smart travel items

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

By: Author Milijana

Posted on Published: October 11, 2023  - Last updated: September 2, 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

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

• How to Travel Cheap: Ultimate Guide to 108 Travel Resources
• 43 Amazing Money-Saving Travel Tips and Hacks
• Travel Insurance for Italy (What You NEED to Know Before You Go)
• 10 Simple Long Haul Flight Tips for Arriving Rested and Relaxed
• 23 Top Travel Essentials: Ultimate Travel Packing List for Backpackers
• What Pack for Winter in Norway: 17 Must-Have Packing Items
• 10 Travel Hacks That’ll Make Your First Solo Trip A Total Breeze
• 20 Clever Ways to Staying Fit While Travelling You Should Try

Like it? Pin it for later!

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.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

Like what you see? Subscribe using the form below to have all of my posts delivered directly to your email.

Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

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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 27 best travel gadgets in 2023

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For today's traveler, a packing list includes not only their daily wear and toiletries, but also tech gadgets: a phone, maybe a laptop or tablet, and possibly a smartwatch. You may also be wondering, what other gizmos are worth lugging around? As it turns out, there's a lot to consider. 

Whether you're on a long-haul flight, a never-ending road trip, or just jetting around your destination, there are plenty of travel-appropriate tech gadgets that can make your next trip a breeze. 

From gear to ensure you're charged up to a TSA-approved massage gun to ail the aches of travel, here are our favorite travel tech gadgets and accessories to ensure you're ready for anything that comes your way.

For keeping an eye on your valuables, put a Tile Pro or Apple AirTag in your checked baggage. We recommend Tile because it works for both Android and Apple devices, while utilizing the Tile user network to help you locate things that are much further away.

On the flipside: Apple's AirTag offers the same features, but only works with Apple devices. The AirTag connects to the Find My app built into every iPhone and iPad, which theoretically means it taps into a wider network of users to locate your item. Whichever you choose, consider a tracker in your luggage as personal insurance.

Insta360 X3 Camera

Sure, the best camera is the phone that's in your pocket, but if there's a reason to bring along an additional shooter, make it the the X3. This 360-degree camera works alongside a companion app on your phone and captures everything surrounding you. No longer will you need to choose what to frame. But what makes this camera truly fun are the special effects you can create, which will make your vacation photos and videos stand out from the crowd.

Sony WH-100XM5 Headphones

If you want the latest and greatest in over-ear noise-canceling performance, it's the Sony WH-100XM5s . The XM5s sport an updated design with a narrower headband and wider earcups for a roomier fit. The drivers have been updated and the ANC (active noise cancellation) performance has been kicked up a notch thanks to two processors and eight noise-canceling microphones, up from the four microphones found on the previous-gen XM4s. Speaking of the XM4s, they're still a great option and cost $50 less .

Beats Fit Pro

The Beats Fit Pro was released back in 2021, but they continue to be one of our favorite wireless earbuds. It packs the same features you'd get in the AirPod Pros, but in a more secure, sweat-resistant package. This year, Beats introduced three new eye-catching colors: coral pink , volt yellow , and tidal blue . 

Panasonic ErgoFit Wired Earbuds

It's a good idea to have a pair of wired earbuds to toss in your bag for a flight, especially since most in-seat entertainment systems have yet to roll out support for Bluetooth. And while there are plenty to choose from, Panasonic's ErgoFit is a tried-and-true budget pair you won't regret. Available in more than 15 colors, these earbuds are as basic as you can get, but they'll get the job done for under $20. Just note that you'll need a Lightning adapter for Apple devices .

Anker 622 Magnetic Battery

If you own an iPhone 12 or newer and want to take advantage of MagSafe technology, this portable battery pack from Anker has a capacity of 5,000mAh, which is more juice than Apple's MagSafe battery pack , which is rated at 1,460mAh. The 622 is capable of wirelessly charging your phone at a max of 7.5 watts, but its best feature is the travel-friendly built-in kickstand. If you're looking for more power, Anker also sells a 10,000mAh version . 

For more picks, check out our guide on the best MagSafe battery packs . 

Mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charger with MagSafe

Apple stans will appreciate Mophie's 3-in-1 charger , which has dedicated charging spots for the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. We're not sure what we like more: the convenient carrying case or that it comes complete with a 30W USB-C wall adapter.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12

 The Instax Mini 12 is Fujifilm's newest camera, and just like its predecessor, it's a one-button instant camera that's so easy to use that even kids can operate it. The Instax Mini 12 improves on the lineup's winning formula by adding a new lens that you can twist to enable "close-up" mode. The entry-level instant camera works with Instax Mini film , which is widely available. Plus it runs on replaceable AA batteries, so you'll never have to worry about running out of power.

Anker 747 Charger

If you're a frequent traveler, you need a multiport charging hub. And Anker's GaNPrime-powered 747 Charger is one of the best you can buy right now . With three USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and 150W charging capacity, this compact charger can charge multiple devices — laptops, tablets, smartphones, or other small devices — quickly and all at once. And thanks to GaNPrime technology, the 747 is  smart enough to identify how many devices are connected and how much output each device needs.

Native Union Belt Cable Universal

When it comes to cables, it pays to have a spare just in case you lose one. For that, we recommend this universal cable from Native Union. Measuring at 6.5 feet long and made from braided nylon, the cord can quickly transition between micro-USB, USB-C, and Lightning connectors.

Bellroy Tech Kit

A dedicated tech bag can turn the roost of cables, cords, and techy accessories you travel with into a well-organized mobile workstation. While you should shop around to find a tech organizer bag that suits your particular needs, the Tech Kit from Bellroy is a quality option. It features a soft-shell body for added structure and protection, along with loops, pockets, and compartments to neatly store your essentials. It's also available in a compact size .

For more options, check out our guide on the best tech organizer bags . 

Nimble Champ Portable Charger

The Champ Charger is one of Nimble's smallest and lightest power banks, but it still packs a punch. It's designed to top up smaller devices, and supports up to 15W of charging through one USB-A port and one USB-C port. The battery's 10,000mAh capacity is enough to charge your phone or tablet for a weekend of use. Bonus: Nimble is a certified B Corp with a commitment to sustainable consumerism currently unmatched in the consumer tech industry, from using non-traditional materials and plastic-free packaging, to its free e-waste recycling program.

DJI Osmo Mobile 6

Unfortunately, nobody wants to watch your vacation videos if they're nauseatingly bouncy, no matter how beautiful the scenery is. To capture rock-steady footage with smooth pans and tilts — think Hollywood-style cinematography — put your phone into what is the best gimbal for consumers. It's easy to operate, and the built-in telescoping pole lets you capture selfies with a wider view.

Moft Invisible Laptop Stand

When you're on the road, ergonomics is a challenge. Moft's "invisible" laptop stand is an ultra-thin portable stand that won't add any weight to your laptop, and only takes a second to put into action. It has two elevation angles (15 and 25 degrees), which you can adjust to whichever is more convenient for your sitting posture. Moft also sells stands for other devices, including the iPad and iPhone .

Epicka Universal Travel Power Adapter

If you're jet-setting across the world, a universal travel adapter is a must. And you won't find one that'll meet most simple charging needs than Epicka's all-in-one adapter. This handy plug is designed for phones, laptops, and other smaller devices. The retractable prongs allow it to work in more than 150 countries, and it has six charging ports: four USB ports, one USB-C port, and one universal AC socket. 

Backbone One Mobile Controller

For gaming on the road, we recommend the Nintendo Switch . But if you're looking for an alternative with even better portability, we highly recommend the Backbone One Mobile Controller, which can turn gaming on your iPhone or Android phone into a first-class handheld console experience. The Backbone One gives you joysticks and buttons, so it's comfortable for long playing sessions, and it works with mobile titles as well as cloud-gaming services like Xbox and PlayStation Remote Play.

Yogasleep Rohm Travel Sound Machine

With Yogasleep's Rohm Travel Sound Machine , you can rest easily wherever the road takes you. It features three modes: bright white noise, deep white noise, and "gentle surf." And unlike other portable sound machines, it's powered by a rechargeable battery instead of disposable batteries. If you're looking for something more baby-friendly, the Hushh Compact Sound Machine features a soft LED night light and child-safe locks.

GoPro Hero 12 Black Action Camera

If you can only pack one camera for travel, make it the new GoPro Hero 12 Black. An evolution of the already impressive Hero 11 Black , it's small enough to fit in the tightest corners of a bag, yet it is on par with much larger cameras, thanks to 12 generations of innovation. This latest version of GoPro's storied Hero camera can shoot high-dynamic-range video for improved contrast and coloring, a wider field-of-view lens to capture more of a scene, and Bluetooth support for headphones. Plus, it has the best in-camera stabilization yet. It's built to withstand bumps, drops, and splashes, and a great smartphone app lets you upload your footage to social media wherever you are.

Kensington Privacy Screens

When you think of tech privacy while traveling, you might think of VPNs , which allow you to connect to the internet through a secure server so you can work securely and remotely. But for added security, don't overlook privacy screens. Kensington sells a number of reliable privacy screens  — some attached with magnets, others by an adhesive, depending on your laptop or tablet — that reduces viewing angles and filters blue light .

Etekcity Luggage Scale

Overweight baggage fees can cost an arm and a leg and who knows what else, and they're especially tricky when traveling internationally. Etekcity's luggage scale is reliable and accurate, plus it's ultra portable and weighs under five ounces to easily fit in your bag.

TwelveSouth AirFly

A tiny dongle that lets you use your wireless headphones for in-flight entertainment? How smart. TwelveSouth's AirFly plugs into the audio jack so you can hear airline TV screens using your own personal headphones. And with more than 20 hours of battery life, it could last even the most long-haul flights. If you've got a travel companion, the AirFly Duo lets you connect two pairs of headphones at once. And for car rides in older vehicles, the AirFly Pro lets you stream from your phone to the stereo's aux-in port.

Logitech K380 Keyboard

Logitech's K380 keyboard is an excellent portable set of keys that has a small footprint that will make working even in the most cramped spaces a little more comfortable. It connects to any device that supports Bluetooth and pairs with up to three devices, which is perfect if you're switching between a laptop, tablet, and phone. It's ultra quiet, and can last two years one just two AAA batteries.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

The newest ultra-portable speaker from Ultimate Ears, the Wonderboom 3 is a 360-degree speaker that should fulfill your travel needs. It has battery life of up to 14 hours on a single charge. There's an "Outdoor Boost" mode that cranks up the bass, and it can float if you throw it in water. This is a versatile little speaker that can also pair with another Wonerboom speaker for stereo sound.

Kindle Paperwhite

Easily one of the best Kindles you can buy right now , the 11th-generation Kindle Paperwhite includes a larger 6.8-inch, high-resolution display, adjustable warm lighting, responsive page-turning, and USB-C charging. The base Paperwhite comes with 8GB of storage, which should be plenty for most people (that's around 3,000 e-books).

Hypervolt Go 2

A must-have for preventing and easing the aches and pains of traveling, the Hypervolt Go 2 weighs just 1.5 pounds and lasts up to 3 hours on a single charge. With three speeds and two interchangeable heads, it can do wonders for a stiff neck, sore muscles, back pain and more. It's also surprisingly quiet. The Go 2 is TSA-approved, as long as it's packed in your carry-on. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a travel case. 

Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod

Whether it's for timelapses, self-portraits, or video calls, a phone tripod can be surprisingly handy when you're on the go. Manfrotto makes some of the best travel tripods in the world, and its Pixi Mini Tripod folds up small (you can also use this tripod as a grip) and weighs less than a pound. Unlike some tripods, the Pixi Mini can be used with different types of phones thanks to its universal clamp.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

If you're not traveling with a streaming stick, you're missing out on a simple travel hack. You can plug it into your hotel room or Airbnb's TV and stream your favorite movies and shows. Roku's Streaming Stick 4K is well-suited for travel, and will give you great picture quality, whether streaming in HD, 4K, or HDR. Just don't forget to bring the physical Roku remote.

