of this travel adapter.

Apple AirTag

• Easy to use

Battery : One lithium metal battery (included) | Dimensions : 1.6 x 1.6 x 0.31 inches

Keep track of all your belongings with this Apple AirTag that instantly connects to your iPhone or iPad. With its built-in speaker, this small tag allows travelers to play a sound to help find their personal items or carry-ons if lost. Plus, you can also drop it in your checked bag to keep an eye on it in case you have to deal with a dreaded lost luggage situation.

“A bag was delayed on our trip & the AirTag alerted us to it’s {sic} continued location at our departure site. Saved us much anxiety & baggage arrived at designated time within a {sic} hour," one traveler wrote in an Amazon review.

Mark & Graham Leather Charger Roll Up

Leather Charger Roll Up

• Easy to roll
• Personalization is extra

Material : Unlined leather | Size unrolled : 11.5 x 5.5 inches

Successfully store all your tech accessories in one location with this leather charger roll-up from Mark & Graham. This resourceful case includes pockets for safe storing and a leather tie to keep it all together while traveling. You can also have it monogrammed for a special added touch.

Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones

• Comfortable fit
• Cancel out background noise
• Limited battery life

Battery life : 40-60 hours | Form factor : Over ear

Jam out to all your favorites tunes with these noise-cancelling headphones from Soundcore. Named an Amazon’s choice pick, they are designed to reduce ambient noise up to 90%, according to the brand. The description says you can get up to 40 hours of non-stop playtime in wireless active noise-cancelling mode and up to 60 hours in standard music mode.

“Highly recommend if you are on a budget. I purchased these to help me focus on my studies. So far it’s doing its job with no issues. The foam is soft and the functions are basic, no app required,” said one verified Amazon shopper.

Twelve South AirFly Pro Wireless Transmitter

AirFly Pro Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter

We Love it for: frequent flyers.

• Portability

Battery life: 25 hours

You'll never have to miss your favorite movie on the plane again with this wireless transmitter that is the Shop TODAY Travel Awards winner for best in-flight must-have. Its long battery life will help you stay entertained, no matter how long your flight is. “I was able to use my headphones without feeling wires attached to the screen. It made easier to sleep with my headphones and I had no issues with battery. I used it for 10 hours on the plane,” wrote one recent Amazon reviewer.

Sleep accessories for international travelers

Angemay airplane footrest.

Airplane Footrest

• Not super sturdy

Weight : 3 ounces | Size : 16.93 x 8.46 inches

Perfect for lengthy flights, this affordable footrest is designed to help prevent lower back and leg stiffness or swelling, according to the brand. One traveler said, “I bought this for 10 hours of flying, and it was money well spent! I used it like a swing, and switched my feet off frequently...It really kept me from getting uncomfortable and fidgety. It rolled up into my purse, and it took up no space.”

Flents Foam Ear Plugs

• Great value
• Fit can be awkward

Material : Foam | Quantity: 50 pairs

Never again will you lie awake to the snoring sounds of your seatmate as these are designed to reduce noise levels and fit comfortably in your ear. Made from soft foam, these earplugs offer hearing protection from music, heavy machinery and other loud environments, according to the brand.

One verified customer said, “We use earplugs all the time. A friend sent us approximately one dozen individual packages of different ones to try. We’ve bought every different type. These are by far superior to others. Very comfortable, they stay put, they do a great job at blocking out the noise. I just bought another container full.”

Quince Mulberry Silk Beauty Sleep Mask

Mulberry Silk Beauty Sleep Mask

• Very comfortable
• Buttery softness

Material : 100% 22mm mulberry silk | Features to note : Machine-washable; hypoallergenic

You’re getting sleepy… Never stay awake counting sheep again with this mulberry silk sleep mask from Quince. Pair this classic black mask (or one of the other 11 colors it comes in) with ultra-comfy pajamas and you’re ready for a good night’s sleep — even when you’re 30,000 feet in the air. Sweet dreams!

Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow

Evolution S3 Neck Pillow

• Great support
• Backstrap holds position

Material : Memory foam | Features to note : Removable, washable cover; adjustable front clasp

This evolution S3 neck pillow from Cabeau just made traveling a lot more relaxing with its innovative seat strap system designed to eliminate head drop and neck strain. This memory foam pillow includes an adjustable front clasp which customizes fit for individual comfort. “The only travel pillow you should ever consider buying. It’s incredibly comfortable and highly supportive for the head and neck,” raved one five-star reviewer on the brand's site.

Beauty accessories for international travelers

Tonymoly i’m real sheet mask collection.

I'm Real Sheet Mask Collection (Set of 10)

• Pleasant scent
• Not super durable

Quantity : 10 | Features to note: Paraben-free

Mask and you shall receive! This sheet collection is Amazon’s choice for facial masks and is designed to yield maximum hydration for your skin. The three-layer pulp sheet is filled with natural ingredients and soaked in different types of enriched essence, so you’ll walk off the plane feeling better than ever! “I love these, after using them you can feel your face so fresh! They are also really affordable!” said one verified reviewer.

Hydro Flask 21-Ounce Standard Mouth Water Bottle

21-Ounce Standard Mouth Water Bottle

• Can scratch easily

Colorways : 19 | Sizes : 18 ounces, 21 ounces, 24 ounces

Hydration is a key part of any beauty routine. This reusable water bottle is the ultimate choice for traveling as its Tempshield double-walled vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12 hours, according to the brand. “This is really the best. It looks really nice and it keeps the drinks hot/cold for a long time. Very easy to clean and wash. No leaking at all, it is insulated really well," said one five-star reviewer on the brand's site.

Dagne Dover Mila Toiletry Organizer

Mila Toiletry Organizer

Colorways : Two | Size : 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches | Volume : 2.7L

Wake up and make up with this trendy toiletry organizer from Dagne Dover that is easy to clean and includes six adjustable compartments made from Repreve® recycled polyester. If you need more space, don't fret! It also comes in a large size. “This bag is absolutely perfect for holding my skin care bottles. So much easier using this bag while traveling,” said one verified reviewer.

Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag

Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag

• Water-resistant exterior
• Collapsible hanging hook
• A little bulky

Colorways : 10

Vacation just became way less stressful. This hanging toiletry bag from Calpak is the answer to all your travel storage woes! The organizer features a top grip handle, buckle closure, recycled polyester lining and water-resistant interior. There’s even an exterior toothbrush stand so you won’t have to dig around your toiletry bag ever again. It's even eco-friendly as it was made using six recycled plastic bottles. “This is the best toiletry bag I’ve ever had in my entire life. Worth every penny. I love her,” said one verified customer.

Cadence 6-Capsule Set

6-Capsule Set

Capacity: 0.56 ounces per tile

Customize your set of six by selecting your favorite color Tiles for your skin care and body care. Cadence’s capsule set is TSA compliant and the brand's site has a nifty guide that'll tell you how many uses you can get out of the different types of products you fill it with.

Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Blow-Dryer

Baby Buttercup Travel Blow-Dryer

• Dries hair fast
• Great for travel
• Can be hard to use

Features to note : Operates at 120/220-240 volts for overseas travel

You certainly won’t regret splurging on this travel blow-dryer from Drybar which delivers 100% of the performance of most full-size dryers. Its compact size makes it the ideal solution for traveling. According to the brand, it's suitable for all hair types.

Fashion and accessories for international travelers

Falari baseball cap.

Baseball Cap

• Holds up well
• Easy to adjust
• Can feel a little stiff

Material : 80% acrylic, 20% wool | Size : One size

Spend more time exploring and less getting ready with this adjustable baseball cap that you can easily throw on. One five-time buyer of this product said, “I have a lot of thick hair and this cap is large enough to fit comfortably. The fabric blend does not cause my head to perspire, the cap holds its shape, it is very well made and the price is excellent. I bought one and liked it so much, I bought 4 more, then 5 more. I now have a wonderful wardrobe of this cap in different colors to suit year round outfits.”

Guanjunx Luggage Straps Bag Bungees

Luggage Straps Bag Bungees

• Stability of the cargo strap
• May be too small for some bags

Colorways : Seven

Keep all your valuables safe and your hands free with this buckle-free strap that securely attaches any bag to your suitcase handle. One verified five-star reviewer said it “made their travel life so much easier.”

Premium Leather Passport Holder

Premium Leather Passport Holder Covers Case

• Holds multiple documents
• Magnetic closure may be weak

Colorways: 28

Associate editor Kamari Stewart has been using this passport holder for the past few years and loves that it can hold several documents while going through TSA. "I love that it has space for other things, so I use it to hold things like my Covid vaccination card (inside the plastic covering, IYKYK) and my Global Entry card," says Stewart.

"It’s also easy to clean and mine is still in pristine condition despite having it for about three or four years," Stewart explains.

Ohayomi Thick Soft Pashmina Shawl

Thick Soft Pashmina Shawl

• Comfortable
• Very versatile
• Can wear easily

Size : One size | Colorways : 13 | Material : Wool and polyester

That’s a wrap! Stay warm and cozy 35,000 feet in the air with this luxurious pashmina wrap. This lightweight shawl is versatile and can be worn as a wrap, blanket or scarf. You can even share it with a friend on your next overseas flight as a blanket since it’s extra long! One five-star reviewer raved, “I love this scarf! It’s very chic and stylish. The color is vibrant and the material is very soft.”

Airportag Hello Luggage Tag

Hello Luggage Tag

Colorways : Seven | Size : 2.7 x 3.9 inches

Never lose your luggage again when you show up to the airport with this fun luggage tag that will have everyone singing along with you. It has a high-quality print finish on both sides and is made from durable plastic to withstand everyday use. Don’t forget to personalize your luggage tag by filling out passenger information in the dropdown menu before checkout.

One verified customer said, “This thing is hilarious. I got four compliments on it from flight attendants on my first trip. You know it’s epic when the pros love it. Worth the money for the joy it brings!”

S-Zone PU Leather RFID-Blocking Crossbody Cell Phone Bag

PU Leather RFID-Blocking Crossbody Cell Phone Bag

• Holds all the essentials
• Material may be stiff

Colorways: 13 | Compatible with : iPhone 6S Plus-14 Pro Max, Samsung S8+ to Samsung S22+

Pairing style with function, this faux leather crossbody makes it nearly impossible to misplace your phone. It an ultra-comfortable purse strap with RFID-blocking technology so you can strut around any city with confidence that your information is safe. “I bought mine for travel but may now use all the time,” wrote one verified five-star reviewer.

Bombas Everyday Compression Socks

Everyday Compression Socks

• Can run small

Sizes : S-L | Colorways : Six

These compression socks are designed to relieve aching or swelling legs, according to the brand, so they're ideal to wear while traveling. Plus, you can feel good about your purchase since Bombas is committed to donating one pair of socks to a community in need for every pair sold.

Modern Picnic The Snacker

The Snacker

Eat your snacks in style with this lux insulated pouch from Modern Picnic. The Snacker is made of a premium vegan leather exterior with an insulated interior and will make you feel super nostalgic with its childhood lunchbox vibes. One happy customer raved, “I saw the Snacker and knew I had to have it! It is so versatile with how you can use it but also stylish. I recommend this for any event: beach, travel, work, run errands, etc.”

Eltsuh NY ‘You Got This’ Hoody

You Got This Hoody

Material : 100% cotton | Sizes : XS-3XL

Inspire yourself and those around you when you wear this motivational hoodie that'll say 'You Got This' when you look in the mirror. Perfect to throw on over a white T-shirt to keep you snug and warm during long flights or morning runs on the beach.

Unique accessories for international travelers

Travel challenges card deck.

• Very engaging prompts

Quantity : 50 cards

Turn your next vacation into an extra fun adventure with this pocket-sized card deck of travel challenges that dares you to be fearless. From asking the locals for a secret spot to challenging yourself to a technology-free day, these cards are designed to help you make the most out of your next trip! “The cards give suggestions we would never think of on our own, like asking the next person you see their favorite restaurant,” wrote one happy traveler.

Papier Travel Stamps Journal

Travel Stamps Journal

• Great for documenting memories

Size : 6 x 8.5 inches | Pages : 192

Spruce up your trip with this jovial journal that is separated into six journeys, with space for transportation plans, accommodations, budgets, packing lists, itineraries, journaling and your favorite highlights. You can also channel your inner child with the illustrative map of the world with countries you can color in as you visit.

Carry-on bags

Bespoke post line of trade canvas weekender bag.

Line of Trade Canvas Weekender Bag

• Collapsible

Colorways : Four | Material : Cotton canvas | Size : 20 x 13 x 8 inches

This handsome tote features metal hardware and reinforced frame, thick leather handles and a removable nylon webbing shoulder strap for hands-free travel. One happy girlfriend said she “purchased for my boyfriend and he travels with it everywhere! Amazing quality and craftsmanship!”

Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner

21-Inch Hardside Spinner

• No TSA locks

Colorways : Four | Sizes : 21 inches, 26 inches, 30 inches

This compact travel essential includes four double spinner wheels to ensure smooth-rolling mobility in any direction and a protective extra-thick ABS hard shell for scratch resistance. Not only does it come in two other sizes, you can also snag it in complete two- and three-piece sets. “We packed these full for our trip to Costa Rica. They were perfect. Traveled well,” wrote one five-star reviewer.

Baggallini Extra Large Carryall Tote Bag

Extra Large Carryall Tote

• Great style
• Bigger than expected

Colorways : Five | Weight : 1.9 pounds

You’ll have plenty of space to comfortably store all your makeup, tech accessories and more in this extra-large carryall tote from Baggallini, which includes a quick-access phone pocket so you’ll never miss a text again. Features include an 11.5-inch shoulder drop, 52-inch removable, adjustable crossbody strap and multifunctional pockets. One satisfied customer shared, “I needed a bag to carry pillows and blankets when traveling. These extra large totes work perfectly allowing me to keep all my items clean and together.”

Beis The Carry-On Roller

The Carry-On Roller

• Rolls easily
• May seem small

Colorways : Nine | Sizes : 21 inches, 26 inches, 29 inches

Strut your stuff through the airport with this cool carry-on roller from Beis. It has a top carry handle and side carry handle for easy grip. Plus, its interior expands an extra two inches, so you’ll be able to easily stow all of your souvenirs for your family and friends. “This is my second Beis luggage purchase and fifth purchase overall. I love it. The Carry-On size is able to move at ease. It feels durable and sturdy to touch. I love it and look forward to add {sic} more pieces of Beis luggage to my travel team,” said one repeat-customer.

How we chose the best international travel accessories

The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best international accessories based on the recommendations from travel experts, including two flight attendants and a pilot. We also combed through hundreds of user reviewers as well as chose Shop TODAY Travel Award winners and editor picks.

Meet the experts

• Anna Tune is a flight attendant who currently works for Southwest Airlines.
• Stephen Sabato has been a pilot for almost 30 years and currently works for United Airlines.
• Domi is a world traveler and has been a flight attendant for almost seven years.

Allie Wise is an associate editor for Shop TODAY.

57 Brilliant Travel Accessories Every Traveller Must Have [2024 Edition]

Travel smarter and safer in 2024 with 57 of the best brilliant travel accessories and travel gadgets. From the best adapters, earplugs, space-savers, travel safety to portable chargers.

1. this ergonomic travel pillow.

The smart design of this washable pillow prevents your head from falling forwards as you sleep. Suitable for adults and children and perfect to use on airplanes, buses, trains, cars, camping, while backpacking, wheelchairs, airport terminals, or even while watching TV.

Buy it here

2. Pack more with these awesome space bags ! I have 20 of them!

Saving space in your suitcase is no longer a challenge with these amazing space bags that push out the air when rolled up. You effectively gain up to 50% more space in your baggage. I use the larger ones at home and the smaller ones for travel. They make for great organisers too!

Buy them here

3. Keep your dirty clothes separate with this handing laundry bag

Keep your dirty clothes organized and separate. This handy GOMATIC hanging laundry bag has a strap to attach it to a doorknob. Once your laundry bag is full, you can easily pack it and have it ready to empty straight into your washing machine when you get home. Buy it here.

4. Get this cute secret pocket infinity scarf

5. This Travel-sized Wireless Router with USB Media Storage

Convert any wired network to a wireless network and stay connected! Not only that you can also stream your videos, photos, and music to your connected media devices. If that wasn’t enough, back up and free up space on your mobile devices by using an attached USB flash drive or hard disk.

6. This Travel Door Alarm

Travelling alone or just wanted added peace of mind in your accommodation? Attach this pocket-sized alarm to your door or window and be alerted the second there is an intruder. There’s also a built-in LED flashlight so there’s no fumbling in the dark.

7. This Multi-Bag Stacker

No more bag juggling or pushing multiple trolleys/carts, just attached this nifty strap that connects suitcases and bags together through their handles.

8. These Amazing Space-Saving Laundry Soap Sheets

Add water and the sheet will dissolve instantly. They also come in shaving, body wash and hand soap versions.

9. Protect your phone from water, drops and scratches with this Lifeproof Case

10. this digital luggage scale.

You’ll never be surprised with having to pay for excess weight at the airport again. This compact and lightweight luggage scale can weigh up to 110 lb / 50 kg luggage. No batteries required.

11. No more breaks and leak with this inflatable bottle bag

This versatile roll-up travel bag suspends items in an inflatable air cushion to protect your bottles such as wine and olive oil. No more nasty surprises and messy spills when you open your suitcase.

12. Boost Circulation with these highly-rated compressions socks

13. Keep your Laptop and Other Items safe with a Portable Safe

14. This Vintage Laptop and Travel Backpack that Charges your Gadgets

15. The Only Travel Adapter You’ll Ever Need PLUS Dual USB Ports (Covers 150 Countries)

16. This inspirational luggage tag with card slot

17. Always Be Ready with a Pocket, Picnic and Beach Blanket

18. For Those Who Love a Mini Electric Toothbrush

19. Keep Your Drinks Hot on Long Haul Flights with this Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug (Different Colours Available)

20. Get This Gorgeous Multi-Use Travel, Hiking, Camping Bag Rucksack

21. This Smartest Carry-on suitcase Built-in USB Charger

22. Keep your toiletries organized with this waterproof organizer

23. Stay clean with these laundry sachets 

24. This personalised passport holder and protector  

25. Charge multiple accessories super fast with this portable compact charger

26. Get some shuteye with this contoured sleep mask

27. Avoid the knots and get this nifty cable organizer

28. Sleep anywhere with the ultimate ergonomic neck supporter

29. Pack like a boss with these space-saving packing cubes with shoe bag

Keep your gear organised with these travel cubes in assorted sizes. Buy it here

30. Keep your stuff safe with this TSA approved luggage lock

31. Keep your jewellery organized with this compact jewellery box

32. Never buy cabin luggage again with this durable and lightweight case

33. Stay hydrated with this collapsible water bottle

34. Breathe easy with this USB or battery operated mini humidifier

35. Take your music with you with this wireless and waterproof Bluetooth speaker

36. Get safe drinking water wherever you go with the LifeStraw water filter

37. Get 18 in 1 multi-purpose credit card size pocket tool

38. These cabin-approved leak-proof travel bottles for makeup and cosmetics

39. Stay charged on the go with this mini power bank

40. Take your phone underwater with a universal waterproof case

41. Protect your camera with this anti-theft shoulder strap by PacSafe

This camera strap is essential for supporting heavy cameras like DSLRs and even popular travel cameras such as Mirrorless ones.

Buy it here $26.87

42. Take this lightweight tripod anywhere and wirelessly take pictures and video

43. Protect your gear with this anti-theft shockproof backpack that’s ScanSmart TSA friendly and water resistant

44. Charge your phone and tablet with this USB solar charger

45. Keep your phone clean with this sanitizer and universal phone charger

46. Put your feel up with this compact foot hammock

47. hang up your washing with this travel clothes line.

No more hanging your delicates over hotel room chairs. This pegless washing line stretches up to 2.5metre and can be to affixed to either a  wall or furniture with its metal hooks or suction cups.

48. Get this beautiful waterproof travel and passport wallet

49. This Convenient Water Bottle with Built-in Pill Organizer

Great way to take your medication while on the go! This water bottle can store your medication for each day of the week. The medication holder can also be detached. Holding 23 oz. or 600ml, the bottle cap also doubles as a cup. Ingenious!

50. Keep all your documents in once place with this travel wallet

51. Alert others when in trouble with this safety whistle

52. Stay entertained with movies, TV shows, songs, Kindle e-books, apps and games on Kindle Fire

Buy on Amazon for $79.99

53. Wash your clothes wherever you are with this machine quality wash bag

Buy on Amazon for $42.44

54. This Clever Tank Top  with Secret Pockets

Keep your  passport, cash and credit cards safe with this versatile tank top. Perfect for both warm and cool climates. It can even fit your cell phones and keys.

Buy on Amazon

55. This Anti-Crease Shirt Transporter

Save time on ironing! This Tupperware for shirts and blouses is called the Shirt Shuttler, perfect for those trips when you know you’ll be spending a night out on the town or in a boardroom, or both!

Buy on Amazon for $24.99

56. This Optical Camera Lens for Smartphones and Tablets

57. The only worldwide travel charger and power adapter you’ll ever need  (UK/US/AU/EU/JP) + Dual USB Ports

Buy on Amazon for $25.99

Want more? Check out these 43 Amazing Money-Saving Tips for Smart Travellers

Stay tuned! I’m constantly updating this page as I discover the latest and greatest travel accessories. If you’re going backpacking or long-term travelling, check out my ultimate travel packing list . Got a favourite travel accessory? Share it below! 🙂

Want more travel tips? Don’t miss these

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• 10 Simple Long Haul Flight Tips for Arriving Rested and Relaxed
• 23 Top Travel Essentials: Ultimate Travel Packing List for Backpackers
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• 10 Travel Hacks That’ll Make Your First Solo Trip A Total Breeze
• 20 Clever Ways to Staying Fit While Travelling You Should Try

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Over to you!

What other travel accessories do you recommend? Have you used any of these? Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

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Howdy Michele, I love to travel. I’ve read so many posts about travel gadgets, but you are the best one. Your article was beneficial in finding the necessary devices. I personally like an anti-theft shockproof backpack, which is ScanSmart TSA friendly and water-resistant. It is useful for everyone.

Thank you so much, Kim 🙂

Hello, I have gone through your guide and seems to be interesting though I have one more concern on the WiFi devices. Can you recommend me on the best Pocket Device that will work well on anywhere I travel. I have using AllDayWifi but its very slow on their international data plan. I have been considering RentnConnect though I know very little about it

Hi Collins, have you considered this Skyroam device ? It one of the leaders in the market and very compact.

What about this Trackimo 3G Travel Tracker device this has Light Exposure Sensor – detect/alerts when package or luggage is opened. I am currently using this tracker and i found this very useful to me every time i go travel around the world 🙂

Excellent addition Helen, thank you 🙂

A tracking device would be a great addition to this list.

Amazing! This makes traveling easier.

Definitely brilliant ideas worth sharing

This IS such a cool list! I thought I had everything, but then I found out the door travel alarm (never would’ve thought of it)!. And I wonder how good the neck support (#33) is because there were PLENTY of times I could have used something like that on my trips.

Hey Trang, the door alarm is such a great idea especially for those times when you just don’t feel safe 🙂 Is there anything you’d add to the list?

I just carry a small rubber door stop wedge.

WOW! This is one extensive list of all things travel and certainly one that I will be using to give hints to my friends and family round the holiday season. The new ScanSmart backpack along with the waterproof phone case and solar charger are on top of my list. However my top two purchases are going to be the smart suitcase and the backpack which are absolutely brilliant. Thanks for such a cool list.

Hi Michele, There are all great ideas. I have one more suggestion for you. Smart Blanket! I used it when flying to Zurich to see my son and his family. The plane was freezing, and there were no blankets to be had. I was the only one that was warm and cozy for the whole 8 hours. I love mine. Got it on Amazon http://amzn.to/2hTYlOP I paid $49.00 for mine. Think they are having a sale on them now. Hope you like my suggestion.

The door alarm and aeroplane pillow are a great idea to stay comfy and safe! I always take an extension lead when I travel; so that I have more plug sockets in a hotel room, and it also means you don’t need as many adapters when you travel. You also can’t go wrong with baby wipes and small-ish plastic bags in case a seat is wet, a bottle is leaking or you’ve got a mark on your clothes! ✈️?

All brilliant ideas Emily 🙂 Thanks for sharing. I love the baby wipes idea!

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The 43 Best International Travel Accessories | 2023

Having the right travel accessories in tow can make all the difference in having a smooth experience while traveling outside of the country. International flights and the trips they accompany do take some planning, and there are some essential travel items that I do not leave home without.

I have traveled to over 30 countries and also travel domestically at least twice a month, so consider myself a frequent traveler. In this post, I’m providing my list of the 43 best international travel accessories for 2023.

The best part about this list is that you can find every item on Amazon, and they are affordable! So get your packing list ready and keep reading.

Note: As there are always new improvements in travel accessories available in the market, so this list is regularly updated.

Table of Contents

The Best International Travel Accessories | Top Picks

Electronic Accessories

1 | international travel adapter.

Most countries that you visit will require the use of an outlet that differs from those used in your home country. This makes an international travel adapter an absolute necessity for international travel. I have used the Conair All-in-One Adapter for the past several years and love it. It comes with three outlets and a USB slot, that will help you charge multiple items at once, even if you aren’t going out of the county.

• Travel Like A Pro: Conair Travel Smart All-In-One Travel Plug Adapter offers a combination of the four most common...
• Power Converter with Surge Protection: Power adapter with built-in surge protection and an EMI/RFI power line filter...

2 | Charging Phone Case

When you are out and about during your travels, you are likely to run down the battery on your phone. To avoid running out of juice, you should get a charging case like this one . This one in particular has keep me going on long flights that don’t offer outlets as well as other 15+ hour days.

No products found.

3 | Phone Camera Lens

If you want to take your camera up a notch, but aren’t ready to spend money on a camera, buying a lens for your phone is the next best option. This Lens Set by AMIR provides super wide, fish eye, and macro lenses to bring your picture taking skills to the next level!

4 | 2-in-1 iPhone / Apple Watch Charger

Looking to consolidate some of those cords you have to carry around with you? This 2-in-1 iPhone / Apple Watch Charger is a great option for this – it at least helps rid you of taking the ridiculously long Apple Watch charger around!

5 | Rechargeable Hand Warmer

A green alternative to the hand warmers that usually come in one-use packs, this KARECEL Hand Warmer is great for those trips that will have you outside for hours in cold weather.

• VERSATILE: Quick hand warmer & Power bank 2-in-1. It's not only a little handwarmer but also a emergency backup battery....
• SAFETY & METAL HAND WARMER: Safety is top-of-mind, this mini hand warmer have built-in intelligent protection system is...

6 | Portable Mini-Fan

On the other side of things, if you are a traveling to a very hot location you probably want to have a fan on deck. This ThreeH Portable mini fan is perfectly compact and easy to carry around on those unbearably hot days.

• Newest handheld mini air conditioning fan USB portable cooler, apply to home, office and school, also great for travel,...
• Powered by built-in rechargeable lithium battery for convenient to take it along with you anywhere and anytime; Or...

7 | Power Bank

This TG90º Power Bank is the best power bank out there and highly rated on Amazon. It is the backup power bank that I use when I am not traveling with my smart luggage. This lightweight portable charger is thin – only .3 inches thick – and smaller in width and length than most cell phones. It is quick to recharge your dead (small) electronics, and can charge up to three devices at a time.

8 | Kindle PaperWhite

Love reading, but don’t love lugging around a bunch of books? If so, I recommend that you consider purchasing the Kindle Paperwhite . The primary benefit of this reader is that despite being electronic, it features warm light that makes it more similar to reading from paper. In addition, the Paperwhite is waterproof, has battery life up to 10 hours, and comes with access to Kindle Unlimited. The latter of which means you can accesses over 2 million titles! It is a great value for any avid reader.

9 | GoPro Hero

If you are not interested in buying a heavy-duty camera, but want something that adds to your phone camera, I recommend considering the GoPro Hero 11 . This waterproof action camera is meant for those of you who enjoy catching pictures while doing adventurous travel activities. These may include snorkeling, skydiving, mountain biking, etc. It’s easy enough to snap to your body and just go! Note, all the pictures it takes have the “fisheye” effect, but that’s what it is known for.

• Revolutionary New Image Sensor: expansive field of view ever on a HERO camera out of the box. This gives you an...
• Unbelievable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than 4K and an incredible 665% more than...

10 | Noise-Cancelling Headphones

To block out unpleasant noises on planes, trains, or anywhere else your travels take you, I recommend the JBL Tune 660NC Headphones . These headphones are a more affordable option to the more well-known Bose Headphones, but offer the same level of noise-blocking. Use these to get up to 44 hours of pure audio – whether that be music, movies, or your favorite audio book.

• The Tune 660NC wireless headphones feature renowned JBL Pure Bass sound, which can be found in the most famous venues...
• Keep the noise out and enjoy your music with active noise cancellation

Accessories for Organized Travel

11 | passport cover.

If you travel a lot, your passport can take a beating for it. I like traveling with a passport cover to keep my passport from fraying / getting scratched. I also like that many covers are also travel wallets, like the SimpacX Fabric Passport Holder .

This passport holder includes slots that let you store credit cards , money, and boarding passes in addition to your passport. Additionally, this one has an RFID blocker, which will keep potential thieves from stealing your information electronically.

12 | Family Passport Organizer

If you are traveling with your family and have a few members who aren’t quite ready to be responsible for holding onto it themselves, then you should consider this IdeFair Family Travel Wallet . This wallet has enough space for 5 passports, money, credit cards and boarding passes. It is also RFID safe and waterproof – helping you keep your important stuff protected.

• 【Convenient&Family Travel Essentials】: You can put the passports, ID cards, credit cards, flight tickets, money and...
• 【Large Capacity】: A zipper pocket for your phone, 5 passport pouchs,a large wing bag, a transparent ticket bag, 8...

RELATED: Essentials for Long-Haul Flights

13 | TSA-Approved Travel Bottles

I am a strong believer in packing light, and one of the main ways that I am able to do this is by storing all of my liquids and gels in travel-sized bottles. There is almost NEVER a reason to take full sized liquids unless you are traveling for a very extended period of time and need products that are unavailable in your destination. These TEAPILE Travel Bottles come with 4 larger bottles for shampoo / conditioner, lotion, and smaller containers to store hair gels, face creams, and the like.

• Leakproof Design: The travel bottles have a leakproof design that prevents liquid leakage or spillage, offering...
• Multipurpose Use: The bottles can be used to store toiletries, travel shampoo and conditioner, as well as edible soy...

14 | Clear Toiletry Bag

There are several countries that require your liquids to be in a single pouch if you carry them onto the plane. The UK and the US (enforcement varies by airport), are a few examples. You can avoid any issues in the security line by getting a clear pouch that is carry on-approved, like this TSA-Approved Toiletry Bag . And your TEAPILE Travel Bottles should fit perfectly into these!

• TSA Approved Clear Toiletry Bag - TSA approved clear toiletry bag strictly follow 3-1-1 regulations. Easy and quick to...
• Clear Strong Thickness Design Tsa Toiletry Bag - Made of transparent PVC material, eco-friendly to see and get items...

15 | Hanging Toiletry Bag

This may be a bit odd, but I tend to travel with two toiletry bags on long trips. One bag for my liquids, and another for the rest of my toiletries that classify as solids / other. I really like the hanging toiletry bags for this purpose, as I can access my toothbrush, makeup, deodorant, and other daily necessities quite easily. I think I’ve mentioned it before, but I absolutely love this toiletry bag by BAGSMART , and take my yellow one with me everywhere!

• Lightweight and Rip-stop: Premium polyester fabric; Size: L24.5 x H19.5 x W6.5 cm / L9.6 x H7.8 x W2.5 inch; Weight: 0.6...
• Compact and Organized - 3 mesh compartments have enough to hold soap, shampoo, lipstick or cosmetics and keep them safe,...

16 | Electronic Cord Organizer

As I mentioned in a my post on long-haul flight essentials , keeping your electronic cords organized while you travel can be hard work. I recommend getting the BAGSMART Travel Cord Organizer to keep everything organized, even your adapters and external hard drives and chargers. I started using mine earlier this year, and it has made all the difference!

• Compact Size: The electronics organizer bag is 9.4" L x 6.7" W x 1.4" H and weighs 0.24 lb, making it a lightweight and...
• Secure Storage: The bag features 5 elastic loops(S) and 2 elastic loops(L) to keep cables and accessories organized and...

17 | Jewelry Organizer

So if you can’t tell, I just love BAGSMART products! The quality is great and they make organization a breeze. In addition to the electronic organizer above, they have a Jewelry Organizer . I don’t know about you, but I think tangled earrings and necklaces are just the worst!

This organizer has compartments, clips, and cushions that allow you to easily store your rings, necklaces, and earrings. You’ll love how easy it is to keep up with all your nice things and not worry about misplacing valuables while you travel.

• SMART DESIGN WITHOUT TANGLES- The double-ended ring rows are removable for quick access to any ring. The attached...
• EASY& SAFE- See-through pockets make it easier to organize, and smooth zippers to prevent jewelry loss.

