27 Best Travel Accessories and Gear

Ever been on a getaway without a bathroom in sight? Have you tried running around an airport terminal on a hunt for a free outlet? How about trying to get some shut-eye when you’re stuck in an uncomfortable middle seat? The right travel accessories distinguish between a smooth sailing journey and one of utter inconvenience.

If there’s one thing frequent travelers know, strategically packing for a long trip is crucial. The right gadget can make or break the trip you’ve been planning for weeks, but travelers know wiser than to pack everything in sight.  

Best Travel Accessories: Our Top Picks

On your next long travel, eschew cumbersome add-ons for these useful, space-saving items.

Essential Travel Accessories

1. A Travel Insurance Policy

Okay, I know you’re thinking this article is about tangible products and essentials for travel. However, it would be best if you had the intangibles too. A travel insurance policy is a must-have for any trip no matter if you are doing outdoor adventures in Switzerland or going on a simple weekend trip to visit family.

If you haven’t traditionally purchased travel insurance, have it for your next trip. We recommend SafetyWing to ensure your trip is fully covered for things such as trip interruption, emergency evacuation, lost luggage, adventure travel, and so much more.

For seniors needing more medical coverage, we recommend using TravelInsurance.com to find the lowest-priced policy possible. Think about it. If you’re traveling as a family, the last thing you’d want is to have a trip completely lost without any backup plan.

See Related: Cell Phones That Can be Used in Canada

2. Anker PowerCore+ Mini

Avid travelers wouldn’t be caught dead without a power bank. Losing juice on your electronics is plain hell for today’s gadget-reliant generation. This is the best power bank for a road trip, camping trip, or outdoor adventure. You won’t have to worry about charging your precious electronic devices.

The problem is, when going on long travels, it’s easy to drain your phone’s battery when trying to ward boredom away. If you plan on bringing feature-length films or playing mobile games on your flight, be sure to pack travel accessories like this portable battery. 

Anker PowerCore+ Mini is one of the best travel accessories for travelers looking to bring several electronics. It’s also one of the sleekest and tiniest portable chargers available today.

It’s impressively lipstick-sized, with a high-speed charging capability of up to 1 amp. This supercharged power bank can add over one charge to an iPhone or up to 80% on a Galaxy, as well as other high-power smartphones. This model has a Micro USB cable, a welcome guide, a travel pouch, and an 18-month warranty.  

See Related: Best Travel Shorts

3. Acrodo Compression Bags

Long trips require more stuff – that’s why packing wisely is the bane of a traveler’s existence. If you’re looking to save more space in your luggage, the Acrodo Compression Bag can be one of the best (dare I say magical?) travel accessories for you. 

This compression bag claims to help increase your storage space by 300%, and best of all, you don’t need a vacuum or pump to compress your items. Pair this with packing cubes, and you’ll be a travel pro. It’s great for long trips, camping, or extended vacations.

The valve-suction technology allows you to compress and seal your items without other equipment tightly. All you need to do is to place your items inside, zip them up, and roll them. 

Clothes stored in the compression bag are protected from dust, mold, mildew, and bacteria, so you can keep your outfits clean and dry while traveling for extended periods. This is an essential item for saving space for your next trip.

See Related: The Complete Backpacking Checklist for Travelers

4. Packing Cubes

If you’re a frequent traveler, then you know that packing and unpacking can be a hassle. Packing cubes can help make the process much easier by organizing your clothing and other items into separate compartments.

This makes it easy to find what you need and helps keep your luggage organized. Packing cubes are an essential travel item for anyone. We like the 5-Pack Shacke Packing Cubes as our top pick for packing cubes as they provide the best combination of quality and price. Plus, the 5-Pack is optimal sizing for your to maintain lightweight packing and avoid overpacking for your trip.

See Related: Best Travel Board Games: Travel-Sized Options

5. Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle

Water bottles can be some of the most cumbersome items for travelers and are also ridiculously easy to lose. The Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle is one of the best travel accessories, as it offers a more portable way to hydrate with its high-quality BPA-free collapsible silicone structure.