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• Main content

17 Travel Gadgets That Will Make Your Next Trip Smoother

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Figuring out what you need to pack for a trip can be challenging—especially if you like to travel carry-on only . But whether you’re heading for a weekend away with your best gal pals or a week-long jaunt to a new city, the tech you pack is important. From portable batteries and small location devices to headphone adapters for planes, we’ve tested multiple items to see what the best travel gadgets really are, and which ones simply aren't worth the space.

We promise the products below merit a spot on your packing list . Keep them in a pouch or near your suitcases so you know exactly where they are at all times, and can grab them when the need arises. The best part? All of these accessories are available on Amazon , and most on Prime, so you can get your hands on them quickly in advance of your next trip .

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Madison Flager.

This under-$20 Amazon find has completely upgraded my in-flight entertainment experience. When I fly, I usually watch movies or downloaded videos on my iPhone so I can continue to use my noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones. This means I’m usually rotating between holding my phone in my hand and (unsuccessfully) propping it up on the tray table. This pocket-size phone mount clips onto the top of your seat tray table and perfectly holds your phone in place so you can watch movies, TV shows, or podcast videos hands-free. It features 360-degree rotation, allowing travelers to view their screen vertically or horizontally. The 1.5-inch clamp can be attached to tables, desks, gym equipment, and a variety of other surfaces. While I originally purchased this carry-on essential to use on airplanes, I’ve also attached it to my luggage handle while waiting to board a flight and on a train ride from Lucca to Florence. —Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor

If you've been on a group trip, you know the struggle of trying to get ready when there are too few mirrors available compared to the amount of folks in the house or hotel room. Eliminate the hassle with a portable travel mirror, like this fold-out option available on Amazon. It shifts to varying heights, has three light settings (warm, cool, and natural daylight), and folds up flat, weighing less than a pound.

Associate commerce editor Meaghan Kenny calls this small wireless device “a complete game-changer—I'm never going back to the days of dry hotel rooms and dehydrated skin post flight.” She's found that sleeping with it, both at home and on the road, leaves her skin less dry and helps her to wake up feeling more refreshed. It's easy to use, too: “For as compact as the humidifier is, it can still fit 11.3 ounces of water—more than enough needed for a continuous cool mist throughout the day or night.”

Read a full review of this product.

Sure, many totes , backpacks , and small duffels now come with a trolley sleeve to secure it to a suitcase handle, but when you find yourself using a bag without that little sleeve, keeping your things together and upright becomes a balancing act. A Cincha travel belt is the workaround: It slips over your suitcase handle, then wraps around most any bag like a seatbelt, with adjustable straps to tighten or loosen as needed.

There’s nothing worse than getting onto an airplane and your wireless headphones not connecting to the seatback entertainment system. That issue is easily averted with this wireless audio transmitter and adapter . The small device pairs to your headphones via Bluetooth and then plugs into the tiny TV on the airplane so you’re never without entertainment on long-haul flights . I keep this Amazon gadget in my pre-packed go-bag, then charge it the night before I fly so I know it's fully charged before heading to the airport. Even better is that the device can pair with two sets of headphones, so if I'm traveling with someone we can both watch the same movie at the same time.

Gimbal stabilizers come in a variety of sizes and price points. If you’re testing the waters with the smartphone travel accessory , you may want to consider this under-$50 option. The anti-shake, one-axis stabilizer allows you to capture smooth videos and crisp photos of your travels without having to think about keeping your hands perfectly still and balanced. One perk of this particular stabilizer is that it doesn’t have a corresponding app that you need to use to make the device work, so you can just pop your phone onto the handle and go. At just 7.5 inches and less than half a pound, the stabilizer can fit easily into your day bag without weighing it down.

We’ve all experienced those long, twisty lines at the airport coffee shop that take longer than expected and leave you rushing off to your gate, juggling an iced coffee and your phone, all while somehow wheeling your carry-on bag behind you. Make that scenario a memory of the past with this luggage cup holder. The hands-free pocket slips over the handle of your luggage to hold up to two drinks and your phone. The adjustable cup holder has a Velcro opening that can be tightened or loosened to fit your suitcase handle and stay securely on your luggage as you traverse the airport. I keep this in my go-to personal item at all times, that way I know where it is before I head to the airport. Even better, if I do somehow spill a drink when using this, the cup holder is completely machine washable; I’ve throw it in with a load of towels to keep it clean.

If you’re headed somewhere warm, be it a theme park or Europe in summer, one of the best travel gadgets to bring along is a mini handheld fan. This VersionTech handheld fan is my absolute favorite of all of the ones I’ve tried. It charges quickly with an included USB charger (you can also use any micro-USB cords you're already packing), and has three speeds to keep air moving and keep you feeling refreshed. The handle of the fan can be folded back to allow it to sit on a table if you stop for a meal or coffee, or find yourself on a hot bus or train. I always have this in my backpack or fanny pack in the summer—when I whip it out and have a cool breeze blowing across my face, my travel buddies are instantly jealous that they don’t have one too.

Keeping your phone charged while traveling through airports can be difficult—not every airport has charging ports integrated into the seats at the gates, and most of the time people are huddled around the one or few outlets near the gate. I love this phone charging passport holder because I can charge my phone with an included power bank, and it has an integrated cable holder, and elastic bands to keep my phone in place as I traverse the airport. I also appreciate that the holder has a space for your passport and RFID blocking credit card slots for added protection.

No matter how meticulously you pack your clothes, pieces always end up wrinkled and looking like you slept in them on the other end. That problem is easily solved with this handheld garment steamer . The small electronic device weighs in at just under two pounds, so it won’t add much weight to your luggage. The steamer takes just 35 seconds to heat up, and has a removable water tank that’s easy to fill and an adjustable steam head so you can get wrinkles out no matter how your clothes are hung up. Leave this at home if you’re headed on a cruise, though; these portable steamers are not allowed on any cruise line.

Find more portable steamer recommendations .

Whether you’re traveling internationally or domestically, having a travel adapter is always a good idea. The universal adapter allows you to plug in your devices to outlets, no matter what country you’re in. There’s also a built-in surge protector and two USB ports so you can charge your phone or watch without having to unplug something bigger like hot hair tools or a laptop.

There’s nothing worse than misplacing something or finding out that your luggage got lost in transit on the way to your hotel or Airbnb. With an Apple AirTag , you can have constant eyes on your belongings, even if they aren’t technically with you. The tiny puck-like devices pair with your iPhone or iPad and use geolocation to let you know where your belongings are. I like that I can check on the location of my luggage, purse, or whatever else I've dropped an AirTag into with the Find My app. This is especially helpful after a plane lands and I want to be sure my luggage made it to my final destination.

Is there anything worse than checking into a hotel room and tossing and turning all night because of loud noises from neighbors or city streets? With this portable white noise sound machine, you can easily drown out the sounds of people, cars, or snoring companions. The machine has three sound options, and multiple volume settings so you can find the option that’s best for you. And because it’s so small at just 3.5 inches in diameter, it can fit in a backpack or carry-on bag with ease.

An electric handheld luggage scale is without a doubt one of the best travel gadgets, especially if you’re prone to overpacking and always have a checked bag at the airport like me. The handheld scale uses a strap to attach to the outside handles of your suitcase. Then you simply pull up with both hands using even force for the scale to display how much your luggage weighs. This is my easy way to avoid overweight fees or having to open my luggage on the airport floor to take things out and squish items into my backpack before racing off to my gate.

After flying through the friendly skies and making your way to your perfect vacation destination, your phone is likely showing that annoying red battery indicating that it’s almost out of power. With this wireless portable charger , you never have to get below 10 percent charge again. The charger can support wireless charging or charging with a connecting cable and can support Apple and Android products. iPhone users will be glad to know that with one full charge of the power bank, the device can charge an iPhone 12 at least eight times.

Keeping your personal information safe should be a top priority while traveling. One easy way to do that is with an RFID-blocking wallet, so skimmers in the pockets of nefarious patrons can’t get your credit card info just by walking by you. The wallet has multiple slots for credit cards, plus two zip pockets that are great for coins and paper money. Everything is further protected with a snap that covers both zippers and keeps the wallet closed.

Another popular travel wallet option: the Slim Mint ultra-thin RFID-blocking wallet. The compact case can hold cash and whatever essential cards you need on you—credit cards, hotel room keys, metro cards—so that they are easily accessible. When empty, it weighs just 3.2 ounces.

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.

23 Best Travel Gadgets That'll Make Your Next Trip Even Better

For more organized, manageable, and unforgettable adventures.

The process of packing for a trip —out of town or across the globe—has, like everything, been ratcheted up a notch in the past decade. Used to be all you really had to worry about was your checked luggage , your carry-on , your travel backpacks , and whatever clothes you were packing. The techiest thing you'd pack would've been a power adapter. Now, there’s a whole high-tech world of travel gadgets occupying your suitcases and duffel bags . Sure, there's a lot of dumb stuff in the category, but there's a handful of travel gadgets that have made it all infinitely more convenient.

This cohort of travel tech is also constantly evolving, and it's increasingly becoming more portable: Handy enough to fit in your carry-ons or use on the go. Altogether, the best travel gadgets can make your trips more organized, manageable, and unforgettable—just better through and through. Hence, from tools you'll actually use during transportation or overnight stays, to devices that'll help you enjoy sceneries of a foreign land to the fullest, we recommend these 23 best travel gadgets below for every type of traveler and journey. Grab a cool instant camera , a portable WiFi hotspot , a universal power bank , or even a pair of binoculars, for example, then you'll really be bon-voyage-ing.

Therabody SmartGoggles

The last row of economy feels like first class when you put these on. They calm you down or put you to sleep with massages around your eyes and temples.

Cadence Starter Set

I talked about these little to-go skincare containers in our editors' travel hacks story . Instead of using drug store travel-sized products, you can take your expensive hair and skin care regimes on the road with you.

JEPWCO G4 Pro Anti Spy Detector

You never know what kind of creeps are lurking at your hotel room or AirBnb. Hence, a wireless hidden device detector that'll blow the gaff on those pinhole cameras, audio bugs, and trackers. And, it doesn't look like a detective's walkie-talkie, which is cool.

Trova Go Biometric Stash Case

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Trova's portable biometric safe is for travelers who keep essentials with them as they wander through a whole new city or countryside of beautiful landscapes—so... Any traveler? Only you can access what's inside, so you can fully let down your guards and actually enjoy the trip, stress-free.

furid Airtag Wallet

There's no reason to add any extra stress to your trip. Get an AirTag wallet and save yourself from a succession of mini heart attacks.

Ember Temperature Control Travel Mug 2

Hot coffee isn't just for homebodies who stay still and attached to a seat; travelers and adventurers alike also deserve the heat. Ember's travel mug will keep the contents inside hot at the precise temperature, and keep them secure with a leakproof, slide-lock design.

Bellroy Tech Kit

We won't tell you what iPhone chargers or power adapters to get—you probably already have the best. But we do recommend a carry-on organizer for all your essential tech accessories, and Bellroy's tech kit has a place for every possible one you might need while traveling.

Twelve South AirFly Pro

Simply put, it's a TikTok viral gadget that'll connect your AirPods —or any wireless headphones and earbuds—to the airplane TV. A godsend for your inevitably long, dull flight across the country, or the globe.

VSSL Adventure Flask Kit

More than just a drinking vessel kit for passing around whiskey to your traveling mates during a makeshift happy hour, though that's definitely its main purpose. VSSL adds an LED light, compass, and a bottle opener to the setup, so folks who are really outside adventuring can stay safe and sound, and, of course, enjoy some sips.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e

Everybody needs some Don't Talk to Me headphones. These from Bowers & Wilkins so comfortable and sound so great that I awarded them in our Esquire Gadget Awards .

The Nori Press

An iron and an ironing board are rarely guaranteed, so plenty of fashion types carry a steamer with them. The Nori Press is the best clothes steamer out there because it combines the features of steamer and iron. It's lightweight and packable, but it can set a nice sharp crease.