18 | Compact First Aid Kit

If you heading out on particularly adventurous travel, it’s a great idea to travel with a first aid kit. This GO Compact first aid kit is FDA-approved and includes all the first-aid basics, such as antiseptic towelettes, bandages, and tweezers.

• 【Essential Preparedness Kit】: Contains 85 essential first aid supplies for treating common cuts, scrapes, minor...
• 【Safety Medical Kit】: Safety approved, 85 pieces of comprehensive first aid treatment products are manufactured in...

Luggage & Luggage Accessories

19 | packing cubes.

I do not travel ANYWHERE without packing cubes! There are two key benefits to using packing cubes:

• Organization – You can easily group your clothing by type or style. They also can be used as makeshift “drawers” during your travels
• Compression – You can stuff the cubes to the max to fit as many items as possible, and keep your clothes fitting inside the smallest suitcase possible

This Shacke Pak of Packing Cubes is perfect – with 5 different sizes of cubes included, you can use these as needed to accommodate trips of varying lengths.

• Original Reinforced Stitching - Often imitated but never duplicated! Since 2014 our proven design promotes over packing...
• The Quintessential Packing Starter Kit – Each bag size in this set was tested, designed, and selected to create the...

20 | Compression Bags

Another method of saving space in your luggage is to use compression bags to reduce the room needed for your clothing. Take these Travel Space Savers along with you, and you’ll be fully prepared to bring back any extra clothing that you buy while traveling :).

• 🧳 TRAVEL FRIENDLY - Travel at Ease when packing your luggage. No vacuum or pump is needed for our compression bags....
• 💨 MORE SPACE - save up to 3 times more space in your suitcase, backpack or closet. The compression garment bags pack...

21 | Folding Duffle Bag

I admit, I do really like shopping, which sometimes contradicts my goal of packing light. So, I usually allow myself a carry-on and personal item on the way to my destination, but I’ll bring a bag with me to carry back souvenirs :). I like this folding Wandf Duffle Bag , as it is lightweight and easy to fit into your regular luggage without taking up much space.

• SAVE ON YOUR CARRY-ON CHARGES - This travel bag measures 17.7 x 12.6 x 6.3 inches, making it the perfect fit for the 18...
• 25L CAPACITY - Ample space to accommodate all your in-flight comfort and entertainment essentials. If you're on an...

RELATED : Review of the AWAY Bigger Carry-On

22 | Hanging Digital Luggage Scale

A key concern when packing light is making sure your suitcases fit the weight limits set by the airlines. You can avoid discovering the weight of your bag at the airport by weighing it yourself. Now, you are likely aware that you can’t put your suitcase on your bathroom scale, as it is meant for humans only. I recommend purchasing the Etekcity Digital Hanging Luggage Scale , as it is small enough to carry around with you when you travel.

• Gift for travellers: Weight before you go to avoid overweight fees and fit the scale in pockets easily
• High-accuracy sensor：The travel sacle has 110lb/50kg weight capacity & 0.1lb/50g graduation，it also can measure the...

23 | Luggage Locks

Luggage locks are great for keeping your belongings safe, especially when you’re wearing a backpack or have to leave your luggage behind for a time. The Fosman Luggage Locks will keep you in good standing with TSA and also keep your things secure while you travel.

• [TSA ACCEPTED LUGGAGE LOCKS] The Fosmon TSA lock allows your luggage to be checked without damage. The TSA agent will...
• [DURABLE AND FLEXIBLE] The luggage lock is made of harden zinc alloy body and steel cable that can stand rough handling....

24 | Carry-On Bag

As far as carry-on bags go, I recommend the Nordace Travel Backpack for your underseat luggage and the Away Carry-On Suitcase for your overhead luggage. Check out this post for more information on the latter.

General Necessities / Travel Comfort

25 | travel pillow.

A good travel pillow will keep your neck from killing you when you take a long flight. I think these are especially important when you wind up with a seat that is not by the window. My favorite type is the memory foam pillow, as they hold their shape and keep you comfortable and secure. The Everlasting Comfort Travel Pillow is a great option, and comes with the added bonus of ear plugs, a sleep mask, and a carrying bag.

• No Longer Struggle with Uncomfortable Airline Seats: Made with premium memory foam, our neck pillow adapts to your...
• Instant Neck Pain Relief: Sleeping upright in your seat can lead to neck stiffness. With our airplane neck pillow, you...

26 | Ear Plugs

If you prefer absolute silence while sleeping in new locations, I recommend the Loop Experience Pro Earplugs . These earplugs are reusable, and the amount of noise reduction can be changed according to your preference.

• NOISE REDUCTION - Loop Experience Plus are high-fidelity, noise reducing earplugs that filter more or less noise on...
• STYLISH COMFORT - These high-fidelity earplugs come in 4 different sizes, so you can always find the perfect fit. The...

27 | Eye Mask

If you have trouble getting a good night of sleep on long-haul flights or in new beds, I recommend that you buy MZOO Sleep Eye Mask . This mask features padding around the eyes so that it completely blocks out any light that could get in the way of your sleep.

• No pressure on eyes, eye space is wider and deeper than other flat eye mask (Silk eye mask will oppress eyes)
• Unique heat-bonded technology instead of glue, sturdy and no easy to fall apart.

28 | Collapsable Water Bottle

It never hurts to have water on hand, particularly on long hikes or when exploring cities through the summer. Instead of buying a new plastic bottle whenever you are thirsty, why not do the planet some good and get a reusable, collapsable water bottle? I’m liking the Anntrue Bottle , which is BPA – free and leak-proof.

• Portable Design: Collapsible water bottle is lightweight and compact, perfect for travel and outdoor activities.
• Safe Material: Made from food grade silicone, non-toxic and odorless for safe drinking.

29 | Microfiber Towel

Microfiber towels are a wonderful alternative to bringing terry-cloth towels with you, as they are very compact and dry quickly. I recommend packing these when you know you will have to provide your own towel for a certain travel activity. I take mine on nearly every trip! These Microfiber towels by Scorched Earth are my faves.

• ★ SET INCLUDES 2 SIZES, CARRYING BAG, CLIP: Your purchase includes a Large microfiber towel (29.5 in x 59 in), a Small...
• ★ LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT: The microfiber cloth material makes these towels very thin, easily packable, and far easier...

30 | Airplane Footrest

I’ve only just recently found out about this gem – but this is absolutely a must for any long flights! The reason being that keeping your feet on the floor while you sit causes blood to pool in your feet. By having help in keeping the propped up, you really don’t have to worry about this anymore. Don’t worry about any snickers you may get from your flight mates – you’ll be much better off using this then they are! Get your Airplane Footrest from Sleepy Ride today.

• EASY TO USE - Simply hang it on the arms of the tray table in front of you ((Won't work with bulkhead seats or 1st class...
• TRAVEL COMFORT - Our airplane footrest is crafted with high-quality, thick memory foam to greatly enhance your travel...

31 | Travel Toilet Paper

Depending on where you travel, toilet paper may not be super prevalent. Especially when traveling off the beaten path, or in countries where bidets are more popular than wiping up. I always take a travel sized toilet-paper roll with me, so I avoid any issues here. This travel Toilet Tissue pack is my go-to!

• You will receive (6) Toilet Tissue To Go
• 2-ply 75 sheet in each roll

32 | Poo-Pourri

I’m sure you know about Poo-Pourri, and if you don’t, I suggest you check out the video below – It’s one of my all time favorite ads!

I recommend taking the travel-sized Poo-Pourri version along with you on your travels so that you can be kind to your travel party in cramped bathrooms situations.

• Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray leaves your bathroom smelling fresh and clean. Simply spray the water in the bowl...
• Scent: Vanilla, Mint and Citrus. Freshens bathroom odors before it begins so you can leave the porcelain throne smelling...

33 | Travel Umbrella

To me, there is nothing worse than having to buy an umbrella for the umpteenth time because you forgot yours at home. Avoid this by bringing along a travel-sized umbrella with you (and by checking the weather :)). What I love about these travel umbrellas by Fidus is that they come in 11 different colors, pack very compact, but open up wide.

34 | Sink Clothing Detergent

If you need to wash clothes on the go, bring along some clothing detergent with you! This will allow you to wash a few items in the sink and extend your time between visiting the full Laundromat. This Detergent Pack by SinkSuds is just the thing you need for this!

• USE THEM ANYWHERE: SinkSuds were designed to be taken anywhere and used anywhere; they are a travel must have; Wash...
• SINKSUDS, IT’S SIMPLE: Simply mix the packet in water, wash your garments, and hang dry; Use 1 packet for 2-3 garments...

35 | Pill Organizer

If you have medicinal needs that require taking several pills a day, it may be a good idea for you to bring along a pill organizer with you. This Pill Organizer by Lewis N. Clark features 16 slide-locking pouches, is compact, and features a medical information card.

• SLIMLINE DESIGN: No longer do you need to lug around a bulky box full of pills, vitamins, and medication. This travel...
• COLOR CODED: This medication organizer was meant to help you keep things in order. Each slot is colored coded with...

36 | Travel Neck Pillow Alternative

If you are looking for a travel pillow with a slimmer profile, the Trtl Pillow be the option for you. Unlike the normal travel pillow, this one wraps around your neck and is secured by velcro. I’ll be honest, it’s not my personal favorite, but some folks just love it!

• Scientifically Proven Neck Pillows For Travel: Thanks to our unique, patented design, you can easily adjust your Trtl...
• Enjoy a Real Sleeping Experience on Long Flights: Add our neck pillow to your long flight essentials’ list to...

37 | Travel-Sized Humidifier

Traveling with the sniffles? Or prone to dry nose / nose bleeds? Well now you can bring your own Fancii Personal Humidifier along with you. This humidifier is battery operated and can be filled with a water bottle.

• Converts a standard sized individual water bottle (<20oz) into a moisture-producing water tank
• PureMist ultrasonic technology operates at below 15 decibels, to project hygienic, humidified air quickly and quietly

38 | Laptop Lap Desk

If you travel with you laptop often, you may want to consider purchasing a AboveTEK Portable Laptop Desk . It comes complete with a retractable mouse pad tray too. This “desk” will allow you to work from a chair or couch with ease while you travel.

• Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The...
• Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation...

39 | Laundry Bag

If your suitcase or packing cubes do not come with laundry bags, the HOMEST 2 Pack Laundry Bags will do the trick. These bags hold a substantial amount of laundry, and have reinforced stitching in case the bags start to get a bit heavy.

• ULTRA LARGE CAPACITY - Sized 28 x 40 inches. This size is big enough for holding 3~4 loads of laundry for each, making...
• RIP-STOP AND PREVENT UNRAVEL - Extra-tough double-stitched seam construction and thick nylon material that prevents the...

40 | Travel Purse

If you plan to be in the go for large portions of the day while traveling, I highly recommend the Travelon Mini Shoulder Bag . This bag is built to deter would-be pickpockets, and comes with features such as locking zippers, RFID blockers, and a healthy number of pockets. It’s my current go-to bag, but for more options, check out my post on the Best Travel Purse .

• 5-Point Anti-Theft security system
• Interior organizer with RFID blocking passport and card slots

41 | Fanny Pack

If you prefer to be hands-free when traveling, I recommend trying out this UTO Fanny Pack . Despite its relatively small size, it does fit a large number of items and since it is worn in the front, it also is good a deterring pickpockets.

42 | Hand Sanitizer

Given recent events, we all know that hand sanitizer is something you should ALWAYS have on hand. Stock up on travel-sized Purell Sanitizer Bottles so that you never come up short here.

• Show you care about well-being with PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer Refreshing Gel
• Kills 99.99 percent of most common germs that may cause illness. Outperforms other sanitizers ounce-for-ounce

43 | Mosquito Repellent

This one will depend on the location that you are going, but it’s a good idea to have a small bottle of mosquito repellant on you when traveling. I like the travel-sized Plant-Based Bug Spray & Mosquito Repellent .

• OFF! Botanicals Insect Repellent Spritz effectively repels mosquitoes, black flies, gnats and no-see-ums
• Made with a plant-based active ingredient and contains no added dyes

Conclusion | The 43 Best International Travel Accessories

For those of you planning your next trip, I hope that this list of the best international travel accessories is helpful! I gathered my personal favorites for best travel gadgets, and no that they can make any long haul flight much more comfortable. These should be particularly helpful for those of you taking long haul flights for the first time.

For those of you travelers out there, what would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!

Related Posts:

• Long Haul Flight Essentials and Tips
• The AWAY Bigger Carry-On Review
• Review of the Tortuga Travel Backpack
• The Best Vacation Purse
• The Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List

Last update on 2024-05-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Christen Thomas is the founder of TravelWanderGrow, established in 2018. She has lived abroad and traveled extensively to over 30 countries. In addition, she is a certified Travel Advisor and is an expert in planning trips focused on city history and culture. As a frequent traveler, she also shares tips on how to prepare to travel well and how to save money while doing so.

20 Comments

Hi, This is such a good article to, I can relate to it because I travel a lot with my family. I find my self smiling while reading about the folding duffle bag, because I too shop during my trips and needing extra bag :). The wire organizer is something I would consider because I don’t have one.

Shopping is a must when traveling haha! Glad you found the post useful 🙂

Hi! Nice article! Very good recommendations! Based on my own experience, the hanging luggage scale is very useful and saved me many times! I was able to pack everything the night before the flight, by spreading out heavier items. I never need to worry about going over the limit. It’s also simple to use and doesn’t take a lot of space. It’s my first time hearing about charging cases! I usually use a portable charger, which is actually pretty heavy. Thanks for the recommendation, I will definitely check it out.

Great! Yes, the charging case has saved my life many times lol. I will note it is a bit heavier than the standard case, but not heavy enough to be any burden.

Thank you for all the tips on traveling. We are thinking of traveling to Germany (we live in the U.S) later this year and this article will be of big help! Do you have any other tips for flying international? Thanks, Dan

That’s great Dan! I sure do – You should check out my post on long-haul flight essentials here: https://travelwandergrow.com/long-haul-flight-essentials-pro-packing-tips

Loved your article and you have given some great suggestions. I especially love the electronic cord organizer… what a great idea!

I’m so glad, Helen! That organizer is my new favorite 🙂

I’ve done a lot of traveling over the years. The two items that are essential for me are the electric cord organizer and the international adapters. I know it sounds crazy, but when you’re traveling with electronic devices those cords go everywhere. Seriously, it’s a mess. And the adapters are almost critical for your international success if you bring anything electronic. I use to forget mine at home, but then I just keep them in my work bag. Thanks for the great list.

You’re welcome, JB! I agree, I found it hard to keep up with the cords and often lost them. For that reason I love that organizer!

It’s gotta be the electronic charging case for me as my cables end up a total mess or I forget where I left them. A charging phone case would also be on my list and I would give it to my wife who always seems to have 20% left on her phone

Yep! Those are two of my lifesavers! Best part about the charging case is that it can charge you phone completely nearly twice!

Wow. Cool article. It makes me want to jump on a plane to some international destination right now. Also, the packing cubes are really cool. Keep up the great work!

Thanks Dave! 🙂

Great list! The folding duffel is a lifesaver and always lives in my suitcase. It’s come in handy so many times… usually when I succumb to the lure of a fabric shop while traveling.

Yes, Denise! I’m guilty of fabric shopping when I’m abroad as well haha

Great list! I think the only thing I don’t have on this list is the passport cover. Do you feel like a lot of customs agencies require you to remove it when you go through? I feel like this has happened to me in the past and the main reason I haven’t kept a cover on mine. I am going to certainly look into the phone camera lenses as well.

Hi Genevieve! I almost always have to remove my passport cover when traveling / going through customs. I do like using them on a regular basis though, just to keep my passport looking shiny :). Check out the one that I’ve mentioned on this post: https://travelwandergrow.com/best-international-travel-accessories-2018

What would I add?

Rain Jacket/umbrella. Depending on where you are going.

Water shoes or flip flops for the pool or bathroom.

And some other stuff, but then the list would become too long 🙂

Some good ideas here.

Thanks for the tips! Will certainly add to the list :).

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The Best Gear for Travel

By Wirecutter Staff

Traveling well can be one of life’s great pleasures, whether you’re alone or with family and friends.

But what does it mean to travel well? We’d say that along with traveling safely (of course), traveling well involves avoiding hassle, carrying a single bag (if possible), and bringing only the necessities.

“Traveling well is a fine balance between finding inspiration in the unknown while being grounded in something,” said Wirecutter founder Brian Lam. “Sometimes that is a memory of home, a family, a significant other, friends, etc. Sometimes it’s just the familiar, reliable stuff in your bag.”

Over the past 10 years, we’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing dozens of products to find the most dependable items that will help you travel well. On top of that, we sought the advice and wisdom of Doug Dyment, author and creator of OneBag—a traveling businessman and public speaker, he has logged millions of miles over the past few decades—as well as travel-gear reviewer Eytan Levy, the Snarky Nomad.

And we relied heavily on the experiences of Wirecutter staff, an especially mobile group of individuals. Our staffers have worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica—the five most frequent flyers among us travel about half a million miles in any given (normal) year.

The research

Flying/riding, just in case, travel tips.

A well-packed bag is one that contains less than you think you need but everything you actually need. If possible, fitting everything into one carry-on and personal item will give you more freedom compared to checking a bag or two. You’ll be glad you did if (and when) things don’t go according to plan. While carry-on-only isn’t feasible (or advisable) for every trip—especially extended business trips or weddings where you need multiple outfits to maintain appearances—if in doubt, it’s better to cut.

Carry-on backpack (non-roller)

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

The Allpa’s clamshell design makes organizing your things simple. The strap design lets you easily wear this durable bag on your back or carry it in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind, but most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility and clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts depending on how much you’ve packed. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

We spent six months testing 22 bags, and in the end we chose two as our top picks for travelers determined to never check luggage again: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (for most trips) and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L features an easy-to-pack clamshell design and highly adjustable straps that make it a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. Handles on all four sides of this bag make it easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it, and the Allpa’s straps are contoured to comfortably fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The bag is protected by a full lifetime warranty and has the build quality to back that up. Its front panel is made of a waterproof, TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester (a strong fabric covered in a flexible plastic coating), which means you can lay it on its back in a wet field or in gravel without worrying about moisture soaking through or jagged edges ripping the fabric. The rest of the paneling is made with 1,680-denier ballistic nylon, which feels similar to a strong canvas but with a more prominent weave. After four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item to store under the seat) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage that Kit Dillon, Wirecutter’s senior staff writer who covers luggage, uses.

One caveat: The Allpa has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth—which is where the personal item comes in handy. As the name suggests, “personal items” are very, well, personal, and no one bag will work for all travelers; we offer a range of recommendations in our full guide to them .

The larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. Not so with the Peak Design: It looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack. You can access the bag through a back panel, which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch, as well as through a front one, if you unzip the pass-through divider. You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps that run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters.

If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. It still feels larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for the ability to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400D nylon and polyester fabrics—it feels tough, but not as tough as the Cotopaxi Allpa. As for flaws, it is expensive, especially if you commit to the entire system of packing cubes and camera cubes . The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses, though Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty.

Finding the right bag is a personal choice, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we have picks in our full review of carry-on travel bags that can double as traveling offices , bags that are easy to carry while you’re walking long distances , and budget options for travelers who want to give the one-bag strategy a try.

Carry-on bag (rolling)

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

Great features, great value.

This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, with high-end details. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Since 2015, we’ve researched several dozen suitcases and gone hands-on with the 67 most promising candidates in a variety of tests—including having active flight attendants test bags for us in a fake plane fuselage in their training facility. We determined that for most people the  Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Expandable Spinner  offers the best balance of features, durability, and price for most flyers who log less than 25,000 miles annually.

It features smooth-rolling, user-replaceable wheels; solid and comfortable, telescoping handles; and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid internal chassis. The Elite only improves on past iterations in the Platinum line by reducing the size of the stowed handle (which used to jut out about an inch) and adding a second zippered, exterior pocket for easy access on the go and a USB pass-through extension that lets you insert your own battery pack for charging your phone. And at 7.8 pounds when empty, this carry-on bag is about half a pound lighter than its predecessor. Compared with other bags in this price range, you also get surprisingly high-end components and a warranty that covers anything, even airline damage, for the life of the bag (as long as you register the suitcase within 120 days of purchase, which is easy to do on any smartphone).

Upgrade pick

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner

For frequent flyers.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles a year, invest in a bag with unique features, superior details, and plenty of expandable room. This manufacturer guarantees your satisfaction.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles annually and you’re willing to invest in a higher-quality product, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner. It can fit more clothing than any bag we tested, thanks to a cavernous interior and clever expansion and compression system that can adjust to variable levels beyond open and shut. Over a five-year period before the pandemic, Wirecutter’s founder, Brian Lam, put more than 150,000 miles on his. His only complaint was that longer pants will need an extra fold, or to be rolled. In taller bags, pants will only need to be folded over once.

Checked luggage

If you need to pack more stuff than a carry-on and a personal item can hold, our first piece of advice would be to reconsider whether you need that extra outfit “just in case.” But you’ll have times when you need to travel with several pairs of shoes, formalwear, a winter coat, special equipment (like diving or camping gear), or all of the above. In these cases, there’s no way to avoid checking a bag.

Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with taller torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Farpoint has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with shorter torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Fairview has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

If you’re going somewhere where you’ll need to walk a lot (particularly if there’s dirt or cobblestone roads), we recommend a travel backpack. We like the Farpoint 55 and the sized-for-smaller-torsos Fairview 55 because they’re comfortable and have plenty of room to store, and separate, our essentials. The front of the main pack unzips like a suitcase, so you can easily fit and access a week’s worth of clothes and toiletries. The daypack, which attaches to the front of the larger pack, has room for camera gear, daily essentials, and a small laptop (via a built-in sleeve). It’s also easy to stow. The main pack’s straps can tuck behind a zippered flap, so they won’t catch on anything if you check your luggage.

These bags are made of a heavy-duty recycled polyester that stands up even to long trips–one of our testers has traveled with a Farpoint 55 for years, across dozens of countries for months at a time, without damaging it. If something does happen, though, Osprey has a lifetime warranty.

Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner

The best checked bag for most travelers.

The bag provides a luxury feel at a reasonable price, with a capacity, warranty, and reliability that should suit most travelers. The 25-inch model should offer plenty of room for most people without going over airline weight limits.

If you don’t plan on walking around while carrying all your stuff, the  25-inch Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Spinner Suiter is our favorite piece of checked luggage for all of the same reasons we loved the carry-on size: It has excellent organizational features, it’s especially durable, and it has a better warranty than anything in its price range.

Luggage tags

Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag

Strong and easy to see.

Rugged silicone and a metal cable mean this tag (which comes two to a pack) may well outlive your luggage. The brightly colored case displays its owner’s name but keeps other personal information out of sight.

A good luggage tag should be durable, simple to use, and discreet. Ultimately, a tag should allow someone to get your luggage back to you quickly and easily, and it should withstand the wear and tear of being thrown onto conveyor belts time and again. After researching the top-rated and best-selling models, reading existing luggage-tag reviews, and comparing fourteen tags , we recommend the Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag for most travelers because it’s the only one we’d trust to survive being smashed by other bags, jammed into walls, and generally abused by baggage handlers. It’s the most durable tag we tested, and it comes in a wide selection of colors to help any bag stand out from the rest.

The Ovener tag’s silicone body seems nearly indestructible and is available in a rotating selection of colors (you get two tags per pack). Whereas other tags also feature metal cables, this tag has a metal grommet to keep the cable from eventually wearing through the silicone case.

Should you lose your bag, the Ovener makes it easy for a Good Samaritan to find your contact information. To fully access the info card, you have to unscrew and remove the metal strap; this lets the card slide out of the case. Most luggage tags we tested secure their info card in this way. It isn’t a difficult or time-consuming process, but it is an extra step compared with using a tag that displays all of your information openly. Still, for anyone who wants to keep their contact information out of view, the extra step is worth it.

Another approach to increasing privacy is to hide information in a QR code, as the Dynotag Smart Deluxe Steel Luggage Tag  does, or to provide a user ID number, as the Okoban UID Luggage Tags do. But these seem like overly complex solutions to a problem that doesn’t really exist.

Compression sacks

Originally designed for reducing the bulk of lofty sleeping bags, compression sacks are stuff sacks modified with additional nylon end caps that can be pulled together by strings or straps to remove air and create a smaller, denser package that’s easier to pack. Most travelers use compression sacks to condense socks, underwear, and other stuff you don’t mind getting wrinkled into a package with half as much overall volume. For example, an 8- to 12-liter sack can compress a fleece jacket and a long-weekend’s worth of socks and underwear into something that fits in one hand. They also make a decent pillow in a pinch.

Osprey StraightJacket (8L)

Easier access, less compression.

It has a full-length zipper on its side that allows access to the bag’s entire contents. However, it doesn’t compress as tightly as traditional designs.

Most compression sacks require you to empty out the stuff at the top to get to the stuff below it, but the side-zipper design on the Osprey StraightJacket allows access to the entire contents of the bag at once. The compression straps attach sideways, and are less likely to get tangled and twisted like on most compression sacks with lengthwise straps. It can also sit up on its own, and the handle design lets you break it out as a last minute carry-on to avoid an overweight-baggage fee. However, it doesn’t compress down as compactly as the traditional designs we tested so it’s not the best option if compression is your top priority.

GobiGear’s SegSac takes a different approach to solving the same access issue: It has four inner dividers that run the length of the sack in order to keep your socks separate from your underwear, winter accessories, towel, what have you. This means you don’t have to take out your T-shirts to get to your socks. Unlike the Osprey, it compresses just as much as a normal compression sack, but it loses points for versatility because the segmentation prevents it from handling large items like a down jacket or sleeping bag.

Packing cubes

Packing cubes could change your life. (Okay, maybe just your traveling life.) Packing cubes are basically bags to hold your clothes that you organize within your luggage. Though seemingly superfluous, they’re brilliant in action. If you imagine your suitcase as a dresser, you can think of these cubes as individual drawers: Put all your underwear and socks in one container, all your shirts in another, and your workout clothes in yet another. Then pull out only the cube you want. They make packing and repacking wonderfully simple.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set

Well built with easy access.

Simple and solidly constructed, these packing cubes keep your bag organized while you’re traveling.

The three-piece Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set keeps a week’s worth of clothes organized and moves easily from suitcase to hotel dresser. We’ve been recommending the previous version of these cubes for years, and after testing this updated set, we now recommend this version.

The full-size cube is great for shirts, shorts, and insulating layers. The half-cube and quarter-cube are perfect for underwear, socks, and other thin fabrics such as stockings or sleepwear. These cubes are made of 300-denier polyester (a strong fabric) and stay upright when empty, so they’re easy to pack. The Pack-It cubes’ windows are made of the tightest mesh link we tested—better for resisting snags—and the smooth zippers close easily around all corners, even when a cube is overstuffed.

The Eagle Creek cubes have the ability to unzip fully to allow full access to their contents while sitting in a dresser drawer. That means your clean clothes stay protected against some potentially dicey motel dressers. In 2022, Eagle Creek updated the design of these cubes, and now the company no longer uses YKK zippers, which are widely accepted as the best around . That said, we couldn’t tell any difference between Eagle Creek’s zippers and other brands’ YKK zippers, even with a magnifying glass, and their performance was indistinguishable. (For what it’s worth, an Eagle Creek product manager assured us that the proportion of zipper-related warranty claims hasn’t changed since the company made the switch from YKK.)

Most travelers are likely to be well served by the Reveal set. But if you value lightness above all, the more expensive Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is about 50% lighter than similar-size competitors (just over 1 ounce for a medium cube, whereas the Eagle Creek classic style weighs about 4 ounces). Unlike the Reveal set, this set is water resistant. However, the Isolate design’s thin sides—which don’t allow the cubes to stand up on their own—make those cubes a bit more challenging to pack than the Reveal cubes.

Buying the right gear can help organize your existing travel kit, but it’s a red herring if your goal is better portability. “It’s mostly the clothing that allows you to reduce what you need to carry,” explains veteran traveller Eytan Levy, better known as the Snarky Nomad . That’s because clothing, which is very voluminous, makes up the bulk of what’s in your bag. He recommends traveling with basic-looking clothes because you can always buy or rent something nice in a pinch, whereas lugging around formalwear just in case will always be a pain. It also helps if you can avoid cotton and stick to merino and synthetic fabrics, which dry faster. This allows you to do laundry by hand in the sink as needed to reduce the amount of clothes you need to carry.

Travel underwear

Good travel underwear keeps you feeling fresh and clean, even when your destination is gritty.  To find the best , we researched an array of underwear designed for men and women to find 37 pairs meeting our criteria: moisture-wicking and breathable, quick-drying, odor-resistant, stretchy, stylish, and cut to fit a variety of body types.

We then conducted rigorous pretesting (wearing the underwear for two days at a time, machine-washing them repeatedly, and tracking their drying speed when hung on a clothesline) before taking them out into the real world. Our testers went backpacking 215 miles throughout Portland, Oregon; hiking in the Canadian Rockies, including walking from the lowest point in the Continental US to the highest; and road-tripping to the national parks of the West. Testers who flew to their destinations wore the underwear on the plane, too.

Afterward, we checked for signs of wear, such as seam breakage and pilling on the fabric. As we continued to test the finalists, we repeatedly checked for durability problems. In addition to comfort and fit, we noted whether each pair seemed lightweight and packable.

ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief

Best for most men.

Durable, quick-drying, and relatively inexpensive, this soft-fabric version of ExOfficio’s time-tested Give-N-Go undies will get the job done for years.

The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief is the best men’s underwear for travel because it balances fit, comfort, odor-proofing, and value better than anything else we’ve tested. The Sport Mesh fabric excels at breathing and wicking and has better odor-resistance than other fabrics. It feels soft on the inside and smooth on the outside so it slides against your pants instead of creating friction, reducing potential for chafing. It also features a sculpted crotch area that gives wearers some much-appreciated support, without feeling stifling. These boxer briefs dry quickly, pack compactly, and weigh less than almost all the other boxer briefs we tried—basically they’re everything you’d want from a pair of excellent travel underwear.

Patagonia Women's Active Hipster

Best for most women.

These light, stylish, quick-drying hipsters stay in place whether you’re walking, flying, or hanging upside down.

The Patagonia Active Hipster doesn’t appear special upon first glance. Only after trying everything else and living through their failures to stay put did we remember what “special” really means in a pair of underwear: Feeling as if you’re wearing nothing at all. The Patagonias have the best fit, comfort, and style out of all the panties we tested. The nylon material is fast-wicking and better than most synthetics for odor-proofing, making it well suited for athletic activities. The Active Hipster is lightweight and packable, and is the fastest-drying underwear we tested—making them perfect for minimalist travelers who go weeks at a time with just one or two pairs. But these same characteristics make them great for any traveler looking for comfortable, packable panties, regardless of where you’re going or what you’re doing.

Budget pick

Uniqlo Men Airism Boxer Brief

Comfortable, compact, and fast-drying, these are a great value but don’t fit quite as nicely and aren’t as supportive in the crotch.

Uniqlo Women Airism Ultra Seamless HipHugger

Similar fabric to the Men’s Airism, with a no-ride cut for women, these underwear are the least expensive of any we tested and among the best performing.

May be out of stock

If you want to spend as little as possible without sacrificing performance, the Uniqlo Airism line has long been a great choice for men and women who can wear sizes small and medium. In recent years, both lines have expanded their size range somewhat (men to 3XL, and women to XL). If these fit, you can replace an entire underwear drawer on a tight budget, as long as you can deal with the slightly odd cut and less-effective odor-control treatment.

If you’ve never traveled with merino wool socks, you’re missing out. These aren’t the scratchy wool socks your grandpa wore in the army; they are soft and stretchy ones that have natural sweat-wicking and odor-resisting properties that keep your toes comfortable under all conditions—even when wet. This combination of odor, moisture, and temperature regulations makes them ideal for traveling. "Because of its natural anti-bacterial properties, washing merino wool on a daily basis isn’t absolutely necessary,” explains Snarky Nomad , "after letting it air dry overnight while you sleep, it’ll seem brand new.” The only major downside is that merino tends to be a bit pricier than synthetic counterparts. But it’s a worthy trade-off, since you can go for longer with fewer pairs.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (Women’s)

The best quality for women.

The best mix of comfort, durability, and cushioning in a versatile height.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (Men’s)

For the best quality.

The same great versatile sock as the women’s model, but in different color options and more sizes.

Darn Tough’s Light Hiker Micro Crew socks (both the men’s and women’s versions) have been our favorite hiking socks for years. Darn Tough made its name through its quality guarantee : “Our socks are guaranteed to be the most comfortable, durable, and best fitting socks you can buy. In a nutshell, if you wear a hole in them, we will replace them free of charge, for life.” Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers (hardcore backpackers who walk from Mexico to Canada in one continuous trip) praise them for their durability, comfort, and blister resistance. When you hold a pair of Darn Toughs next to a pair of Smartwools (which only have a two-year guarantee ), the difference is clear. The Darn Toughs are more tightly knit, the yarns are finer and feel sturdier, and the stitching is tighter.