Once you’re done drinking, you can roll up the water bottle and stash it safely inside your bag, loop it around your wrist, or attach it to your bag for instant access. 

The durable silicone body withstands dropping and bumping, so it’s one of the best travel accessories to lug around during the bumpiest travels. The leakproof structure eliminates spills and leaks with a sealing twist cap which doubles as a hygienic spout cover to keep dirt and grime away from the mouthpiece. 

See Related: Best Travel Water Purifiers

6. Trip Wipes Alcohol-Free Hand Wipes

Hygiene has never been more important, and Trip Wipes does a great job at making sure you remember to sanitize your hands or even surfaces. This hybrid surface cleaner and hand sanitizer are great for traveling.

The problem with bringing liquid applications on your travels is that using too much or too little is easy. You’ll also need tissues separately if you plan on wiping down surfaces like cell phones or plane seats. 

Trip Wipes are individually packed with hand sanitizer formula that kills 99.99% of germs, smells great, and is completely non-toxic, making them a great addition to your long-haul journeys! 

7. Travel First Aid Kit

A travel first-aid kit is an essential item for any traveler. It can help you deal with minor injuries and illnesses while on the road. Here are some items that you should include in your kit adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin or ibuprofen, and Benedryl or similar.

A good option for fishermen, hikers, and other outdoor professionals looking to keep costs down or simply wish to be prepared. The Adventure Medical Kit’s first-aid kit is produced in safe factories that adhere to high standards of quality control and are constructed from hard shell yet lightweight EVA material with an aluminum carabiner for simple attachment when on the move.

You’ll need a good first-aid kit, but it’s also crucial to bring prescriptions if you have any special medical issues. Before going on your trip, speak with your doctor about what medications you should bring.

Best Travel Accessories for Long Flights

8. The Trtl Pillow

Zzzs can catch up on you during the worst times, so travel pillows are essential for the long-haul traveler to fall asleep during those overnight flights.

The Trtl Pillow is one of the best travel accessories for long flights, it keeps your head secured when sleeping upright, as it’s scientifically proven to hold your head in an ergonomic position during rest. It’s crafted from super soft fleece, with hidden internal support and “extra cozy cushioning’. 

While most travel pillows serve their purpose, I can’t help but notice how ridiculous they look! This travel pillow looks great: it’s designed to look like a scarf and wraps around your neck like a modern fashion accessory. You can also attach the neck pillow to your luggage or the handle of your backpack.

9. Bucky 40 Blinks eye mask

If you’re a light sleeper like me, you already know how hard it is to doze off in the presence of glaring lights. This is especially true for travelers suffering from jetlag. Sunlight can mess up your circadian rhythm as it tricks your body into thinking it’s time to wake up. 

Eye masks are a quick and simple solution to this nagging problem, and Bucky 40 Blinks is a great frill-free option.

Made from 100% polyester interlock and 100% polyurethane foam, this ultra-lightweight eye mask is exceptional in blocking out light without putting too much pressure on your eyes. The molded foam rests snugly around your eyes, allowing you to brink freely without smudging makeup or false lashes. 

10. Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks

Being on too many long flights, I’ve gotten used to my legs falling asleep until I realized that I don’t have to. This Gear Sport Compression Socks from Physix is an absolute lifesaver. If you plan on sitting in an airplane for more than four hours, consider changing into a pair of this comfortable legwear to aid circulation in your legs. 

These durable compression socks enhance blood circulation when sitting for long periods while relieving varicose veins and other leg swelling problems.

The quality stitching is strategically placed in areas where they won’t rip or rub together. Sturdy cuffs offer a soothing feeling at the sides and bottoms of your feet. 

11. Mack’s Earplugs

Light sleepers, listen up. The hunt is over if you’re looking for the best noise-canceling earplugs. Mack’s Earplugs promises to offer travelers a peaceful sleep without the typical ear pain associated with wearing low-quality versions.

These can easily fit in your carry-on and are a great option for long flights. Mack’s Earplugs are made from low-pressure “Comfy Cush Comfort Foam’ with a Noise Reduction Rating of 33 decibels – just enough to drown out the glass-shattering screams of a tantrum-throwing toddler. 