Leica SOFORT 2 Instant Camera (Black)

Most polaroids are too big and bulky to really enjoy. For any vacation, you should either get a disposable camera or this brand new Leica point and shoot. It takes digital photos you can develop later, but it can also print those photos immediately onto little polaroids.

Apple AirTag, 4-Pack

Of course, you have to get some AirTags. Four is the perfect number, because you can insure you never lose your wallet, passport, carry-on, and checked bag.

TUMI Just In Case Tote

Alright, this is pushing the definition of gadget, but hear me out. This nylon tote packs down to the size of a book. Slip it into any suitcase or backpack, and forget it's there. Then—if you have extra stuff to bring home or just pack more lazily—pull it out, expand it and toss all your leftover stuff in it. It's my favorite travel hack product.

Solis Lite Hotspot & Power Bank

The last thing you need while traveling is to go offline—especially if you don't speak the local language. Thus, a WiFi hotspot , like the Solis, which is one of the easiest to operate. Just connect it to the mobile app and pay for the data, then off you go—web surfing, messaging, or any easy Internet usage. Cell carriers be damned.

DJI OM 5 Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer

Not just any selfie-stick. Use DJI's smart gimbal that is anti-wobbling to up your photography or vlogging skills to match even the pros. The ActiveTrack algorithm will automatically follow main objects in the frame for an HD focus. They can be walking, running, swimming, zig-zagging... This gimbal don't miss.

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

Maybe if all these heads of state and government just agree upon one shape of input/output plug, we'd have less international conflicts? Before then, grab one—or more—of these all-in-one travel adapters to, IDK, bridge the international relations?

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar GPS Watch

Garmin's GPS watch beats Apple's latest release —the Ultra—to the punch at something any outdoorsman can appreciate: It's solar-powered. I.e. Instinct 2 has unlimited battery life as long as you keep the lights on. And it's built like a beast with a tough-as-nails anti-water/shock/heat case. It'll keep up with wherever you're traveling to, whatever extreme activity you might partake.

Omnicharge Omni 20+ 20000mah Power Bank

A portable charger on the road or in the air will prove a life-saver during those unexpected power-off moments. The Omni 20+ is one almighty power bank capable of charging your cameras, drones, laptops, and phones simultaneously, at up to 100W—one of the fastest speeds we've ever seen. It's got ports of all kinds for that matter, ready to lend a hand to all the heavy travel tech you'll bring along.

BALMUDA Rechargeable LED Lantern

Balmuda's water-resistant lantern comes alive both under the sky and inside the four-walls, since it's main thing is mood-setting. It'll glow like a candle light to elevate your private romantic dinner near La Seine, or maybe shine a light to show your way at night in the campsite.

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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. (In August of 2024, Cotopaxi released a slightly redesigned version of the Allpa 35L; we’re comparing it to the previous version and will report back as soon as we’re able.)

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 (see below).

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 , and bags that are easy to carry while you’re walking long distances .

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.

Personal item (otherwise known as underseat luggage)

As the name suggests, “personal items” are very, well, personal, and no one bag will work for all travelers. Our favorites include the Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag , which shines as a tech organizer that still has enough room to also hold a change of clothes. And it’s still good-looking enough to carry from the plane to the office without raising an eyebrow.

If the Air Porter is too businessy for your taste, you may like the Monos Metro Duffel , a luxuriant shoulder bag with detailed organization and add-ons made specifically for simplifying travel. Should you prefer to roll your personal item aboard the plane, we suggest the remarkably maneuverable Travelpro Crew VersaPack Carry-On Rolling Tote —it’s large enough to carry everything you need for an overnight trip, but it still falls within the average US airline underseat dimensions. See our full guide to underseat luggage for still more options.

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.

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. (In 2024, Eagle Creek redesigned the Reveal cubes yet again; we’re currently assessing the new version.)

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. (The Isolate too has been redesigned in 2024; again, we’re taking a look and will report back.)

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.

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 : “We knit a longer lasting sock that stays comfortable season after season. We’re able to guarantee them for life because we knit them ourselves. If yours ever rip or tear, we'll replace them free of charge.” 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 TL 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.

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.

You save $4 (17%)

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. Recently, our pick for carrying tech necessities, the Incase Nylon Accessory Organizer, which had been out of stock for a few years, returned to the Incase website and was briefly in stock. (It’s now out of stock again, alas.) If you prefer mesh to easily see your contents, 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.

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 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.

May be out of stock

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.

Meet your guide

Wirecutter Staff

Mentioned above

• 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  
• The Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag is a great bag for tech-carrying travelers to slide under an airplane seat. We also have options for other travelers. The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags  
• 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

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

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.

Air Travel Is Chaos. This Gear Will Help Get You Through the Exasperating Delays.

These things don’t make your flight take off any faster, but they can make the wait a little more tolerable.

The Best Travel Pillow

After testing eight travel pillows on four red-eye flights in window, aisle, and middle seats, we think the Travelrest Ultimate is the best for most travelers.

The Best Gear for Your Road Trips

After hundreds of hours of research and 1,500 miles behind the wheel, we’ve singled out the gear that’s absolutely essential for your next journey on the open road.

23 Best Travel Electronics, According to Tech Experts

Make your next trip easier with these useful gadgets and tech accessories.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Traveling is all about taking a break and disconnecting from daily life, but that doesn’t mean you need to leave all your electronic gadgets back at home. Whether you’re planning a big family vacation abroad or you're a frequent traveler for work, there are tons of handy travel accessories out there that can make traveling so much easier.

That’s why we've put together this list of the best travel electronics and tech gadgets to save some extra room for in your luggage.

Our top picks:

Best Travel Gadget for WiFi

Verizon jetpack mifi 8800l.

Best Travel Gadget for Smartphones

Anker 325 power bank (powercore 20k).

Best Travel Gadget for Filming Content

Dji osmo mobile 6.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute , we review and test all types of travel gear in our Labs, from luggage trackers and noise-canceling headphones to carry-on suitcases and packing cubes . Our recommendations here include products we've tested first-hand in our own travels and swear by, as well as popular picks we found by researching seasoned travelers' rave reviews online.

Read on to learn more about the most useful travel gadgets to bring along on your next adventure, and find more information about how we make our recommendations at the bottom of this guide. Looking for more travel tips? Check out our best travel tips for families and our guide to the best luggage brands for every type of traveler .

If you need solid coverage and strong Wi-Fi on your next trip, consider this Verizon Jetpack that enables you to connect up to 15 devices to your very own personal WiFi network in over 200 countries . Our tech experts like that it works on a reliable Verizon network and has impressive battery life (in our Lab tests, the battery lasted a full day, holding up to the brand's claims). Plus, it can even charge your phone if you can't get find an empty outlet at the airport. Just keep in mind that you'll have to purchase a separate data plan from Verizon to use.

Having your phone die on you while you're exploring a new place is never ideal, especially if you want to snap a photo or access Google Maps. This portable charger will be there to give you enough juice to stay connected. We love its slim, compact design, which should easily fit into any size travel backpack . We also like that it can charge two devices at once via its USB-A ports . When you've used up all the battery life, we found it easy to recharge the power bank via micro-USB or USB-C.

RELATED: The Best Travel Items to Buy on Amazon

Pack this lightweight, compact gadget if you want smooth, stabilized footage of your vacation. The gimbal stabilizer is designed to hold your phone securely in place and has built-in controls that allow you to rotate it in one sweeping motion — a.k.a. the image will be way steadier than your shaky hand. Our tech pros love that this device not only helps create professional-looking footage, but it comes with a tripod and a magnetic clamp to make attaching your phone super easy.

Anker 40W 4-Port USB Wall Charger

Doesn't it always seem like hotel rooms never have enough outlets? This charger has a whopping four USB plugs, making it a great choice for a family or anyone who wants to charge their phone, tablet, headphones and smartwatch all at once . We also like the Anker 735 charger if you want to leave your bulky MacBook charger at home and use the compact design to power your computer, phone and more.

Marpac Rohm Portable White Noise Sound Machine

If you or your little ones are used to sleeping with a sound machine on at home, you'll want to bring along this top-rated portable white noise machine. This model has three different sound options to help drown out any noises that could disturb your sleep, like noisy neighbors or honking city horns. Best of all, it's super small (just 3.8 ounces) and doesn't require an outlet, since it can be recharged via USB.

Apple AirTag

If you're worried about losing your luggage, we suggest investing in a luggage tracker . Just tuck one of Apple's compact AirTags inside your suitcase, wallet or even passport holder so you can keep tabs on everything right from your phone . Though you need to use Apple's ecosystem, we love that AirTags offer easy real-time tracking and a one-year battery lifespan.

Etekcity Luggage Scale

If you're notorious for overpacking or shopping on vacation, bring this lightweight and compact gadget on your next trip to avoid extra luggage fees for overweight suitcases . Just hook it on your suitcase to get an instant read. Lexie Sachs , the executive director of the Textiles Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, says she's gotten tons of use out of this luggage scale over the years and it's helped her figure out how to divvy up her belongings between bags to avoid going over the weight limit on the way home.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

There's nothing worse than arriving at your Airbnb only to realize you forgot your Bluetooth speaker . Our tech experts recommend bringing along this portable option from Ultimate Ears. Not only does its compact size make it easy to stuff in your bag, but we found that it packs a surprisingly loud punch . It's waterproof (it can even float in the pool!), has a long 14-hour battery life and can be paired up with another Wonderboom 3 speaker for stereo sound.

Why travel with tons of different cables when all you need is this handy multi-charger keychain that you can attach to a purse or keys? We love that it's designed to not get tangled up in your bag and that it features multiple outputs and inputs (like USB-C, USB-A, micro-USB and a lightning port for your iPhone) so you can power up all your devices. Just keep in mind that the cable is on the shorter side, so your device will need to be close at hand.

Oliso M2 Mini Project Steam Iron with Solemate

If you're tired of dealing with wrinkled clothing after a long day of travel, we've found that this steam iron is great for tackling small jobs on the go . In testing, our Cleaning Lab pros were impressed with the iron's ability to press out heavy creases as well as how lightweight it is ( only 2.2 lbs.). We found that it's easy to maneuver and comes with a useful silicone rest.

JOOMFEEN Travel Adapter

If you plan on traveling abroad, you'll want to pack a universal charger so you don't end up having to go out and buy a new one for your phone, tablet or computer. Our pros like this compact pick that can be plugged into most countries' respective outlets . Once you've plugged the adapter into the wall, all you need to do is plug your U.S. charger in and say goodbye to dead batteries. It also features two USB ports for simultaneous charging of multiple devices.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet

With a Fire tablet, you can download Kindle books or stream your favorite shows to stay entertained in the car or at the airport . It's lightweight and gives you the many benefits of a traditional tablet , minus the hefty price tag. Plus, it claims to have a battery life that lasts up to 12 hours. We also like the Fire HD 10 Kids model if you're looking for a tablet for your children.

Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones

Our testers found these noise-canceling headphones super comfortable, making long flights a lot more bearable. They f eature excellent sound quality, and we like that you can easily switch between Quiet and Aware modes , so you can hear important flight announcements without taking them off. Just don't forget to bring along the included cable so you can use the plane's audio jack if needed.

Sony WF-1000XM4 Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds

If you're someone who struggles to find earbuds that remain comfortable after a few hours, our tech experts recommend these wireless earbuds from Sony. They're an excellent AirPods alternative featuring impressive battery life and soft silicone ear-tips . And on top of the fantastic sound quality, they also come with noise-canceling features so they're a good choice for planes.

Amazon Paperwhite

On trips, you probably don't have the space in your bag to carry around heavy, bulky books. We love this travel-sized Kindle Paperwhite e-reader , which makes downloading all kinds of books from anywhere in the world (in your language) so simple. We especially love that this model is IPX8-rated , so you don't have to worry if it accidentally falls in the pool or the bathtub . This IP (ingress protection) rating signifies that it can handle continuous water submersion. It's also so lightweight that you likely won't even notice it in your bag.