Darn Tough Women's Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

The best non-wool women’s hiking sock.

This midlevel cushioned sock for women is the best synthetic option for most climates and terrains.

Darn Tough Men's Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

The best non-wool men’s hiking sock.

This synthetic men’s sock is perfect for day hiking in most weather.

If you are sensitive to wool, prefer a vegan product, or want a cooler option for the summer, we also like the Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock, which comes in women's and men’s sizes.

We appreciated how breathable this sock felt. While wearing the Coolmax Micro Crew in hot summer weather, our testers’ feet stayed dry and sweat-free. The shorter micro-crew height makes the Coolmax Micro Crew suitable for both boots and shoes, too. And like all Darn Tough socks, this model comes with a lifetime warranty.

Indosole Flip Flops (women’s)

A quality flip flop in women’s sizes.

These stylish beach sandals come in a wide range of colors. Be careful, though: Indosole sizes tend to run a little small.

Indosole Flip Flops (men’s)

A quality flip flop in men’s sizes.

These beach sandals are the same as the women’s version but cut a bit wider; we still think they run a little smaller than regular shoe sizes.

A good pair of travel flip-flops should be lightweight, comfortable, and waterproof. The men’s and women’s Indosole Flip Flops offer the best combination of quality, comfort, and easy packability. Unlike many flip flops, which slap against the ground with every step, the subtle arch support of this flip flop kept it secure against our feet. Plus they’re made from waterproof, recycled materials. Keep in mind, though, that our testers found these shoes to run a bit small, so we suggest sizing up for the best fit.

Clothesline

While doing laundry at home can be a large weekly event, OneBag author Doug Dyment recommends approaching travel laundry as a part of your daily routine, especially if you’re trying to pack as little as possible: “The laundry should be more like cleaning your teeth—something you do everyday. It only takes about five minutes to do it. Every night, do your socks and underwear and you’ll have clean socks and underwear everyday.”

A secure, hassle-free option

The Flexo-Line attaches easily to a door handle or faucet and grips garments securely between its loops.

Check out OneBag’s laundry packing list if you want specific tips on how to do it and what you’ll need, but it’s a pretty simple setup: All you need is a toiletry bottle of powdered detergent, a towel to help expedite drying, and a travel clothesline to finish the drying process while you sleep at night.

Specifically, you want a braided—not twisted—surgical latex clothesline with looped ends, which means you want a Flexo-Line . The Flexo-Line can stretch up to 7 feet long, which is enough to span most hotel bathtubs, and it has loops that you can attach easily to a door handle, bath spigot, or faucet. The braided construction is superior to twisted designs made from other materials because the latex does a better job of gripping garments securely between the loops, which means you don’t need any additional clothespins.

Dyment has tried them all, but the Flexo-Line is the one he comes back to. As he explained to me in an interview, “There are others that are fine, but there are far more that are not fine.” More specifically, Dyment says to avoid anything that’s not made of latex , because clothes will inevitably slip out of them. He also says to never, ever trust a suction cup: “They don’t work, period.” If the Flexo-Line is unavailable, Dyment says that the Rick Steves collection from Kiva Designs also makes a nice braided line that is a bit more expensive. If you have a latex allergy, Dyment recommends going with a length of cord ( paracord is nice because it’s durable and you can use it for other things as well) and stainless steel safety pins meant for cloth diapers , because they take up far less space than a clothespin and won’t rust. In fact, it’s worthwhile to get these items even if you can use a latex line because they’re great for making luggage repairs and performing other MacGyver-ish tasks in a pinch. To hang up the clothesline, we recommend using a bowline knot on one end and a taut line hitch on the other. These knots work well together because the bowline creates a simple, slip-proof loop to anchor one end while the taut line hitch allows you to adjust for tension and locks tightly in place. If you could commit any two knots to memory forever, these are the ones to learn.

Laundry detergent

Minisoak Travel Packs

A travel size version of the best delicates detergent.

Perfect for traveling because you don’t even need to rinse it out.

When you’re washing your underwear in a hotel sink, you want a fast and easy experience. For this, we recommend the no-rinse detergent Soak . That’s right, we said no rinse . You just add a drop to the sink, fill with water, and leave your garments to soak. Then press out the water and hang. Done.

In our tests of delicates detergents , Soak cleaned almost as well as our top laundry detergent, Tide; plus, it comes in individual packets of powder  that are great for traveling, as well as in  travel-size bottles of the liquid version . In addition to unscented, it's available in a variety of scents, although Lacey and Celebration are not the most descriptive of scent names. They all smell nice, not overpowering. Soak also comes in an assorted travel pack with two single-use packets of each scent, if you want to test-drive one or two before you buy. In that mini size, you get eight packets for $11 currently, but you really need only a squeeze, not the the whole packet, to wash a couple of pairs of socks and underwear.

One downside to Soak is that you won’t find it in a grocery store or big-box store. But it is available online at Soak’s site . And if you really want to walk into a store and put your mitts on a bottle, you can find it at most local yarn stores.

Don’t feel like buying Soak or bringing along a bit of your own detergent? Shampoo also works pretty well for cleaning garments in a pinch, so make use of that free bottle from the hotel. But a caveat: Neither Soak nor shampoo contains enzymes , which are biological molecules in laundry detergent that break down certain stains. If you have especially stinky or stained clothes, you might need to break out the Tide .

When we first published this guide, this section addressed only toiletry kits and bottles, razors, and packable towels. The times, and traveling, became more complicated. One thing we've learned in the past few years is that face masks can be useful whenever you’re sick and don’t want to share your misery. Fortunately, compared with early 2020, medical-style N95s and KN95s (which many experts recommend as the best protection) are widely available. They’re easy to tuck into a bag, which we do now whenever we travel. 

Toiletry kit

We’ve researched dozens of travel toiletry bags and dopp kits over the past several years, and we tested 23 of the top-rated contenders in our most recent round of tests. After packing and unpacking a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries, conducting spill tests, and living out of the top performers on the road, we have a few different picks that stand out thanks to their style, packability, and quality of construction.

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small)

A space-saving hanging bag.

This lightweight, well-organized bag fits a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries into a compact package. It’s meant to be hung, which makes it good for tight spaces, but it doesn’t have much in the way of internal structure.

The Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small) is compact and durable. It’s small enough to stash in a backpack or laptop bag, but it holds enough travel-size toiletries to keep us supplied for a week. You can open it and hang it from a shower curtain or towel rod to easily see and grab your items. It comes with a shatterproof mirror, two micro-mesh zip pockets and an open pocket for toothbrushes, lip balm, and tweezers, and a large compartment for bulky lotions and hair-care items.

L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag

For more stuff and longer trips.

With a 6.4-liter capacity and over a dozen compartments, this toiletry bag has a place for everything—and everything will stay put during transit, too. It can also accommodate non-travel-size bottles.

The L.L.Bean Personal Organizer (medium) is a great option for longer trips and people who travel with full-size bottles. Its 6.4 liters of storage spread across a dozen compartments means there’s a dedicated place for pretty much everything you could want to bring on a trip—it even has a removable mesh shower caddy for shampoo and body wash. This level of organization is crucial for larger toiletry bags because, as we discovered after years of traveling with our picks, contents that aren’t securely fastened can shift around in transit, which increases the chance of spilling. The downside of all this organization is that the L.L.Bean weighs 14 ounces when empty, so it’s not ideal for carry-on travel.

If neither of these bags seems right for you, read our full review of the best toiletry bags and dopp kits to learn more about our picks and everything we tested.

Toiletry bottles

Sea to Summit TPU Clear Zip Pouch with Bottles

These six TSA-friendly bottles are sturdy and smartly designed, dispensing liquids more precisely than any of the other bottles we tested.

For traveling with liquids in your carry-on, the Sea to Summit set is your best bet. All six bottles conform to TSA size limitations; three of them can hold 3 ounces of liquid each, and three can hold 1.5 ounces each, for a total of 13.5 ounces. Despite the set’s name, the bottles themselves are made not of thermoplastic polyurethane—“TPU" refers to the zip pouch—but a high-density polyethylene material, much like what you’d see used in most plastic milk jugs. It has an almost-smooth, semi-transparent surface just textured enough that it’s not slippery when wet. The plastic is also flexible enough that you don’t have to squeeze very hard to get your shampoo or liquid soap or whatever going. An insert at the mouth of each bottle helps regulate the flow, and the screw tops prevent liquids from leaking in transit.

Razor (faces)

Gillette Mach3

The best manual razor for most faces.

This classic razor’s three widely spaced blades provide the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. Its handle is comfortable and well designed, and replacement blades can be had for a fair price.

We researched more than 100 and tested 11 manual razors for our full razor guide , concluding that the Gillette Mach3 is our top pick for manual razors. Although the three blades require a little extra time for a closer shave, it performs comparably to the latest and greatest offerings for as little as half the price.

The Gillette Mach3 provides the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. The Mach3’s simple, round handle is easy to grip and maneuver, and its three blades offer a close shave without over-irritating the skin or getting clogged with hair. And the price of Mach3 blades—$2 per cartridge or less, whether you buy them online or in a store—came close to, or even beat, the pricing of shave-club rivals, and the Mach3 shaved better than those competitors.

Razor (legs/body)

Gillette Venus Smooth

The best body razor.

This classic Venus is one of the easiest razors to grip and maneuver and its three-blade design keeps the blades remarkably free of hair.

Disposable razors (both the completely disposable and replaceable-cartridge variety) are fine to take through airport security , and among them we like the Gillette Venus Original best for traveling. Although it’s now the runner-up pick in our guide to body razors —it was formerly the top pick—we believe that its simple aloe lubricating strips, which don’t become tacky when wet, make the Venus more travel friendly than our new top pick . Plus, as with any Venus, the Original’s body is compatible with any other Venus head and many heads from Gillette’s facial razors, making replacement heads easier to find when you’re on the road.

The Original’s head has three blades separated by considerable slats of space, making it far easier to clean the head between strokes. The Original is intuitive to hold and secure to maneuver, thanks to a contoured handle with corrugated chevrons of rubber. Though our testers have a wide range of hand sizes, no one found the Original difficult to grasp. Despite the significant ribbing, it doesn’t feel too bulky. Gillette claims its razors have lasted for five weeks; we think one razor for a weeklong trip should be fine.

(Know that, confusingly, the Venus appears for sale on some retail sites under the name Venus Close and Clean or Venus Smooth. It’s the same razor. If you’re unsure which Venus model you’re looking at, check for the Original’s three blades and trademark sea-foam blue color.)

Towel (packable)

PackTowl Personal

The best all-around packable towel.

The PackTowl Personal Towel is lightweight, soft, absorbent, quick to dry, and odor-resistant.

With store pickup or REI membership (limited patterns)

(limited patterns)

We put 20 top-rated towels through a battery of tests including regular shower use, a trip to the beach, camping, and a 48-hour stay in a ziplock bag under the hot Hawaiian sun. After all was said and done, the Packtowl Personal Towel is still the best all-around travel towel for most people. In addition to being the softest lightweight towel we tested, it was more absorbent than competitors made of similar materials. It had the best odor-resisting abilities and comes with a convenient mesh carrying pouch. We also have alternate picks for ultralight and all-natural towels below.

The Personal Towel’s suede-like material was the softest of the thinner towels. The Personal Towel also had superior absorption when compared with other similarly constructed towels such as the Sea to Summit DryLite —in our tests, it absorbed 2.8 times its weight in water, while the others absorbed between 2.3 times and 2.7 times.

One of just two we tested that featured an added antimicrobial treatment, the Personal Towel was only a little musty smelling after 24 hours in a sealed ziplock bag, and remained unchanged at 48 hours.

If you’re looking for a budget option, consider the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel , which is a tad smaller than our other picks and is made from a seemingly lighter-feeling fabric. Unlike most budget options, it has an antibacterial coating and still managed to carry a pleasant smell after being testing in different environments.

Regardless of how you get to your final destination, it’s likely you’ll be stuck in a seat that’s less than ideal. Travel gadgets that claim to reduce this misery, such as compression socks, are popular. But when they take up precious luggage space for the duration of your trip—not just the flight or train ride–they need to be worth every cubic inch of space. The less you can make do with, the better off you’ll be.

Neck pillow

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

More support for most necks.

Its tall memory-foam walls let it offer more support than any other pillow we tested. It’s also shaped to sit flush against a headrest, and it compresses to a manageable size.

The uniquely angled back on the Travelrest Ultimate sets it apart from other travel pillows we tested because it can lay flat against the seat back. Most other pillows have a rounded back, which pushes your head away from the headrest. The Travelrest also has rubber grip dots to prevent slipping while sleeping. This pillow’s spongy memory foam cushions the entire circumference of your neck, preventing your head from leaning far in any direction, and its adjustable Velcro strap ensures it can fit most necks. The pillow’s cozy velour exterior is removable and machine-washable. Although it doesn’t pack flat, the Travelrest weighs less than a pound and compresses to a quarter of its size when rolled into its Velcro-strapped carrying case. Our only complaint is that the Travelrest’s high walls, though supportive, can push over-ear headphones off of the ears of people with shorter necks.

Noise-cancelling headphones

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The best over-ear noise-cancelling headphones.

The Bose 700 headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation in a comfortable, lightweight design that’s traveler friendly—but they carry a high price.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 over-ear set has the most versatile active noise cancellation we’ve ever tested. With 10 levels of noise reduction to choose from, everyone should be able to find a setting that meets their needs. We also enjoyed the lightweight and comfortable design and the easy-to-use controls. What distinguishes the Bose 700’s ANC is the amount of adjustability it gives you: Most noise-cancelling headphones offer controls for only on/off or maybe high/low/off, but with the Bose 700 pair you can set the ANC level from 0 to 10, so you have more flexibility to dial in the ideal setting for your comfort. The 20-hour battery life, while not the best we’ve seen, is more than sufficient to get you to most destinations. We have additional options—including earbuds and surprisingly good budget options for  over-ear headphones and earbuds —in our full guide to noise-cancelling headphones .

Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs

For blocking out the most noise.

These blocked the most noise in our controlled testing and got the most votes from our subjective sleep panel.

When you’re traveling, it can be difficult to fall asleep to unfamiliar noises. That’s why we spent several hours researching new contenders and tested four top-rated models while sleeping in a house that was next to an airport in order to determine that Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam earplugs are the best earplugs  for sleeping.

The Mack’s 37.1 dB noise reduction rating was the highest among the models we tested. According to Cooper Safety , that’s enough to reduce the volume of a gas lawnmower to that of a normal conversation. What made the Mack’s earplugs so effective is the fact that we could insert them and rest assured that they would stay in the whole night. Meanwhile, the Howard Leight MAX1 might be a favorite from crowdsourced sleep-aid review site Sleep Like the Dead , but the earplugs would inevitably fall out in the middle of the night. Thus, they failed to block out the noise of planes landing and taking off throughout the night, despite the MAX1’s 33 dB noise reduction rating. The Howard Leights also made our ears ache on occasion, whereas the Mack’s has a tapered shape that was consistently comfortable night after night.

The Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs cost about 20¢-35¢ per pair when purchased in a 50-pair pack. They come in a plastic case is about the size of a large coffee mug, which is small enough to toss in a large bag or suitcase. Many other ear plugs like our runner-up, the 3M’s E-A-Rsoft OCS1135 , can only be ordered in industrial-size lots that, while perhaps appealing to those who travel constantly (or run a hostel), are annoying to store and often lack a reusable container of any sort.

Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask

For air travelers and back-sleepers.

The lightweight and contoured Nidra mask is a light-blocking win for most face shapes, with deep eye cups that allow the wearer to blink freely and arrive feeling refreshed.

When bright lights hamper peaceful shut-eye, we recommend the light-blocking, contoured Nidra Deep Rest sleep mask. Of the 14 masks we tested , the Nidra blocked the most light on the most faces. It’s contoured to rest on your face like a pair of soft goggles, with fabric lenses that sit around your eyes (instead of directly over them). This design provides more space for your eyes to flutter during REM sleep, ensuring that you come through red-eye flights with less redness in your eyes. Makeup wearers will also appreciate that, with the Nidra’s elevated eye cups, there’s a smaller chance of smudging.

Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask

A flat, silk mask.

A silken exterior material, a flat design, and an adjustable strap make this mask a fit for almost any face, but it puts pressure on the eyes.

Mzoo Sleep Mask

A smooth, contoured eye mask.

Soft, structured, and contoured, this mask stays on all night and prevents any light from seeping through

If the Nidra Deep Rest doesn’t fit your face quite right, we also recommend the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask and the Mzoo Sleep Mask . The Alaska Bear mask lacks contoured eyecups and thus applies some pressure to the eyes overnight like any regular eye mask does. But its flat design easily conforms to fit your face, and its silk exterior feels smooth and soft against skin (the padding is made of cotton). Its relative lack of structure makes it more difficult to knock off when you’re tossing and turning.

The Mzoo mask’s eyecups have a convex gap so your eyes can open and close. That gap is surrounded by a memory foam padding that rests on the perimeter of your eye sockets. The effect is such that you don’t feel like your eyes are being forced closed, but there is a bit of compression near your temples, eyebrows, and cheekbones. Most—though not all—of our testers found this sensation soothing. One liked how the contour of the eyecup kept the mask from brushing against their eyelashes, which makes it a good choice for people who wear eyelash extensions.

Few things are better than landing at an airport, turning on your phone, and having it just work. No hassles, no stress, no worries about brutal roaming fees. You can check in with loved ones, scope out the route to your lodgings, and maybe post an Instagram story or two—because your phone works just like it does at home. This is especially freeing, and it makes travel so much easier. (Of course, phones aren’t the only useful tech to bring: Check out our accessories reviews for guides to the best cables ( USB-C , Lightning , and Micro-USB ), Wi-Fi hotspots , Bluetooth speakers , and more.)

Unlocked mobile phone

One of the most useful gadgets for international travel is an unlocked smartphone that’s compatible with cheap, prepaid phone plans you can sign up for at your destination. Unless your carrier offers plans including high-speed data that you can access internationally (i.e., you’re with T-Mobile or Google Fi), traveling with a phone under contract with a major carrier means paying an arm and a leg for data. Being able to access data-guzzling apps like Google Maps or Google Translate on the fly is worth the hassle to unlock a phone. Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp are free, easy ways to communicate with people you meet on your trip and people from home. Plus there’s checking email, TripAdvisor, banking, social media, and so on.

An “unlocked” phone means you can buy prepaid SIM cards in the country you’re visiting, letting you access their local network for significantly less money than the roaming fees incurred by your home carrier. With a prepaid SIM, your phone effectively becomes a new phone with a new (now local) phone number. Instead of seeing “Verizon,” “AT&T,” or “Sprint” at the top of your phone, you might see “Vodafone,” “Yes Optus,” “M1,” or whatever provider you choose in the country you’re visiting. The first thing to check is if your phone will work where you’re going. If you’re unsure if your phone will work where you’re going, check the Wikipedia page for your phone or contact your provider.

Your phone will also require a removable SIM. (If your phone has an eSIM, as all new iPhones do, check out our blog post about those.) Most countries require a passport or other ID to buy a prepaid SIM without a contract, but switching the SIMs is easy. Most stores will do it for you while you’re there. Depending on the country/provider, this could take as long as 10 minutes but is often faster. The next question is easily the most complicated: Can you unlock your phone? Each carrier has different rules and criteria. Generally, if you have a brand new, expensive phone, they may not let you unlock it (there’s usually a waiting period after the purchase date). But if it’s a little older, or if you’ve paid it off, they probably will. The thing to remember is that a provider can deny an unlock request without giving a reason. You might be lucky, though; certain phones on certain providers are unlocked by default. Here are Verizon and AT&T’s pages on unlocking. Alternately, you can buy a pre-unlocked phone just for travel. Amazon and Best Buy, for example, sell unlocked phones. This is also a good option if you think you might lose your expensive phone and a cheaper one will suffice while you travel.

Plug adapter

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Best universal travel adapter.

With four plugs that will work in most countries, plus faster-charging USB ports (and more of them) than its competitors, this adapter is the best all-around choice.

In a sea of almost-identical travel adapters, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter stands out, combining the best of the features we look for. It contains the three most common international plugs and a US-style plug, which should cover you in the majority of countries around the world. It has the most USB ports—four of the standard USB-A and one USB-C—of any universal adapter we tested, and it charged more of our devices faster. A replaceable fuse and an included spare should take the brunt of any accidental, unfortunate, or shockingly bad connections. The Epicka is fairly compact and well built, and it even comes with an extra USB cable and a nylon case.

However, no universal travel adapter is truly universal, and they’re all a lot bulkier and more expensive than simple plug adapters. If you want the smallest adapter possible, or if you’re going someplace where a universal adapter won’t work (more on that in a minute), a plug adapter could be what you need.

Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set

The best plug adapter.

Individually, these tiny plug adapters are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than any universal travel adapter. To juice up multiple devices, though, you’d need a separate multiport charger too.

The tiny plug adapters from Ceptics are barely larger than the prongs they convert. Small, simple, and cheap, they’re perfect for someone who wants to carry only the adapter they’ll need and who already has a multiport USB wall charger they like. Like our universal adapter picks, this set contains the three most common international plugs and the US plug. However, it also includes a somewhat rarer plug used in some European countries that has two thick, cylindrical prongs. This means that the Ceptics set will likely cover you in even more places—as long as you pack the appropriate plug adapter. These charts should help you find the shape you need before you order.

However, getting your gear to work in different countries isn’t quite as simple as it should be, and there’s no single solution that’s guaranteed to work for everyone. Our picks should work for you, but you may have some random piece of equipment, or be traveling to some country, for which our “good for most” picks just won’t work. (Case in point: One Wirecutter editor visited Iceland a few years back. The house she stayed in had outlets unlike anything on those charts, and the plug adapters she had used elsewhere in Reykjavik didn’t fit at all. It turns out the mystery sockets belonged to an obscure Italian system from the 1960s that was popular in Iceland for a time. Luckily, the hosts had power strips in the house that her adapters fit into.) The world is a big place, and when it comes to electricity and wall outlets, there’s a lot of variation. That’s important to keep in mind.

Whether two-prong or three-prong, an adapter just changes the shape of your plug, not anything about the electricity coming through the wires. However, this usually isn’t a problem because almost every power brick that comes with modern electronic gear is capable of accepting both the 110-volt standard used in the US and the 240-volt commonly used abroad. If your device has a power block on the cord, it likely says something like  “100-240 V ~ 50/60 Hz”—that’s the all-clear to use it without a voltage converter so long as the range covers the voltage of the country you’re visiting . This includes the vast majority of modern laptop and USB chargers.

Products without some sort of power block at the end or with a non-detachable cord—in particular, things with heating elements like hair dryers and curling irons—are more likely to need a voltage converter. Putting 220 V through a US 110 V device would be like attaching a firehose to a drinking fountain—you’re likely to blow your face off. But voltage converters are tricky devices, and most of the inexpensive ones have awful (or dishonest) reviews. Since hotels and hostels will often have hair dryers and most newer gear can do the full range of voltages, we strongly recommend that, whenever possible, you only bring items that work with a much simpler (and more reliable) adapter.

Wire/gadget organization system

Now that every device has a battery, every battery has a charger, and every charger has a cable—never mind power-plug adapters if you’re traveling abroad—the sheer quantity of accessories needed just to keep your gadgets running can take up more space than the devices themselves. And unless you organize them, you can bet on having to blindly fish them out of the least convenient spot at the bottom of your bag. Unfortunately, our pick for carrying tech necessities, the Incase Nylon Accessory Organizer, has been out of stock for a few years. It will, however, be coming back in 2024, according to Incase. If you prefer mesh to easily see your contents, or simply can’t wait for the Incase organizer to come back in stock, we also like the Container Store Micro Mesh Pouches .

The Incase cable organizer is a poly-nylon blend, so it’s durable. It is a soft-shell bag, however, so its contents can distort the bag’s shape when it’s full. But the bag’s edges remain rigid—so the seams don’t pucker—its contents don’t fall out, and zipping and unzipping the bag is still easy. We have other picks in our full guide to bag and cable organizers , including a roll-up bag and a stylish duo of cosmetics travel pouches ; we’ll also start testing other options to replace this one.

USB battery packs

A USB battery pack (also called a power bank) can keep your small electronics—from phones and cameras to tablets and more—going while you’re on the road. Although the length of your trip will determine exactly how much extra juice you’ll need to have on hand, whatever your requirements, we have a great USB battery recommendation for you. The Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K weighs about half a pound, and its rounded edges make it easy to hold or slip into a pocket. Its USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port can charge most handheld devices and recharge itself at top speed (with the right USB-C cable and wall charger), and it can pass power to another device while being recharged from a wall outlet. It only comes in one color, but it has enough capacity to fully charge most smartphones up to three times, as well as built-in USB-C and Lightning cables that are easy to slide in and out of their holsters.

If you’re traveling for leisure, try not to get too wrapped up in technology because you might miss what you’re actually there to do: experience a new place. OneBag’s Doug Dyment said in an interview, “Wearing headphones and staring at a screen is like putting a digital wall around yourself when you’re traveling. It makes you seem unapproachable and uninterested in what’s around you.” That may be a good thing if you do truly want to be left alone, but Dyment went on to say that some of his most memorable traveling experiences were the result of just looking lost and getting help from the locals. “One minute, you’re a lost foreigner in an unfamiliar village, then someone asks if you need directions. Before you know it, you’re eating dinner with his family.”

Travel binoculars

Athlon Optics Midas ED

The overall best binoculars.

Amazingly affordable with great optics, these binoculars have performance comparable with that of many models that cost thousands more.

Our top pick for binoculars is durable and great for near-home hikes. In hot or dusty environments that may call for a clearer optical boost, the Athlon Optics Midas ED 8×42 binoculars deliver top quality. Its focus dial offers a wide range of depths that makes it easier to see whatever it is you desire—birds, grass or darkened areas of the forest. Our recommendation comes with the assistance of a professional ornithologist who spent over 100 hours putting 17 pairs of binoculars to the test in the mountains of Southern California and the rain forests of southern Mexico.

Although the Celestron TrailSeeker ED binoculars don’t offer a clear edge-to-edge view to the same degree of the Athlon Optics Midas EDs , they’re a comparable runner-up model that’ll be lighter on your wallet if having binoculars while traveling is a must. The TrailSeekers are equipped with great light-gathering qualities, close focus, and impressive optical resolution. Or, if you’re concerned about saving space, we liked the Pentax AD 8x25 WP binoculars. While not quite as powerful as our other picks, this compact pair of binoculars is well made and easy to fit into a carry-on while traveling via plane.

Ebook reader

Amazon Kindle (2022)

The best e-reader for most people.

Amazon’s most affordable Kindle is also its most portable, and it’s finally been upgraded with sharper text on its 6-inch screen and support for USB-C charging. Those features bring it in line with much-pricier e-readers.

The entry-level Amazon Kindle finally got an upgrade and is now our favorite e-reader , with the same crisp display and USB-C charging as the pricier Kindle Paperwhite has (and with double the storage space of the previous entry-level model). Amazon’s well-stocked ebooks store remains its biggest selling point, along with the ease of checking out library books via Libby and sending them directly to a Kindle.

Even if you don’t have time for pleasure reading on your trip, it’s worth investing in a Kindle because many major travel guides are available in fully searchable ebook formats now. Furthermore, e-texts will also work on your phone, tablet, and computer, thanks to the Kindle ecosystem.

Packable daypack

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

A pack that fits in your palm.

Toss this lightweight, phone-sized packable bag into your luggage or coat pocket, and you’ll never get caught without a spare bag again. If you need something to carry every day, though, we think you’ll prefer one of our more-structured picks.

Packing a stowable daypack, one that stuffs down to fit in your luggage when not in use, is a relatively small investment of space in exchange for a high return of function and flexibility. After researching dozens of packable daypacks across a spectrum of portability, features, and prices, and then packing, unpacking, loading, wearing, and drenching the top-rated finalists during multiple rounds of testing, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack is the smallest and lightest packable backpack we recommend. Packed up, it is very discreet: nearly the size of a keychain accessory.

The bag itself is a no-frills sack made from a paper-thin siliconized Cordura nylon, which means it’s very light and water-resistant. It has reinforced stitching at stress points, allowing the Ultra-Sil to carry more weight than you would expect. That said, since this pack is made of such thin, light material, carrying large or awkwardly shaped loads is somewhat uncomfortable, especially when compared with our more structured picks.

If comfort or waterproofing is important to you, check out the alternative picks in our review of packable daypacks for travel .

Field Notes 3-Pack Original Kraft Memo Books

For ultimate portability.

Field Notes are cheap but contain high-quality paper that earns praise from pen and stationery geeks across the web.

For writing your adventures as you travel, you can’t beat the portability, practicality, and romanticism of a pocket notebook. There’s nothing better in that category than Field Notes (three-packs available in a variety of styles and types ). These pocket-sized notebooks are widely praised for their excellent paper quality, and the Pen Addict’s Brad Dowdy tells me “Field Notes is pretty much the runaway pocket notebook champ.” Dowdy has praised it for the lack of feathering or bleedthrough with almost any pen, as well as for the light brown ruled lines, which are easier to write over than solid black. Austin Smith of Art Supply Critic told us in an email that his recommendation is “Field Notes has it, no question.” The Well-Appointed Desk has reviewed a slew of different Field Notes variants for those looking for something a bit more interesting.

Field Notes Expedition

A weather-resistant option.

Weather-resistant Expedition Field Notes are great if you’re writing in wet conditions, but don’t get them if you don’t need them. The synthetic paper feels weird and can cause some inks to smear.

If you think you’re going to be writing in foul weather, Field Notes also has the waterproof Expedition version with pages made from a synthetic water-and-tear resistant paper. You should only get these if you really need them, because otherwise, they just feel unnaturally slick and are more prone to smearing ink. At least one user has said that the paper shows less soaking through when wet than the similar Rite in the Rain books . The one caveat is that the synthetic paper will only work with pencils and certain inks ; thankfully, the Uni-ball Jetstream RT , our pick for best pen , definitely makes the grade.

Things can go wrong while you’re traveling, both where you are and where you’re not. Though you can’t prepare for every worst-case scenario, the peace of mind that a little bit of preparation grants will allow you to focus on what’s in front of you, instead of having to worry about what could go wrong. But preparation doesn’t simply mean buying more stuff just in case; it also means making efficient use of what you already have.

Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit

For the best combination of sewing tools.

The Merchant & Mills Rapid Repair Kit is the only travel kit we found that had objectively high-quality thread and scissors.

There’s nothing quite like a wardrobe malfunction to put a damper on vacation, especially when traveling with limited clothing. A good travel-size sewing kit allows you to mend a popped button or ripped seam on the fly—or even tackle more pressing issues like fixing a tent, sleeping bag, or backpack. After 15 hours of research, interviews with sewing teachers and avid home sewers, and tests of six travel and full-size kits, we found the Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit had by far the best tools and was the easiest to keep organized. Standard travel sewing kits usually contain mediocre thread and plastic-handled scissors that break easily. They can also be hard to keep organized (a truth we confirmed when testing six top-rated travel and full-sized kits). The Merchant & Mills set was the only one that had high-quality thread, all-metal mini scissors (don’t worry, the TSA shouldn’t stop you ), and a durable tin case (about the size of a deck of cards) to keep everything well organized.

Because the sewing pins are neatly stuck into paper inside a slim envelope and the three needles are housed in a mini glass vial, this kit also limits the risk of losing a sharp object in your bags. We found the Merchant & Mills needles easier to thread than others (no need for a fussy needle threader!) and we also like the vintage-looking safety pins that come clipped together along with two small white buttons. Although this kit only comes with black and white thread, the thread is strong and there’s more of it than you’d get in a flimsier set with shorter strands of multiple colors. We do think it would be nice if the kit included a more durable measuring tape than the paper one included, but overall everything about this kit is leagues ahead of anything else we considered. We didn’t find editorial reviews for any of the kits we tested, but the Merchant & Mills rapid repair kit was recommended by several sewing bloggers and is sold in many reputable indie fabric shops.

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

The best umbrella for most people.

This is a solidly built, easy-to-find umbrella that holds up in high winds. It also comes in a variety of colors.

price may vary by color or style

An umbrella you take traveling should be small, light, sturdy, and affordable. After putting in 66 hours of research and evaluating a total of 48 umbrellas across five rounds of testing (including one thunder-snowstorm), we found that the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella is the best umbrella for most people. Its durable, nine-rib construction held up admirably against gale-force winds, and it’s as sturdy as umbrellas that sell for more than twice as much.

The Repel folds up to an 11½-inch long, 14-ounce package that fits easily into most bags and glove boxes. And it forcefully expands at a touch of a button to reveal an ample 37-inch-diameter canopy that protects your head and torso from precipitation in all but the windiest of conditions. Its lengthy, textured handle is easy to grip for hands of all sizes. We also appreciate that the Repel comes in a wide variety of colors, so it’s easier to pick yours out of a crowded umbrella bucket. Finally, despite its affordable price, it’s backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee, but only if you purchase directly from Repel and register the item under the company’s warranty.