Mack’s also claims to be the #1 brand of foam earplugs used by doctors, so if doctors trust them, why shouldn’t you? If you always lose your earplugs you can always replace them. This item comes in a safety-sealed plastic jar and in 50 pairs.

See Related: Earplanes Review 

12. Airplane Footrest by Sleepy Ride

Suffering from a serious case of sleeping feet? That’s what hours of sitting can do to you, especially when you’re on a long-haul flight. The lack of space to stretch your legs can harm your blood circulation, which is where travel accessories like these airplane footrests by Sleepy Ride come in. 

These nifty footrests are crafted from high-quality memory foam that ergonomically supports your legs. Think of it as sitting on a recliner with your feet stretched on cushions!

Sleepy Ride claims these footrests allow you to “enjoy a hammock-like experience as your legs gently sway with the motion of the plane.”  

To use, all you need to do is to hang it on the arms of the tray table, then prop your feet in the hanging footrest. Adjustable straps allow you to retract or extend the footrest depending on the level of support you need. 

13. JB Wellness Co. Hemp Gummies 

Long international flights can be stressful endeavors that can make us want to rip our hair off. When anxiety reaches an all-time high, a good CBD-infused gummy bear may take the edge off.

These delicious Hemp Gummies are one of the best travel accessories for men and women who get anxious during plane trips. They come in tropical flavors while claiming to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, enhance sleep, and build a stronger immune system.  

More than just CBD, these vitamin-packed treats contain vitamins E and B, magnesium, Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, and a slew of other trace minerals.

One Amazon user claimed to “sleep like a baby’ after popping one of these gummies, while another enjoyed its ‘calming and relaxing effect’ which she found to be better than melatonin. Check out these tips for flying with vitamins like these.

See Related: Best Travel Drones

Best Travel Gadgets

14. Cowin E7 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones 

Tune out that crying baby with super-effective noise-canceling headphones like the Cowin E7, one of the best luxury travel accessories you’ll ever find on Amazon.

This feature-packed pair comes with Active Noise Cancelling Technology that offers significant noise reduction so you can listen to your videos, music, or movies in complete peace. Thanks to its 45mm large-aperture drivers, you can enjoy a high-quality bass response with a crisp and powerful sound.

The built-in Microphone and NFC technology also allow you to accept calls without the inconvenience of wires. NFC pairing with your Bluetooth-enabled devices is quick and stable, and you can easily pair this device using voice prompts.  

Wearing headphones all day can make our ears sore, but the Cowin E7’s protein earpad and 90-degree swiveling earcups offer long-lasting comfort. 

15. Kindle Paperwhite

Looking for the best long-flight travel accessories? Nothing makes a tiring flight more bearable than a good book, but hauling around a book collection is far from practical if you’re an avid reader like me who likes jumping from one novel to another.

The Kindle Paperwhite is one of the best travel accessories for bookworms who like burying themselves in different books to pass the time. The Kindle Paperwhite has a flush-front design and a 300 ppi glare-free display that allows you to read even in direct sunlight.

If you’d rather listen than read, the Paperwhite also comes with Amazon Audible, so you can enjoy an audiobook by pairing it with Bluetooth headphones. The Paperwhite is Kindle’s thinnest and lightest model, so lugging it around in your backpack is a breeze. 

See Related: Best Travel Hair Dryers

Best Travel Gear

16. Travel Backpack

When it comes to picking the perfect backpack for your travels, there are a few things you need to take into account. The first is size – you want something comfortable to carry and won’t take up too much space in your luggage.

The second is features – you’ll need a good travel backpack with various compartments for all your devices and carry-on essentials. Finally, it would be best if you had something that is made of high-quality material.

A backpack goes through the “ringer” while traveling, from getting shoved into a corner on a train to being kicked while in the aisle seat; a good travel backpack is an essential piece of travel gear if you are a frequent traveler.

See Related: What’s the Best Day to Book Flights?