GoPro HERO9

Leave behind your iPhone and take photos and videos on your next adventure with this tiny camera. It's made to capture the action as you ski, dive, hike, bike and more with its super durable, waterproof design (you can take it down to 33 feet deep according to GoPro). It has tons of compatible accessories to help you film, like a helmet strap and a chest mount . Our tech pros love that it shoots in 5K so you're guaranteed sharp, high-quality memories once your trip is over. If you want the most up-to-date GoPro technology and features, consider the pricier GoPro HERO11 .

LifeProof FRĒ

A waterproof phone case can save your phone from serious damage should it accidentally fall in the pool while you're snapping some photos. We like this LifeProof model because we're confident it will keep your phone dry and unharmed thanks to its built-in screen cover and solid construction: In our tests, it even survived an hour of full submersion in 6.5 feet of water !

Joby GripTight ONE GorillaPod Stand

It can be frustrating when no one is around to take a family photo for you. Fortunately, this popular tripod from Joby comes with a clamp for your phone (no matter which model you have) as well as flexible legs that you can wrap around objects like a tree branch.

BUBM Electronic Organizer

This super affordable electronic organizer will keep you from losing track of any cables, chargers, memory cards and more . Offered in ten different colors, we love that it folds up into a flat shape that will easily fit into a backpack or suitcase. There's also a convenient zipper closure for items that you want to store more securely.

Case-Mate Marine Waterproof Floating Pouch

Though most smartphones these days are waterproof, most of us still don’t feel comfortable taking our precious devices into a body of water. But if you plan on doing any water sports during your trip, bring along this waterproof pouch. Though we haven’t tested it in our Labs, it's rated IPX8 which means that it's been tested to withstand continuous water submersion without risking harm to your device . Our experts like that it features a touchscreen window so you can easily take photos and that, according to the brand, it floats.

Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , overseeing product testing and covering tech, travel, home, fitness, parenting, health and more. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.

Product Reviews

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Are Gobble's 15-Minute Meals Worth It?

The 5 Best Jogging Strollers

The Top 40 Gifts for 7-Year-Old Boys This Year

35 Best Toys and Gifts for 6-Year-Old Girls

The Best Gifts for 4-Year-Old Boys of 2024

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The Best Travel Accessories to Make Your Trip Easier

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Charge Ahead Nimble Champ (Series 2) Read more

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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.

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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27 Travel Gadgets That Are Too Cool To Resist

This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through these links. See our full disclosure here .

Some of them are just too fun to miss, others add extra convenience to our experiences, yet others open up new realms in the world of technology. You’ve guessed it: we’re talking about travel gadgets!

These smart tools that have forever changed how we experience the world are life savers for today’s travelers. They solve some of the most annoying travel problems, keep our stuff organized on the go, and make the best travel gifts for nomads on the go.

We’ve scoured the internet and our very own backpacks and suitcases to find the products that make our trips better. From life-saving sanitizing devices to portable coffee makers, there’s a world of cool, innovative travel gear out there that can improve your next adventure in ways you’ve never imagined.

Here are 27 cool travel gadgets ready to make your trips safer, easier, or simply more enjoyable.

Travel-Friendly UVC Sterilizer

A handy little thing to take on holidays, the CleanWave Portable Sanitizing Wand uses UVC (ultraviolet C) light to sanitize surfaces and help you protect yourself against invisible germs. Small enough to fit in a small purse, this travel-friendly device kills 99.9 percent of germs without the use of chemicals and is extremely easy to use. Just sweep the battery-powered wand over the surface/object you want to sterilize, and you’re good to go.

Smart Carry-On Suitcase

Finding the best aluminum suitcase for your next vacation depends on a number of factors, including your personal style, design preferences, and needs. For those who want to look and feel like James Bond, Samsara is for you!

Made of lightweight polycarbonate and durable aviation-grade aluminum, this futurist Grand Carry-On is sleek, compact, and loaded with tech features. The integrated Apple AirTag technology helps you track your suitcase when you’re apart, while the flat top allows you to use it as a portable working surface when traveling. On top of that, the bag comes with smooth-rolling spinner wheels, TSA-approved combination locks, and is made with recyclable materials.

Action Camera

Say hello to the world’s smallest hands-free action camera! The sleek, aerodynamic design, along with its innovative features and a myriad of accessories designed to extend its functionality, make the Insta360 GO 3 the perfect travel companion for the adventure-inclined.

Aside from delivering quality photos and videos in any situation (can shoot at up to 2.7K resolution), the action camera is IPX8 water-resistant and comes with convenient magnetic mounting, FlowState image stabilization, and an Action Pod which doubles as a 2.2″ flippable touchscreen and wireless remote.

Award-Winning Flashlight

If you’re looking for a smart and compact source of light for your next adventure, look no further than the Red Dot-awarded HOTO Flashlight DUO . This cool travel accessory offers 13 unique light combinations and is cleverly designed with a magnetic base, a retractable magnetic hook, and a strap, making it easy to wrap or hang around the camp. Powered by a 3200mAh large-capacity lithium-ion battery, it offers up to 65 hours of use.

Pocket-Size Washing Machine

Whether you are backpacking through Europe, going on an African safari, or traveling on a budget in South Asia, you are going to love the Scrubba Wash Bag . Equipped with a flexible washboard, this lightweight, pocket-size wash bag will not only help you do your laundry anywhere on the road but also save you money and time.

With only 2-4 liters of water and a bit of washing liquid, you’ll have your clothes fresh and clean in less than 3 minutes. So yeah, we think it’s pretty safe to say it’s one of the best travel gadgets for campers, backpackers, and anyone venturing off the beaten path.

Portable Power Station

Ideal for camping and RV adventures, the EcoFlow DELTA mini Portable Power Station comes equipped with an outstanding 882Wh battery, helping you power your appliances and devices in areas where electrical outlets are not available. The unit can be fully recharged through a 12/24V car port in less than 10 hrs or by solar panels in about 4 – 7 hrs, and its wide array of outlets allows you to charge up to 12 devices simultaneously.

Sandless Beach Mat

Calling all beach lovers! The C-Gear Original Sand-Free Mat is a revolutionary beach accessory that’s literally impossible to cover with sand. Initially intended for military uses, this clever sand-free ground sheet is perfect for a fun and stress-free beach outing. Finally, no more annoyingly sticky sand! Now you can make the most of your seaside experience while lounging in the warm sunshine, reading a book, or spreading out a picnic.

Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot & Power Bank

With Solis Lite , you don’t have to worry about foreign SIM cards or roaming charges when traveling the world.

One of the best mobile Wi-Fi hotspots on the market, this ingenious connectivity gadget offers unlimited 4G LTE service in over 135 countries around the globe. Each device can support up to 10 connections and also works as a portable charger for your phone or tablet while on the move, thanks to its integrated 4700 mAh power bank. A day pass is $9 and gives you unlimited internet access for 24 hours.

Tiny and Lightweight Travel Drone

With its 48-megapixel 1/1.3-inch sensor, a new RC controller for improved user flying experience, and up to 34 minutes of flying time, DJI’s Mini 3 Pro is no doubt one of the best travel drones out there. The small, lightweight device is packed with intelligent features and can fly as far as 7.4 miles away, allowing you to capture the beauty of your surroundings in flawless HD video at 4K/60fps, 2.7K/60fps or 1080p/120fps, as well as photographs in 48MP RAW or JPG format.

Perfect for travelers always eager to immortalize and share their adventures on the go, this sleek & silent high-tech flying camera comes with obstacle detection and ActiveTrack following, as well as multiple flight modes. Best of all, it’s under 250 g, meaning it can be flown without a license in most countries.

Compact Travel Steam Iron

Featuring a 350-watt motor and three fabric heating levels, this mini travel steam iron from Amazon is a lifesaver on the road. The compact device will easily fit into a carry-on bag and can be extremely useful for business travelers and basically anyone willing to remove the inevitable wrinkles from packed clothing. The Sharper Image SI-755 Dual Voltage Travel Iron heats up in 1 minute and has a run time of about 6 minutes.

Waterproof Outdoor Speaker

Allowing people to listen to music anytime, anywhere, a portable speaker is a must-have for any traveler who wants to make the most of the outdoors without compromising on any of the luxuries of the indoors. The Beosound Explore is Bang & Olufsen’s smallest and most affordable Bluetooth speaker, but don’t let that fool you, as sound quality is nothing short of grand.

Its gigantic 27 hours of battery life, along with a sleek and durable design, which is also scratch-resistant and waterproof, makes this easy-to-use portable Bluetooth speaker a reliable travel companion.

Cool Backpack

Who says a backpack has to be boring? Crafted from durable, recycled materials, the Ramverk Backpack 21L from Db is as sleek as it is tough, not to mention compact, lightweight, and endlessly functional.

Undoubtedly one of the best backpacks we’ve tested , it sports a separate laptop section, a handy top pocket for quick access to essentials, and a fully-opening main compartment designed for versatile organization and storage opportunities. When combined with Db’s S Camera insert (sold separately), for instance, the daily backpack becomes a practical photography bag with easy access to your equipment. The innovative Rib Cage technology provides structure and protection, while the patented Hook-up system allows it to connect with the brand’s roller bags for a seamless travel experience.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

A pair of noise-canceling headphones can significantly improve your travel experience, and this lightweight, ergonomically designed model offers excellent sound quality and noise-canceling abilities in a stylish, comfortable package that won’t break the bank. Powered by the brand’s V1 processor, the Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones allow you to listen to your favorite songs while still being able to hear traffic noise and transport announcements.

The set delivers up to 35 hours of power, comes with a built-in microphone for hands-free calling, and can be paired with two Bluetooth devices at the same time. Compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant.

Personal Biometric Safe

A personal safe might not be the most obvious thing to bring on a trip, but if you’re traveling with valuable objects or the security of your accommodation is questionable, they’re an absolute necessity. Made of strong and lightweight aluminum alloy and equipped with smart technology, the TROVA GO PLUS keeps your cash, jewelry, and documents safely locked away wherever you go. This personal biometric safe connects to your phone and its proprietary app via Bluetooth, allowing you to find out its battery life, last known location, when left open, or if it needs a charge.

Hidden Camera Detector

Being watched in a vacation rental is a scene straight out of every traveler’s nightmare. Make sure this never happens to you with the JEPWCO G10 Pro Camera Detector . Thanks to its advanced technology, this stylish, portable spy camera finder can accurately detect hidden cameras and RF signals from suspicious devices, as well as GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G mobile signal and radio waves within 15 meters. Better yet, its sleek, portable design means you can stash it in your bag and take it anywhere.

Satellite Hotspot Device

Designed to keep Android or iOS devices connected even when there is no cellular service, the Motorola Defy Satellite Link lets adventurers communicate while off the grid. Made of rugged materials, this slick, pocket-sized device uses Bluetooth to pair with a smartphone, enabling users to share messages with their loved ones and connect to professional assistance via the SOS button. This must-have travel gadget includes one year of SOS service and messages and is powered by a 600 mAh Li-Po battery providing up to 4 days of use.

Travel Vacuum Storage Bag Set

Small, smart, and stylish, this electric vacuum pump is the ultimate travel packing gadget. Each Vmstr Travel Vacuum Storage Bag Set includes 8 storage bags of different sizes and a USB-powered vacuum pump that removes all the excess air compressing the clothes, thus leaving plenty of room in your suitcase for souvenirs and other things you may buy on your trip.

It’s an essential travel tool, especially if you’re adding a bit of shopping to your trip or are traveling somewhere cold and need to bring along some heavy winter wear.

Water Purifier Bottle

Most of the travelers’ health problems are caused by contaminated drinking water, which means a water purification system is a must when traveling abroad. This is especially useful when venturing into remote locations with harsh environmental conditions or destinations such as the Middle East, Central America, Asia, or Africa, which are also known for their unsafe tap water. Fortunately, these days there are many products designed to help in such circumstances.

GRAYL’s Ultralight Purifier , for instance, is a state-of-the-art device capable of transforming almost any tap or clear natural water source into pure drinking water in just 15 seconds. Perfect for travelers and outdoor adventurers, each bottle comes equipped with a replaceable purifier cartridge, providing protection against viruses, bacteria, heavy metals, as well as many chemicals. This is an excellent way to get safe drinking water on the go, while at the same time, saving money on bottled water.