Packing method for clothes

While packing cubes and other organization tools are helpful for maximizing your bag’s usable space, efficient packing is also achievable without the aid of tools and compartments. One Bag’s Doug Dyment tried all manners of folding aids and compression products but was unsatisfied with their claims of compression and wrinkle prevention. Frustrated, he developed his own method of packing clothes compactly called the Bundle Method, which he’s used and perfected over several decades of traveling.

The Bundle Method involves layering your shirts and pants at opposing angles on a flat surface, then wrapping them around a small “core” parcel (e.g. a packing cube full of underwear and socks). We won’t get into details, but Dyment does on his website ; you can watch this easy-to-follow video from NBC . The resulting bundle is compact and has no sharp creases that will require ironing out later on. Additionally, Dyment explains that “the slight tension created in the fabric by the wrapping process, along with the anchoring of the resulting bundle, greatly reduces the chances of wrinkling.” You then put it in your bag and use the tie-down straps to provide just enough pressure to keep it together.

While simple to perform, this packing method isn’t something you can master in one go. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get it, it’s like riding a bike. The downside is that you can’t just leave your clothing packed and expect to be able to access your underwear without fully unpacking your clothes first. But unpacking is a good habit to get into anyway, as it allows your clothes to breathe and avoid wrinkles or mildew. Wirecutter founder and frequent traveler Brian Lam says that unpacking the moment he enters a room has a grounding effect that allows him to feel a bit more at home in a new environment.

If this sounds like too much of a hassle for you, you can do what we did before we found out about bundling: roll up your socks and underwear tightly and place them in packing cubes, then put your wrinkle-prone items (shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, jackets) in a garment folder—we used the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Garment Folder . This is also travel guru Rob King’s preferred method of packing. Though the garment folder is not quite as space-efficient as the bundle method due to the added bulk of the folder and folding board, the plastic backboard does go a long way towards preventing wrinkles. Just be aware that if you leave your clothes in there for longer than a day, they’ll begin to develop unsightly creases that require an iron to get rid of.

A big thank-you to the Hotel Lucia in downtown Portland, Oregon, for lending us a suite to use for the photos in this guide.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

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Wirecutter Staff

Mentioned above

• There’s more to a great in-flight personal item than being small enough to stuff under a plane seat. Here’s how to choose the right one for your travel needs. The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags  
• The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is our backpack pick for most travelers. We also have picks for other travelers, including those who want to carry a bit more. The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks  
• After 10 years of airport dashes and overhead-compartment stashes, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is still the suitcase we want to carry. The Best Carry-On Luggage  
• After researching 30 models, we found that Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the best suitcase for most travelers who check bags. The Best Suitcases for Checking  
• We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases. The Best Luggage Tags  
• After researching and traveling with packing cubes for more than five years, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set is what we keep in our luggage. The Best Packing Cubes  

Further reading

How to Sleep Well (or at Least Better) While Traveling

by Christine Ryan

Our sleep and travel editors recommend gear for coping with travel-induced insomnia, vetted through hours of testing and years of personal experience.

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Haley Perry

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

Road-Trip Essentials

by Eve O'Neill

We spend a lot of time driving each year, and this is our list of essential road-trip gear to include in your packing list.

Tools and Emergency Supplies to Keep in the Car for Winter Driving

by Rik Paul

Here are the essential—and nonessential—items to carry in your car during winter driving to ensure you get to your destination.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then   View saved stories .

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The Best Travel Accessories to Make Your Trip Easier

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Charge Ahead Nimble Champ (Series 2) Read more

Charge Everything at Once Mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charger With MagSafe Read more

Learn to Adapt Ceptics World International Travel Plug Adapter Read more

Tag, You’re It Artovida Neoprene Luggage Tag Read more

Travel isn’t always as luxurious as the brochures make it seem. Sure, the destination may be intoxicatingly gorgeous, but the journey to get there is often one of cramped seats and uninterrupted noise. Traveling can be a gauntlet to be endured or, if you equip yourself properly beforehand, a mere speed bump to glide over. From travel pillows and noise-canceling headphones to luggage trackers, it turns out you actually can purchase peace of mind. These are the best travel accessories after years of traveling and testing.

Don't forget to check out our Best Travel Bags and Best Travel Adapters guides for more recommendations.

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Charge Ahead

Don't count on always finding an outlet. You never know when the café or airport you’re in will be outlet-deficient, and it's almost a running joke at this point at how often the airliners' onboard outlets are broken. The Nimble Champ Series 2 is our top recommendation in our Best Portable Chargers guide because of the company's environmentally friendly efforts in its manufacturing and packaging . Its light at 6.2 ounces, and we recommend the medium-size 10,000-mAh option, which can recharge a smartphone several times. There's a smaller version and a larger one too.

Charge Everything at Once

For the Apple devotee who travels complete with an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, consider picking up this 3-in-1 charger that can top off the juice in all three of your devices at the same time. No more prioritizing which one of your devices gets the precious outlet. No wonder WIRED senior reviews editor Julian Chokkattu raved about it in our Best Apple 3-in-1 Chargers guide . It comes with a felt pouch, plus a charging adapter and cable. There are three pads, one with a grooved spot for holding AirPods, one magnetic pad for MagSafe iPhones, and another for the Apple Watch.

Learn to Adapt

When I'm traveling, there are never enough power outlets. WIRED reviewer Simon Hill gave this model top marks in his Best Travel Adapters guide because of how securely plugs stick into this outlet. It has enough built-in outlet styles to charge devices in 200 countries. It also offers three USB-A ports, which deliver a maximum charging rate of 15.5 watts, and two USB-C ports, which deliver up to 18 watts through one PD and one QC 3.0 port. That's enough to juice up iPads and smartphones, but stick to the outlet for your laptop.

Tag, You’re It

Any little thing that makes a bag stand out from the acres of look-alikes on the baggage carousel, the better. These come in a snazzy rotating collection of designs by select artists, and they attach surprisingly securely by slipping the larger end through the hole after looping it around a baggage handle. Even after tens of thousands of airline miles, mine have held up without wear or tear. Call me paranoid, but you should have two luggage tags, in case one gets torn off. Good thing these come in a two-pack.

Lauren Goode

Aarian Marshall

Benj Edwards, Ars Technica

Keeping Track

We have mixed thoughts on AirTags, but if you have an iPhone, they are among the best ways to keep a digital eye on your bags. These trackers utilize the sheer number of iPhones and Apple devices out there to regularly report their location back to your device. Even if you don't plan on checking your bag, you might end up having to gate-check it on crowded flights. Drop an AirTag into an interior pocket to make sure you and your luggage are reunited at your destination.

AirTags don't work with Android devices, so if you use an Android phone , our recommendation is the Chipolo One ($25) . We have more details about it in our Best Trackers guide , but the setup is simple, and you can even get alerts if you leave the house without it.

Catch Some Z’s

I've never been one to fall asleep on a plane. It's not that the audience bothers me—I'll never see these people again—but rather that it’s impossible to fall asleep in a near-vertical seat. The Travelrest ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) is the ultimate neck pillow because it remedied this problem. Thanks to its high, contoured sides and a flat back that keeps it square against the seat, I can reliably nod off on any flight. The Travelrest easily beats those rounded, doughnut-shaped neck pillows for comfort and support.

To Safeguard Your Electronics

Some countries have less reliable electrical infrastructure, and you never know how well-wired that discount hotel's outlets are. Protect your device from getting fried with this compact, one-outlet surge protector. It has a lifetime warranty and $5,000 of coverage if your device is damaged from a power surge while using it. I haven't had to test that aspect of it, but the two USB-A ports are convenient when I've had to charge earbuds, battery banks, and other accessories.

A Better Pillow

Hotel pillows tend to have all the firmness and support of a wet roll of toilet paper that's been stomped on for 30 minutes. That tends to mean that vacation memories are accompanied by a stiff neck. Side sleepers like me need a firm yet poofy pillow. I've caught more good nights of sleep on this Therm-a-Rest than I can count. It rolls up into an integrated pouch, and a cinch compresses it into the size of a large water bottle for storage.

Tip the Scales

A scale is handy to have when you're packing a heavy bag for an upcoming trip. Avoid those enormous surcharges and make sure your bag is under the airlines’ weight limits before you arrive at the check-in counter. International airlines are sticklers for carry-on weight, and even US airlines will be unforgiving about the weight of checked bags. I've used this scale for years, and I prefer the simplicity of not needing any batteries. It's accurate, easy to read the gauge, and the strap is strong enough in the long term to handle some seriously heavy luggage without fraying or breaking.

To Protect Your Laptop

Travel through enough airports without a case and it’s only a matter of time before a bare laptop or tablet picks up nasty scratches and dents. Protect your devices from banging around in the security bins against keys, phones, and belts with this slim laptop sleeve, available for laptops of several common sizes. The water-resistant zippers are smooth and slide easily, and the padded, non-scratch material protected our MacBooks from a few bouts of rough handling by over-eager TSA agents without any exterior damage. Even if you don't normally use one, consider picking one up just for travel. For tablets, check out the Zugu iPad Case for $50 . We have guides for choosing the best laptop backpacks and laptop totes , too.

Mosquito Guard

In much of the world, mosquitoes aren't just pests. They carry life-threatening diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Japanese encephalitis. Even in hotel rooms in certain places, you're not safe from them. When I traveled through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos last year, I brought this mosquito bed net with me. It's large enough for most two-person mattresses, and an elastic rim tucks underneath the mattress so that there are no gaps for critters to sneak through. The World Health Organization says a minimum of 156 holes per square inch are needed to keep mosquitoes out. This model has 500 tiny holes per square inch, making it that much more secure.

A Good Book, or 20

There's nothing like tackling a long ride on a train or plane with a good old book. But if you're a voracious reader or traveling on a long trip, a few books can take up a lot of room in your luggage. The Kindle Paperwhite's glare-resistant E Ink display is less harsh on your eyes than a typical tablet screen, so you can read for a long while before fatigue sets in ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). With 8 GB of storage, there's room for thousands of books. You can find more recommendations in our Best Kindles and Best Ebook Readers guides.

Top Up Your Devices

Not all USB cables are made equal. This Cable Matters cord came out on top in our testing (read more in our Best USB Cables guide ), thanks to its ability to handle 100 watts—enough to charge a power-hungry laptop. It also can transfer data at an impressive 40 Gbps. The 6.6-foot cable is an active cable too, which means it has a chip inside to push data further without degradation. It supports DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP Alt Mode), meaning you can use it to connect your laptop to a portable monitor, along with USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS), so that certain devices will fast charge through the cable. Seriously, it's the one USB-C cable to rule them all.

Maintain Your Sanity

Anyone who's spent time on public transportation knows that the cacophony of shouting, crying, and other people's loud devices can be maddening when you're stuck in your seat for the next few hours. The Sennheiser Adapt 660 ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) are our favorite value noise-canceling headphones . WIRED associate reviews editor Parker Hall says they are comfortable and one of the lightest headphones he's tested. You can count on excellent sound quality for up to 30 hours of usage.

For Compact Peace and Quiet

WIRED reviewer Simon Lucas praised these Bose earbuds as having hands-down the best noise-cancellation. It's the top pick in our Best Wireless Earbuds guide, though they are expensive. He says their “naturalistic, vivid sound” is untouched by any counter-signal or audio evidence that the noise cancellation is working to muffle unwanted background sounds. That means you can enjoy that movie or album without jet engines and passenger chatter disturbing your peace.

Whether you'd like to plug directly into the seatback entertainment system or just don't feel like juggling one more device that needs frequent charging, wired headphones are by no means obsolete. These nabbed the top spot in our Best Wired Headphones guide , thanks to the excellent sound quality of the two 7-mm, full-range dynamic drivers that deliver punchy, finely detailed audio at a reasonable price. WIRED associate reviews editor Parker Hall reports that they're comfortable and secure in his ears, and the detachable cable is braided for durability.

A Nice Travel Sling

You don't want to tote around a heavy bag when you're seeing the sights at your destination. Pack the small version of the Wandrd Roam ( 3 liters ) and you'll have plenty of space for a compact camera, a spare lens, cables, a phone, a wallet, and more. The YKK weather-resistant zippers ensure things will stay dry in the rain. Available in 3, 6, and 9 liters , you can size up if you feel like you want to carry a little bit more on your journey. Read more about it in our Best Camera Bags guide .

An All-Day Stash

Think past the journey to the destination and consider how you'll keep your devices, maps, snacks, and charging accessories handy when you're at your destination. The Tour is our best all-day waist pack and another great mini bag to consider aside from the Wandrd Roam. Thanks to pockets galore, WIRED editor Michael Calore says he can fit a change of clothes and a couple of ready-to-eat meals in there, with room to spare. Two water bottle pockets and a zippered phone pouch maintain the essentials, and when the pack gets too heavy, an included shoulder strap turns it into a sling.

Entertainment is awfully limited if you rely on the seatback video system of an airplane, and its absent on trains, most buses, and some low-cost carriers. If you're feeling particularly active and want something other than a book or movie, delve into any fantasy world of your choosing with the Nintendo Switch OLED ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu found the 7-inch OLED screen fantastic and the kickstand much-improved over the old model. It’s stable, secure, easy to pull out, and adjustable to a wide range of angles, and you can get that long gaming session in by propping it on your meal tray, no matter how far back the guy in front of you reclines his seat.

Bring Your Best Friend

More of us are taking our four-legged pals with us on our journeys these days, but the trials of travel are no easier on them than they are on us. WIRED senior reviews editor Julian Chokkattu loves this pet carrier for how stable and soft its base is. He says the straps are thicker than most competing bags, and they stayed on his shoulder securely. You can clip a leash to the built-in carabiner, and there's a small stash pocket for poo bags. The best part is how well-ventilated it is, and there are multiple ways to open the bag and check on your pet. It's compliant with most major airlines’ policies.

Make Yourself Understood

It's tough to learn a new language, especially if it's just for a vacation booked a few months in advance. But you really should know the basics of conversation to be a good guest. WIRED contributor Christopher Null reviewed the Pocketalk Plus Voice Translator ( 7/10, WIRED Review ), which translates conversations between different languages in real time. He praised how reasonably quickly it provided translations, its intuitive interface, and the number of supported languages. This kind of device makes sense only if you're traveling to multiple destinations in a year. Otherwise, you can probably get by with Google Translate.

If you want to work toward learning a new language yourself, check out our Best Language Learning Apps guide .

Connect the Unconnected

Love your wireless earbuds but hate that you can't connect them to the screen embedded in the airplane seat in front of you? The AirFly is a Bluetooth adapter that plugs into a standard headphone jack and connects to your wireless buds. I used the AirFly SE model, and I found no noticeable change in audio quality, at least from a few feet away when I took it on a flight. You get volume control buttons so you don't have to tap on the screen, and a double-tap mutes the audio too. Twelve South claims 20 hours of battery life, and although battery life can differ based on usage, it felt like a pretty accurate estimate in my experience watching movies and listening to music on the plane.

For Chilly Flights and Nights

You can't count on your hotel being as warm as you might like, and don't get me started on how cold they keep airplane cabins. Forget the scratchy blankets they sell on board and bring this lightweight, packable travel blanket if you're prone to the chills. I like how my feet fit in the “leg pockets,” my hands in the hand warmers, and how securely it stays around my neck with the button snap. The zippered pocket was perfectly sized for my AirPod case and for at least a few of those free snacks I felt like saving for later. It's also a great blanket to bring for road trips, in case you plan on sleeping in the car.

Don't Forget the Toothpaste

Consider this alternative to conventional toothpaste, especially if you find yourself butting up against the TSA's 3-1-1 rule . WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano enjoyed these toothpaste tablets while she was running tests for her Best Electric Toothbrushes guide. You just bite down on them and start brushing. You also get bonus points for reducing the amount of plastic waste you'd otherwise generate via toothpaste tubes—the packaging here is all glass bottles and compostable pouches.

Stay Hydrated

Travel, especially air travel, puts you in a bit of a bind when it comes to cutting down on your usage of single-use plastics. While you can't show up at the airport with your own drinks, you can do your part after you've passed through security. In my search for the best travel mugs , this Hydro Flask Coffee Mug came out on top. It's insulated, so it'll keep your coffee warm for longer than any flight. It's narrow enough to fit any cupholder, and no matter how much I banged it around, the tough powder-coated metal showed neither a scratch nor a dent. Unlike many water bottle manufacturers who use lead in their bottle construction , Hydro Flask has been lead-free since 2013.

Get Steamed

Hotels often have an iron and ironing board available, but I find it quicker and easier to steam my clothes. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano and I both have been using Urpowers for years. For a tiny thing, it's powerful and effective at steaming practically anything in a minute or two. You just need to refill it often; one reservior is enough for one or two garments, at most. If you're going to another state or country for an important event, like a wedding, this is a must-have.

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The best travel accessories to pack on every trip

By Madison Flager

Packing lists will vary based on where you're going and how long you're travelling for, but the best travel accessories can improve every trip. From tech gadgets to keep your electronics powered up and luggage accessories that ensure you're not hit with an overweight baggage charge, having the right gear means a smoother journey, every time. Below, we've rounded up 27 essential items to pack inside your carry-on bag , weekender , or checked luggage . Consider these the travel gear staples to bring on your next trip – and all your future holidays after that.

• A trusted tote
• A travel wash bag
• Packing cubes
• Jewellery case
• Reusable travel bottles
• Hydrating skincare products
• A portable charger
• A power adapter
• A luggage scale
• A way to find your luggage
• An e-reader
• A portable fan
• A portable steamer
• An eye mask
• A neck pillow
• A shawl or blanket
• Hand sanitiser and wipes
• A reusable water bottle
• Snack containers
• A passport holder
• A back-up travel bag
• An umbrella

1. A trusted tote

A tote bag is the ideal personal item. It's roomy enough to store all your odds and ends, and everything you'd want with you during a flight, and is usually pretty pliable, meaning you can squeeze it under the seat without taking up all of your foot room. Look for one with comfortable shoulder straps, should you overload it with snacks. A trolley sleeve is a nice feature, too, so you can slide it over your suitcase while cruising through the airport.

2. A travel wash bag

A travel wash bag is key to staying organised — and avoiding spills in your luggage. We like these options from Away and Bagsmart for their water-resistant materials and ample space for your toothbrush and toothpaste, razor, soaps, and more. A hanging bag, like those below, also allows you to keep items tidy and off the bathroom counter.

3. Packing cubes

Don't underestimate the power of a good packing cube . Articles director Lale Arikoglu has waxed poetic about her love of Paravel's packing cubes (other editors are fans of Away's set ), which come in a range of sizes to store everything from bathing suits and socks to T-shirts.

4. Jewellery case

A rule to live by: never check your valuables, especially jewellery. Keep necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings safe and neatly organised inside a jewellery case. We like Monica Vinader's for smaller accessories; if you're packing sunglasses and watches, you'll want something slightly bigger, like this Smythson option.

5. Reusable travel bottles

Rather than buy plastic travel-sized toiletries , get yourself a set of leakproof travel bottles that allow you to bring your at-home favourites on the go. They're great for storing toiletries and beauty products, and tubs can also be used to keep small items like jewellery or vitamins.

6. Hydrating skincare products

Even if you're not the type of person with a multi-step in-flight skincare routine , a few basics can go a long way in keeping your skin happy and healthy after a long day of travel. Since hand sanitiser remains a travel essential, a hand balm to apply once or twice a day is equally important to keep them moisturised. Aesop's smells incredible, and will last for several trips to come — a little bit of the thick, creamy balm goes a long way. Don't forget a hydrating lip balm, either.

7. A portable charger

There's nothing like a dead battery to slow down a trip. Keep all your accessories charged up with a power bank — Anker is our favourite, but iWalk's mini charger is a great option if you're short on space.

8. A power adapter

For international travel, a power adapter is a must to make sure you can get devices charged up in the airport and your hotel room. Apple's World Travel Adapter Kit comes with seven AC plugs with prongs that fit into different electrical outlets around the world, and each one is labelled with the regions they are compatible with. (As for compatibility, it works with Apple USB-C power adapters; MagSafe and MagSafe 2 power adapters; 10W, 12W, 30 and 35W USB ports; and portable power adapters.) We also recommend this Bluetooth converter , which lets you use your regular cordless earbuds to watch a movie in flight.

9. Headphones

Whether the plan is to listen to music, watch a movie, or just drown out noisy neighbours, most of us won't board a plane without headphones. Make sure you have your go-to on hand, plus a pair of corded earbuds (if you don't have one of these Bluetooth adapters ).

10. A luggage scale

Give yourself some added peace of mind with a digital luggage scale; it’ll let you know how much damage your souvenirs did before arriving at the check-in counter on the way home.

11. A way to find your luggage

Speaking of luggage, the Tile Pro and Apple AirTags can help locate lost bags (or wallets, or keys, depending on what you attach it to). In fact, a luggage tracker is one of the items contributor Harrison Pierce wishes he had when he began travelling full-time .

12. An e-reader

Even travellers with a library full of books at home have to admit it: E-readers are an essential travel accessory for bookworms . They are so much lighter than even one paperback book, and let you bring as many options as you want along for the ride.

13. A portable fan

If you're headed somewhere warm, or just tend to run hot, do yourself a favour and pack a portable fan. Whether you choose a handheld option or one you can wrap around your neck, it'll give you the breeze you need whether you're in the back of a crowded bus or van, standing in line at Disneyland, or kicking back in a beach chair .

14. A portable steamer

If you're travelling to a wedding or heading out on a business trip, you may want to bring a portable steamer along to make sure your formalwear looks its best after you take it out of your suitcase. Traveller contributor Erinne Magee put nine travel steamers to the test to find out which ones are the best options for travellers — below are two of her favourites.

15. A tech kit

All of those tech items mean you're going to have plenty of charging cubes and cables to keep track of. Save space in your backpack — and save yourself the headache of digging through your bag — by keeping everything wrapped up in a tech kit like the ones below.

16. An eye mask

For a comfortable journey at 30,000 feet — especially one where you hope to get some shut-eye —an eye mask is crucial. For more help sleeping, try the Bluetooth sleep headband recommended by US contributor Iona Brannon, which lets you listen to music or white noise without anything in or around your ears; in a pinch it can even double as an eye mask, she says.

17. A neck pillow

Another comfort essential: a travel pillow . It can take some time to find the style you like best, and your pick might vary depending on whether you're in-flight or in a car. Two we like: The classic memory foam wraparound neck pillow, which can be tightened or loosened per your preference, and the innovative fleecy neck wrap recommended by commerce writer Charley Ward .

18. Cosy socks

We love a good pair of compression socks to fight that pins-and-needles feeling that comes from sitting still for too long, be it on a long-haul flight  or a road trip . For those who prefer a cosier option, we recommend socks from Barefoot Dreams .

19. Earplugs

When you need some peace and quiet, swap your noise-cancelling headphones in for earplugs. This set comes with multiple sizes, so you can find the right fit, and share with any family members you're travelling with.

20. A shawl or blanket

For those who run cold, an oversized scarf will get plenty of use in transit, and can even double as a blanket. Opt for a quality material you can pack for years to come, like cashmere.

21. Hand sanitiser and wipes

As for general wellness, hand sanitiser is a must — buy a set and drop one in all your most-used totes and sling bags so you're never without. Some biodegradable wipes are nice to have on hand too, especially if you're travelling with little ones .

22. A reusable water bottle

Rounding out our collection of the best travel accessories are some odds and ends, like a good reusable water bottle, so you can stop buying overpriced bottles at the airport (and be kinder to the environment).

23. Snack containers

If overpriced airport snacks aren't your jam, come prepared by filling reusable Stasher bags with popcorn, crackers, fruit, or whatever else you'd like in-flight before you leave your house. A reusable utensil set is another nice-to-have travel accessory that'll allow you to turn down the plastic cutlery you might be handed in the airport or elsewhere on the road. The spoon and chopsticks are particularly TSA-friendly (while utensils are technically allowed through security , it's at the discretion of the agent if they'll let plastic knives or forks).

24. A passport holder

Also handy: a high-quality passport holder (bonus points if it has space to hold your credit cards) to keep your most important document protected. Aspinal's can be personalised with your initials for an added £20.

25. A back-up travel bag

For trips where you plan to shop, something lightweight, like Paravel's Fold-Up Bag or Baggu's Cloud Bag , is a smart addition to your packing list. Stuff it with souvenirs on your way home, or use it for overnight or weekend trips within a longer holiday.

26. A travel umbrella

Depending on your destination, a travel-size umbrella might be worth the space in your luggage. And if you're driving, tossing one in the backseat is a no-brainer. Contributor Claire Volkman tested out around a dozen options on our US sister site to determine which are the sturdiest and most compact. Shop two of her favourites, both available in the UK, below.

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The Best Travel Accessories, Reviewed By Our Editors

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No matter the destination, the best travel accessories can make your next getaway more comfortable and enjoyable. Traveling, after all, can do a number on the body, both physically and emotionally, but the right gear helps you arrive at your final destination feeling relaxed and refreshed. After careful review, our top picks— including this tech kit and these noise-cancelling earbuds —keep you organized on long-haul or multi-destination trips that involve planes, trains and automobiles.

The best travel accessories can make your next trip as seamless as possible.

To narrow down options, we read countless travel product reviews and evaluated options from both established and newer-to-market brands. We also tapped into our expertise as globetrotters and frequent flyers who have traveled far and wide. Below, the best travel accessories to stock up on, and for more options, check out our guides to the best packing cubes and the best luggage .

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The 9 best golf drivers that maximize every tee shot in 2024, best travel accessories, at a glance.

• Best Travel Blanket: Gravel Layover Travel Blanket
• Best Cord Organizer : Bellroy Tech Kit
• Best Toiletry Kit: Dagne Dover Seoul Dopp Kit
• Best Compression Socks: Bombas Everyday Compression Socks
• Best Travel Water Bottle: Stainless Steel Memobottle
• Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
• Best Packing Cubes: Away Packing Cubes
• Best Luggage Tracker: Apple AirTag
• Best Travel Backpack: Monos Metro Backpack
• Best Travel Tote: Cuyana System Tote

Best Travel Blankets

A travel blanket that packs down and rolls up is handy when the temperatures fluctuate on a flight or in your hotel room. The best travel blankets are lightweight, easy to pack and machine washable for quick cleaning.

Wearable Blanket That's Insulated

Gravel layover travel blanket.

There’s a high probability that your flight’s air conditioning will rival the temperatures found in the Arctic. To stave off shivers, opt for a lightweight travel blanket that keeps you covered and cozy. Gravel’s top-rated blanket has an insulated core, kangaroo pockets to slip your hands into and a spill-proof nylon backing. It also folds up into an easy-to-transport bag that can double as a pillow during long plane or bus rides. As a bonus, it’s made from recycled materials and backed by a lifetime warranty, so it’s a purchase you can feel good about.

Soft, Plush Packable Option

Unhide lil marsh traveler.

UnHide Lil Marsh Traveler is incredibly soft and comfortable, and it provides warmth without feeling too bulky or cumbersome. This pick is machine-washable and crafted from 300 GSM polyester (GSM refers to grams per square meter; a higher number denotes a more durable and warmer fabric). For more of our favorite blankets, check out our roundup of the best travel blankets .

The 2024 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.

Best Cord Organizers

To prevent your cables and chargers from becoming a tangled mess in your backpack or luggage, go for a cord organizer. The best options have separate compartments and a sturdy shell or case to prevent electronics from being crushed en-route.

Kit With Plenty Of Pockets

Bellroy tech kit.

If you’re the type of traveler who packs practically every electronic device that you own, the Bellroy Tech Kit is for you. It organizes your wires, chargers and batteries with magnetic slip and mesh pockets, as well as elastic cable loops to keep your devices safe, protected and secure. This is a bag you’ll not only toss into your carry-on, but also your everyday handbag, too.

Compact And Lightweight Organizer

Fyy travel cable organizer.

For a budget-friendly option that clocks in under $15, this compact cord organizer has two zippered compartments that open up to reveal smaller mesh pockets for all of your cords, cables and memory cards. Smaller pockets can fit things like batteries or Apple AirTags. This bag comes in multiple colors that make it easy to identify in the bottom of your bag and the wrist strap is a handy feature. For longer journeys, the medium size offers extra storage space.

Best Toiletry Bags

Toiletry bags and dopp kits keep grooming supplies in one place and protect other items in your luggage from spills or leaks. (There’s nothing worse than realizing your shampoo leaked mid-flight and soaked into your clothing.) The best options are durable, spacious, water-resistant and stylish.

Roomy Pick With Plenty Of Pockets

Away the hanging toiletry bag.

Away’s hanging toiletry bag provides see-through compartments to organize your favorite beauty products and grooming tools—and it also unfolds and hangs for quick and easy access. Thanks to its nylon-coated, spill-proof interior, it’s not a disaster if something cracks or explodes along the way.

Compact Bag For All Of The Essentials

Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover Seoul Dopp Kit

Although Dagne Dover is known for its totes, backpacks and duffles, the brand has an impressive assortment of smaller travel accessories, including the Seoul Dopp Kit. The spacious interior compartment keeps personal items in the same place and the recycled polyester lining is easy to wipe clean. Other thoughtful features include a separate toothbrush compartment and a hook for hanging this on a door or towel rack. It’s available in four colors and a larger size.

Best Compression Socks

Compression socks can help with leg fatigue and discomfort during travel by increasing circulation in the legs. These specially-designed socks hug the lower leg and have a bit of stretch so they can be pulled on easily. Look for options that are comfortable, breathable and offer targeted compression.

Relieve Aches And Pains On Long Flights

Bombas everyday compression socks.

Perfect for long flights to relieve aches and pains and stimulate blood flow, Bombas’ compression sock are as stylish as they are functional. Available in a handful of neutral colors and prints, they’re made from extra-long staple cotton to keep calves and feet warm and supported. Also, as part of Bombas’ mission to give back, a pair of socks is donated for every pair purchased.

Budget-Friendly Pair You Can Stock Up On

Go2socks compression socks.

With firm compression and durable nylon construction, these socks are a low-cost but effective for travel. The elasticized fabric hugs the lower legs, so putting them on might require some effort, but they’re comfortable once they’re on your legs. Users appreciate the bright color options (there are a few patterns to choose from as well) and say they hold up well to frequent use. For more options, check out our guide to the best compression socks .

Best Travel Water Bottles

Staying hydrated has numerous benefits, but when you’re traveling, it can help with jet lag and keep you alert and active. The best water bottles for travel are easy to refill, durable, leakproof and insulating.

Lightweight, Stainless Steel Option

Stainless steel memobottle.

Hydration can make or break your health, but nothing is more cumbersome than an oversized water bottle that can’t fit in your travel bag. Enter Slim’s stainless steel Memobottle: With a minimalist design and slim water container, this flask-like pick slides into practically any space, including backpacks, briefcases, carry-on bags, purses and even side pockets.

Leakproof To Prevent Spills On The Go

Hydro flask standard mouth water bottle.

This 24-ounce water bottle is another great option that’s easy to throw in your luggage or slip into a side compartment on your travel bag. The 18/8 stainless steel construction keeps beverages cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours and won’t alter the taste of your water. It’s dishwasher safe, and the leakproof lid prevents spills in transit.

Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Whether you’re on a noisy plane, immersing yourself in a museum exhibit or simply want to tune out the sounds of other tourists, a pair of noise-canceling headphones or earbuds is a must. The best options have a robust battery life, touch-based controls that easily adjust volume or answer calls and a secure fit.

Earbuds With Crystal Clear Sound

Bose quietcomfort earbuds ii.

Bose’s earbuds do an excellent job of both blocking outside sounds and playing crystal-clear music. The case also comes with three sizes of ear tips to accommodate your ear shape and every play option, from bass to treble levels, can be custom-tailored through Bose’s easy-to-use app. Our favorite feature is its ActiveSense technology that automatically adjusts the volume level according to your surroundings.

Sleek Pick With Memory Foam Padding

Bowers & wilkins px7 s2.

If you prefer over-ear headphones to earbuds, these Bowers & Wilkins offer some of the best sound, comfort and noise cancellation. Even when you’re not playing music, the noise-cancellation feature works so you can slip them on to focus while reading at the airport or sending emails. A full charge gives you 30 hours of battery life, which is ideal for long flights and road trips, and the memory foam padding on the ear cups prevents irritation. We also like the compact hard-shell case that zippers shut to keep your headphones and charging cable safe.

Best Neck Pillows

If you plan to sleep on your flight or prevent neck pain in transit, the best neck pillows keep your head in proper alignment with your spine while also being cozy and soft.

Scarf-Like Pillow That's Soft And Breathable

Trtl travel pillow.

Not all neck pillows are created equal and Trtl’s take is lightyears beyond the common foam crescents that can sometimes do more harm than good. Designed to look like a scarf, it’s much more supportive than most U-shaped pillows. Simply loop and wrap it around your neck and adjust the fit so it rests underneath your jaw and shoulder. Trtl’s inner material is machine-washable and its fabric is breathable and cooling to the touch.

Memory Foam Option With Plenty Of Support

Ostrichpillow go neck pillow.

If you’re a frequent traveler, the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow is worth the splurge for its 360-degree memory foam neck support. The velcro closure allows you to customize how tight (or loose) it fits around your neck, and it can be worn with the closure facing frontward or backward. When it’s not being used, it compresses down to 60% of its size to fit in the included travel bag. Or, you can wrap it around the handle of your luggage. For more expert-backed recommendations, read our guide to the best neck pillows .