Best Travel Accessories for International Travel

17. Universal Adapter

A universal adapter is a must-have for any traveler. This small, lightweight adapter allows you to use any type of plug outlet in over 150 countries. It’s a lifesaver when you’re traveling to different parts of the world and need to charge your electronics.

Most universal adapters for travel these days will have multiple USB ports and outlets so you won’t have an excuse for your devices not being fully charged and ready to go.

18. Camry Digital Luggage Scale 

With the Camry Digital Luggage Scale, the days of worrying about luggage weight are finally over. Small enough to be carried along in the smallest bags and pouches, this digital luggage scale is also sensitive enough to measure changes as low as 0.1 lb to as high as 110 lb. It also comes with an overload indicator. 

The non-slip rubber handle offers an easy grip, and the digital LCD shows room temperature with a zero and tare function. A low-power indicator tells you when it’s time for a battery change, but you won’t need to do so as much – the device shuts off automatically after two minutes to save energy.  

19. Venture 4th Travel Neck Pouch

For disorganized travelers (consider me guilty), check-in and transit can be absolute hell. Use this to keep all your important documents in one spot, such as your travel documents, boarding pass, IDs, and cash. You’ll know exactly where everything is whether you are checking into your hotel, passing customs, or checking your luggage at the airport.

I’ve found myself waiting in line flustered many times, checking hundreds of pockets and pouches to find my travel documents, such as my IDs, boarding passes, and passport. The Venture 4th Travel Neck Pouch is one of the best travel accessories for Europe, as it allows you to keep a truckload of documents in one place. 

Crafted from high-quality RFID Blocking material, this pouch can keep digital thieves and scans at bay. It has a transparent pocket and two zipper pockets for storing your boarding passes and IDs.

It can also secure your cash and important documents securely. Lightweight, waterproof, and incredibly durable, this travel pouch is one of the best travel accessories for cruise ship vacations or riding public transport. 

See Related: 10 Types of Travel Bags for the Jetsetter

20. Zojirushi SlickSteel Finish Stainless Steel Mug

I’m a sucker for enjoying home-brewed coffee during long-haul flights, but once I’m finally seated and ready to take a sip, I almost always find my coffee colder than in winter. The Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug is the perfect option for those who like to enjoy warm beverages. This stylish travel mug can keep your beverages hot or cold for around six hours.

The main draw here is Zojirushi’s renowned vacuum insulation technology which prevents air outside from ever touching the mug’s contents, allowing you to keep your beverage hot or cold for longer. 

The compact, sleek design takes minimal space and fits most standard cup holders. The flip lid, which can be opened with a single hand, is tightly fitted to prevent leaks and accidental opening while retaining heat.

See Related: Best Toiletry Travel Bags

21. AmazonBasics 5-Way Multi Headphone Splitter

Here’s an ingenious travel gear for music lovers who love sharing their music! This AmazonBasics Headphone Splitter allows you to share music from your device with five other people (Yes, you can finally watch an episode of Modern Family with your significant other without causing a ruckus on the plane). 

This headphone splitter is compatible with any laptop, tablet, smartphone, or device with a 3.5 mm AUX port. It can split the cable line into five 3.5 mm ports, acting as the female component for five headphones. The ABS plastic construction makes it super durable, and you can also use it to mix songs from different electronic devices. 

22. Beveetio Travel Bottles

I’m a stickler for skin care. If you’re a traveler like me, you already know how impractical it is to lug around everything you need to complete your 10-step Korean skincare routine.

Cosmetics, toiletries, and skin serums can eat away from your luggage space faster than you know it, but it’s easier to cut back when you have space-spacing containers like these Beveetio Travel Bottles.

This multi-combination set is one of the best travel accessories for women, as 14 leak-proof, lightweight, and easy-to-carry travel bottles are a lifesaver. A one-time purchase of this travel kit gets you five silicone travel bottles, five cream boxes, a spray bottle, a pump bottle, and a clear bag.