Best Tree Tent

Experience the wilderness like a pro with the Tentsile Connect Tree Tent , a dangling two-person shelter combining the comfort and versatility of a hammock with the security of a tent. Designed for the ultimate arboreal camping experience, this awesome piece of travel gear comes with fold-away doors and a removable rain fly, and can also be attached to other Connects to create one suspended super-camp.

The unique design and sturdy, high-quality materials make this portable treehouse ideal for year-round outdoor adventures.

Flask Light

Part flashlight, part booze container, this unique multifunctional tool is one of the best travel accessories for glamping enthusiasts, festival goers, fishing aficionados, and anyone in between.

In addition to holding 10 ounces of your favorite beverage, the VSSL Flask includes 2 collapsible stainless steel shot cups, a bottle opener, a compass, and a powerful LED flood beam flashlight. If you ask me, I’m pretty sure this would also make an inspired Christmas or birthday present for the outdoor adventurer in your life.

Travel Coffee Maker

Compact, lightweight, and cleverly designed, the WACACO Cuppamoka Pour-Over Coffee Maker makes brewing coffee on the go simple and easy without taking too much space in your travel bag. Made of BPA-free stainless steel, this portable coffee make combines a sleek, insulated travel mug with a built-in coffee dripper, meaning that aside from making a great cup of coffee, it’s also able to hold it at the right temperature. The leakproof drinking lid is a nice touch too.

Best Multisport GPS Watch

Combine style and adventure with the new Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Standard Edition, one of the best multisport outdoor watches on the market. Complete with a top-notch AMOLED display, a wide range of tracking capabilities, plus built-in GPS, smart notifications, and music storage, this versatile, lightweight device has you covered whether you’re skiing in the Alps, swimming in the Med, or hiking off the beaten path in Nepal. Available in multiple models, colors, and sizes.

Handy Sleep Product

Getting a good rest when traveling can be difficult, but this nifty device makes it easy. In addition to blocking annoying noise, the Yogasleep Rohm Travel Sound Machine comes complete with three soothing sounds, including white noise, deep white noise, or gentle surf, helping you sleep (or concentrate) anytime, anywhere. Compact enough to throw in your carry-on luggage, this is one of the coolest travel accessories to bring along on loud planes, busy campsites, or clamorous hotel rooms.

Wallet Credit Card Multi-Tool

With its sleek, TSA-approved design and strong 4x heat-treated steel construction, the Wallet Ninja Multi-Tool is an excellent travel gadget. Ideal for explorers, adventurers, and any well-prepared traveler out there, this stylish credit card folding knife functions as a screwdriver, bottle opener, cellphone stand, fruit peeler, and hex wrench & nail puller, among others, making for an extremely useful tool when hiking or camping in the woods.

Portable Cinema

Tired of missing out on your favorite series while traveling? With the Formovie P1 Pocket Laser Projector , you don’t have to. Equipped with a type-C charging port, built-in speaker, and wireless screen casting, this ALPD smart laser projector acts as a portable cinema, allowing you watch movies, play games, and look at your travel photos anywhere. Though not much larger than a power bank, it’s capable of projecting images up to 100 inches in size and works with any iOS/Android smartphone or Windows computer.

Ostrich Pillow

Ostrich Pillow is an extremely useful accessory for when you’re on the go and just need a quick nap to refresh and increase productivity.

Envisioned by Kawamura-Ganjavian architecture and design studio, this groundbreaking product prevents jet lag (a common problem for long-distance travelers) by providing you with a micro-sleeping environment. Although it might seem a little weird, its design is fun and intuitive, featuring polystyrene filling and a soft interior that allows you to sleep anytime, anywhere without being distracted by noise, light, and other things going on around you.

Smartphone Breathalyzer

Compatible with iPhone and Android devices, the BACtrack Vio Smartphone Keychain Breathalyzer  is a fun and affordable way to estimate your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). The gizmo is shaped like a USB flash drive and connects to your smartphone via the free BACtrack app. Be aware, though, this breathalyzer doesn’t have a professional-grade sensor integrated, so don’t use it to judge whether or not you are sober enough to drive.

I really like the sand less products. After a beach vacation my car looks like it needs a major detailing job. Sand less products would really help…how about sand less flip flops!

I always travel with a canister of powder from the local dollar store when taking a beach/sand outing. Sprinkled liberally on damp sandy feet and quickly brushed off with a small towel brings remarkable results. Sprinkle on flip/flops and tap them together, similar results.

Finally a list of things that I actually want!

Scrubba Wash Bag is the most useful thing when travelling. You can use it as “washing machine” and also as a waterproof bag todo keep safe all your gadgets. It’s really worth it.

I love mine and everyone I show it too is amazed by it and the results you get from it.

Thanks Meeroona. This is really helpful. I am traveling to Vietnam. Its going to be a budget trip and am sure a few things mentioned herein above will be really handy.

These items are kinda good for camping in your backyard but not much real use. Have you ever heard of North Face, Rei, etc?

Are you writing to help people or to move some new untested products?

Hi Nichols,

Thanks for stopping by! To answer your question, I always write about things that I like and I would use. Plus, this is not an article about camping gear, nor it is about how to survive in the wild.

Great Products Meeroona. It takes lot of hard work for INNOVATIONS.

Its awesome that you have included products like the Scrubba & the solar powered light. We definitely need travelers turning towards sustainable solutions at a quicker rate! For me personally the sand-less beach mat was a game changer (thank you for that), especially since I am lanky and beach towels always get so much sand on them so quickly.

The scrubba washing bag is GREAT! I have 2

Great recommendations, thank you.

I’m planning to travel in Hawaii next week and this article amazed me, cool gadgets and good recommendations!

Really cool gadgets. I hope I could afford every single one on the list.

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34 Cool Travel Gadgets for Flights and Road Trips This Holiday

Consider these useful picks to solve your travel blues.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

TRAVEL GADGETS are a blessing and a curse. In the worst way, travel gadgets—and especially electronics—can be total duds, which can in turn wreak havoc on our peaceful travel routine and become nothing more than dead weight in our luggage . But when travel gadgets operate at their very best, they are life-saving devices that make traveling a less burdensome and more pleasurable.

The Travel Gadget Everyone Should Get

Incharge 6-in-1 portable keychain charger cable.

Best Old School Gadget

Brunton tag-along 9045 chill compass.

Best Travel Adapter

Newvanga universal travel adapter, all in one plug adapter with usb c.

The best travel gadgets and electronics should highlight an inefficiency in your travel routine and help solve the problem. A travel gadget should provide high functionality, comfort (or both) while also being considerate of space. If your travel gadget does not have any of these qualities, then it's going to be hard to make a case they're worth bringing along for the ride.

Read more: Best Gadgets of 2023

Companies are constantly trying to come up with new gadgets to improve the travel experience, but the only way of knowing which ones actually work is by vetting them in person or conducting thorough research. Lucky for you, we took the time to bring together a list of worthy travel gadgets that could help improve your travel experience by leaps and bounds. Ahead, the very best travel gadgets and travel electronics, curated with all types of travelers in mind.

2024 Tech Awards | Best Duffel Bags | Best Carry-On Luggage | Best MagSafe Wallets | Best Macbook Accessories | Best Travel Bags | Best AirTag Wallets | Best Travel Pants | Best T-Shirts | Best Backpacks

Power is everything when traveling, and a lot of times our chargers can take up tons of space. The inCharge is the size of a small keychain and has six different charging input and output combinations to provide power to your phone, headphones, e-reader, smartwatch , and more. For quick reference, the inCharge has these specific ports: an input USB-C, an output USB-C, a USB-A, and an output lightning plus micro USB.

Never under estimate old-school instruments. This portable gadget comes with a compass and a thermometer to always let you know about your environment. It's super portable (barely 3 inches by 2 inches) and will tie on any bag for easy access. Oh, and it's also made with recycled materials.

There are a zillion travel adapters out there. Our favorite is this three-in-one device that operates as a an outlet adapter, USB-C adapter, and a surge protector.

Gold Lion Gear Aluminum Carabiner with Lock

A carabiner with a locking function is a great gadget for keeping your items together—and for helping decrease the chances of theft. This pack of five here is our go-to for locking carabiners. Keep one or two on your backpack or travel duffel at all times.

Jisulife Portable Neck Fan, Hands Free Bladeless Fan

News flash: it's always summer in some part of the world. This portable AC fan is a lifesaver when traveling to warm climates. Throw this baby around your neck and enjoy three different gears of air flow directly to your head and neck.

Winchy Portable Door Lock Home Security Door Locker Hotel

Door locks aren't a necessary gadget when traveling, but they do pose value in giving travelers peace of mind. This compact one here is easy to store away. And when in use, all you have to do is place the end of it in your door latch, shut the door, and then fold out the sides and tighten the bolt down.

Amazon Kindle Scribe (16 GB)

An e-reader is a no brainer for travels, but Kindle's new Scribe throws in the ability to operate as a digital notebook. You can annotate your favorite book paragraphs and then open up your free pages for some travel journalling.

Musicozy Sleep Headphones Bluetooth 5.2 Headband

A pair of sleep headphones can help give you that added push to get you into a deep slumber. Throw these on whenever you need to drown out any background noise during your travels.

Aukura 2 Slot Hard Watch Travel Case

Sometimes more than one watch is needed for a trip. This hard case will hold up to two watches and protect them when getting from point A to point B.

Read more: Best Watch Boxes

Cool Material Lock Pick Training Kit

This lock pick kit is very James Bond-esque in the way that it prepares your for the unpredictable. Will you ever actually need to pop open a lock? Probably not. But wouldn't it be cool to use your travels as a time to learn an interesting skill? Absolutely.

Field Notes Expedition Edition 3-Pack

For the ol' fashioned travel writer, a pack of weatherproof notebooks is in store. This three-pack from Field Notes is printed with waterproof and tearproof Yupo synthetic paper, so you won't have to worry about a little rain ruining your travel log.

County Comm Titanium UGM Tritium Keychain Cage

Ever heard of a tactical glowstick? Well you're looking at one. This keychain gadget is made of grade four titanium and comes tritium tubes that will glow up in the dark—thus, allowing you to spot your keys or other items easily at night.

Alpaka Gear Zip Pouch Pro

Compact, functional, and tough as nails, the Zip Pouch Pro is an easy side kick to turn to for travels. It's made from a strong and waterproof X-Pac material and features two zippered compartments and three external pockets for storage. Use it to hold cash, cards, keys multi-tools, pens, you name it.

Twelve South AirFly Pro

The AirFly allows your AirPods or headphones to be used to watch movies on your plane's in-flight entertainment center. We like the pro version of the AirFly, as it allows up to two people to connect to the same in-flight screen and watch at the same time. No more having to use the corded headphones that are passed out.

Groove Life Groove Belt

Making sure you look presentable while traveling is a subtle style move that will make you feel good and leave a positive impression on others. Ditch the pajamas and aim for a comfortable casual look. For keeping your pants in place, the Groove Belt is your best friend. It's wildly comfortable and simple to clip on and off, and it stretches enough to provide movement in all ranges of motion.

MATEIN Electronics Travel Organizer

There are a zillion electronic organizers out there, and really you can't go wrong with most of them. Our favorite, however, is this simple water-resistant pouch from MATEIN that has over 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. It's got enough space to hold all your charging cords, as well as a space for small e-readers or small tablets. Best of all is the fact it's less than $25.

Read more: Best Travel Backpacks

INIU Portable Small Power Bank USB C in/Output

Portable chargers are a must for every traveler, but traveling with a clunker is no fun. This super-portable power bank packs enough juice for full charge to your phone (10000mAh) and will slip into a small pocket for easy storage.

Pluto POD Travel Pillow

If you think all travel pillows are the same, think again. The Pluto POD acts almost like a sensory deprivation mask that works to block out sound and light with smart design notes like a slide-down eye mask and a deep hood. This travel pillow is perfect for promoting relaxation in the air and on the road.