Best Packing Cubes

Packing cubes maximize the space in your luggage and keep your garments wrinkle-free, protected and organized. You can group items by type of clothing (for example, keep all t-shirts together in one cube) or by outfit. Look for lightweight, flexible options with sturdy zippers that hold up to frequent use.

A Must-Have For Over Packers

July packing cells.

Packing cubes not only make for easy storage and organization, but they also help to limit the amount of clothing and personal items you bring on a trip. If you’re a notorious over packer, these zippable compartments are an essential. Available in a set of four sizes with mesh tops and side carry handles, these lightweight space savers hold anything and everything, from underwear and shoes to jeans and an entire three-piece suit. They’re also 100% stain proof and machine washable.

Set Of Six Cubes That's Ideal For Long Journeys

Away packing cubes (6-piece).

This set of six packing cubes keeps things organized and secure in your suitcase and looks good while doing it. The variety of sizes, ranging from 6.9 x 4.1 x 4.3 inches to 17 x 4.1 x 12.8, is ideal for longer trips requiring more items. The durable nylon is water resistant, and the mesh tops let you to see what’s inside quickly. If you’re packing for a shorter weekend trip, opt for the four-piece set instead. Looking for more options? Check out our list of the best packing cubes .

Best Luggage Trackers

The best luggage trackers help you stay on top of your belongings when you’re on the go and can emit an alarm or tone when you need to locate a lost bag. The best options are lightweight, compact and easy to set up.

Smart And Handy Option

Apple airtag.

Using a luggage tracker can give you peace of mind by ensuring your bags make it from one destination to the next. The Apple AirTag is an excellent option that earns top marks for its easy setup, accuracy and sleek design. Simply pull the security tag to set it up, and it automatically pairs with your iPhone. (It doesn’t require a paid subscription or a separate app since it integrates into the Find My app on all Apple phones and devices.) You can also customize the notifications and trigger a sound should you need help locating a lost item.

Pick That's iOS And Android Compatible

The Tile Pro is compatible with iOS and Android and has a loud alarm that makes it easy to locate lost luggage. It’s slightly bigger than the Apple AirTag but easily slips into a backpack, suitcase or small bag. Other helpful features include an integrated keychain hole, a replaceable battery and waterproof construction. The free version of the app allows you to track your luggage on a map and view past locations, but you have to pay a monthly fee to access more premium features. For more options, check out our list of the best luggage trackers .

Best Travel Jewelry Cases

Keep necklaces, bracelets and other valuables protected and tangle-free: These compact cases have small compartments for your items that can often be rearranged or removed for extra storage space.

A Compact And Stylish Organizer

Mark & Graham

Mark & Graham Small Travel Jewelry Case

Rather than tossing necklaces, bracelets and earrings into a bag, Mark & Graham’s travel jewelry case has separate compartments to keep your precious items tangle-free and unscratched. This pick can also be monogrammed and the pebbled vegan leather interior features a built-in mirror.

Oval Case With Removable Compartments

Monos travel jewelry case.

The Monos Travel Jewelry Case is another sleek option with a customizable interior. The oval case measures 5.6 x 2 x 3.4 inches and has an earring panel, ring tray and small leather pouch that can all be removed to accommodate larger pieces. With ultra-microfibre vegan leather and buttery microfibre suede lining, this luxurious case keeps all of your essential pieces safely tucked away during your travels. For more options, check out our review of the best travel jewelry cases .

Best Power Adapters

If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll want to pack a power adapter so you can easily charge your gadgets—just be sure to check each device’s voltage listing.

Pick That Can Charge Up To Five Different Devices

Oneworld100 international adapter with charger.

Another country, another unfamiliar outlet. Not only does the OneWorld100 adapter charge up to five devices simultaneously (two for larger ones like a MacBook Pro), it’s also compatible in over 200 countries. But one feature that makes a significant difference is its over-current, over-temperature and fuse protector so that you don’t accidentally start a fire if left unsupervised. This is precisely the peace of mind needed when traveling.

Affordable And Sturdy Option

Epicka universal travel adapter.

This universal travel adapter is hard to beat at under $25. It contains four different plugs, which should cover you in most countries, and its compact size makes it easy to pack. It has four USB-A ports, one USB-C port and one AC socket for charging up to six devices at once. Users say it’s a sturdy and reliable pick that makes international travel much less of a hassle.

Best Portable Steamers

Packing a travel steamer can keep your garments smooth and wrinkle-free while you’re on the go. The best travel steamer are compact, lightweight and powerful enough for different types of fabrics, such as wool and denim.

Pick That Heats Up Quickly And Zaps Wrinkles

Conair turbo extremesteam.

The greatest threat to your clothing, other than snags and stains, is wrinkles. More delicate fabrics like silk or linen are especially vulnerable. This portable steamer from Conair has a compact water tank that emits 15 minutes of continuous steam and the device only takes 40 seconds to heat up. A built-in creaser also forms perfect pleats and folds so that pants and skirts maintain that straight-from-the-dry-cleaner look during your stay.

Large Water Tank Gives You Extended Runtime

Electrolux portable handheld steamer.

The Forbes Vetted team dubbed this model our top value pick in our roundup of the best clothing steamers . Beyond its affordable price, this model can hold a surprising amount of water (10 ounces or 300 milliliters) and heats up in seconds. The continuous steam allows you to tackle multiple garments in one session, and it’s safe to use on a wide range of fabrics. The 12-foot cord also lets you move about while steaming your items—or reach an outlet across the room.

Best Backpacks For Travel

The best travel backpacks hold your essentials with lightweight and durable materials like nylon, polyester or leather, and plenty of interior pockets for organization.

Sleek Option With Helpful Compartments

Monos metro backpack.

Outfitted with a separate shoe compartment, smaller interior pockets and a 15-inch laptop sleeve, this sleek backpack keeps you well-organized and ready for anything. The roomy main compartment can fit clothing, books and other travel essentials, while the included pouch is perfect for smaller odds and ends. Choose from water-resistant nylon or vegan leather.

Highly Durable And Rugged Pick

Cotopaxi allpa travel pack.

Another Forbes Vetted favorite is the Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack. Unlike traditional backpacks, it opens like a suitcase and has multiple zippered pockets inside to keep your belongings organized. There’s also a padded laptop sleeve and removable waist belt to prevent back strain. Plus, the nylon and polyester construction is extremely durable and easy to wipe clean. For other options, check out our roundup of the best carry-on backpacks .

Best Travel Totes

A travel tote is an excellent way to corral all your belongings and keep them easily organized. The best options are lightweight, durable, spacious and stylish.

Well-Crafted Bag That's Fully Customizable

Cuyana system tote.

For a versatile travel bag that also functions as a daily work tote, Cuyana’s System Tote is crafted from pebbled leather or croco leather and comes in two size options: 13-inch and 16-inch. The interior is fully customizable so you can create a setup that works for you; popular add-on accessories range from a small zippered pouch to a 13-inch laptop sleeve. Just keep in mind that extra pieces are not included in the price of the bag.

Expandable Design That's Ultra-Lightweight

Calpak luka expandable laptop tote.

If you’re a chronic overpacker, an expandable tote allows you to pack additional items without overfilling your bag. This soft, polyester bag expands up to four inches, giving you added flexibility when packing. Users appreciate the thoughtful internal compartments, padded shoulder straps and luggage sleeve for seamless airport travel. What’s more, the fun colors allow you to match this bag to your luggage. If you want to explore other options, check out our list of the best travel totes .

More Travel Stories To Shop

• Best Carry-On Luggage
• Best Travel Shoes For Women
• Best Travel Shoes For Men
• Best Passport Holders

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Rest, Play, and Relax With the 30 Best Travel Accessories [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

781 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

34 Published Articles 3164 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

1. Travel Organizer

2. passport holder, 3. power bank, 4. neck pillow, 5. sleeping mask, 6. earplugs, 8. compression socks, 9. hand sanitizer, 10. travel adapter, 11. travel converter, 12. luggage tags, 13. money belt, 14. electronics organizer, 15. travel-size bottles, 16. toiletry bag, 17. travel hairdryer, 18. jewelry organizer, 19. travel laundry bag, 20. packing cubes, 21. travel towel, 22. daypack, 23. water bottle, 24. bug spray, 25. tsa-approved lock, 26. first aid kit, 27. luggage scale, 28. portable safe, 29. footrest, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

The trick to really enjoying every trip is being able to take control of your own well-being from the outset.

From keeping your important documents neatly organized in transit to finding accessories that will make your life so much easier while you are away, there are lots of awesome bits of gear out there that will help you to rest, play, and relax a little more easily on the go.

The Best Travel Accessories

Keep your passport, cards, and cash all in 1 place with a handy and secure travel organizer . Compact and slim, they offer practical and well-thought-out storage space throughout.

Made from tough and durable material, a travel organizer features oversized slots to keep your passport, boarding pass, and travel documents neatly organized, as well as cardholders and zippered compartments.

A good travel organizer will not only keep your most important items close at hand, but it will also keep your cards and data safe from theft or fraud by offering RFID-blocking linings . Make it easier to access your passport, cards, and other essentials on the go by investing in a dedicated travel organizer for your next trip.

Protect your most important travel document with a dedicated passport holder . Designed to help protect your passport from the wear and tear of regular travel , these holders come in a huge variety of styles and designs to make them easy to find in your bag.

Not only does a passport holder offer protection for your passport, but they can also offer additional storage space that lets you keep your boarding pass, tickets, and even your credit card close at hand.

Made from durable materials, a passport holder will last you through many adventures to come, and for super style-conscious travelers, you can even buy passport holders that match the style and design of your travel bag or carry-on.

With more and more backpacks and carry-on cases now offering USB charging ports as standard, a portable power bank is fast becoming a must-have accessory for tech-loving travelers.

Small, lightweight, and easy to use, a power bank will give you the extra charging power you need to give your phone or tablet a reliable power source on the move. Simply charge your power bank using a USB before leaving home to deliver anything between 1 and 4 full charges in transit .

Compact and highly capable, you can find power banks that are as slim as a credit card for emergency top-ups or invest in a slightly larger model that lets your phone, camera , or tablet charge up as you travel.

Bottom Line: These super-useful little packs of power can also be used to charge your phone while you are out sightseeing, chilling back at your hotel, or simply for portable charging back at home.

Avoid a stiff neck and enjoy a more comfortable sleep with a dedicated neck pillow . Made with memory foam or beaded interiors and soft and washable covers, these ergonomic and easy-to-carry portable pillows will help to support your head and neck while you snooze, read, or relax.

Designed to help relieve pressure points , these travel pillows are perfect for use on long flights or road trips, and the lightweight design makes them super easy to attach to your luggage or slip inside their own compact carry case. With lots of colors and designs to choose from, it’s easy to find the right travel pillow to keep you feeling comfortable no matter how long your journey is.

Another great way to stay comfortable and relaxed in transit is by adding a sleep mask to your travel kit.

Designed to shut the world away, these easy-to-wear face masks completely cover the eye area to help you regulate your sleeping pattern. Keep bright light to a minimum and recreate a relaxing nighttime vibe, even in the middle of the day, while also helping to alleviate jet lag as you travel across different time zones.

Available in a variety of different styles and made from a wide range of materials, your eye mask needs to be thick enough to keep the light out while still feeling lightweight enough to avoid putting any pressure on your eyelids.

Earplugs are another great addition to your travel kit, and there are many different types to choose from. Wearing earplugs while you fly can help to relieve the discomfort associated with the air pressure changes that you can experience during the flight.

They also help reduce noise levels, which can offer you more peace and quiet to help you enjoy a much-needed sleep along the way. If the discomfort of “popping” in your ears while you take off and land is really uncomfortable for you, filter earplugs can equalize the pressure against your eardrum to help reduce the pain.

Easy to use and incredibly portable, there are earplugs out there to suit all ages, preferences, and budgets.

Traveling can feel like a dirty business, and sometimes it’s nice to be able to just freshen up on the go. Face and hand wipes can make you feel clean and fresh again after a long flight, are compact to carry, and are super easy to use and dispose of.

Without the need for access to water, you can carry handy packs of wipes with you on the plane to clean your hands before and after you eat or to freshen up before you land. Made from skin-friendly formulations with fresh, natural scents , a pack of hand and face wipes is a must-have for every travel bag.

These specially designed, tight-fitting, knee-high socks are designed to help reduce the risk of developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis) while you are flying.

If you are likely to be in the air for more than 5 hours at a time, investing in a pair of compression socks can help to not only mitigate the risk of DVT in pressurized cabins , they can also be used when back at home as well.

Perfect for use by men and women, compression socks can reduce the pain and discomfort of swollen legs that can be caused by a lack of movement, help with the pain of swollen legs, and even aid with faster recovery after exercise and surgery.

A little bottle of hand gel, foam, or spray makes light work of staying clean and hygienic. Easy to use and available everywhere, hand sanitizer is a must-have item for your travel bag.

Perfect for use when you have no easy access to water or just want to keep clean without leaving your seat, these specially formulated hand sanitizers contain at least 60% alcohol and have been designed to kill many viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms on the hands .

Quick and effective, you only need to rub the sanitizer together on your hands until they are dry for a quick clean-up. A bottle, a pump, or a spray sanitizer should be a priority item for frequent travelers.

Hot Tip: Due to COVID-19, hand sanitizer containers of up to 12 ounces are now allowed through TSA. Learn more about nearly 500 items you can and cannot bring through TSA Security in our detailed guide.

Wherever you are headed, you will probably still want to keep in touch with the folks back at home. Depending on your destination, you may need to take a dedicated travel adapter away with you .

With a range of different plug styles available, you can power your phone, laptop, tablet devices, hairdryers, and other electronics with ease, provided you choose the right type of travel adapter.

Designed to work with different voltages, you may find that a simple travel adapter or plug-to-plug adaptation is all you need, but in some cases, it may not be enough to safely power your personal devices. If this is the case, you will need to invest in a travel power converter, too.

Not only do different countries and continents favor different-shaped power sockets, but in many cases, they also have a different range of electrical voltages charging through their wires. In the U.S., for example, power runs on 110-120 volts, whereas many other countries run at 220-240 volts .

The higher the voltage, the more at risk your appliances are from frying, so it is important that your converter makes them safe to use. There are many dual and multi-voltage appliances and converters out there, so carefully research before you buy.

Make your suitcase super easy to identify with a personalized luggage tag . From simple leather fobs through to brightly colored, witty, and whimsical patterns and slogans, your luggage tag offers a personalized appearance that is easy to identify at the reclaim bay .

What’s more, these tags can also be used to make a record of your personal information, so should your cases or bags go astray, they can easily find their way back to you.

Without a luggage tag, it is very easy for bags to be the innocent victims of mistaken identity, and before you know it, your personal effects could have made it home with somebody else! Be kind to your luggage, and keep it close with its very own luggage tag.

Keep your cash close at hand as you go with a tight-fitting, super-secure money belt . With some designed to weave their way through your belt loops, these super discreet storage belts offer just enough room to keep your notes and cards safe from would-be pickpockets.

Made from tough and durable materials, they function well as a regular belt, and with modern-day criminals not just looking for cash, some of these belts even come with RFID-blocking protection built into the fabric of the belt that will protect your cards from being cloned while you roam.

Bottom Line: Stylish, practical, and easy to use, a money belt is an excellent choice for busy airports and crowded tourist destinations.

Long journeys can fly by with the help of your laptop, cell phone, tablet, or other electronic devices to keep you amused.

With more and more travelers taking a wide range of devices away with them, including cameras and GoPros, keeping your charging cables, power cables, and other accessories neatly organized is more important than ever.

An electronics organizer offers plenty of mesh and zippered compartments, storage loops, and dedicated pockets to keep your cables, SD cards, USBs, adapters, and other accessories easy to find and nice and safe.

Compact enough to keep close at hand in your carry-on, a well-designed electronics organizer will allow you to shoot, play, and stay entertained wherever you are headed.

Stay on the right side of the TSA travel restrictions by investing in a set of travel-size bottles . Designed to fully comply with the TSA 3-1-1 rule , you can purchase specially-made sets that allow you to carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. These containers can fit in a 1-quart-size bag that complies with the U.S. carry-on rules, making it easy to breeze through security without being stopped along the way. Suitable for use on both domestic and international carriers, these TSA-approved travel bottles will quickly become one of your most trusted travel items.

Enjoy a few home comforts even while you are away by taking your favorite shower gel, shampoo, and other cosmetics and toiletries with you.

Whether you choose to take full-size products or decant your best-loved lotions and potions into smaller containers, these toiletry bags come with waterproof, wipeable linings and lots of zippered compartments to help you keep your toiletries well-organized.

Some come with hangers that let you easily see and access all of your products in the bathroom, and others are sizable enough to let you carry brushes and other cosmetic items with you, too.

If you don’t want to leave your crowning glory to the mercy of a hotel hairdryer, take your own hairdryer away with you. More compact than your regular full-size dryer, there are plenty of small yet incredibly powerful travel hairdryers that offer superior performance in a smaller package.

Choose from foldable models or those with reduced dimensions , and look for dryers that come complete with diffuser and nozzle attachments for even greater versatility.

Offering high-end features such as ionic technology, multiple heat and speed settings, and even a cool shot button to fix your style, these portable appliances won’t take up too much room in your suitcase. Remember, you may need a travel adapter/converter to use your dryer, so check the voltage details before going.

Get dressed up and glow with your very best bling kept carefully tucked away in your travel-size jewelry organizer .

Made with protective exteriors, these reduced-sized jewelry boxes come with soft-lined interiors and zoned areas for different items , as well as secure clasps or zippers to prevent them from opening up and spilling out.

With multi-layered inserts, lots of space for bracelets, brooches, necklaces, rings, earrings, and even more, a travel jewelry box will let you look your best without weighing you down as you go.

Keep your clean clothes clean and away from unwanted dirty odors with a dedicated lightweight travel laundry bag . With the ability to fold up super small when not in use , these super practical bags can be used to store your dirty undies, wet socks, and other nasties neatly out of the way until you can reach a washing machine.

Made from breathable fabric, they come with drawstring closures that can also be used as carrying handles for trips to and from the laundromat and may have additional pockets for keeping smaller items organized.

These different-sized packing cubes are perfect for organizing your clothes and belongings before you put them in your suitcase or rucksack.

Available in a selection of sizes, these nylon bags let you group together items by type or use and let you maximize your packing power to suit the size of your suitcase. Lightweight and easy to store when not in use, these super useful packing cubes can also help to compress your clothing to let you store more in them while reducing overall space in your suitcase .

If you are traveling light, a packing cube can also double up as a pillow or a laundry bag, and they are an excellent way to keep your dirty clothes separate from your clean ones on the way home.

Sometimes you want to have your own towel with you while you travel. Made from super-absorbent microfiber materials, these travel towels can be folded up really small and are lightweight and easy to carry around with you .

Suitable for showers at the airport, hostels, camping grounds, and wherever you need a quick freshen up, they can also be used to sit on while you’re at the beach or as an emergency blanket should you start to feel the chill. With superfast drying properties, you won’t need to worry about carrying a damp towel around with you, either.

When you reach your destination, you will want a smaller bag that you can use on daily excursions and sightseeing trips.

A dedicated daypack will be able to fold up nice and small when not in use and offer the space you need to keep your wallet, cell phone, camera, snacks, and other essentials close at hand on city streets and out on the trails.

Made from water-resistant materials, these bags usually have a capacity of around 20 to 25 liters , and with lightly padded shoulder straps, internal pockets, and even space for a hydration bladder, a dedicated day pack is a must-have for eager adventurers.

Stay hydrated wherever you are headed with a travel-size water bottle . Made from food-grade, BPA-free plastic materials or stainless steel, these water bottles are perfect for keeping close by your side.

Leakproof and lightweight, having your own personal water bottle with you alleviates the need for buying single-use plastics while you travel, and with a huge variety of designs and styles to choose from , you can even add ice or fruit to cool and flavor your water.

If you are really short on space in your travel bag, you could consider looking at a collapsible water bottle that flattens and condenses when empty to ensure it only takes up a tiny bit of room in your rucksack.

No one likes itchy bug bites, and a reliable bug repellent will help to keep them at bay. If you are traveling to hot and humid conditions or camping out in the open, there is every chance you could end up being a bug’s favorite dinner.

These repellent sprays or creams will help to repel insects and mosquitoes by making your skin less attractive to them. Using either chemical repellents such as DEET or natural oils doesn’t just help avoid unwanted nibbles. They can also help to protect you against the more serious side effects of bug bites, including severe allergic reactions, Lyme disease, and even malaria.

The Transport Security Administration suggests that you lock your checked baggage using a TSA-approved lock . Baring the Travel Sentry logo, you can choose from dial or key locks that are designed to be easy to open by agents to enable them to inspect your baggage and relock your bags should they need to.

Easy to use and readily available, there are lots of brilliant TSA-approved locks to choose from, and many suitcases come with them already built-in. Ensuring that your luggage has the right kind of lock on it will prevent the risk of damage from TSA agents eager to have a good look at your belongings for security purposes along the way.

A portable first aid kit is a must-have accessory for every traveler, regardless of where you are headed. Suitable for use both at home and away, a compact first aid kit will keep you well-protected. Consider what you may need before you go and pack your kit accordingly .

As a bare minimum, you should pack care supplies like cleansing wipes, gauze pads, bandages, Band-Aids, antibiotic cream, Tylenol, a cold compress, and anything else that you or your family may need while traveling.

Hot Tip: You can buy a premade kit or make your own, but do keep all of your emergency medical supplies in a dedicated first aid case or pouch if you can, making it easy to identify when you need access to it in a hurry.

Avoid the stress of overweight baggage fees by taking your own portable luggage scale with you when you travel. Easy to use and incredibly accurate, these small and highly portable luggage scales will let you know just how heavy your bag is before you hit the road .

With easy-to-use hanging hooks, highly accurate sensors, digital display units, tare and load functions, lock weight results functions, backlit functions, and easy-to-read weights and measurements, you can keep an eye on the weight of your checked luggage. You will never get stung with overweight baggage fees at the airport again.

Suppose you are worried about leaving your most valuable possessions such as your passport, cash, ID, and credit cards back at your accommodation while you are out exploring. Why not consider investing in a travel safe ?

Lightweight and easy to carry with you , you can choose from bags and boxes that are made from steel wire mesh fabric that can be securely locked using a TSA-approved lock. With cut-proof wire locks that can be attached to a stationary object, you can safely leave your most precious items back at the hotel without having to worry about their safety.

If you have a long flight ahead of you, you might want to look at ways to increase your comfort without having to upgrade to business class. These portable foot hammocks can be hung from the seat in front of you while allowing you to raise your legs and feet for increased comfort while you fly.

Easy to use and incredibly comfortable, these sling-style portable footrests come with their own carry bag and can be set up super quickly to help you elevate your legs for increased blood flow and comfort.

Take more pictures and let your memories last forever with a dedicated tripod . Made from versatile and durable materials, a small standing tripod will hold your cell phone or tablet to let you take awesome photos from a wide range of angles .

With 3 legs and adjustable holders, you can take incredible pictures or videos without having to worry about camera movement, for improved picture quality.

Capture breathtaking landscapes, fun family snaps, and a wealth of images with a travel-size tripod that is lightweight, portable, and suitable for use with smartphones, GoPros, and cameras alike.

Keep your important belongings close and your favorite items closer still with this brilliant list of travel accessories that will help you sleep better, play harder, and enjoy every second of your next big adventure.

From passport covers to footrests and packing cubes to jewelry boxes, all of these items will help you to stay organized and comfortable on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

What accessories do you need to travel.

There are many accessories on the market that make travel easier, safer, and more comfortable. Some recommended buys include a power bank, compression socks, neck pillow, travel adapter, luggage tags, and packing cubes.

Are packing cubes really worth it?

Packing cubes are a worthy investment for your travel gear as they help keep your belongings tidy, can reduce creases, and can protect your clothes from spills.

What are the best travel accessories for electronics?

There are a few great travel accessories that are a must for anyone traveling with electronics. These include a power bank, a travel adapter, a voltage converter, an electronics organizer for cables, and a Wi-Fi hotspot .

Where can I buy travel accessories?

You can buy all the travel accessories you could need from Amazon, but you can also try places such as Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Samsonite.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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23 Best Travel Accessories for Every Kind of Trip

Whether you’re crammed in economy class or on a long drive, these gadgets and accessories will make the time pass quickly.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

Whether you’re a frequent traveler or you save up for one trip every few years, chances are you already know that what you pack impacts your comfort, your enjoyment, and, perhaps most important, your stress levels both while traveling and when you’ve actually settled in at your new destination. That’s why it’s critical to pack useful, helpful travel accessories. Take the wrong ones, and you may find yourself carrying extra weight for gear you never end up using.

As a full-time travel writer, I enjoy the wonderful perk of being able to travel quite a bit. While chasing down stories, I’ve stayed in five-star suites in the Maldives and slept on the top bunk of a 15-hour budget sleeper train in Vietnam . So I’ve experienced quite a variety of travel conditions while using what’s likely hundreds of travel accessories in the process.

Over time, I’ve been able to narrow down my must-have travel accessories to include a perfect blend of ones that are useful, easy to carry, and multifunctional. For example, a packable mini- backpack can serve as a lightweight bag for day hikes or as an extra carry-on if you buy too much abroad.

These are the 23 best travel accessories I recommend to all my friends planning their next weekend or bucket-list getaways.

Best Travel Accessories

• Best In-Flight Bluetooth Audio Adapter: Twelve South AirFly Pro
• Best Travel Footrest: Airplane Footrest
• Best Cord Organizer for Small Items: Bellroy Classic Pouch
• Best Containers for Toiletries: Cadence Weekender Bundle
• Best Blanket for Cold Flights: Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket

The Expert: I’m a freelance travel writer and editor who usually focuses on adventure travel. That’s led me to take some pretty lengthy flight patterns (most recently, 54 hours of travel on the way to Rwanda) and fairly remote road trips (through central Alaska). But traveling frequently doesn't mean anything goes. Like everyone else, I have my personal annoyances while traveling: I get cold easily, I’m sensitive to noise when sleeping in new places, and I always need to be able to work on-the-go. What all of that means is that my experience with travel accessories isn’t just about finding those that make flights more comfortable, but also those that improve my productivity, help me enjoy myself in new destinations, and make packing as painless as possible. I think I've used just about every type of travel product out there, and truly feel the ones I have selected are the best of the best.

What to Consider When Buying Travel Accessories

The best travel accessories eliminate the inconveniences and annoyances of life on-the-go. For me, this includes headphones that drown out engine noise (or crying babies), containers that allow me to bring my favorite soap and shampoo on flights, and anything that makes long trips more comfortable. Consider what you value most and look for accessories in that space.

No matter what you’re in the market for, don’t overlook size, especially for liquids. The TSA limits your liquids to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per container and prefers them all packed into one quart-size bag. As for luggage, make sure any travel bags you intend to carry on are no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and checked bags no heavier than 50 pounds. Even if you aren’t checking a suitcase, you’ll have an easier, more comfortable experience with less to lug around. Most of the accessories below are relatively lightweight, but they’ll add a few pounds combined.

Finally, a word on price. Some travelers don’t want to spend too much money on items they might accidentally leave in a seat-back pocket, whereas other people tend to take better care of things that cost more. I generally recommend ruling out the very cheapest items in most categories, lest you find your shampoo bottle started leaking mid-flight.

Pack Your Bags: Rolling Suitcases for Your Next Vacation | The Best Carry-On Luggage, Recommended by a Travel Pro | These Travel Bags Keep Your Stuff Safe and Secure

How We Selected These Travel Accessories

In addition to my own experiences using these products as a travel writer and gear tester, I weighed consumer reviews, investigated market research, and did a thorough evaluation of each product's price, features, and overall value. If you’re looking for stuff to make your next trip easier and more comfortable, start with these recommendations.

Twelve South AirFly Pro

Given how small and lightweight this Bluetooth adapter is, I make sure to pack it for every flight where I expect to watch a movie. The adapter plugs into airplane screens and pairs via Bluetooth so you can use your preferred noise-canceling earphones with the in-flight entertainment.

It has excellent battery life, but the connection does suffer from some lag. I’ve noticed a very slight audio delay in older planes—and you may need a two-prong adapter on older entertainment systems.

If you plan to use the AirFly only for sending audio to your headphones, you can get by with the less-expensive AirFly Classic, which has slightly better battery life. But if you want to use Bluetooth to send audio to the AirFly (for example, to play audio from your phone in a car without built-in Bluetooth), you’ll need the Pro.

Sekoess Airplane Footrest

My foot hammock is probably the nerdiest travel accessory I own, but it's a lifesaver—or should I say leg saver. The adjustable-length hammock attaches to your airplane seat's tray table and eases pressure on your low back, knees, and glutes.

I'm much less stiff after flights when I use the foot hammock and have never noticed it bothering the person in the seat in front of me, even while making adjustments. You can also buy versions with more rigid footrests, though I find the more flexible, hammock-style footrest is easier to stuff into a carry-on.

Bellroy Classic Pouch

Whether it’s a road trip or an international flight, I always use a small, simple zippered case for my tech gear so I don’t have to fish around for it in the bottom of my bag.

Cord organizers have become trendy lately, but some have so many straps and pockets that I still have to search for the exact item I need. Instead, I just use a small case like the Bellroy Classic Pouch. Since I have a separate case for my computer charger and cord, this one has enough space for most of my other small items, including the AirFly and Bose earbuds in this roundup. It has a few basic organizational pockets and zips wide enough so you can find what you need in a hurry.

Oh, and if you want a case to fit your computer charger as well as all your other travel accessories, never fear: There’s a larger option. The Bellroy Tech Kit is deeper and longer, with a clamshell-style opening, so it can hold slightly larger accessories like computer charger cubes or a GoPro camera.

Cadence Weekender Bundle

Carry-on-only travelers are familiar with packing small amounts of their favorite toiletries, but mini squeeze bottles make it challenging to use gels and creams that get stuck to the bottoms.

Fortunately, you can alleviate that issue with Cadence’s magnetic honeycomb-style capsules, which stick together and take up little space. These convenient containers are made from ocean plastic cleaned from beaches, and you can customize the tile labels and colors of each capsule. I recommend the six-pack for carrying both hair and skincare products, but you could connect three times that number if you so desire.

Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket

I carry a packable insulated blanket on almost every trip, even to tropical destinations. Aside from being useful as a plane blanket, it comes in handy in hotels where the A/C is definitely working or when there’s only a sheet on the bed.

I like the Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket since the fill is light and compressible. It’s on the smaller side at roughly 4.5-feet by 3-feet, but it’s worth the trade-off for the packability (less than 4-inches wide when packed.) I usually carry it in one of the bottle pockets on the side of my carry-on backpack.

Because it’s not a full-size blanket, the NanoLoft is best as a lap blanket on cold flights or car rides, and works well as a pillow when packed. For more coverage, consider the full-size NanoLoft (6- by 14-inches packed, $179+). I recommend getting a tiny stuff sack or compression packing cube to make it into a more manageable carry-on size.

Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack

The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Sack is proof that the best travel accessories don’t have to be high-tech or overly complex—just useful. This is a water-resistant, packable backpack with mesh straps, a side pocket, and one small internal pocket. That’s it.

Because it’s so simple, it folds down incredibly small to about 5- by 5- by 3-inches. I often wear it when sightseeing around a city when I don’t want to carry a purse or shoulder bag.

But even if I don’t have a plan for using it, I toss it in my luggage every time. It can come in handy when you’re packing in a hurry and can’t fit everything as neatly into your bag as you did the first time, or if you’re road tripping and want to pull over and walk to a quirky roadside attraction. Most of my other ultra-packable bags are totes, but I prefer the security of a zippable backpack.

Cabeau S3 Evolution

These pillows are phenomenal, and reviewers say they're the only way they can ever get some sleep when crammed into a middle seat.

An adjustable headrest strap keeps the pillow upright and in place, and the comfortable foam never seems to lose its shape. Though most people wear the Evolution around their neck as intended, it works well as a traditional pillow, especially considering the gap in the middle leaves room for bulky over-ear headphones.

Alongza Portable Charger

I take thousands of vacation photos per trip, and often, the only camera I’m carrying is the one in my cell phone. To avoid running out of battery before getting back to my hotel room, I carry the ridiculously small Alongza charger.

It holds about two phone charges, and it won’t power bigger devices like laptops. But because it’s roughly the size of a credit card (though a smidge thicker), it’s easy to carry and is able to charge my phone while walking around.

I find most power banks too big to fit in my pocket, but this is probably the tiniest one I’ve ever used. I also like the built-in UBC-C and Lightning connectors so I can leave my cords at the hotel.

HiBar Maintain Shampoo and Conditioner Set

If carrying a 3-ounces of shampoo won’t get you through a whole trip, consider using a solid shampoo and conditioner bar that won’t raise any eyebrows going through the TSA checkpoint.