These can easily fit in your toiletry bag and concisely. These can easily be set up in your hotel room, so you’ll have everything at your disposal for getting ready for the day. These are all TSA-approved and perfect for travel! The pre-printed ID labels that come with the set are a nice touch!

23. spAIRtray Travel Shelf

If you’re lucky enough to get the window seat, the spAIRtray Travel Shelf is one of the most game-changing travel accessories to save space. This portable and deployable unit gives you 33% more space for gadgets, drinks, and snacks. It also allows you to use the seat-back tray solely for reading or propping your laptop. 

All you need to do is insert one end in the alignment channel for the window’s sun visor while sliding the other end into the channel on the window’s other side.

Level out the tray, and you instantly have more space to prop your drinks, snacks, phones, eyeglasses, or other devices. The non-slip pad secures your items in place. Once you’re done using it, you can easily slip it inside your laptop case, briefcase, or backpack. 

24. Soarigami Airplane Portable Armrest Divider

If you’re going to ask me, the Soarigami Airplane Portable Armrest Divider is one of the world’s most brilliant creations, second only to the invention of the wheel.

And I say this only because I’ve given one too many passengers the side-eye for invading an armrest that’s mine. While convention dictates that the middle seat gets both armrests, fights are still bound to ensue. 

This portable armrest divider clamps onto an armrest of your choice, providing you and the passenger beside you with dedicated space. Using the built-in screws, you can adjust the Soarigami to give you and your seatmate as much space as you need. Once you’ve reached your destination, fold the Soarigami flat and stash it back into your carry-on bag. 

25. Cocktail Kit Set by The Cocktail Box Co. 

While it’s not exactly an essential gadget or accessory for air travel, a portable cocktail kit can make long flights more bearable (and a whole lot of fun). These nifty TSA and FAA-compliant carry-on cocktail kits by The Cocktail Box Co. come in several ingredient combos with everything you need to concoct a delicious drink at 30,000 feet while also serving as a great travel gift. 

The 4-piece cocktail kit set will keep you and your friends busy (and maybe a bit hammered) for hours. It comes in complete sets that allow you to mix your favorite whisky, gin, champagne, or vodka cocktail. Each cocktail kit produces 3 to 6 drinks and comes complete with a recipe card, a bar spoon, and fancy syrups. 

26. Nite Ize Gear Tie

Five minutes feel like an eternity when it’s spent trying to untangle a chaotic mess of wires. As a disorganized traveler who throws everything haphazardly in his backpack, this happens to me daily. I only wanted to listen to music!

But now I must spend more than 10 minutes in agony trying to undo the knotted mess between my earphones and laptop charger.   If you’re like me, you’ll find Nite Ize GearTie to be a lifesaver. These reusable rubber twist ties keep your cables and chargers neat. These tiny travel accessories have a tough rubber exterior and a bendable wire interior that holds your wires in place.

While it’s great for wrapping headphones and cords, it’s also perfect for color-coding, shoring up plant stems, and other organizational tasks. 

See Related: Best Travel Backpacks

27. Baby Shusher – The Sleep Miracle 

We’ve talked about crying babies and tantrum-throwing toddlers a lot in this article, only because they’re a real issue when flying on planes. For mothers traveling with their newborns, plane rides can be an embarrassing experience, so much so that some mothers avoid going on plane trips with their babies.  

Fortunately, all hope is not lost. The Baby Shusher device is a portable speaker that plays a real human voice and lulls your baby to sleep using a calming shush, making it one of the best air travel accessories for parents.

It comes with 15 to 30 pre-programmed shushing sessions that claim to “get even the most resistant sleepers to sleep.’ When used on a plane, parents can adjust the volume to shush their babies without keeping everyone awake. 

Final Thoughts

During summertime, it is important to bring appropriate clothes, like travel shorts, for warm weather. It enables you to move around and feel comfy even under the sun’s heat.

And for hygiene purposes during warm weather, always bring your soap like any anti-bacterial wash to keep you clean and fresh. It is best if you place it in a separate pouch or a soap case so you can grab it when needed. Lastly, always bring an atomizer for your cologne, alcohol, and face mist to freshen up while on the go.

FAQ

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