LifeStraw Go 650 ml Water Filter Bottle - 22 fl. oz.

The LifeStraw Go is like any other refillable water bottle , except for the fact it's got a near-perfect filter built into, you guessed it, the straw. The LifeStraw can protect against a whopping 99.999999% of bacteria and 99.999% of parasites, making it a safe option for drinking water that comes from sinks and water foundations, and even some outdoor streams and rivers.

Kodak Luma 150 Ultra Mini Pocket Pico Projector

It's better to think of using this mini pocket projector at the hotel to watch your favorite shows or films, but in the rare chance you get stuck in a flight delay the projector can also be useful in helping entertain your kids. Regardless if you're a parent or not, this is an entertainment option that's fun for everyone.

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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

 Most photos’ rights belong to Amazon.com. This page contains affiliate links which means by clicking them and visiting or purchasing the website, I may get a small commission. Please note there’s absolutely no additional cost to you. Instead, it’s a win-win relationship: you get an awesome product/service and I get to keep this website going.

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!

You might also like these articles 💬

10 Essential Travel Apps For Savvy Travelers In 2024

When Is The Best Time to Go To Azores?

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52 comments 💬

Very nice. love the article.

You started off by laughing at “many” sites that list ridiculous non-essentials….and then proceed to mention more non-essentials lol. A security camera, Nikon Coolpix, and iPad are essential? okay.

I consider them essentials, yes!

Don’t be disrespectful you could be thinking you wish you had them later.

Very well written Geeky Explorer!!. I added Amazon Kindle for my next trip to Sweden. I am book lover. Amazon Kindle makes it easy to carry thousands of book without almost no weight.

Thank You!!

I am a avid reader and carrying books with you while traveling increases burden. Amazon Kindle is your best travel partner as it decreases burdens of alot of books. Thanks for including it in the list.

I am a new content writer and written some (but not as good as you did) post. Spare your valuable time with my blog post.

Thanks in advance!! Prashant.

Please could you give advice about backseat car organizer? I need someway to keep children stuff in order during the trip, and the organizer I bought from amazon was low quality and smelled like chemical plant.

I’m afraid I can’t help you with that Lisa, I haven’t got any kids! I try to keep this list to only showcase items I personally tried and recommend.

I got more great information from your site than I have from any other!

That’s what I like to hear. Thank you!

Thanks for the awesome article

Awesome list for making travel comfortable. Add some more latest accessories to your list. Like wireless chargers, virtual laser keyboards, and many more latest items that may be helpful in your journey. I bought these ones from (link removed)

There’s definitely a lot more items that one can bring on a trip, but I was trying to keep it generic here. I think only a small % of travelers would require a virtual laser keyboard for their vacation :p

Thanking you for sharing travel tips. Keep sharing a good blog with us.

(link removed)

Great suggestions! Light and nimble is the way go.

Definitely Micah!

Thank you for this post. Such a great list of travel accessories. I can definitely relate to keeping travel essentials organised and safe.

Thanks Billy, organization goes a long way when you’re on the road.

Great article! We’ve posted something similar just yesterday on our store blog (link removed) – I’m thrilled that we share the same opinion on some accessories! Again, very inspiring article! Cheers!

Great to hear Daham. Thank you for passing by!

finally getting the list which I want

That’s great to hear! 🙂

Most of these items are pretty basic but I must say I did like the money belt. I think it’s a cool idea. I just ordered it. I want to see some new stuff on the market. I recently found a cool airplane phone holder on Amazon. I live in the UK so I don’t know if it’s available in the US but I think it’s great. It’s made out of foam and super versatile. It’s called Foldmeup. You tuck it on the tray table and put your phone on it. Easy to use and child friendly. My oldest loves it. Have a look.

Thanks for the tip Sasha, will have a look!

Thanks for the list, Bruno. I hadn’t heard of packing cubes before, but now I’m seeing they are a big deal when trying to travel light and organized! We just posted our 3 travel must-haves here: (link removed) My biggest packing dilemma is shoes since they take up so much space. Do you have a go-to pair for your travels?

Thanks to you added power bank in travel gear list. I have faced many problems when no charge on my mobile at travel. So number 10 is very essential.

I agree. We are so dependent on battery life these days. If you have a camera, drone, etc the problem is even bigger. About time manufacturers focusing on batteries!

Impressive article which saves your lot of time and thousands of dollars. A very very helpful article for not only Traveller’s but also for everyone. So so good. Thanks a lot for sharing it.

You welcome Dipak.

Thanks for saving my time. Always I forget these things before travel.

You welcome Jimmy!

i loved the money keeping belt-its amazing- never heard about it before.

So tiny but so useful!

In addition i will prefer to have tracking device for extra security as a traveler. Thank you for the shared information.

Tracking devices for luggage are forbidden in most airlines.

Water Purifier Bottle is one of the best travel accessories to have these days. Not only for the human but also for the environment.

Thank you Wesley, I completely agree!

Excellent article! I think GPS tracker would also be great in this list.

You mean for the luggage?

Nice list, what about when it comes with the security when traveling?

Can you be more specific please?

A tracking device to add to the accessories would be nice

For the luggage you mean? I’m afraid this is being forbidden is most airports now.

Really? I wasn’t aware of the policies but it would be a great help if ever you lost your luggage.

Thanks for the article!

You welcome! 🙂

Thank You so much!!! The best travel tip list by far! Your the Best!! Shelley ATLANTA, GA

You welcome Shelley! 🙂

Very Nice article. Taking Hand sanitizer gel is important for travel time?

If you have space I’d say so yes. In places like Asia, I’ve come to find germs and bacteria on your hands are one of the main sources of potential diseases on the road. Of course you can always find it there, but I don’t think is that common.

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The 13 Best Affordable Luggage Pieces of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

From suitcases to backpacks, these are our budget-friendly favorites.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Whether you’re planning a domestic city break or the long-haul adventure of a lifetime, travel is expensive enough without spending a fortune on your luggage. By saving on wallet-friendly suitcases, backpacks, and more, you’ll have more room in the budget for unforgettable experiences when you reach your destination. Opt for luggage from reliable brands that focus on durable materials and hardware rather than aesthetic frills and unnecessary extras. And remember that even when you’re shopping on a budget, buying well-made pieces the first time around beats having to fork out cash a second time a little further down the line. 

Our Travel + Leisure editors have tested more than 500 pieces of luggage (from carry-ons and checked suitcases to weekenders and backpacks) in our New York City lab, constantly testing new suitcases to find the best of the best. For this article, we chose the most affordable pieces under $150 that performed well both in our lab tests and during our long-term travels. We paid special attention to capacity, design, value, durability, and maneuverability, resulting in the category winners listed below.

Best Overall

Amazon basics expandable hardside 21-inch spinner.

This carry-on offers amazing durability and maneuverability at an unbeatable price point. 

There are no external pockets, and the handle is a bit wobbly.

Since the Amazon Basics 20-inch Hardside Spinner exceeded our expectations at every turn when we first tested it two years ago, we recently tested another to make sure the suitcase still meets our standards — and it does. Designed to meet the carry-on restrictions of most major airlines, it’s constructed of extra-thick ABS plastic with a textured, scratch-resistant finish. We were amazed that it survived our durability tests unscathed in a show of function and form that suggests excellent value for money. "Even after whacking it pretty aggressively with a baseball bat, this bag stood up to scuffs and scratches beautifully," says T+L senior editor Jasmine Grant . "The few imperfections that I did notice after the bat test were easily buffed out by rubbing them gently with my finger."

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

The suitcase’s fully lined interior features cross-straps on one side and a divider panel on the other. This panel includes three zippered pockets perfect for stashing smaller items. We were able to fit everything on our packing list inside with ease, even without employing the expansion feature, but you can also expand it for 25 percent more space, providing plenty of room for any souvenirs you might pick up on your trip. 

We were also impressed by the carry-on’s maneuverability. With four double spinner wheels and a telescoping handle, it was easy to push and pull over rough and smooth surfaces, turned nicely through our obstacle course, and handled bumps well — though the handle was wobbly at times. Color choices are fairly limited, but include navy blue, light blue, black, and orange.

The Details: Carry-on | 21.7 x 14.8 x 10 inches | 6.83 pounds | 41-liter capacity | Expandable | ABS, polyester

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim
• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Best Softside Checked

Swisstech softside luggage.

This suitcase is incredibly spacious yet smartly organized, with multiple interior and exterior pockets. 

It prioritizes practicality over style and is not particularly fashionable.

While the SwissTech Executive 29-inch Softside suitcase may not win any particular style points, we thought it far out-performed many of the more expensive suitcases we tested. It’s made of a high-denier softside fabric that stood up to our durability tests well, emerging with just one small dent after we dropped it off a counter and hit it with a baseball bat. The zippers run smoothly, and there are multiple zippered pockets on the inside and outside to suit even the most organized packer.  

We loved that the zippered expansion feature meant we had plenty of space leftover after packing everything on our list. Cross-straps keep everything in place, while the integrated TSA lock means security agents can open the suitcase without breaking it if necessary. The 360-degree spinner wheels and telescoping handle afforded smooth maneuverability on concrete and carpet, and we felt the suitcase fared well on gravel given its size.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 29 x 19 x 10.5 inches | 9.1 pounds | Expandable | Denier

Best Hardside Checked

Kenneth cole reaction out of bounds suitcase.

This suitcase is cavernous yet easy to maneuver despite its large size.

As is to be expected in a suitcase of this size, it handled better on smooth surfaces than when hauled over gravel.

If you’re looking for a sturdy hardside option for your next family trip or extended international vacation, we love the Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds 28-inch Checked Spinner. It’s made of durable yet lightweight ABS plastic, with molded corner guards for extra impact resistance. We found that it stood up well to our durability tests, despite sustaining a few scuffs around the edges. The interior is fully lined, with cross-straps on one side and a zippered divider that essentially creates two separate packing spaces. 

We found it deceptively spacious and could easily have fit enough clothes and extras for a month-long trip. Organization was good thanks to a hanging accessory pocket, and the multidirectional spinner wheels and retractable handle made for easy, 360-degree mobility even around tight corners. The lightweight trolley system also gives you a little extra leeway before exceeding airline weight restrictions. We loved the suitcase’s modern, sleek look. Choose from a range of colors including black and rose gold.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 29.5 x 20.5 x 11.8 inches | 9.6 pounds | ABS, PC, polyester | Limited lifetime warranty

Best Softside Carry-on

American tourister 4 kix 2.0 carry-on spinner.

The soft polyester is both durable and expandable.

While it's extremely easy to pull, it's more cumbersome to push.

Prefer traveling light? This compact carry-on fits just the right amount for a short trip (or up to 10 days, if you're a light packer like us). As we tested it in our lab, though, we were extremely impressed with the stretchy interior compression belt and expander, which efficiently packed down our clothing and accessories — freeing up space to add a bit more if needed. It also has quite a few pockets, ranging from internal mesh pockets to external zip pocket perfect for items you'd need to easily access in transit.

This suitcase shines when it comes to maneuverability, which we quickly realized while rolling it through our lab obstacle course. It's very lightweight and easy to move, and you can adjust the telescoping handle to several different heights. All four 360-degree spinner wheels glided so smoothly, we can't imagine ever having an issue pulling this bag.

The Details: Carry-on | 23.5 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | 7.5 pounds | 64-liter capacity | Expandable | Polyester, carbon fiber

• PHOTO: Travel & Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Hardside Carry-on

Delsey paris x united colors of bennetton carry-on spinner.

It's so much more spacious than it looks, and it has a durable hardside shell.

The handle wobbles slightly when in use.

Don't let this Delsey carry-on's small stature fool you — it's built to haul plenty of items from points A to B. We were able to fit everything on our packing list (including multiple outfits, toiletries, and shoes) with ease. While this bag doesn't have an expander, it does have quite a bit of give, which allows for a few extra items. It's also equipped with compression straps and an internal pocket for added space and organization.