There are five different sets for different hair types, each safe to use for color-treated hair. Be sure to toss them into a plastic bag if you’re planning to pack them before they’re dry.

I have very thin, fine hair, and find the HiBar Volumizie set works just as well as the far more expensive salon set I use in my home shower.

Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds

I love my over-the-ear headphones, but on long flights, they can start to feel a bit sore on my ears. I took a risk on the Bose QuietComfort headphones, since at nearly $300 they’re even more expensive than Apple AirPods. But I’m glad I bought them.

They provide a level of noise-cancellation I never thought would be possible from an in-ear headphone, and the case can fully charge the headphones three times before it needs to be plugged in again—enough to get you through even the longest of trans-Atlantic flights and chatty seatmates.

The only real minus is the size, as they don’t sit as closely to your head as the popular Apple AirPods. But the sound quality more than makes up for it.

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Flex Sip Lid Bottle

At this point, it’s a given to carry a reusable water bottle, but I’ve started bringing my own coffee mug too, especially since I like my coffee piping hot. In many countries, coffee is served in a teacup and not guzzled like I’m used to, and having my own mug is a great way to fill my coffee once at the hotel without bothering the staff to bring more and more.

I’ve recently been using the Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Mug. It keeps coffee hot, but most important, it has a tight seal. I can buy coffee in the airport, put the mug in my carry-on, and pull it out mid-flight without worrying that it leaked in the bag I have shoved under my seat.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Over-Ear Headphones

When it comes to audio, two big names still reign supreme, at least in my book: Sony and Bose. Bose makes my favorite in-ear headphones, but Sony’s WH-1000XM4 is far and away the best over-the-ear option. The battery life is impressive at 30 or more hours per charge, and the charging is quick—20 minutes powers about 8 hours of listening.

The noise canceling is fabulous, as I’ve learned when trying to talk to someone wearing them, and they fold into a flat case. That said, they’re still a bit on the bulky side, stored or worn, but if you’re planning to carry over-the-ear headphones, their size probably isn’t your top priority.

JBL Clip 4 Speaker

I work remotely and set my own schedule, which means I’m often working for a few hours here and there in hotel rooms on vacation. I also love to listen to podcasts when I’m getting ready in the morning, so I always make sure to pack a small Bluetooth speaker.

The JBL Clip 4 has better sound than expected for its size, including strong bass. The built-in clip makes it easy to hang on a shower rod or suitcase handle, and because it’s waterproof, it’s ideal for use around pools, beaches, hot tubs, and whatever other amenities you may avail yourself to on vacation.

The negative: it uses a lithium ion battery, which means you have to take it in your carry-on, not in your checked bags.

Panasonic Lumix G7 4K Camera

I’m constantly amazed by the quality of photos you can get from an iPhone, but when it comes to shooting in suboptimal conditions (or trying to show depth and scale in landscapes), you’ll probably want a more advanced camera.

The Lumix G7 is a ridiculously good camera with a surprisingly low price, especially considering it’s mirrorless, which makes it lighter and smaller than non-mirrorless options. It shoots photos and videos in 4K, has Wi-Fi so you can send your photos straight to your phone or computer, and has multiple auto settings for beginners, including one specifically for night-sky photography.

It’s packed with features and is the number one camera I recommend to all travelers who want to take better travel photos without spending more serious money on a camera, even if you don’t have any actual interest in using its more professional features.

Peak Design Packing Cube

I’ve become a big fan of Peak Design. The brand's packing cubes are the its first item I ever tried. They have strong zippers that don’t seem to get caught in the fabric while compressing as much as other cubes, and you can fit far more than you’d expect into each one.

I prefer the small size, as it’s easier to stack in a suitcase and fits better in a backpack or shoulder bag. These packing cubes are also light and thin, so you can throw an empty one in your bag (as I found especially useful in Patagonia) just in case you end up buying an extra sweater during your travels.

Pro packing tip: Don't pack small clothing items like underwear, socks, and swimsuits in the cubes. Instead, shove them into negative space around the cubes to maximize all available luggage areas.

Thule Subterra Carry-on Roller

Hard-sided carry-on spinners have become all the rage in the last few years, and while I do love my July bag, I’ve found two drawbacks to hard-sided bags: the second set of wheels eats into the luggage space and there’s no ability to stuff them into an overhead bin or car if they don’t quite fit.

Fortunately, I’ve had the Thule Subterra for a while now and it’s become my most-used bag. That’s thanks to a built-in compression panel with pocket; a small front pocket for passports, keys, and sunglasses; and durable back wheels that seem to have no problem crashing over curbs and steps.

I’ve also come to appreciate its slightly smaller size. While some travelers may balk at the idea of not maximizing their carry-on capacity, I find that it's actually easier for travel, especially when I see my fellow travelers’ larger bags getting forcibly gate checked on smaller planes.

Baseus Blade

I’ve used plenty of backup chargers while traveling (who hasn’t?), but the Blade from Baseus is the one I rely on most. That’s partially because I have a computer with a USB-C charging port, and the Blade is optimized for quick charging of USB-C computers.

I can charge my MacBook Pro from 0- to 100-percent with about a 20-percent charge left on the Blade (which is enough to almost fully charge my iPhone).

Other features I appreciate are its slim design (so I can travel with it in my laptop pocket), a display that shows you both how much battery is left and how much time until the Blade is fully charged, and the fact that it takes only about 1.5 hours to fully charge it.

If I use the entire capacity on a flight, as long as I have at least a 1.5-hour layover, I can be back up and running on the next flight.

Ombraz Armless Sunglasses

I've broken more than a few pairs of sunglasses by shoving them into the pocket of an overstuffed bag or sitting on them at dinner if I put them in my back pocket after a day of sightseeing. That's why when traveling, I nearly always carry Ombraz sunglasses. If I bring a fancier pair, it stays in a hard case in my luggage.

The smartly designed Ombraz shades have a soft adjustable cord in place of arms, so they’re nearly impossible to break or bend. They slide into a flat padded case and come in five unisex styles. You can also buy side shields (ideal for reflective surroundings, like snow or water) and have your prescription added.

The only downside is that you’ll need both hands to put them on, but to me, it’s worth it. I’ve had the classic pair for about three years, and they haven’t showed much wear or abrasion—but there’s a lifetime guarantee on the cord and frame if they ever do.

CM Pack of Two Mini Pouch Case Bag

I almost always have my laptop with me when I travel, and since the chunky MacBook charging cube and long cord are too bulky to store with the rest of my small cords, I used to just toss them into my bag. But then I found these tiny travel pouches sized for a computer power adapter.

I can easily fit my computer power adapter and cord in one pouch, and now, I don’t have to pull everything out of my bag to untangle the laptop cord, or use tweezers to remove dirt from the bottom of my backpack that got stuck in the charging port.

The pouches in this set are as simple and lightweight as can be, which is why I like them. They’re also useful for other small items such as GoPros, flash drives, memory cards, and camera batteries.

Originally from the East Coast, Suzie Dundas is a Lake Tahoe-based freelance writer and editor who now splits her time between enjoying the outdoors and writing about them—she's the senior outdoor editor at Matador Network and a regular adventure and travel contributor at TripSavvy.com . She has written feature stories for publications like Outside Magazine , SkyLife Magazine , Playboy , Frommers, INSIDER, and more, and contributes couples travel and honeymoon content for TheKnot.com . Suzie co-authored Lonely Planet Sustainable Travel Guide and is the author of 2021's "Hiking Lake Tahoe." She has undergraduate degrees from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in media and political communication from George Washington University. Follow her on Instagram at @HikeUpYourSkirt or find more of her work at suziedundas.com . 

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67 Most Useful Travel Accessories: Must-Have Travel Items 2024

By: Author Milijana

Posted on Published: October 11, 2023  - Last updated: April 25, 2024

Categories TRAVEL TIPS

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Wondering what to carry while traveling? Here are the most useful travel accessories and top travel items you need to have on your packing list to travel smart. Here are the things that make travel easier beyond traveling essentials!

AWESOME TRAVELER ACCESSORIES – Travel Must-Haves

If you are into a digital nomad lifestyle or simply into travel long-term, here’s a list of must-have digital nomad gear, travel supplies, and travel equipment. But if you are a seasonal traveler, the next travel accessories will make your travels easier and more comfortable.

It doesn’t matter if you work remotely and long-term travel is your lifestyle, or you take short business trips and prefer short weekend gateways to recharge your batteries in your leisure time but opt for distant exotic destinations only for your vacation.

What matters here is traveling . Even more, comfortable and enjoyable travel .

Therefore I am listing here the must-have traveling accessories and the best accessories for travel .

Here you will find must-have travel items and best travel items, top traveler accessories ( must-have travel accessories and best travel accessories, but also cool travel accessories and unique travel accessories ), and travel gadgets (must-have travel gadgets and best travel gadgets) every smart traveler has. In short, the things you need to take traveling.

Take a look at my list of the best things for travel, vacation must-haves, favorite digital nomad gear, and the best travel gear every traveler should have … to pack like a professional traveler.

Here’s my travel accessories list with the best items for travelers :

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. 

67 INCREDIBLY USEFUL TRAVEL ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR ULTIMATE TRAVEL PACKING LIST  (2024)

BEST THINGS FOR TRAVELING: SMART TRAVEL ESSENTIALS AND SMART TRAVEL ACCESSORIES

Travel must-haves

Let’s start with travel essentials and must-have traveling accessories.

1. HAND SANITIZER WIPES

One of the cheap and useful travel items that can make a big difference to your health while traveling. Hand sanitizer wipes are one of those essential travel items and small travel things that make a big difference. Seemingly banal but one of the best items for travel health-related. They are the most needed travel accessories these days. Take care of your health, always!

2. FOLDING TRAVEL TOOTHBRUSH

A  small on-the-go travel toothbrush is an essential travel thing. The folding feature puts travel toothbrushes on the list of the best things for travel. Again, a foldable travel toothbrush is one of those must-have small and useful travel things.

3. TRAVEL TOWEL

A quick-drying and a space-saving towel is a travel must-have . Don’t bother with big fluffy towels when traveling. Instead, opt for a towel to go, a small absorbent towel, and a quick-dry travel towel. A microfiber towel is among my top 10 travel essentials! It served me well, especially on my long-distance hiking trips, such as the one-month-long Camino del Norte in Spain , when I carried all my stuff in my hiking backpack for one month. A lightweight and space-saving microfiber is one of the best travel items, I highly recommend! Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is a lightweight microfiber travel towel you need to have. It is a great microfiber beach towel, an excellent microfiber gym towel, an amazing microfiber camping towel, and a great microfiber backpacking towel. Pack your small and fast-drying travel towel with you!

4. TRAVEL PILLOW

A good travel pillow is a must-have for travelers.  Scarf-looking and super light Trtl Travel Pillow is one of the essential travel items on long flights. This essential travel pillow is a one-sided neck brace, adjustable to your neck and head for maximal comfort. And what’s important, it’s an ultralight travel pillow. If you are looking for a tiny travel pillow and the best travel neck pillow for long flights, the Trtl neck support travel pillow is your best bet! Forget blowing inflatable travel pillows and check out Trtl Travel Pillow .

5. TRAVEL WALLET

Another super useful travel item is a multipurpose RFID-blocking travel wallet. This tri-folded RFID-blocking travel wallet keeps safe and well-organized your international travel essentials and valuables: your passport and ID card, and your credit and debit cards. Keep your valuable documents and cards safe, and get your RFID blocking travel wallet .

6.  TRAVEL SPACE BAGS

Travel space bags are some of the best travel products. Roll-up compression bags save space in your suitcase or backpack. Even more, good travel space bags protect and organize your clothing. I can’t image traveling anymore without using traveling space bags. Sometimes I use only small zipper bags to separate my tiny carry-on travel items. I can find my tiny travel products in a minute! Zipper bags are super practical packing travel tools! Make your packing easier and go for travel space saver bags. Trust me, space-saving travel bags are some of the best backpack travel accessories and suitcase travel accessories.

7. TRAVEL PACKING CUBES

You don’t like the sound of roll-up compression bags, but still want to keep your clothing protected and organized? In that case, these awesome travel packing cubes are for you. Travel packing cubes are some of the top must-have travel accessories! Travel packing cubes, with space-saving travel bags, are the perfect packing tools for travel!

8. TRAVEL SHOE BAG

The waterproof and transparent shoe bags for travel separate your dirty shoes from clean clothing. A travel shoe bag is especially useful after hiking trips when you need to separate your dirty hiking boots from the rest of your clothing. Travel shoe bags are must-have traveling items! They are simple packing tools for travel, cheap travel accessories, and highly useful travel accessories!

RELATED READ: 15 Amazing Women’s Hiking Boots Top 18 Women’s Comfortable Sandals For Walking Best Gifts For Hikers Check out my Amazon Influencer Store for some great travel accessories ideas!

9. TRAVEL LAUNDRY BAG

Interested in some more top travel products? I would argue, that travel laundry bags are essential for travel! A machine-washable laundry bag that keeps the dirt and smell of your laundry away from your clean clothing is essential. Unnecessary to say, that this travel laundry bag is a highly useful travel accessory and one of the best backpack accessories and suitcase accessories you need to take on your travels with you.

10. TRAVEL SHEETS LAUNDRY DETERGENT

These eco-friendly sheets are must-have travel items if you are planning a longer trip. These detergent sheets are travel-friendly. They are not messy, unlike liquid and powder detergents. You can’t spill them. Just toss them in with your laundry and that’s it. Cut a sheet in half and use one half for smaller loads. And, use one sheet for larger loads.   Laundry Club Sheets dissolve completely and clean the clothes.  Laundry sheets belong to the most useful travel items! One package comes with 50 sheets. If you are making a shorter trip, you can pack just a few sheets in a Ziploc bag.

11. SHOE CLEANING TRAVEL KIT

If you prefer a tidy look and would love to keep your shoes clean when traveling, consider getting the Crep Protect Cure Shoe Cleaning Travel Kit . This mini on-the-go kit includes a brush, a microfiber cloth, and a Cure cleaning solution. It does an amazing job with suede, leather, canvas, and nubuck. I especially recommend the kit for cleaning white sneakers!

12. DOWNY WRINKLE RELEASE

Dislike wrinkled clothes when traveling?! Me too! But, I found a great solution for wrinkled clothes! Downy Wrinkle Release Spray  is a game-changer and my new favorite travel item. It fixes wrinkled clothing without ironing. Just hang your clothing, spray it, leave it for a few moments… and ta-da! Trust me, it is one of the most useful travel products ever! After trying it, you will probably want to get it for home use. Check out this bundle !

13. MINI TRAVEL UMBRELLA

This super small umbrella doesn’t take up much space in your travel bag but keeps you well protected from the sun and rain. One of the travel necessities and one of the extremely useful mini travel accessories when needed, agree?!

14. RAIN PONCHO

A raincoat is a small, cheap, and useful travel accessory that you can always carry with you to cover yourself in case of unexpected showers. This travel rain poncho is a cool travel item and an exceptionally useful travel item!

 15. WATERPROOF RAIN JACKET

Sometimes while traveling rainy days can’t be avoided by any means. Especially, if you have fixed dates for your vacation. If you don’t like umbrellas or don’t feel comfortable with a rain poncho, then consider getting this top-rated super lightweight Columbia’s women’s waterproof jacket or this Columbia men’s rain jacket These rain jackets are worshiped among travelers! After all, Columbia is celebrated as one of the very best travel accessories brands when talking about travel clothing and sportswear.

16. SLEEP SACK LINER FOR TRAVEL

Looking for more useful travel accessories and small travel items?! This fist-size and lightweight Vumos sleeping bag liner is voted as a piece of the best travel gear. It is especially beloved by outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy camping.

17. POCKET BLANKET

A pocket-size travel blanket goes on the list of great outdoor gear you must have. You never know when you might need an extra blanket. And this extra small blanket is one of those ‘good-to-have’ helpful travel items!

18. PASHMINA SHAWL AND WRAP

Pashmina is one of the favorite traveling items and one of the best travel accessories for women ever . I wear it as a shawl and a scarf.  It covers my arms when visiting sacred places and when a respectful dress code is needed. But I use it as a practical travel blanket too. My pashmina is my travel essential! My pashmina shawl wrap protected me many times from the coldness caused by the extreme use of air conditioning at many international airports, on buses, trains, etc. It is one of my favorite travel items ever! Women’s pashmina is at the top of my list of must-haves for traveling!! Please, add pashmina to your list of must-have traveling accessories for women. Trust me, you will thank me! 🙂

19. COMPRESSION SOCKS

Travel compression socks go on the list of the most useful travel accessories. They are the travelers’ must-haves for long flights to prevent swollen feet on long-haul flights. Travel compression socks are some of the best travel accessories for long flights! They are some of the most popular travel accessories for a good reason! Travel compression socks are the top travel essential items for anyone with blood circulation and swollen legs issues. Have you tried them?

20. COMFORTABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT TRAVEL PANTS

Light, quick-drying, and waist-adjustable travel pants are travel must-haves for comfortable travels. Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Pants provide maximum comfort to ladies, while Columbia Men’s Pants provide freedom and easiness of moving to men while traveling.

21. TSA CABIN-APPROVED COSMETIC LIQUID CONTAINERS WITH ZIPPER BAG

These travel liquids containers and zipper bags are allowed as airplane accessories. For instance, if you need liquid containers for your contact lenses liquid on your flight, these TSA cabin-approved liquid containers need to be on your travel essentials list. I keep my spare contact lenses and the liquid containers always with me! They are my essential carry-on travel accessories! Travel liquid containers with zipper bags are the small travel accessories you need to have!

22. PILL ORGANIZER

Care for your health shouldn’t stop when traveling. On the contrary, a new environment seeks adjustment for your body. Don’t forget to take your vitamins and minerals with you. When you are young, you might not need them so much. But sadly, as you age, they are a must-take. This tiny folding pill organizer for travel keeps your vitamins and medicine well organized. A pill organizer is a basic travel item, but one of those traveling accessories that can make your life much easier while on the road.

23. TRAVEL TOILETRY BAG 

How many times you have found that your toiletries have leaked out onto your travel clothes in your luggage? Well, this waterproof cosmetic organizer is another item on the list of useful travel accessories that make a big difference. Having a good travel toiletries bag not only helps you easily organize your toiletries but also protects your toiletries from leaking out onto your travel clothes. Dear ladies and gentlemen, this waterproof cosmetic organizer belongs to the best travel gear for women and men. Consider getting it!

24. SOLID SHAMPOO BAR FOR TRAVELS

Solid toiletries are among the best products for travel. If you travel long-term, one of the best travel items to always have with you is a solid shampoo bar. Ethique eco-friendly solid shampoo bar nourishes you and the environment.

25. SOLID CONDITIONER FOR TRAVELS

If your hair needs a great conditioner, especially in tropical climates, Ethique eco-friendly solid conditioner will do the work.

2 6. MENSTRUAL CUP

Talking about hygiene travel products and travel accessories for ladies, Lena reusable period cup is one of the top-rated women’s travel items. Ladies know how essential a good menstrual cup on travels can be! A menstrual cup is an essential travel item for women!

27. TRAVEL MONEY BELT

A travel money belt is among the most popular travel accessories. This comfortable and adjusting travel money belt with RFID block (an antitheft protection) keeps your valuables safe every moment. A practical and extremely useful travel item, enough said.

28. TRAVEL SCARF WITH SECRET HIDDEN POCKETS

Talking about women’s travel accessories and useful travel accessories, this travel scarf with secret hidden pockets happens to be one of the best travel items. Decorative and useful. Ladies simply love it.

29. TRAVEL BOOTS WITH SECRET POCKETS  

Another stylish and highly useful travel item is ankle travel boots with secret pockets . These boots are for hard-core travelers who enjoy adventures and want to keep their personal valuables safe. These boots are available in different colors, to match everyone’s taste. But, what’s more important, they keep safe everyone’s travel valuables.

30. SUNSCREEN SPF 50

Good sunscreen is a must-have travel item. This sunscreen is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and National Eczema Association. Please do yourself a favor and wear sunscreen.

31. COLLAPSIBLE WATER FILTERED BOTTLE  

This roll-up portable travel water bottle keeps you hydrated on your travels and takes minimal space in your travel bag. Quite a handy travel item, right?!

3 2. PORTABLE CHARGER

Talking about things you need when traveling, a mini power bank ‘on-the-go’ is one of the modern essential travel gadgets.  This Anker portable battery with an ultra-high capacity of 20100mAh is one of the top travel accessories and must-have accessories for travel. 

33. UNIVERSAL WORLDWIDE TRAVEL ADAPTER  FOR 150+ COUNTRIES 

Talking about must-have electronics, a good travel adapter is one of those international travel must-haves. Admittedly these days our phones connect us with our families, friends, and business more than ever. And to be connected to our families and business when traveling matters a lot. In that sense, one of the worst things that happen on our travels is not being able to charge the phones. And here is where this universal travel adapter for 150+ countries comes in.

34. GLOBAL DATA SIM

If you don’t have a super affordable global data plan and you don’t like the idea of depending solely on wifi when traveling, you need to know that this Keepgo Global Lifetime SIM card works in 64 countries in Europe, Asia, North, and South America. Hello, globetrotters, this global data sim card could easily become your new favorite travel item.

35. WIRELESS TRAVEL ROUTER TO MAKE YOUR PRIVATE SECURE WIFI NETWORK 

But if you prefer to use a wired network on your travels, you certainly want to have a secure one. This HooToo Wireless Travel Router is a light, small, and powerful travel thing. It changes wired networks into a private secure wireless network and enables you to safely back up your travel photos and enjoy media streaming. Looking for a  travel router Best Buy? Check out TP-Link N300 Wireless Travel Router .

36. PORTABLE USB SOLAR CHARGER

What about travel accessories for cars? This portable USB solar charger can sit on the dash in your car and recharge your phone and tablet when driving. One of the greatest car travel accessories ever.  But if you are into hiking, you can simply put your Anker USB Solar Charger onto your bag and keep charging it on the go.

37. TSA APPROVED SCAN-SMART ANTITHEFT AND WATERPROOF BACKPACK

If you want to avoid unnecessary hassle with airport security and also to avoid becoming a victim of theft on your travels,  you should consider buying a smart travel bag.   This SwissGear Smart DayPack is a  very trendy travel backpack and one of the most popular travel-safe bags ever. It is a top antitheft travel safe backpack and one of the best laptop backpacks ever. Certainly, one of the best traveling bags you can find on the market. Read more about SwissGear Smart DayPack here.  

38. UNIVERSAL TRAVEL CABLE AND ELECTRONICS ORGANIZER

Talking about practical travel accessories and things that make travel easier, consider getting electronics organizer travel accessories. This BagSmart Electronic Organizer is a travel charger organizer and electronics travel bag that  keeps your electronics and cables on your travels well organized. If you are searching for the best travel cable organizer, you consider getting BagSmart Electronic Organizer .

39. DIGITAL LUGGAGE SCALE

This small and super light luggage scale protects you from overpacking and paying extra for overweight luggage fees. A must-have travel item and a useful travel item.  If you don’t want to give extra money for overweight luggage, don’t think twice and just put FREETOO digital luggage scale onto your international travel list. A digital luggage scale is among the all-time best travel buys! Remember, small travel things can make a big difference.

40. ROLLING DUFFEL BAG 

Searching for the best luggage for frequent travelers? The best best gear for travel? It is hard to say what’s the best travel bag. But many travelers swear that rolling duffel bags are the best luggage for frequent travelers as they are light, flexible, and roomy and you can put more things in them than into hard suitcases. But on the other hand, duffel bags might be more vulnerable to theft than suitcases. In any case, this Samsonite Wheeled Duffel is a light travel bag and  waterproof travel bag you should take into account.

41.  TRAVEL SUITCASE WITH SPINNER WHEELS

A wheeled suitcase is arguably the best option for refined travelers and business travelers. A wheeled suitcase is the best gear for travelers who like to travel. in style. If you are looking for the best suitcase for business travel or the best suitcase for European travel, this Samsonite Winfield awesome suitcase is on the list of the best suitcases for business travel and the best suitcases for traveling to Europe. It could become with ease your best travel suitcase and your best business travel luggage ever.

42. CARRY-ON WHEELED BACKPACK WITH A DETACHABLE DAY BAG

Are you a light traveler who is looking for the best luggage to travel internationally with a mini travel backpack? Looking for one of those multipurpose travel bags you can easily carry around? This 3 IN 1 Bag goes as a wheeled bag, a backpack, and a day bag. A perfect travel bag, right? Perfect equipment for travelling, indeed! High Sierra AT3 carry-on can be rated as the ultimate travel bag, unique carry-on luggage, and coolest carry-on luggage. But in any case, it is the best-buy backpack. 3 in 1, remember?!

43. ULTRALIGHT BACKPACK

If you ask backpackers what’s the most useful travel item. They will say, a light backpack of course! It is one of the essential travel items after all. This TETON Sports backpack is one of the best lightweight travel backpacks and top-rated travel backpacks. 

44. LUGGAGE STRAPS

Darller Luggage Straps  belong to the travelers’ must-haves. The straps keep your suitcase tightly closed. You can also tie two suitcases together with them and keep your luggage together. Darller Luggage Straps come in vibrant colors, not only in black. The bright colors help you spot your luggage quickly at airports. There’s no doubt, that the luggage straps are among the best luggage accessories.

45. TSA APPROVED TRAVEL LUGGAGE LOCK

Some extra security gives peace to the mind. So consider adding this travel luggage lock to your luggage accessories . This small safety accessory can make a big difference on your trip.

46. PERSONALIZED LUGGAGE TAGS

47. MINI PERSONAL TRAVEL FAN

Gaiatop Mini Portable Fan is one of the best travel accessories you could wish for when in heat. It is a lifesaver in heat! It is a small and lightweight but mighty device. You can put it in your purse and use it on the go. It is one of the top must-have travel items in the summertime!

48. LIGHT LAPTOP FOR TRAVELLING 

For digital nomads and people who work remotely a light laptop is one of the business travel essentials. Light 13-inch MacBook Air is my working tool. The small and light 13-inch MacBook Air  fits perfectly into my women’s laptop backpack.

My iPhone XS Max goes in the package with my MacBook Air. My Macbook Air and my MacBook Air are my essential business tools. To sum up, my iPhone XS Max is one of my top travel must-haves.

50. UNIVERSAL WATERPROOF PHONE CASE

One of the must-have accessories for iPhone or whatever phone you have is this JOTO universal waterproof phone dry bag . You want to protect your favorite must-have travel gadget, right?!

51. LAPTOP STAND

If you work long hours in front of your laptop screen, this super lightweight, portable, and foldable support laptop stand protects you from neck pain and keeps your health. Amazing travel gadget for people who work remotely! And one of the top digital nomad accessories!

52. BLUETOOTH KEYBOARD 

Trifold pocket-sized iClever Bluetooth keyboard is another great travel gadget you can hardly resist, especially if you are a digital nomad. This is a great travel gift too. Hmm, Christmas is coming soon.

53. NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES

Noise-canceling Bluetooth Sony WF-SP900 headphones keep you away from sound distractions. A useful travel gadget. You can’t deny it, huh?!

54. EARPLUGS

 If good sleep on your travels matters to you, and I believe it matters a lot, then these earplugs for sleeping are a must-have accessory. Earplugs for sleeping, earplugs for swimming, earplugs for snoring … you name it. Yes, you need them. They are the absolute must-have items for traveling!

55. HEADLAMP

One of the cool items to buy for travel and useful traveling gear is a headlamp. Whether you like reading in your hostel bunk bed at night or as outdoor gear for camping and hiking, the DanForce Headlamp is a cool travel item and a great travel gadget to have.

56. MINI TRAVEL FLASHLIGHT

This super small flashlight is one of the most useful travel accessories you simply must have.

57. TRIPOD WITH WIRELESS REMOTE FOR TAKING PICTURES AND VIDEOS

A tripod with a wireless remote is one of the top gadgets for travel! Why? If you travel solo or want to have travel photos with your all family members in the photos, this Ubeesize tripod will do the work for you. A hint? It comes with a lifetime warranty.

58. CANON G7X VLOG CAMERA

If you are interested in high-quality travel videos, Canon G7x is on the way to becoming one of your favorite travel gadgets. Highly useful and essential for vloggers. And, it is another great gift for travelers.

59. GO-PRO HERO 7

Talking about gadgets for travelers, and when it comes to GoPro, a special introduction is unnecessary. The world has gone crazy for GoPro Hero 7 ! One of the best travel gadgets for adventure travelers and beyond.

60. TRAVEL FIRST AID KIT

This portable and lightweight first aid kit is one of the best travel kits. It has bandages, alcohol wipes , ibuprofen, aspirin tablets, antiseptic cotton, sterile pads, first-aid tape, scissors … Hikers, campers, …outdoor enthusiasts, and long-term travelers … simply adore it. You might too! 

61. TRAVEL DOOR ALARM

A small travel door alarm is one of those useful travel accessories that can make a big difference if you happen to need to sleep in a dodgy hotel.

62. SAFETY WHISTLE

A safety whistle is one of the cool cheap things to buy on Amazon , but it can be life-saving in case of an emergency! Your life is worth much more than the few bucks you are going to spend on buying a safety whistle , agree?! Buy it and take it with you. And let’s hope you will never need to use it.

63. PHONE SANITIZER WITH FAST WIRELESS CHARGER

Recent global events taught us that cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing are more important than ever before. This eco-friendly sanitizer cleans easily and safely a huge range of products: from phones, earphones, computer mice, and watches to USB sticks, car keys, makeup tools, jewelry, and more. It’s disinfecting everything. It is usable at home, office, and on travel. This easy-to-use sanitizer is undeniably one of the most useful travel items at the moment.

64. MEMORY FOAM SEAT CUSHION

If you are a digital nomad who works remotely, then you appreciate a comfortable office chair. This ergonomically designed gel memory foam seat cushion will make your back pain back gone or minimalized. It is great for traveling, office, home, driving (car seat), and even wheelchair use.

65. PORTABLE TRAVEL CLOTHESLINE

If you enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, boat riding, or traveling slowly, you would appreciate this elastic stainless travel clothesline with clips . Put the clothesline between trees, on the balcony, in an RV, or bathroom, and make your drying space anywhere. People who hiked Camino de Santiago , like me, know how useful this small travel item can be on multi-day treks. (Check out my Camino de Santiago packing list !) Hang your towels, socks, etc on the clothesline and get your clothes dry naturally! This clothesline is lightweight, easy to pack, and one of the most useful travel accessories for multi-day trips.

66. PORTABLE BIDET

This Portable Bidet with Travel Bag is one of the most popular travel items. Keeping good personal hygiene is important at home and on travels. The HappyPo Travel Bidet is easy to use. It doesn’t need batteries or a connection. You just need to fill it with water, squeeze the bottle, and voilà – a nice wide spray comes! It is small, handy, and easy to carry on. A portable bidet is a must-have travel item for people who like to feel cleaner on their travels.

67. PORTABLE ESPRESSO MACHINE

If you follow my blog, you know how much I appreciate good coffee. On my coffee travels around the world , I sipped fabulous Vietnamese coffee in Vietnam , enjoyed siphoned coffee in Laos, had authentic luwak coffee in Bali , cruised famous coffee houses in Vienna , indulged in Italian espresso in Italy, etc. If you are anything like me, you need a cup of coffee to start your day with. This mini portable espresso machine is a top travel item a coffee lover could ask for! It is lightweight, portable, and easy to use. This handy travel-sized espresso machine is one of the best travel items for coffee-loving travelers!

Hope you find useful my list of the best travelling equipment. You can use it as a travel checklist for packing your essential travel items and favorite travel accessories.

I did my best to cover travel gadgets and accessories, outdoor gear, travel aids accessories, smart travel items, best luggage for travel … domestic and international travel accessories. If you would like to add something to my list of useful travel accessories and help fellow travelers, please leave a comment or send me a message.

Happy and safe travels, always!

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Saturday 9th of July 2022

I was looking for ideas for gift basket for a coworker who is traveling across the country, and really loved your suggestions. It was the small ordinary things we usually overlook! Thank you

Graeme Stewart

Saturday 10th of April 2021

That's a lot of stuff to carry. I would reduce the bags to just one and save a lot of space and airline fees :)

You know that your phone has a flashlight right? That can replace the mini-light.

Otherwise, very helpful. Thanks for sharing.

Hi Stewart,

thanks for sharing your thoughts. I gave some options here, of course. Anyway, I still believe that a mini flashlight is one of the really useful travel accessories. It takes almost nothing of space and it can be helpful. It's mini. After all, we don't need to have our phones with us all the time. :-)

Thanks for reading and taking your time to comment! I appreciate it. Milijana

Tuesday 29th of September 2020

The portable solar USB charger is definitely on top of my list! As a travel enthusiast myself that is often found hiking or trekking, I can definitely soak all that natural energy and convert it into power for my electronics.

Great article!

Kim Goodwin

Thursday 5th of December 2019

Hey Milijana, You have given the quality information for the travel. It was helpful to choose the necessary gadgets for my trip. What I personally like in your blog is you've provided many safety gadgets. Keep on like these posts. I am waiting for more information post from you.

I am glad to read this. Thank you for your feedback, Kim!