At right around 6 pounds, this bag is incredibly lightweight , which is ideal for overpackers whose luggage tends to exceed weight limits at the airport. And despite its weight, it actually performed beautifully through all our lab tests — from rolling seamlessly over multiple surfaces to getting tossed around and whacked with a baseball bat without a scratch or dent. While the handle seemed to wobble a bit as we wheeled the bag around, it remained intact through our tests and fully supported the weight of the bag. This limited-edition collab between Delsey and the United Colors of Benetton is almost sold out, so get it while you can.

The Details: Carry-on | 21.75 x 13.75 x 9.75 inches | 6.2 pounds | 48-liter capacity | ABS/polycarbonate blend

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Best Underseater

Samsonite spinner underseater.

This underseater stood out for its exceptional organization features, quality construction, and flawless maneuverability.

It was a tight squeeze to fit the suitcase into our simulated underseat area, so it could be too large for smaller planes.

Designed to fit under most airline seats and small enough to qualify as a personal item, the Samsonite Spinner Underseater impressed us with its good looks and quality materials. We liked the smart color choices, too, which range from jet black to ocean or purple. Organization is a highlight, with front and side pockets for storing items you want to keep within easy reach and a spacious main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve. We were able to fit everything on our list for a two-day trip, even without compression straps. 

The front pocket includes an organizer panel with slots for your credit cards and pens. And there’s a USB port for on-the-go charging (although you’ll need to purchase a power bank separately ). We found the underseater amazingly easy to maneuver through our obstacle course thanks to its multidirectional spinner wheels and retractable, locking handle. It rolled smoothly and was light enough to pick up by the top handle for seamless transitions between stairs, escalators, and rougher terrains.

The Details: Personal item | 16.5 x 13.8 x 9 inches | 7 pounds | 2.89-liter capacity | USB port | Polyester

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Garment Bag

Misslo 43-inch gusseted travel garment bag.

This garment bag is easy to operate and comfortable to carry using the heavy-duty handles.

The length is a little too short for longer dresses, and we would have liked a few more pockets.

The Misslo Gusseted Travel Garment Bag is made from a breathable, nonwoven fabric that feels somewhat flimsy but is actually thicker than similar budget options we’ve seen. It’s best suited to light travel and is not water resistant. We loved the bag’s straightforwardness, though. It took less than a minute to pack, folds in half easily, and boasts sturdy carry handles that are comfortable even after an extended period of time. You can also pack the folded garment bag into your checked luggage. 

There’s a hole in the top for up to five clothes hangers for easy storage at your destination. We were able to fit two dresses, a dress shirt, dress pants, a suit jacket, and a belt with space leftover, although we had to fold long dresses awkwardly to fit them in (but there are longer versions available). There is a single clear plastic, zippered accessory pocket; ideally, we’d add a few more. We liked the clear window for viewing contents, though.

The Details: Personal item | 43 x 22.6 x 3.5 inches | 7.8 ounces

Best Duffel

Gonex canvas duffel bag.

This duffel offers two comfortable carrying methods and ample pockets for easy organization.

The main compartment is a little small, and we found the relatively narrow opening made packing somewhat tricky.

Made from high-density cotton canvas with plastic feet to keep it off the ground, the Gonex Canvas Duffel Bag impressed us during our durability tests. We felt the material was likely to last and easy to keep clean. The interior has one small, zippered pocket. We found the main compartment a little tight and had to use the exterior pockets to fit everything in. However, we loved the lengthways expansion feature and the fact that the side pockets are spacious enough to accommodate a pair of low profile shoes. 

The duffel also stands out for its easy portability, offering two comfortable carrying methods. We liked that you can fasten the top grab handles with a Velcro strap for added security and cushioning. And the adjustable, removable shoulder strap is padded enough to make lengthy cross-terminal walks a breeze. We found that the bag’s overall aesthetic does not look particularly high-quality, but we like that it comes in classic shades of gray, army green, and blue.

The Details: Carry-on | 20.8 x 11.8 x 9.8 inches | 2.9 pounds | 50-liter capacity | Expandable | Cotton canvas, nylon

Travel + Leisure / Nick Kova

Best Weekender

Hyc00 travel duffel bag.

This weekender offers great style and durability for a very reasonable price.

Don’t expect to be able to fit enough for more than a couple of nights away.

Constructed of high-density, water-resistant nylon, the HYC00 Travel Duffel Bag survived our durability tests without a mark. This weekender is designed to adhere to airline carry-on restrictions and offers multiple carrying methods. We found the top handles and the removable, adjustable shoulder strap soft and comfortable. We also appreciated the integrated trolley sleeve, which allows you to attach the bag seamlessly to your other luggage. 

The bag offers abundant organization with six internal pockets and two external ones. We liked the open pocket on the outside of the bag for keeping quick-grab items handy. On the inside, our favorite feature was the waterproof pocket for separating toiletries or damp clothes. We were able to fit everything on our packing list; however, there wasn’t much space leftover (don’t expect to pack for longer than a weekend away). The bag comes in colors to suit all tastes, from coral red to olive green.

The Details: Carry-on | 21.7 x 10.6 x 7.1 inches | 1.3 pounds | 30-liter capacity | Nylon | Water resistant

Best Laptop Backpack

Tzowla travel laptop backpack.

This backpack is lightweight, impressively water resistant, and offers pockets for every purpose.

You will need to purchase a separate power bank if you want to use the integrated USB port.

The Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack is made from durable 300-denier nylon, which held up impressively in the pouring rain. It’s much more spacious than similar backpacks we own yet lighter and less bulky when fully loaded. We loved its many pockets, including a padded section for laptops of up to 15.6 inches and double-sided pockets for your water bottle and umbrella. There’s even an organizer in the zippered front pocket with slots for your pens and a dedicated key fob. 

Our favorite features include the integrated USB and headphone ports, and the combination zipper lock. We felt the lock was a particularly thoughtful touch considering the backpack is designed for carrying valuable tech . There’s even a small zippered compartment on the back of the bag for keeping valuables safely against your body when you’re in an area prone to pickpocketing . Finally, we found the backpack extremely comfortable thanks to wide, padded shoulder straps with a breathable mesh lining.

The Details: Personal item | 20 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches | 1.8 pounds | USB and headphone ports | Polyester

Best Packable Backpack

Osprey ultralight stuff pack.

This backpack folds up into a tiny square so you can easily pack it into a larger suitcase if you need an extra bag.

There is no padding or structure to this backpack because of how lightweight it is.

You never know when you may need an extra bag on your travels, and this Osprey backpack folds into a compact square that you can pack inside a suitcase or weekender. "This backpack takes up no room at all inside another bag, and you'd be able to pack this anywhere — even in your pocket," says T+L testing editor Jackie Cucco , who tested this bag during a packable backpack test .

It's on the smaller size for a backpack, though it did hold most of our packing list, including a pair of shoes and a fleece pullover. Though it's not padded or structured at all, it is outfitted with several pockets, including a small interior slip pocket with a key leash and two stretchy exterior slip pockets. Other features include adjustable shoulder straps and smooth zippers. We think it's a great choice for a foldable bag from a trusted outdoor gear brand.

The Details: Personal item | 7.48 x 8.66 x 16.54 inches | 5.3 ounces | 18-liter capacity | Nylon

Best Rolling Duffel

Travelers club upright rolling duffel bag.

This rolling duffel offers space for days and enough pockets to satisfy even the most strategic packer.

Some effort is required to maneuver the duffel over rough or uneven surfaces.

The Travelers Club Xpedition 30-inch Upright Rolling Duffel is made from adventure-ready 600-denier polyester, which stood up to our durability tests without a single dent or tear. Two in-line blade wheels make it easy to transport heavy loads, although we felt that the retractable handle could benefit from a smoother, longer extension. The duffel rolled smoothly over concrete and paver gaps but was a little trickier to maneuver over carpet and gravel. 

We loved the deceptive spaciousness of the main compartment, which easily accommodated 10 to 14 days’ worth of winter clothing with room leftover. It’s completely unstructured to suit the “chuck it all in” packer but complemented by a slew of external zippered pockets for the more organized traveler. Other perks include two hard plastic feet so that the duffel can stand upright on its own and a trifold bottom board for compact storage. Choose yours in plain black or with colored accents ranging from burnt orange to forest green.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 30 x 13 x 12 inches | 6.7 pounds | 77-liter capacity | 600D polyester

Best Briefcase

Vankean laptop briefcase.

The quantity and sizing of the various interior pockets make this an organizer's dream.

The bag looks a bit clunky.

For any professional looking for a well-organized personal item or commuter bag , this strong and durable briefcase is the perfect choice. While it may not be the most lightweight option, nearing 3 pounds when empty, this bag features so many organizational components that even the less neat travelers will be able to keep all of their items in place. The well-sized bag fit every item on our packing list without becoming too cumbersome to carry for long periods of time thanks to padded, wide straps that grip the shoulder and help distribute weight. We also love the amount of padding along the lining of the bag itself, so items — including laptops and tablets — will stay protected even after dropping the bag. The exterior is also resistant to water for an added layer of durability against rain or spills.

The Details: Personal item | 18 x 12.8 x 7.5 inches | 2.88 pounds | Canvas polyester | Water resistant

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Leticia Almeida

Other Affordable Luggage Pieces We Liked

Here are some other luggage pieces worth mentioning. Though we found some minor issues during testing, they could still be a fit for certain travelers.

Coolife Carry-on With Pocket : We loved this bag’s attractive aesthetic, roomy interior, and butter-smooth zippers. It survived our durability tests without a mark but lost points for a lack of maneuverability and interior compartments that were a little too tight. 

Travelpro Maxlite Air Carry-on Expandable Hardside Spinner : Although we were able to fit everything on our packing list inside, it was a squeeze even with the expansion feature. The suitcase was also much easier to maneuver on two wheels than four; however, we were impressed by its durability and clever organization features. 

Seyfocnia Convertible Carry-on Travel Garment Bag : We loved this bag’s intuitive design, which includes convenient straps, spacious pockets, and sturdy zippers. It was comfortable to carry, and if we had to change anything, we'd addwe wish it had a padded laptop sleeve. 

Traveler’s Choice Lares Carry-on Spinner : We love that this expandable carry-on is easy to pack and is large enough to hold all of the essentials, but we thought the wheels felt flimsy, and we wish they were more durable.

We are constantly testing luggage in our New York City lab, and for this article we put together a list of the more affordable pieces that also performed well. First, we weighed each bag, then examined it to determine the quality of its materials and hardware. Next, we packed each bag with a prescribed list of items designed to imitate a real-life trip, taking note of capacity and organization features. 

If the suitcase had wheels, we rolled it around on concrete, carpet, and gravel to see how smooth they felt. We also took each suitcase through an obstacle course meant to mimic a busy station or airport to check how well it handled tight turns. If the bag had straps, we carried it around for at least 5 minutes to see if they were comfortable. We placed carry-ons and underseaters into overhead bins and underneath airplane seats on our mock airplane set.

Finally, all bags were subjected to a durability test. We pushed each fully packed bag off a counter or from the top of a stepladder multiple times, then beat them repeatedly with a baseball bat to see how well the exterior, interior, and contents withstood rough handling. We took notes on the capacity, design, durability, maneuverability, and value of each bag, choosing the lowest cost bags with the highest results for this article. We will continue testing each bag on our travels over the course of six months, and we are constantly testing new bags to update our articles with the latest results.

Tips for Buying Affordable Luggage

Decide if you want hardside or softside .

Luggage falls into two main categories: hardside and softside . There are pros and cons to each, and you must decide which best suits your needs. Hardside luggage is made from strong, lightweight materials such as polycarbonate or ABS plastic. The rigidity affords an extra level of protection for fragile items, while these materials’ natural water-resistance is great in inclement weather. They are easier to wipe clean and may look new for longer, although some styles are prone to scuffs, scratches, and dents. Hardside luggage is also not particularly flexible, making it harder to close when you stuff it full.

Softside luggage is typically made from durable nylon, polyester, or canvas. It’s often lower in cost, making it a good bet for those on a budget (although this is obviously brand dependent). The added flexibility is a pro for overpackers or those who need to fit irregularly shaped objects into their backpack or duffel bag . Adventure travelers often prefer softside luggage, because it’s easier to throw into small spaces (like the back of a safari jeep or the hold of a cross-country bus), and it's usually more lightweight than hardside bags. These are less prone to scratches; however, the fabric may stain or fade and is harder to clean. 

Prioritize well-made items

When it comes to affordability, it’s important to consider cost per use and not just the initial layout. Sure, you can find a suitcase for $20, but if it only lasts for two trips before the wheels and zipper break, it could be more expensive in the long run than a pricier option that lasts for several years. Quality is key if you’re looking for good value. We recommend choosing luggage that prioritizes durable materials (including sturdy hardware), while keeping costs down by forgoing luxury extras.

No matter where you're going or how long you're staying, you don't want to be lugging around some poorly made suitcase that falls apart on the first leg of your journey. A good way to make sure you’re buying a reliable product is to stick with a trusted midrange brand like Travelpro or Samsonite and to diligently check industry and customer reviews. Just remember: you don't have to spend a ton of cash to get something that's sturdy and reliable. The key is knowing what you want and doing your homework beforehand.

Look at special features

Although you wouldn't want to pay more for unnecessary frills, it may help you decide between two suitcases if they're around the same price point and one has some extra features, like an expandable zipper to add extra space or USB ports to charge your phone on the go. It's helpful to explore the features ahead of time so that you're aware of what you're buying because some bags have more to offer than others. Smart features can mean many different things — even if the bag has a charging port, the power bank might not be included. If you're looking at suitcases, look at photos or descriptions of the interior to see what types of pockets there are (or if there are no pockets at all). For weekenders and duffel bags, see how many different handles there are — some have removable straps so you can carry them multiple ways. Read the descriptions thoroughly to avoid surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you really only need a single suitcase, then of course you’ll spend less buying it separately. But if you’re in the market for a whole new set (whether that’s for different types of trips, for that coordinated look at the luggage carousel, or to divide between family members), then buying luggage as a set is typically — but not always — a lower cost than buying each piece individually. Sets most commonly come with two or three pieces: a carry-on and one or two checked bags of varying sizes. You can also find sets with many more pieces, from underseaters to totes. Make sure to buy only what you’ll actually use if you’re trying to stick to a budget. 

Often, buying luggage online is significantly cheaper than buying in-store. This is especially true if you use a retailer like Amazon, Target, or Walmart that offers many reliable luggage brands and the option to filter results by price for a side-by-side comparison on what’s available at your chosen price point. The ability to view unbiased customer reviews also helps ensure what you see is what you get and that the luggage is of the kind of quality you can live with. Don’t forget “own-brand” luggage from Amazon Basics and Walmart’s Protégé line — they may not have many bells and whistles, but they offer reliable products at a very reasonable rate. If you're not in a rush to buy, you can wait for big shopping events to find some suitcases on sale.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L contributor Jessica Macdonald has been writing about the travel industry, with a particular focus on luggage, for more than a decade. For this article, she drew inspiration from her own research and the results of laboratory tests carried out on nearly 500 different luggage pieces by T+L’s team of travel experts. 

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STEALING THE SPOTLIGHT

“We dubbed it the best backpack for its high value.”

“Make sure all his tech stays organized with this rather genius cord organizer he can take wherever he goes”

“It has 4.8 out of 5 stars and over 43,000 ratings.”

“BAGSMART is the best for any traveler .”

32 Travel Products Under $20 That Are Worth Every Damn Penny

Popular items from this list include:

• A hands-free rotating phone mount that attaches to your plane’s tray table.

• A portable and digital luggage scale .

• A luggage drink caddy .

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SmartGoggles (2nd Generation)

If you have any questions, reach out to our customer service team for assistance here .

• • Soothes headaches and eye strain symptoms
• • Reduces stress and enhances relaxation
• • 100% blackout, lightweight design with adjustable straps
• • Heated eye and temple massage
• • Prepares you for longer, more restful sleep

Experience ultimate relaxation with the newly redesigned SmartGoggles 2nd Gen. We've added thoughtful upgrades based on customer feedback to enhance your relaxation experience. The SmartGoggles 2nd Gen now feature an improved adjustable fit with contoured padding that gently cushions any face shape without pressing on the eyes. Their 100% blackout design creates the ideal environment for deep relaxation, while the combination of therapeutic compression massage, heat and vibration targets your forehead, brows and temples to help you unwind. Scientifically proven to reduce stress, enhance relaxation, increase deep sleep and improve overall sleep quality, they’re the perfect addition to your bedtime routine for falling asleep more easily and enjoying deeper, more restful sleep.¹

• SmartGoggles 2nd Gen
• Travel pouch
• USB-A to USB-C charging cable

Unlock deep relaxation in 15 minutes or less

Relaxation, redesigned.

SmartGoggles 2nd Gen is now 10% lighter, with new features for deeper relaxation

The science behind sleep preparation

SmartGoggles 2nd Gen has been shown to improve relaxation and sleep quality when used before bed, based on evaluations from SleepScore Labs*

*Perception survey results from 6-week SleepScore Labs study with 20 subjects and nightly use of SmartGoggles. Learn more here .

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Tap into better rest with a soothing blend of massage, gentle heat and vibration on your forehead, eyebrows and temples for enhanced relief and more restful sleep¹

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What the experts say

“SmartGoggles 2nd Generation is a wonderful example of how innovative technology can enhance wellbeing. The gentle massage provides a relaxing and effective way to improve sleep quality and reduce stress.” –Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP, FACSM, Therabody Scientific Advisory Board Member

¹Results from 6-week SleepScore Labs study with 20 subjects and nightly use of SmartGoggles. Learn more here .

• SmartGoggles 2nd Gen device
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• 4 in x 7.8 in x 3.7 in
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Size One size fits all

Battery Life 180 minutes

• Housing: (PC+ABS) + (PC) + PVC + Sofa Fabric
• Strap: Knitted cotton fabric + Polyester + Nylon
• Inner liner: Thermal PU

Warranty 1-year limited warranty

To clean, wipe the inner fabric of your SmartGoggles with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth or damp cloth with 75% alcohol disinfectant to gentle wipe the dirt from fabric surface, remember the damp cloth cannot include too much liquid (no drip liquid when squeeze cloth). For marks of facial make-up: to use the eye lip makeup remover to deal with the hard to clean cosmetics like mascara/ foundation and other mark-up mark, especially on the protein fabric. Dry SmartGoggles with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. SmartGoggles are NOT waterproof or machine washable. Do not allow excess liquids or water to enter the product.

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News & Insights

Try These 4 Credit Card Tips for Relaxing Travel

September 22, 2024 — 04:00 pm EDT

Written by Yaël Bizouati-Kennedy for GOBankingRates  ->

Want to travel like a millionaire but on a budget? No worries. The Points Guys founder Brian Kelly has some tips for you. Kelly explained on GOBankingRates’ The Richer Way podcast that you can use your credit card to not only travel better, but also have a relaxing time while doing so, thanks to several perks that might be lesser known, but can come in handy in challenging situations.

Check Out: 3 Places To Travel That Are Like Hawaii but Way Cheaper

Read Next: 9 Easy Ways To Grow Your Wealth in 2024

While Kelly said, “it’s all about the points, baby,” he added that while points are great, “perks are really the thing that can save you time.”

Here are some lesser-known ways to save money through your credit card company, as Kelly discussed.

Canceled Flight

If your flight is cancelled, don’t panic. Kelly said you should first ask for a full refund, and then look at other airlines and book another flight altogether. 

Learn More: Dave Ramsey: 7 Vacation Splurges That Are a Waste of Money

Your credit card will help with delays, rebooking. It’s a free, built-in perk.

“What I would do then is look at using frequent flyer miles and just rebooking yourself. Know that you will get that refund. If your flight plans are changed, do not take a voucher. Do not. Repeat after me, take a voucher,” he said.

Delayed Luggage

What’s worse when you travel than your luggage not making it to your destination?

In this situation too, don’t worry, your credit card can help.

“Your bag doesn’t arrive. You’re in London for a wedding and you got to shop for thousands of dollars’ worth. A lot of credit cards offer lost baggage protection. So you save your receipts and the credit card reimburses you,” he said.

Get Reimbursed for Lost Items

Dropped your sunglasses in the ocean while on cruise? Some credit cards can help here too.

“Also, what people will be shocked by is, when you buy stuff, even when you’re not traveling, Amex has purchase protection and so does Chase. My friend lost a $300 pair of Ray Bans. And I said, ‘Call up Chase right now.’ It fell off of a boat when he was on a cruise. Chase took it out of his bill.”

Travel Insurance

Some credit cards, such as Amex Platinum, also offer evacuation coverage, said Kelly.  

For instance, “if you have a heart attack on a safari and you need to get on a private jet, that’s $300,000,” he said.

“They’ll even cover that,” added Kelly.

As he said, while it can be tedious to read the fine print of credit card various coverages, it is well worth the time- and money- to ensure your travels are as smooth as possible, and protect you from the unexpected.

More From GOBankingRates

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• I'm a Debt Expert: Here's How Social Media Warps Our Perceptions of Debt

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : Try These 4 Credit Card Tips for Relaxing Travel

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

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Moscow – What To Pack – Clothing and Supplies Tips

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Moscow What To Pack

Moscow is the capital of Russia. In preparation for your visit, pack plenty of warm clothes, a camera, and comfortable shoes.

No matter what you have planned for your Moscow adventure, these luggage options are ideal for a short or long-term stay.

Away's Bigger Carry-On

Everlane's Mover Pack

Herschel Supply Co. Backpack

Warm clothes.

Moscow, like most of Russia, can get quite cold, especially in the winter months. Travelers who are new to the city, especially those who hail from warmer climates, should bring a heavy coat, gloves, hats, and warm socks. In the weeks leading up to your trip, check the weather forecasts to get a sense of the temperatures you can expect during your stay.

Clothes to Pack

• Dress Shirts
• Casual Shirts
• Sweatshirts
• Laundry Kit
• Leisure Shoes
• Hiking Boots
• Dress Shoes
• Collapsible Tote

Moscow is home to the Kremlin, the seat of the country’s government. The city is also the site of historic churches, museums, and monuments. Make sure you pack a camera, but pay attention to the signs, especially outside churches and government buildings. If you’re told you can’t take pictures, don’t. The local police won’t hestitate to confiscate your camera if they catch you breaking the rules.

Electronics to Pack

• Laptop/Tablet
• Electronics Chargers
• Travel Adapter
• Film/Memory Card
• Electric Toothbrush

Comfortable Shoes

Moscow, like most capital cities, requires visitors to do a fair amount of walking. Chances are, you’ll spend most of your days heading from one area of the city to another. This can put a lot of strain on your feet. To prevent blisters and pain, pack a pair of comfortable shoes. Your feet will thank you.

Allbirds Wool Runners

Rothy's Everyday Flats

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36

Toiletries and medicine.

Few things are worse than arriving in a city halfway around the world only to realize that you forgot your medication. Moscow has plenty of clinics and hospitals that you can go to in an emergency, but it may take some time to fill a prescription, especially if it’s something that requires your doctor’s permission. To avoid a headache while in Moscow, double and triple check that you have your medications before you leave.

Moscow is a modern, industralized city, but the people there may not share your preferences for toilet paper, toothpaste, deodorant, and the like. When packing your luggage, make room for toiletries. You can always pick up more while you’re there, but it’s nice to know you have what you need to take care of your personal hygenie while abroad.

Toiletries to Pack

• Dental Floss
• Conditioner
• Styling Tools
• Facial Cleanser
• Face Lotion
• Moisturizer
• Contact Lenses
• Contact Solution
• Shaving Supplies
• Makeup Remover
• Menstrual Products
• Birth Control/Medication
• Nail Clippers
• Hand Sanitizer
• First-Aid Ointment
• Insect Repellent
• Pain Relievers

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about what to pack for your trip to Moscow. 

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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