Wednesday 4th of December 2019

Thanks Milijana for this quality post. Thumbs up!!

Thank you for reading and commenting.

I hope some of the travel accessories I've listed will make your next trip more comfortable, more safe, easier and more enjoyable overall.

Happy and safe travels, Milijana

The 27 Best Travel Accessories To Save Space, Time And Money In 2022

This is a list of useful travel accessories to make your life easier when you are on the road. How many have you got already?

Let me start by saying I’ve seen many articles about “must-have” travel accessories out there that made me laugh out loud. These list-of-things-you-must-have-but-actually-you-dont-need-at-all include everything from wine bags and tampon flash drives – to luxury camping hammocks (WTF).

This list is for the everyday traveler, with actually useful stuff.

I’ve already addressed some of them on resources page and on my online shop . Now I’ll be more detailed. The travel accessories below are supposed to save you either space, time and/or money and make perfect Christmas or birthday gifts.

🧳 Best travel accessories to keep you organized

1 document organizer.

Let’s start with THE most important thing you carry on a trip. Nope, it’s not your laptop nor your mobile. It’s your documentation, especially your passport . Keep your documents tidy and safe is a must.

If you’ve no idea what to get, a basic Amazon organizer does the job.

Amazon Basics RFID Travel Organizer

Compact, secure and with lots of space for all documents and cards.

2 Packing Cubes

I’m a mess at packing. Once I arrive at my destination, my luggage quickly becomes chaotic piles of clothing. Not to mention finding specific items is almost impossible.

That’s why I’m not exaggerating when I say this was one of my best travel purchases EVER. These little helpers makes any packing – and unpacking too – much more tidy and neat. A must for any modern traveler.

Set of 6 Packing Cubes

Say goodbye to messy packing. 3 different sizes to pack your clothes.

3 Travel Bottles

Oh, the enjoyable security lines in airports where everyone is forced to show off their guts and keep liquids to ridiculously tiny amounts. This is where travel bottles can be of huge help and save some money.

Note: The standard in airports worldwide is for containers in carry-on bags to not surpass the 100mL / 3.4 oz of liquid each.

Oursunshine Squeezable Travel Bottles

Pretty much any container with the right capacity will do, but squeezable ones like this set have extra points for functionality.

4 Digital Organizer

Don’t you find it astonishing the amount of SD Cards, cables, plugs, adaptors and accessories we need to pack nowadays? Usually, one of the pockets in my backpack is exclusively dedicated to these “accessories of accessories”, but it soon can become a huge mess.

Unfortunately this potential mess won’t be over soon in 2019. An electronics’ organizer helps keeping everything neat and organized. Look for an waterproof one like this to add extra protection.

5 Duffel Bag

I only use trolleys or conventional luggage in short urban getaways. In most destinations, carrying a backpack or duffel bag is more comfortable, convenient and efficient than a luggage.

On my article about backpacking in Asia , I have a whole section about the important features to look for in backpacks .

For my trip to Japan , I recently bought this The North Face’s duffel bag . You can use it both as a handbag and as a backpack which makes it super versatile.

The North Face Base Camp Duffel-Medium

My most recent purchase for smaller trips. Absolutely love the build quality and material of this thing. It doesn’t come cheap, but it doubles as backpack and is durable and comfortable on your back. Several sizes too.

6 Day Backpack

Whether you’re going urban or rural, to a beach or to a mountain, a backpack is essential to carry the usual vacation stuff throughout your day.

Make sure you go for an unassuming (and basic?) backpack on the outside, but functional on the inside. This one is a good example . This way you can keep your stuff organized without drawing attention to precious stuff like laptops or DSLR cameras.

Geeky Explorer Travel Shop

My travel shop on Amazon with all you need for a smart and hassle-free travel.

📱 Essential Gadgets

7 international travel adapter.

Depending on where your destination is, this can be essential. A good adapter will provide you with all the possible outlets worldwide, ensuring you always stay charged abroad.

Universal Travel Adapter

Essential for a modern traveler. What I love about this particular adapter is that comes with 4 USB ports, so you can potentially charge 5 devices at the same time. Works in 150+ countries.

8 Multi USB Charger

If the previous item has not enough 5 USB ports, invest in a multi-USB port. Let’s be honest, it’s the 21st century – who hasn’t faced the true first-world problem of not having enough power outlets to charge all the devices? Some hotel rooms are scarce in outlets and simply can’t deal with all the charging needs of a modern day traveler.

With the USB port type on the rise across gadgets, this problem will just become more frequent. A multi-USB hub charger can be the solution, particularly if you’re traveling in a group.

Tip: to future-proof this purchase, look for USB 3.0 ports, like this one:

6-Port USB Wall Charger

Conveniently charge all your devices at once with this compact USB hub. One of the 6 ports is equipped with a fast USB charging technology (up to 4X faster than standard chargers).

9 Mobile WiFi Hotspot

Since I’m always traveling with a lot of gadgets or within a group, getting all the devices connected is a HUGE first world problem. A mobile router unlocked to all networks is a game changer: reliable, easy to use, and a potential huge money-saver.

An important thing to look at is the list of frequencies the device supports. Mobile operators in each country use different ones and their SIM card will only work in that range of frequencies. My previous hotspot didn’t work with ANY operator when I traveled to the US!

HUAWEI 4G LTE Mobile WiFi Router

Put any SIM card in the world inside and it will share the data across all your devices via WiFi (up to 10!). The battery lasts 12 hours of working. Can’t recommend it enough!

10 Power Bank

Even though we are planning to send men to colonize Mars, for some reason manufacturers still refuse to launch phones, cameras and other devices with batteries lasting for days. Result: everyone needs extra juice when on the road.

Invest in a compact and potent device. Everything below 10,000mAh is pretty much not worth it – remember they tend to lose capacity over time. Here’s a list of power banks to get you started.

Portable Charger Anker PowerCore 26800mAh

With a 26,800 mAh capacity, this power bank is guaranteed to give you battery to charge your devices for days.

🤖 Best travel accessories to keep you healthy

11 hand sanitizer gel.

You may not realize, but you touch all kinds of stuff when you’re traveling. Most food poisoning cases are caused by dirty hands rather than the food itself, which makes me feel a bit uneasy! Since I knew this, I started traveling with a gel like this .

This is the first layer of protection you have for viruses and bacteria. Now that the world is facing a pandemic, keeping your hands clean is a must.

Fresh Monster Hand Sanitizer

Unscented 70% Ethyl Alcohol hand sanitizer. Comes in a pack of 3 travel-sized bottles.

12 Mosquito Repellent

It’s no exaggeration to say a good mosquito repellent is one of the best things any traveler should invest, especially if you’re going to tropical countries. I mean it CAN SAVE LIVES. Tip: pick one with high DEET content, like this one below.

Ben’s 100% DEET Mosquito, Tick and Insect Repellent

Offers 10+ hours of protection and contains 100% DEET, recommended for protection against mosquitos, ticks, and biting insects. This was a lifesaver in Thailand’s islands !

13 Melatonin

Melatonin regulates the sleep and your day cycle. Its levels basically determine when your body is ready for sleep. When you travel, this balance can be very quickly disrupted.

When you’re switching continents, this can be great to quickly adjust to a different timezone and minimize jet lag. Kids or perhaps even grown ups – why not? – have the gummy bear version which I’m a bit obsessed about.

Natrol Melatonin

This 100% plant-based supplement can help you to achieve a good night’s sleep, no matter where you are.

📸 Photo & Video

14 digital camera.

Smartphone cameras are getting incredibly powerful year after year and have the advantage of being lighter and more user-friendly. One day they will be able to fully replace a digital camera.

That day hasn’t come yet. DSLR and mirrorless cameras are still superior in some aspects, such as optical zoom. If you are into photography and want to take top-notch pictures, you should consider investing in an extra camera.

Now of course there are cameras (and lenses) for all budgets, but for traveling size does matter so aim to buy something compact and light. I had my old Nikon Coolpix p610 for years because of its 60x optical zoom, but the new version is even more powerful: 83x optical zoom! .

Nikon COOLPIX p900 Digital Camera

With a fantastic 83x zoom, this camera is great for close-ups, something your smartphone simply can’t do.

Sony Alpha a6000 Camera

Smaller than most DSLRs, taking staggering 24MP photos and very intuitive to use with WiFi and NFC connectivity, this is a great camera for beginners.

15 GoPro Camera

I once thought a GoPro was only for snowboarders or crazy people who jump out of buildings.

I got to say I’ve been amazed by the versatility and creative potential of this little action camera. Since it’s so compact and easy to function, you can also create cool-looking videos of more standard vacations (no more shaky videos!).

Anyway here are my favorite uses of a GoPro camera so far:

• Dynamic activities – whether you’re surfing, skiing or zip-lining , there’s nothing better than a GoPro to capture the moment. Underwater videos also look DOPE.
• Big attractions – monuments like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or the Burj Khalifa in Dubai are impossible to fit the frame of a single photo/video. Until you use a GoPro.
• Memory videos – if the hundreds of photos you take on your trip remain on a folder in your computer they’re just worthless. And if you decide to show them to family and friends you’re just killing them of boredom. A short dynamic video made of GoPro clips is fun, engaging and enjoyable.

GoPro Hero 9 Black

GoPro improved the video stabilization and the voice control and you can still take 12MP photos and film 4K HD videos. It’s now also completely waterproof (up to 10 meters).

🔒 Best travel accessories to keep you safe

16 money belt.

Keeping your belongings safe is a major concern whenever you’re going to less safe places. Personally, it was useful in the craziness of Naples and specially in Rio de Janeiro, where safety is the #1 concern .

The thing is: any big city nowadays suffer from pickpocketing and bag-snatching issues at some level. A money belt is an inexpensive way to keep your pocket money and even some documents invisible at all times.

17 Padlocks

It’s often overlooked and one of those things you don’t realize it’s useful until you need it. Depending on where you’re heading, a padlock can be tricky to find. It’s a simple way to add an extra layer of safety whenever you are away from your stuff.

I especially recommend packing one if you tend to stay in hostels or need to ditch your luggage between check-out and your flight back home.

18 Security Camera

Nowadays there are plenty of options for affordable home security cameras that send you email or phone notifications whenever there’s movement detected.

The most popular is Nest with a range of outdoor and indoor solutions. Extra peace of mind and allows you to take quick action if unwelcome visitors decide to show up.

💆‍♂️ Best travel accessories to keep you comfy

19 microfiber towel.

Some of the accommodation places I’ve stayed in don’t provide bathing towels. When they did, they charged for them as a first-necessity item they are.

A simple microfiber towel like this one does the job, does not occupy much volume and dries super quickly. Plus, it can double as a little blanket! Particularly useful if you’re traveling Asia .

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

In spite of its tiny size, it absorbs water effectively and dries fast afterwards. Super handy while you’re traveling.

20 Compression Socks

Not only compression socks keep your feet warm, they also improve your blood circulation and make your legs feel less tired after much sitting or standing. It’s not the most stylish of accessories but they can make all the difference in that long-haul flight.

21 Water Purifier Bottle

A water purifier bottle is an obvious asset to have in third-world countries where tap water is not drinkable.

But even in countries where tap water is drinkable , having an extra purifying bottle is useful. Apart from avoiding always have to shop for plastic water bottles, it’s much more environmentally conscious. I predict this travel item will become more and more of a thing amongst travelers in 2022.

GRAYL Ultralight Water Purifier Bottle

This bottle makes clean drinking water in only 15 seconds from any fresh water source. Oh and removes chemicals and 99.999% of most viruses, bacteria (including E.Coli) and cysts in the process.

22 Travel Pillow

The first time I flew to Thailand I arrived drousy, sleepy, and with severe neck pain after my long-haul flight. Definitely not my most glamorous moment.

If you’re taking a flight longer then 4 hours, strongly consider something to support your neck while you rest. It can really make a difference for your posture and energy when you get to the new place.

TravelRest Travel Pillow

This pillow has a superior design which doesn’t force your neck to come forward like in other pillows. Plus, it’s compressible which means you can carry it lightly throughout your trip.

23 Ear Plugs

A set of ear plugs can be useful for that loud hostel, when you want to escape the world for a few moments at a crowded airport, or, my favorite use case, for flights. It’s hard to rest up when there’s people talking, flight attendants passing by, and children crying all the time. Let’s not talk about the time I felt like murdering a crying child during my 4-hour flight to Cape Verde .

Additionally, these ear plugs below are designed to deal with in-flight ear pressure due to the changes in altitude.

Mack’s Ear Plugs

Regulates air pressure due to altitude changes in your ears, while it keeps noise levels down. A must if you want to relax on your flight.

🤖 Best travel accessories to keep you entertained

24 noise cancelling headphones.

A GOOD pair of headphones is an investment few regret to make. It can help you focus and in the context of a trip, improve your travel experience. If you’re seeking a pair, go for the noise-cancelling headphones, extremely useful in loud environments like a plane or a train.

Some of my favorite brands right now are BOSE and Beats.

BOSE Noise-Cancelling Headphones

These over-ear phones are some of the best in the market right now. 3 levels of noise cancellation, seamless Bluetooth pairing, and even with built-in Alexa assistant.

Beats Studio3 Noise Canceling Headphones

Premium listening experience, adaptive noise cancelling, and up to 22 hours of battery life. You can’t go wrong with Beats.

25 Headphone Jack Splitter

Even though the tendency is Bluetooth phones, sadly shared-Bluetooth isn’t a (mainstream) feature yet. How to make two or more people listen to the same music, podcast, or movie in the good’n’old audio jack?

A jack splitter basically shares the sounds between 2 (or more) headphone sets, so you can watch that movie with your SO or friend sitting next to you. It can also be useful to share audioguides of attractions and museums.

Tablets are getting thinner and lighter which makes them a great alternative to packing a bulky laptop. It’s perfect to watch movies, plan your daily itinerary or even sketch/draw landscapes you don’t get to see every day. Not to mention take advantage of some cool and useful travel apps . Just please don’t use it to take photos, that just looks silly.

Make no mistake: an iPad is not for everyone. If you’re looking to disconnect on your travels, you should look into taking the least amount of gadgets possible.

On the other hand, if you’re doing a longer trip but still don’t want to take your laptop, an iPad can be very useful. From my experience, they blow out the competition in reliability and CPU power.

Which iPad to get?

The iPad Pro might be too much (in both size and specs) for the standard traveler but you can’t go wrong with either the iPad Air  or its smaller brother, the iPad mini 4 .

Apple iPad Air with WiFi 64 GB

Your computer away from home! The 10.9″ liquid Retina display is guaranteed to give you many hours of entertainment on the road.

27 Amazon Kindle

If you are into reading, a Kindle is a great option to bring lots of books with you without occupying much space.

I recently got into the habit of reading books during my travels which is great to 1) pass time on trains and planes 2) learn new perspectives on the country’s culture.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

The Paperwhite version is waterproof and has a 300 dpi glare-free display allowing you to read on the beach and in bed at night. Plus, a single battery lasts weeks!

Extra: For the ones left behind

As important as the items to bring with you, are the things that can you save a lot of trouble back at home.

First of all, don’t forget the members of the family left behind! Pet feeders are great for cats, rabbits and hamsters when you’re away for a short period of time.

Don’t neglect plants too. A plant waterer can avoid you getting back home to a dry foliage show.

My travel shop on Amazon with all you need for a smart and hassle-free travel. Visit now >>

More useful travel tips

• My List of Online Resources For A Smart Travel
• How To Find Secret Hotel Rooms
• My Favorite Travel Tips Ever
• How To Travel Without Money
• What to Pack to Backpack Through Asia

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My travel tips valid anywhere

• 🏨 To find the best deals and book your stay with free cancellation, I recommend Booking.com (from my experience, often cheaper than Airbnb)
• 🚗 Always compare car rental prices before you book anything (and if possible use local rental shops!)
• ☑️ Travel insurance is a must these days – don’t overlook it! I recommend Allianz or Safety Wing if you’re always on the go
• 💰 Use Revolut to save in exchange rates and payments abroad; it’s a game-changer!
• ⚙️ Amazon has the largest offer in travel gear, clothing, and accessories – check out my Travel Store !
• ✈️ Are you dealing with a delayed or cancelled flight? Airhelp may help you get a compensation for it!

What are the best travel accessories for you? What can’t you travel without? Share your favorites so I can add them to the list!

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31 Best Travel Accessories for Any Trip

If you're an anxious flyer, these are for you.

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

There's no need to stock a full suite of power adaptors—even if your travels take you all over the globe. A universal adaptor is a must, says Delia Monk, a tour director for group travel company EF Ultimate Break . This single device can be used to charge all of your electronics no matter where you are.

memobottle Reusable Slim Water Bottle

The lack of humidity in a plane's recirculated air can leave you parched, or worse, dehydrated. And that small cup of water? It's not going to cut it. This slim water bottle fits neatly in the seat-back compartment. "It's so much more practical," says Anne Scott, founder of Girl Gone International , the world’s largest community of women who live, travel, and move overseas. Plus, for every bottle sold, the company provides one person in need with clean drinking water for one month.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader

An e-reader not only provides entertainment en route, and a chance to catch up on buzzy books , but also helps you actually pause and relax while on vacation. "With my Kindle—or any eReader, for that matter—it’s easy to unwind anywhere," says travel blogger Lisa Stentvedt .

Mossio 7 Pack Lightweight Luggage Cubes

If you tend to throw everything into a bag when you're traveling, let these cute pink leopard print packing cubes help you organize and save space in your luggage. It even comes with three matching laundry pouches and a shoe bag.

yoozon Selfie Stick Tripod With Bluetooth

You may roll your eyes, but the selfie has become a routine part of any vacation. And there's no denying that a selfie stick helps you get a better shot. This one has an integrated tripod option, a wireless remote shutter, and is compatible with a wide range of devices, says travel blogger Maria Potehina .

supergoop Supergoop! x Gray Malin Everyday Getaway Kit

Headed somewhere warm? This kit comes in a water-resistant pouch featuring a whimsical print from famed photographer Gray Malin, and is packed with travel sizes of Supergoop! sunscreen (a favorite amongst Oprah Daily editors). There's also a handy SPF balm for your lips .

Anker Portable Charger

When you're using your phone's map app all day, you'll zap the power in a flash. A portable power bank can save you from having a dead device. This one can charge seven times before needing to be charged itself. In fact, it's so reliable that husband and wife travel bloggers Katie and Ben Zweber carried theirs with them to Everest's base camp.

YUNI Beauty Shower Sheets Body Wipes

Took the red-eye and have no time to shower before a big meeting? Or maybe that walking tour has you sweating bullets. Either way, body wipes can save the day. They'll keep you feeling and smelling fresh, despite the fact that they're non-toxic, plant-based, biodegradable, compostable, and free of harmful ingredients, says Scott.

Sharpty Inverted Windproof Umbrella

Unfortunately, rain happens—even when you're on vacation. Be prepared when the weather turns with this clever umbrella. It's a traveler favorite (it has over 1,500 five-star reviews!), because the lightweight frame folds inside out to keep drips contained.

Maaji Calm 5-Pack Face Coverings

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, face masks are a wise choice to take on your travels. Instead of the surgical looking masks, upgrade to this set of 5 pretty face coverings that the whole family can wear.

Seat Covers in Check Me Out

If airplane, train, or bus seats have always made you a tad skittish, keep them covered with this whimsical, washable set. If you're not a gingham gal, it comes in numerous other colors and patterns, including dinosaurs for the little ones.

Rothys White Rainbow

When you're logging a few miles a day, you need shoes that can keep up. These flexible fabric shoes are easy to pack. Plus, they're machine-washable.

Belkin SurgePlus USB Swivel Surge Protector and Charger

It's hard enough to find one available outlet in a busy airport terminal, so what are you supposed to do when you need a charger for your phone, your laptop, and your e-reader?! Carry a simple old-fashioned power strip, says Samantha Brown, host of the Emmy-nominated PBS show "Samantha Brown's Places to Love." Any basic power strip will do, but this one, with three three-prong receptacles and two USB ports, is a step above the rest.

Baby Shusher Sleep Miracle Soother

There's nothing more stressful than walking a screaming baby up and down the aisles of a plane. Thankfully this handy tool can help. It uses a real human voice to lull your baby to sleep with a calming sush. "This has been the only way we have been able to travel with our newborn without her screaming the entire ride," says one reviewer. "It's small enough to keep in the diaper bag. Worth every penny," says another.

OPTP Super Pinky Ball Massage Ball

When your feet are sore from logging dozens of miles touring a new city or your back is in knots from a cramped plane seat, this simple pink ball can help. "I put two balls on the floor, lay my back on them, push up with my knees, and roll them down my back, quads, and back of legs," says Brown. "They work out all the kinks, knots, and sore muscles."

URPOWER Dog Seat Belt

Bringing your furry friend along on your family road trip this summer? Don't forget to get them their own seat belt to make sure they're safely and securely strapped in.

trtl Soft Neck Support Travel Pillow

Anyone who's dozed off while sitting up knows the subsequent neck pain is real. "This travel pillow gives you better ergonometric head and neck support than a regular U-shaped neck pillow and adapts to fit anyone," says travel blogger Sveva Marcangeli . Need proof? "I slept for 10 hours straight on a 16-hour flight from New York to Hong Kong." Plus, unlike U-shaped travel pillows, this one is compact and only weighs half a pound to conserve space.

Polaroid Now Instant Camera

Capture all those precious moments on summer vacation with an instantly-rewarding polaroid camera. This one comes with autofocus, a self-timer and flash to help you get the most out of your pics.

Yoobi Hand Sanitizer - Set Of 50

Sometimes it can be bulky to carry around a bottle of hand sanitizer when traveling—and that's when these small individual sized packets come in handy. Slip a couple into your toiletry bag every day, and you'll thank yourself come lunch time.

Roku Streaming Stick

You no longer have to choose between splurging on expensive on-demand movies or settling for basic cable. Travelers say this small USB-powered device is a game-changer for evenings in hotel rooms. It plugs into any USB-enabled TV to give you access to all your favorite streaming services, even when your own couch is thousands of miles away.

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

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17 Must-Have Travel Accessories For International Travel

Traveling overseas, especially long-haul flights can be daunting for many people. To make your journey more pleasurable, I have put together a list of travel accessories for international travel that are must-haves in my eyes.

I have been traveling extensively with and without my family for years and have added more travel accessories that made my travels more enjoyable over time.

Most of the travel accessories for international travel are inexpensive but will make your (travel) life so much easier and comfortable. Sometimes, it’s the little things that count.

Related Post:  The Best Travel Accessories For Women On The Go

There is no doubt in my mind that you will find my list of travel items just as useful as I do; regardless if you are going by yourself or with your family.

* Please note: all product links in this product review are affiliate links. That means, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

17 Must- Have Travel Accessories For International Travel

Shacke pak – 4 set packing cubes.

It is made from high-quality, durable, water-resistant nylon material and allows you to store and organize your clothing quickly. Pack and unpack your luggage with ease, especially on  layovers .

The added Laundry bag helps to separate the dirty clothes at the end of your vacation.

The Shacke Pak packing cubes are available in eight colors.

  Uxcell TSA 3-dial Approved Security Lock Travel Luggage Strap 

It’s called a Travel Luggage Suitcase Belt with a built-in TSA lock.

I like the idea of a travel belt since they are available in different colors. That means you can easily spot your bag in between all the other suitcases.

They also secure your luggage just in case something happens to it during the rough handling at the airport.

The Uxcell travel luggage strap is adjustable and comes in different color choices.

 Bach Rescue Remedy

Please try Bach Rescue Remedy for yourself. I recommend checking with your doctor before using it.

Bach Rescue Remedy is also available as pastilles and alcohol-free for children.

 Swiss Army Pocket Knife

It turned out to be one of the most useful tools to have. Cut your nails, open a bottle of beer, need a screwdriver? It’s all there when you need it. I still have and use my pocket knife.

Important: Please keep in mind to put the knife in your check-in luggage when you fly otherwise it will go in the trash bin at the airport!

 Travel Adapter

It is usable in more than 150 countries worldwide. It charges your device safely and comes with three international adapters.

The four USB charging ports are suitable for iPad, Tablets, iPhone, Samsung and other mobile phones. Another must-have when traveling abroad!

Electronics Organizer Travel Bag

The bag is available in seven trendy colors and has enough room to store an iPad, phone charger, laptop adapter, and more.

The different compartments inside the bag are keeping them separated so you’ll be able to find everything in a flash. On top of that, the padded dividers are adjustable as well.

The bag is waterproof and shockproof and comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.

Compression Socks/Stockings

I can’t stretch enough how much more comfortable you’ll feel when wearing these stockings on a flight. No more tired feeling legs or the need to walk up and down the aisle to get the blood circulation going. You can thank me later. 🙂

My preferred stockings are the open feet ones that go up to your thigh.

The LTHA stockings are latex free and a silicone band on the top keeps them in place. The stockings come with a 30-day money back guarantee.

Janska MocSocks

Thanks to the skid-resistant sole and a double layer of fleece, they are also great for walking around on the airplane.

I do love the fact that these slipper socks are made in the USA. They are available in seven colors and are machine washable.

Cabeau Fold‘ n Go Travel Blanket 

The Cabeau Fold’ n Go travel blanket will become your essential travel companion so you will feel warm and cozy.

The Cabeau travel blanket is lightweight and comes with a convenient travel bag for easy storage.

It is made from soft French microfibre and is machine washable.

Snuggle up, relax, and stay warm on your next trip with the high-quality Cabeau travel blanket.

LANGRIA 6-in-1 Memory Foam Neck Support Travel Pillow

The Langria 6-in-1 travel pillow is probably one of the most versatile and best travel pillows available.

It is constructed of breathable fabric and premium memory foam. It is extra-large for more support and offers six different sleeping positions.

Related post:  The Best Travel Neck Pillows For Kids

The adjustable strap makes it even more comfortable to wear. The detachable hood is fantastic to block out any light while you get a good rest.

I do like the matching travel pouch and the removable cover can be washed in the machine. Highly recommended!

GO Active Flex- Stainless Steel Double Wall Bottle With 3 lids

The Go Active stainless steel bottle is perfect for keeping cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks stay hot for up to 12 hours.

As an extra bonus, the Go Active bottle comes with three different lids so you’ll find the ideal for your needs.

This travel bottle holds 24 ounces of liquid and is available in 5 different colors.

Just make sure to empty the bottle before you go through the security check.

Related post:  Our Top Choices For The Best International Travel Luggage

The customer service is great. If you are not happy with the Go Active drink bottle, you can return it any time for a full refund.

Marsno M1 Wired Metal In-Ear Headphones 

These in-ear headphones are designed to block out external noises so you get to hear your music or audiobooks in a clear, high-quality sound.

Related post:  The Best Headphones For Kids And Toddlers

The aluminum housing offers more durability than traditional metal headphones.

The Marsno M1 headphones come with a lifetime warranty. If you are not happy with the quality, you’ll get a full refund or replacement.

Zoppen RFID Travel Wallet & Documents Organizer Zipper Case

Getting your travel documents organized has never been easier with this Zoppen Travel Wallet.

It secures your important documents and credit cards from unauthorized scanners with the RFID blocker.

This travel wallet is roomy and fits easily multiple passports, flight tickets, boarding passes, and has several credit card slots.

There is a zippered mesh pocket for coins, a pen holder, and a keychain as well. The external pocket is zippered as well and can fit a cell phone and other necessities.

Not what you are looking for? Find more travel wallets in this comprehensive buying guide.

The Zopper travel wallet is constructed of water-resistant nylon material and comes in nine different colors.

Mancro Laptop Backpack

The eco-friendly nylon fabric is water repellent and durable at the same time.

Overall, the Mancro backpack is stylish with a sleek design and comes in seven colors.

It also has an inbuilt USB charger and to keep your stuff safe has a combination lock.

Carry-On Bag/ Cabin Bag

It is essential to have a carry-on bag that fits the airline’s requirements, is of high-quality material, and is easy to maneuver.

The Travelpro Maxlite 4 ticks all the boxes. It looks stylish, comes in four colors, and is lightweight.

Best of all, the Travelpro carry-on bag comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Read our detailed review here.

TSA Approved Travel Toiletry Bottle Set

Keep them organized in the clear TSA heavy-duty travel case and have your beauty products on hand even on the airplane.

This space-saving toiletry set would be also fantastic for a short trip or weekend getaway.

You can try the set for a whole year without any risk. If you are not happy, you’ll get a full refund for your purchase.

Care Touch Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer Wipes

The wipes are fragrance and paraben-free and are clinically proven to kill 99.99% of germs.

So, protect your family and yourself from these unwanted germs especially while you are traveling.

I do hope you find my selection of travel accessories for international travel as helpful and useful as I do. Please let me know in the comments below if you have any favorite travel accessories you’d like to recommend.

I would love to hear from you. What is your favorite travel accessory? Is there anything you can’t go without when you travel abroad? Please leave a comment below. ♥

funtravelingwithkids.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn a commission by advertising and linking to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com.  Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links.

About The Author

10 thoughts on “17 Must-Have Travel Accessories For International Travel”

Your site is great. Such a good idea to offer advise on travel with children. I especially liked the RoadID customized bracelet. Very smart safety tool. I plan to tell my kids about it for there travels with my precious grand babies. I was thinking about those big amusement parks and how easily you can get separated from children in the swarm of happy vacationers. This ID could be a lifesaver. Thx so much

Hi Linda, thanks for your comment. The RoadID bracelet is a fantastic tool to have. And as you said, it could be a lifesaver. I experienced myself how quickly you can get separated from your children; one time in a shopping mall in Prague and once in the subway in Paris. So I won’t go on vacation without the RoadID bracelet anymore.

All the best from Anke

Hi Anke Your suggestions for what to travel with are spot on. I especially like the idea of the bracelets for you and your kids. If someone got lost or hurt these bracelets could potentially save their lives. The other suggestion that I really liked was the Shacke Pak. I always carry a green garbage bag to put my dirty clothes in. I do not like to get my dirty clothes mixed up with my clean clothes. One of your suggestion though the Bach Rescue Remedy, what is that used for?

Hi Maureen, thanks a bunch for your comment. The RoadID bracelet is fantastic and the Shacke Pak is so great for getting the luggage organized. Bach Rescue Remedy is a natural remedy that helps with stress, anxiety, sore tummies, colds and so many other health related issues. I have been using it for years for my family with great success. I always have drops or the liquid in my hand luggage and little first aid kit.

Thanks Anke for the information about the Bach Rescue Remedy.

You are welcome, Maureen. 🙂 Best, Anke

HI Anke I got my eyes set on the first item, the ‘Go-Pro Hero’

I think that its a really cool thing to have and the fact that its both a video camera and a normal camera, is awesome.

My wife and I (no kids), are planning for a trip at the end of the year, and I think its time for us to go with the times and get the pics rolling with this gadget.

Mind you, that travel adaptor also looks like it will come in handy, so might as well add it to the shopping cart.

Thanks for this. Will be visiting your site again… Regards Roopesh

Hi Roopesh, yes, the Go Pro Hero is a great investment. Nothing is worse than going on a holiday and the pictures turning out blurry or in poor quality in general. And a travel adaptor is a must when you travel overseas. The good thing is that it doesn’t take much space at all.

Happy and Safe Travels from Anke

Love your site. I’m a returning visitor and keep coming back for more. I can’t get enough. My favorite item was the travel adapter. That is essential in other countries. They all have unique outlets. Love your site, I’ll be back soon..can’t wait to see what else you have in store.

Hi Steve, thank you so much for your comment. I am glad you love my site. Yes, a travel adapter is an absolute essential when traveling abroad. By the way, you can always subscribe to my Newsletter. This way, you always know what’s new on my site. All the best from Anke

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The 15 Best Travel Accessories for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

From earbuds to eye masks, these accessories make your trip easier than ever.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T + L

Travel + Leisure / Kristin Kempa

Have you ever noticed how some people just seem so at ease while traveling? They breeze through airport security like it’s nothing, settle into a seat without needing to grab anything from the overhead bins the entire flight, and instantly fall asleep during red-eyes even if they’re stuck in the middle seat. Being a confident traveler isn’t that hard if you have a few key packing essentials on hand.

Believe it or not, you can streamline trips ranging from short flights to lengthy road trips when the right gadgets are at your fingertips. Below, we’ve put together a list of stand-out accessories designed to make life in transit as simple and comfortable as possible. From modern neck pillows to self-cleaning water bottles, we’ve tested and reviewed each and every item on this list to ensure they optimize your travel experience for years to come.

Best Makeup Case

Béis the cosmetic case.

The supple leather feels very luxurious and high-end.

There aren’t any straps to hold brushes or bottles.

Cosmetics are an investment — which means it’s only logical to want a structured and reliable makeup case to keep your investments safe while on the go. That’s where the Beis The Cosmetic Case comes in. We tested a whole lot of different options for carrying cosmetics — 26 makeup bags to be exact — and found this one stood out due to its roominess and also its structured exterior. The supple leather feels very high-end for the price while the interior was easy to open and pack without having to stuff everything in. We also really liked that this case comes with a compact travel mirror that makes applying cosmetics on the go easier. The only thing we didn’t love was that there weren’t any straps to hold brushes or bottles in place but the solid construction still felt adequately secure for holding more delicate items.

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Travel + Leisure / Leticia Almeida

Best Travel Jewelry Case

Pottery barn mckenna personalized jewelry binder.

Pottery Barn

The multiple enclosures ensure nothing gets tangled in transit.

It won’t fit larger jewelry like watches or statement earrings.

If you don’t travel with a case designated specifically for jewelry, we urge you to invest in this one immediately! A travel jewelry case allows you to keep all your precious jewels safe in one specific spot. Not only does this help ensure your necklaces and earrings don’t get all tangled and knotted, but it also means you’ll always know exactly where each and every piece of jewelry is; no more digging through your handbags or toiletry kit trying to locate your favorite earrings. This option is particularly noteworthy due to its abundance of pockets, holders, and ring slots, which actually keep your accessories in place in transit. We also loved that the necklace pockets and pouches keep everything from tangling, but it’s worth noting that this option isn’t very well suited for larger items like statement earrings or watches. We voted this our best overall pick out of all the jewelry cases we’ve tested this year.

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Packing Cubes

Veken packing cubes with laundry and shoe bag.

 Amazon

The zipper and overall craftsmanship are very high quality for the price.

The material is thick, which might add weight to your suitcase.

These days nobody wants to risk checking a full-size suitcase — but sometimes fitting everything you need into one tiny carry-on bag can seem like an impossible feat. That’s where the Veken Packing Cubes come in. These surprisingly high quality a nd budget-friendly packing cubes come in a pack of six different sizes to best suit your specific needs or organization preferences. The cubes offer a very light compression but during the testing process we were particularly impressed with how well-made the overall construction was. The zippers feel like they won’t pull or stick even with heavy use. The material also feels like it will last for many trips without ripping. The only thing you’ll want to keep in mind is that the material does feel pretty thick, which might add too much weight if you’re worried about going over your weight limit.

Travel and Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Best Passport Wallet

Leatherology zip around travel wallet.

The zip-around design allows you to hold things like coins and smaller items.

It can be a little bit bulky.

A well-designed passport wallet is one of the best functional travel accessories to invest in. This multi-purpose, zip-around passport holder and travel wallet is a top pick. The supple leather wallet has pockets for pretty much everything you could possibly need at the airport, making it easy to stay organized and on top of all your gear as you travel from gate to gate. We also really appreciated the zip-around design that makes it easy to store things like coins or even a pen without worrying about anything slipping out while you’re on the go. Think of this as your travel command center: there’s a spot for anything and everything to make getting from point A to point B as stress-free as possible. The only thing we didn’t love about this option is that it’s admittedly a little bulky if you prefer to travel light — but if you like to have everything in one spot (even your boarding passes), it’s the perfect size.

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

Best Hair Dryer

T3 afar travel size hair dryer.

Bloomingdale's

Lightweight and easy to use.

It’s not the best for frizz-prone hair.

There’s nothing worse than realizing your Airbnb or hotel room doesn’t come equipped with a hair dryer — except maybe trying to plug your own hair dryer into the outlet only to realize the wattage isn’t compatible. That’s why we love the T3 Afar Travel Hair Dryer. The travel-friendly styling tool is compact and lightweight, but it’s also equipped with auto dual voltage, which means you won’t have to worry about whether or not your dryer is compatible in other countries. We found this option was very gentle on the hair and didn’t notice any visible heat damage — but one of us that tried it did note that it’s not the best option if you have frizz-prone hair.

Best Comfy Headphones

Anker soundcore life q35 wireless.

These headphones hold an incredible charge and won’t die mid-flight.

They’re not as small as earbuds.

The Anker Soundcore Life Q35 Wireless Headphones will blow all of your other wireless headphones out of the water on multiple levels, according to our tests. The headphones are budget-friendly while offering a superior battery life of up to 40 hours between charges, so you won’t have to worry about your headphones dying mid-flight (even if you’re on the longest flight in the world !). We found that the sound quality and noise-canceling capabilities held up in terms of quality against much more expensive and well-known brands. The lightweight design also meant that this pair of headphones was supremely comfortable even when we wore it for long stretches of time. One thing to note is that these over-the-ear headphones are obviously a bit larger than compact earbuds.

Travel + Leisure / Marco Bebawy

Best Luggage Trackers

Eufy smarttrack link.

This option is easy to use and quite affordable.

There is a very slight lag in location updates.

Luggage trackers are a must-have for frequent flyers. We tested a handful of big-name Bluetooth tracking devices, and the Eufy SmartTrack Link came out on top. The tiny tracking device is small enough to wiggle its way into your carry-on and suitcase of course, but it’s also great for slipping into a handbag or wallet as needed. We particularly liked this option because, unlike competing brands like the Apple AirTag, the Eufy SmartTrack is designed with a keyring hole that makes it a lot easier to slip onto a keychain and keep track of in your gear. The only issue we ran into during testing was that this option has a very slight lag when it updates the location, so you sometimes can’t confirm that your luggage is on the flight before you take off. We would also make the built-in location alert ping a bit louder. 

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best Toiletry Bag

Away large toiletry bag.

Lightweight and easy to clean, this toiletry bag was built to last for dozens of trips of various lengths.

There are more budget-friendly options out there.

Sure, you could throw all your shampoo and skincare into a Ziploc bag and call it a day, but investing in a high-quality and long-lasting toiletry bag is not just a more sustainable option — it also helps ensure your toiletries will remain organized and easily accessible. We love the Away Large Toiletry Bag in particular for its compact exterior and surprisingly roomy interior, as well as the built-in pockets and mesh siding designed to provide easy access for grab-and-go items like lip balm or hair ties. The toiletry bag is also totally water-resistant, so if you do have anything spill over while en route, it won’t soil the rest of your suitcase. The only thing we didn’t like is that this option is pricey for a basic toiletry bag, but we still loved it enough to make it the best overall pick out of all the toiletry bags we tested. The quality and convenience are there, but the price point might be a bit hard to justify unless you’re a frequent traveler.

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Best Camera Bag

Peak design everyday sling.

Peak Design

This camera bag is durable, high-quality, and secure.

The bag may be a bit large for some.

If you’ve invested in a high-end camera and gear, the last thing you’ll want to do is risk it getting damaged in transit in a sub-par camera bag. The Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L provided everything we wanted and more during our tests thanks to its high-quality and thoughtful design. It features several areas for specific storage (from camera bodies and lenses to flash) as well as removable panels that allow you to customize your bag to fit the exact camera and accessories you’re working with. We also really liked that this option is a sling style rather than your typical messenger bag or top-handle design. This makes going hands-free while on the go much easier. The only thing we didn’t love was that the size is a bit cumbersome for some — but it definitely has enough space to store everything a traveling photographer could need.

Travel + Leisure / Mariah Tyler

Best Neck Pillow

Cabeau tne s3 travel pillow.

This pillow is small enough to tuck into your backpack, while offering enough support to actually sleep in economy.

There are more inexpensive options when it comes to neck pillows.

Try as we might: we can’t fly business class each and every time we embark on an overnight flight (if only!). Thankfully there are certain tips and tricks that make getting a good night’s sleep in economy totally feasible. You might be tempted to grab your tried-and-true neck pillow, but we highly recommend upgrading to a Cabeau TNE S3. This compact travel pillow is designed to support your head and neck comfortably — but also includes a unique chin strap designed to stop your head from bobbing down while drifting off. We really liked that it’s much smaller than the neck pillows of yesteryear, which means you won’t have to clip it onto your backpack, but rather tuck it discreetly back into your carry-on when you’re not using it. We also really liked that, unlike those bulky neck pillows, you can throw this pillow in the washing machine after a trip.

Best Face Sunscreen

Summer fridays shadedrops spf 30 mineral milk sunscreen.

The texture is lightweight and breathable, not greasy.

Some online reviewers said it irritated their sensitive skin.

It’s vital to use a decent sunscreen on your face — even on cloudy or winter days — and the Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen makes it easy to do so even if you hate the thought of rubbing chalky sunblock onto your face. This unscented option became an instant favorite during our tests. We found the formula to be lightweight and noted that this sunscreen was easy to use in tandem with our other face products without interrupting our makeup routine. The formula was non-greasy and didn’t affect oily skin during testing even with all-day use. Some online reviewers said it irritated their sensitive skin, but we didn't experience that ourselves.

Best Sunglasses

Eleventh hour essential polarized sunglasses.

Eleventh Hour

The lightweight design is comfortable without feeling too light.

The frame is a bit wide and might be a smidge too big for those with a narrow face.

Travel sunglasses can be hard to get right. You want something that’s lightweight enough that you can wear for hours in the sun while exploring the city or lazing on the beach — but you also want to ensure your glasses are sturdy enough to stay put while cruising on a boat or jogging to catch a tram. We found that the Eleventh Hour Essential Sunglasses manage to strike the perfect balance between lightweight comfort and functionality — and they also happen to be pretty stylish. The polarized lenses help to protect the eyes against the sun’s rays, while the thick black frames are fashion-forward but basic enough to pair with pretty much any outfit. We did notice that the frame is a bit wider than your average sunglasses, so those with a particularly slim face might find they fit loose.

Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio

Best Water Bottle

Thermoflask stainless steel water bottle.

This option is totally leakproof, so you can throw it in your bag without worry.

The exterior of the bottle might dent over time.

A reusable water bottle is a sustainable way to stay hydrated on the go. The Thermoflask Double Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle was "our top pick for the best water bottle for travel out of all the ones we tested. We found that this durable bottle is totally leakproof, which means you can easily throw it into your bag as needed without worrying about water spilling into your carry-on or backpack. We really liked that this option can actually keep your water cold for hours on end and that it comes with two lids to best suit your preferred drinking style. We also like that it has a handle that’s easy to grip and comes in a huge variety of fun colors to choose from. The only thing you’ll want to keep in mind is that the exterior of the bottle, while pretty durable, might get dented over time with heavy use.

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Toiletry Bottles

Liquisnugs premium leak-proof silicone travel bottles.

The silicone design is leakproof and long-lasting.

The caps can be tricky to open.

When it comes to leak-proof toiletry bottles , LiquiSnugs Premium Silicone Travel Bottles reign supreme in our books. The high-quality design is leakproof and long-lasting — we had no issues with spillage during testing and found the silicone design very easy to fill and dispense compared to the hard-plastic pharmacy variety. We really liked that this option came in four different sizes, which allowed us to customize the amount of each product we needed to bring for a trip. The price point also seemed very reasonable for the quality of the bottles. The only thing to keep in mind is that the caps can sometimes be tricky to open after flying — but that’s better than a leak!

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Best Lip Balm

Goop beauty clean nourishing lip balm.

This option is very hydrating and goes on smoothly and easily.

The formula doesn’t include SPF.

You need to have a decent lip balm on you at all times when traveling — you just do. Between the hours spent outside and on the go and the often higher levels of alcohol and salty food consumed on a trip, keeping yourself hydrated is key (and that includes your lips!). We found the Goopgenes Clean Nourishing Lip Balm was the overall winner out of all the lip balms we tested for travel. We loved how smoothly and easily it rolled on our lips, and the instant boost of hydration and softness was a major bonus as well. There are several tinted shades to choose from, in addition to a clear option. The only thing you’ll want to keep in mind is that it unfortunately doesn’t have SPF in the formula, so it might not be the best choice for beach vacations.

Travel + Leisure / Abby Moore

The Travel + Leisure team tested dozens of different products across 15 different tests in order to narrow down the best options for all of the above travel accessory categories. We carefully examined and put each item to work, including packing and unpacking the jewelry cases to determine how easy they were to use and tossing each water bottle from waist height to determine its durability. We also continued using the products and collecting insights after the initial tests to truly determine how well each item holds up with heavy use. 

Tips for Buying Travel Accessories for Women

Consider trip length.

The travel accessories you pack will greatly depend on the length of the voyage you’re taking. For example, if you’re jetting off for a quick weekend trip, you probably won’t need an extra-large toiletry kit or a folding tote bag for souvenirs. If you’re planning a month-long backpacking trip, on the other hand, it’ll be worth carefully selecting as many multi-functional accessories as possible to ensure you have all your bases covered without weighing yourself down.

Think about your itinerary

You don’t need all the travel accessories for all the trips. You’ll want to think carefully about your itinerary before splurging on anything too pricey or on bulky items you might not actually use all that often. If you're traveling for work, for example, a laptop case is a sound investment. If you’re planning a winter trip, you probably won’t need to pack multiple pairs of sunglasses and sunscreen (although you’ll still want face sunscreen even in the winter). If you tend to fly down to the Caribbean more than over to Europe or Asia, you can probably forgo the expensive neck pillow until you know you have a red-eye flight ahead of you.

Shop for products you’ll use often

Do not, we repeat, do not bother investing in expensive products you’ll only use once or twice. You don’t need the fanciest gadgets just for a single trip you have coming up. Instead, you’ll want to focus your budget on products you’ll use often. If you travel regularly, make sure the items you purchase will get you through most of your itineraries. If you’re not the biggest traveler, consider opting for items you can use in your daily life at home (like choosing great noise-canceling headphones instead of an expensive neck pillow).

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, T+L contributor Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as a travel writer and former lifestyle editor to curate a list of the best travel accessories for women. She combed through 15 sets of T+L test results to highlight products that scored well in each category and fit the theme of best travel accessories for women.

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Must-Have Travel Accessories for Long Flights

Written by Dan

Updated on April 26th, 2024

What are the best travel gadgets for long flights? Survive a long flight with these carry-on essentials and airplane travel accessories.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Best Travel Accessories for Long Flights

Cabeau neck pillow

• Travel day fanny pack

Peak Design Tech Pouch

• Travel Blanket
• Ultrasoft Compression Travel Socks
• Merino Wool Travel Hoodie
• Priority Pass membership

Noise-Canceling Headphones

• AirFly Wireless Headphone Adapter
• Headphone Jack Splitter
• Ear Plugs & Ear Plug Alternatives
• Battery Backup pack or Power Bank

Reusable Water Bottle

• Audiobooks (via Audible)

Apple AirTags

Comfy socks

Travel locks

• Comfy pants
• Passport holders (wallet or pouch)

Travel Pillow

• Mini Massage gun from Bob and Brad
• Collapsible/nestable Tupperware or travel food storage

Long flights can be especially rough because you’re trapped for hours and probably not so comfortable. We’ve had various experiences on long-haul flights up to 16.5 hours (NYC to Hong Kong!).

A flight experience is definitely what you make of it and how prepared you are to not lose your sanity. I’m excited to share all of my favorite flight accessories that have helped me stay comfortable and entertained on long flights.

Let’s get started with the travel accessory essentials that could make or break your long-haul international flight experience. A lot of these gadgets and gear are also great for gifts for your favorite traveler!

Browse our 6 favorite picks

• Get better sleep on your flight Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow
• Cozy up while flying EverSnug Airplane Travel Blanket
• Prevent theft & track your valuables Apple AirTags (4-Pack)
• Keep flight essentials handy Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag (1L)
• Store your passport and cards Harber London Passport Wallet
• Read a whole book on the flight The New Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (8GB)

Cabeau neck pillow

The Cabeau travel pillow has been traveling with us since 2017. Becca wears it during all of the flights and long bus rides that we take together. She’s much better at being able to sleep on flights than I am.

We like this pillow because you can wash the zippered fabric cover, and the design is much more sturdy than any of the other pillows that we’ve used before. It’s also one of Becca’s recommended travel products for women .

The Cabeau neck pillow is designed to provide optimal neck support and comfort during long travel hours.

Travel day fanny pack

I don’t know how Becca (or I) would travel without her fanny pack. Because Becca has quite a few that she likes and uses them during our travel days, I’ll usually keep important things like my passport and maybe some money with her.

Check out the best-selling lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L , which is a great choice for a travel day waist pack.

I go more in depth in this lululemon belt bag review .

Becca keeps everything in her fanny pack, like tissues, pens (for filling customs forms), plastic silverware (this has come in SO handy), her phone, her (and my) passport and a tiny bottle of hand cream for curing the dry hands you get when you fly. She has tried quite a few fanny packs throughout the years, and listed the best fanny packs for travel, here .

Fanny packs, or waist packs/hip packs/belt bags (whatever you want to call them) help give you quick access to your most important and valuable items so you don’t have to have them too far from you, like under the seat in front of you or overhead.

This is crucial because you can have the fanny pack on your person during an entire long-haul flight (just loosen the strap around your waist), and have all your top valuables in plain sight.

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

The lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag combines vibrant style and practicality, making it the perfect companion for travel days.

Peak Design Tech Pouch

Because I travel with a lot of cords, cables and dongles, something like the Peak Design field pouch or the Peak Design tech pouch is a great way to stay organized and have quick access to everything that you need. I recommend both in my list of my favorite tech pouches for travelers .

Instead of throwing my phone cable, headphone wires, audio splitter, power bank, pens, my passport (when Becca doesn’t have it in her travel fanny pack ) and everything else into the bottom of my bag, I’ll organize it all with a tech pouch. You can check out more at my Peak Design Tech Pouch review .

The Peak Design Tech Pouch is a highly-organized, efficient, and compact storage pouch designed for carrying your tech accessories. It's an excellent accessory for travelers, photographers, or anyone who carries a lot of small tech gear and wants to keep everything organized.

Travel Blanket

Some flights now make you pay for blankets, and having one of your own is a great way to save money while traveling . A blanket is a nice way to help keep you more comfortable as you try to sleep on a long-haul flight.

Also, I’m pretty sure that airlines don’t wash those blankets (ew) and that they reseal them (can someone let me know if this is true?). Traveling with our own blanket ensures that it’s our blanket, and we know where it came from.

Traveling with my own travel blanket can also be useful for the travels at my final destination; it can be a better option than using comforters at hotels, or better than guest blankets (these are definitely never washed) anywhere else.

If you’re looking for other options, I would look into this travel blanket and this one from Cabeau .

Ultrasoft Compression Travel Socks

I learned that compression socks, when worn on flights, increase comfort when flying. On a flight, you don’t move around much and your circulation naturally slows down. So, it’s helpful that compression socks help transport blood from extremities to your heart and help you avoid blood clots when you’re sitting in a cramped space.

A solid pair of travel compression socks can be preventative for post-flight swelling as well. Becca tried a pair during our flight from New York to Vancouver . She thought they were so comfy.

They’re also ideal if you’re doing something like traveling while pregnant , like Becca was. See more ideas at our list of the best socks for travel .

Merino Wool Travel Hoodie

I started bringing a travel hoodie with me, and it’s been a good way to stay comfortable in cold airports and on cold flights.

During all times of the year, airports are typically cold. Flights can be really cold, too. Having a lightweight hoodie that packs away in your carry-on is a perfect addition to your flight kit, and the Aviator travel hoodie that I have has cool features like an oversized hood that helps become a sleep mask.

Becca and I have both worn the Aviator travel hoodies, and they became our favorite travel sweatshirts. See more at our Aviator hoodie review .

Travel Hoodie

Make sure to check this out and see if it's for you!

Priority Pass membership

We’ve mentioned this must-have in other parts of our site like all about our lounge experience in our airport lounge how-to guide . Our Priority Pass memberships have pretty much changed our travel experiences from “not so great” to “pretty awesome.”

If you have a long flight, and then if you have anywhere from a two-hour to a twenty-hour layover (also, don’t confuse these two, because that’s how I wound up with an unexpected night in Japan….) you will want airport lounge access.

For us, gone are the days when we sit around looking for outlets with which to charge our phones next to uncomfortable chairs near the gate of a departing flight. Also gone are the days when we buy a $5 water bottle and a $15 egg sandwich because we’re desperate for some food.

Priority Pass is a membership that gets us into airport lounges all over the world. We’ve enjoyed Priority Pass lounges during layovers in Lisbon en route to the Canary Islands , and in Hong Kong before the longest flight we’ve ever taken, which is HKG to NYC (16.5 hours — that is a LONG flight!).

Eating well, charging up and relaxing at an airport lounge puts us in a good mood before stepping on a flight. It also helps us reset in between long flights.

Again, Priority Pass is not quite a physical accessory, but it’s something you may like to have in your stock of “long flight essentials” in order to have the best trip.

For times when you want to sleep on flights, but the lights are still on, a good sleep mask is crucial. Becca claims that a sleep mask is the #1 way for how to get better sleep during travel .

I like this sleep mask because it has memory foam and doesn’t put any pressure on your eyes. It creates a solid seal to let in as little light as possible.

Travel in comfort and bring on the darkness with this sleep mask, designed to ensure restful sleep anywhere, anytime.

These Sony noise-canceling headphones are currently my top pick for headphones. On flights, they are the best because they block out a lot of noise from the airplane and other passengers.

When you have them on with the noise cancellation mode, it’s truly amazing how much of the plane’s white noise the headphones will block out. And, what’s the opposite of white noise? Is it black noise? These headphones help me block out the sounds of people snoring next to me, people having loud conversations, people who insist on talking on the phone before the flight takes off and more.

They come with a convenient carrying case, so you can make sure they stay in great shape while you transport them and take them in and out of your carry-on luggage.

Noise-canceling Headphones

Enjoy serene, uninterrupted audio with these noise-canceling headphones, a must-have for travelers and audiophiles alike.

AirFly Wireless Headphone Adapter

One thing that we wish we had much sooner was the Twelve South AirFly . It’s a device that you can plug into the headphone hack on the airplane media console and pair your own bluetooth headphones to it. This is amazing, for anyone whose flight experience could be elevated with this!

This is great for times when you have your AirPods, but don’t have a way to connect them to the airplane media console. We have it and we’re always excited to take it on flights with us!

AirFly by Twelve South

Enjoy wireless freedom with the AirFly by Twelve South, turning any wired audio jack into a Bluetooth connection.

Headphone Jack Splitter

If you’re traveling with a significant other , family member or friend, a headphone splitter is one of the best and smallest things that you can carry with you to enhance your flight. We recommend this in our guide for how to fly with multiple kids because it’s crucial for watching movies and videos together as an activity!

You can plug a headphone splitter into the arm rest to watch a movie with someone. You can also split the audio out of an iPad or a phone to watch something downloaded on any of your favorite streaming services. iPhone users will need this dongle and most other phones can use this dongle .

Headphone jack splitter

Share your tunes easily with this headphone jack splitter, a simple solution to simultaneous audio sharing.

Ear Plugs & Ear Plug Alternatives

I can’t seem to fall asleep on flights (nor anywhere) without blocking out annoying noises, conversations and any sounds that aren’t ambient. When the flight staff turns down the lights to try to simulate nighttime, it’s a perfect time to put in my ear plugs to block out noise from other passengers.

I’m currently using the Flare Calmer ear plugs , which reduce annoying sounds, but also don’t block everything completely so that you’re only blocking out what bothers you.

The “Calmer” ear plugs are great for busy places (while traveling), audio annoyances during flights or transport and any sounds that may trigger you in a stressful way. For smaller ears, there’s the Flare Calmer Pro Mini ! For sleeping, I use the SLEEEP line of ear plugs from Flare Audio.

See my full Flare Audio ear plugs review to see what they’ve done for me in my travels.

You can check them out on Amazon or directly on the Flare Audio website .

Block out the world and focus on rest with these ear plugs, your compact solution for peaceful sleep during travel.

Battery Backup pack or Power Bank

Some of the newer airplanes have power chargers under the seats. Aside from them being super hard to locate, your plug can often fall out, especially when you’re least expecting it.

It’s more on the rare side that the flights I’ve taken recently have these power outlets.

I like traveling with a power bank on long flights because I can charge my phone, iPad or headphones before they run out of batteries. For flights over the five-hour mark, this is important so that I can arrive at my destination with a fully-charged phone.

Battery back up

Stay prepared with a battery back-up, ensuring your devices remain powered during your travels.

Reusable Water Bottle

Water bottles are a must for me while being in an airport and on an airplane for an extended amount of time.

Airport water is expensive, and can sometimes be $4 or $5! It seems crazy to spend that when almost every airport I’ve been to has a water refilling station. But the catch is, you need your own bottle. I’ve sometimes bought the cheapest bottle of water so that I can reuse the plastic bottle!

To be a sustainable traveler , ask the flight attendants on your flight to fill your bottle instead of drinking several of those tiny water cups. You also want to make sure you’re drinking a lot of water, because it’s easy to get dehydrated on flights. We like to stay healthy while traveling !

I realized that the day after traveling a long distance, I never felt great, and I think that is because I never drank enough water on longer flights.

These days, I like to sit on the aisle so that I can get up, stretch my legs and have an easy exit to the bathroom if I need one.

Stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle, an eco-friendly solution for your hydration needs.

It’s typical for some types of airplanes to not have any entertainment on the backs of the seats. Or, if you get really unlucky, your entertainment center might not work.

On a recent flight that I took, the touch capability on the in-flight entertainment screen stopped working, and I couldn’t change the brightness of the screen. When my movie finished, I wasn’t able to watch anything new!

Luckily, I had my phone, and I was able to watch something on it because I had downloaded some videos. I wish I traveled with my iPad because it would have been much more enjoyable to watch something on a larger screen.

Also, if you are traveling with toddlers or kids, an iPad is a great way to keep them entertained. For times when flights do have entertainment on the seats, having an iPad with kids is still a good idea so that children aren’t bumping and tapping too hard on the seat neighbor.

I’ve found that this iPad stand is the best lightweight stand to travel with and prop a tablet or phone on the airplane tray table.

Experience technology at your fingertips with the Apple iPad, the perfect blend of productivity, entertainment, and portability.

For the readers in the group, a Kindle is a great way to travel with all of your books, but without carrying any of the weight.

On my most recent flight, I opted not to bring a book because I had no room in my carry-on. I did have room for a Kindle, though.

If you travel with a Kindle, be sure not to bring it to the beach during your trip and sit on it. I had a friend who did that, and she was pretty upset. Kindles do happen to be more ‘breakable’ than paperback books.

Amazon Kindle

Enjoy a vast library of books in a compact form with the Amazon Kindle, making reading on the go a breeze.

Audiobooks (via Audible)

Audiobooks with Audible are great. I am not a big text reader, but I really do enjoy listening to audiobooks as much as I can. Long flights are the perfect opportunity to catch up on all of your books and make a big dent into your queue.

As a free alternative, look into how you can rent books from your local library!

Audible by Amazon

Start streaming and downloading podcasts and audiobooks.

Apple AirTags

We have Apple’s AirTags (the 4 pack) for putting on our checked baggage. For those who don’t know, Apple AirTags are like tracking devices for your things. While traveling, they’re nice to attach to your overhead or checked bag, as well as backpacks (which will also save your day if something gets stolen).

They work by using other iPhones to help locate your bag, so they work the best in crowded areas where other iPhones are around.

In the rare event that there is a mix-up with your bag and someone else takes it by accident, you can see and track where your bag is, using your AirTags. A lot of friends have recommended putting AirTags on checked luggage, backpacks and the like.

For crowded flights, where your bag might be stored in a different part of the airplane, this can give you peace of mind that you can track down who took your bag in the event of that rare occurrence.

Regardless of whether you checked bags or not, having Apple AirTags can help put your mind at ease about being able to track your belongings and luggage. Take it from me: I once had my favorite book stolen from under my nose during a flight that wasn’t even so long.

What I’m saying is even if you doze off for 15 minutes and if there are dishonest passengers lurking in your plane, anything from your water bottle to your wallet could get quietly snatched.

Track your most valuable possessions with Apple AirTags, Apple's newest product for protecting against theft during travel.

Comfy socks

It took me a while to figure out that something as simple as comfy socks could make a huge difference in your flight experience.

Because you can be sitting for a long period of time, a good pair of socks can help your feet breathe, keep them warm and keep them cozy during those “nighttime” flight hours when people are supposed to be sleeping.

I’ve gotten to know the Swiftwick brand and recommend them for this reason! Check out the collection here .

Keep your feet warm and cozy with this selection of comfy socks, designed to cushion your feet at every step.

Travel locks

When traveling to different parts of the world, keeping an extra eye on your things is always a good idea. Becca once had a Lonely Planet China book stolen during a flight because she got up to go to the bathroom, and that’s pretty crazy. Travel locks are a default and are especially one of the best products for backpacking trips .

If I am traveling with my camera and my laptop, I like to put a small lock on my bag to give me extra security that no one can easily open and snoop around my bags, getting into all my mildly-expensive camera accessories .

If you’re sleeping, or if you’re not near your bags on a flight, it’s really easy for someone to open the overhead and grab something from your bag. Locks make it hard for someone to get in there without you knowing.

Ensure your belongings are secure with these travel locks, providing peace of mind on your adventures.

Comfy pants

After so many flights, I really wish I was wearing something more comfortable than jeans or shorts. Sitting for a long period of time isn’t always the most comfortable. Finding a good pair of pants to wear during a flight can make a huge difference in your comfort levels.

We have an article that talks in much more detail about the best travel pants .

We recommend joggers, as they have pockets, and look decent, but they feel soft, comfy and stretchy like savvy sweatpants.

Passport holders ( wallet or pouch )

A passport case doesn’t really help you travel, but it does help protect your passport from spills or accidents that happen inside of your bag or around you while you have your passport out.

Having a passport wallet is also a great way to stay organized and keep any additional travel documents, like connection flight tickets , visa information and other IDs all in one place. We keep entry papers, vaccine cards, boarding passes and other documents all inside a shared passport case.

Fun story: Becca was once in Laos during the spring new year festival when everyone throws water on each other, and her passport almost got soaked. A passport case or protective sleeve would’ve helped out with the stress of the constant water everywhere.

Our Harber London passport wallet is a travel security product that has spots for bills and cards, and also has RFID protection. It has a magnetic closure, which adds a luxurious touch. This passport wallet is the crème de la crème when it comes to how to safeguard your passport in a stylish way.

We also started using the Tortuga Passport Pouch , which is made of durable waterproof material and has an L-shaped zipper you can see here. If you want to really keep your passport dry and secure, opt for this one.

Tortuga Passport Pouch

Store your passport with this essential waterproof sleeve that zips.

Travel Pillow

I actually have trouble with travel neck pillows . I’ve tried Becca’s Cabeau and never sleep comfortably with it. I usually want a real pillow and try to scrunch up whatever neck pillow I have to make it into a real pillow. Or, I’ll end up using a jacket or sweatshirt.

A pillow is generally a good idea to travel with. It comes in handy if you have any type of bus travel the roads are smooth enough to take a nap. Also, having a spare pillow is great if your accommodation has really flat pillows.

I would take a look at some of the camping pillows that Sea to Summit makes. They have a selection of inflatable and packable pillows that will pair nicely with travel as well.

Enhance your sleep during travel with a travel pillow, your ultimate travel companion.

Mini Massage gun from Bob and Brad

I’m always really sore after long flights and I’ll typically stretch, to try and stay loose. It’s been really nice to have access to a travel-sized massage gun to help with stubborn knots that are hard to get to with stretching.

I run a lot when I travel and this mini version of the original massage gun has been a great addition to help reduce injury. You can see above how the size compares to a passport. It can even fit in my personal item on the flight. I think it’s one of the best travel-sized fitness products for being able to work out during a trip .

Massage gun from Bob and Brad

Collapsible/nestable Tupperware or travel food storage

I started bringing my own food to the airport, and it’s been a game-changer.

Living in New York City has a lot of perks. One of my favorite perks is being able to get a sandwich basically at any time. Typically, within a five-block radius, you can probably find a sandwich. It’s delightful.

One time, I brought a sandwich to the airport to bypass needing to spend a lot of money on airport food. I put the sandwich inside of my bag, and lucky me, the sandwich got a little soggy and got my hoodie a little wet. Yikes.

I wish I had a sandwich box or some other more secure bags to keep my sandwich in, and something collapsible and foldable would’ve been amazing.

Becca brought one of our Tupperware containers from home with some nuts and dried fruit. She had a great experience with that, except once the snack was over, the empty Tupperware took up a bit of room in her bag.

Collapsible Tupperware and dining storage is a great solution for being able to bring your own food without needing to carry a lot of bulky food containers with you.

Nesting stainless steel snack containers might also work well if you want something more sturdy. We like the EcoLunchbox nesting snack containers because they have no-leak lids and are impossible to break.

Collapsible Food Storage Containers

Maximize space and maintain freshness with these collapsible food storage containers, ideal for meals on the go.

Why should you trust us?

We’ve been traveling the world, both separately and apart, and that has involved some VERY long flights!

Both Becca and I have been on flights from NYC to Hong Kong (that is a really long flight) as well as flights to Africa, India, the Middle East and Argentina, between the two of us. Having trusty gear to get you through those types of flights is crucial.

Becca prioritizes accessories that help her sleep, whereas I prioritize accessories that help me listen to and watch entertainment. Different aspects of flying are important to each of us, which is why this list reflects our preferences. Maybe you enjoy a little bit of both these ends of the spectrum!

For us both, we like flying to feel like an experience, even though the flight is simply the journey that gets you from “here” to “there.” Whether you plan to pack in as many movies as you can, or as many hours of sleep as humanly possible, we hope this list of travel accessories for long flights does the trick!

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Merhaba ! We’re Becca & Dan.

We created this blog to share some of the knowledge and experience that we have around travel , remote work , photography and beyond!

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