The 12 Best Travel Accessories To Take With You On Your Next Trip (2024)

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Joey Skladany

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No matter the destination, the right combination of travel essentials will make your next getaway more comfortable and enjoyable. Traveling, after all, can do a number on the body, both physically and emotionally, so it’s important to invest in the correct gear to get you to your final destination feeling relaxed and refreshed. Along with ease of mind, the best travel accessories will help keep you organized on long-haul or multi-destination trips that involve planes, trains and automobiles.

To narrow down options, we read countless travel product reviews and evaluated products from both established and newer-to-market brands. We also tapped into our expertise as globetrotters and frequent flyers who have traveled far and wide. From a popular tech kit with space for all of your chargers and batteries to noise-cancelling earbuds, each item on this list is durable, functional and well-designed. Below, the 12 best travel accessories to make your next adventure as seamless as possible. And for more inspiration, we have in-depth guides to the best luggage brands and the best luggage for international travel.

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Best Travel Blanket

Lightweight, Insulated And Durable

Layover™ Travel Blanket

Dimensions: 66 x 40 inches (when stuffed) | Weight: 12.43 oz. | Material: Nylon with recycled plastic insulation | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

There is a high probability that your flight’s air conditioning will rival the temperatures found in any cold-weather escape. But if you’re hoping to stave off the inevitable goosebumps and shivers, opt for a lightweight travel blanket that will keep you covered and toasty. Gravel boasts one of the best on the market with an insulated core, kangaroo pockets, and an anti-static, spill-proof nylon fabric. It also folds up into a tiny, easy-to-transport bag that can double as a pillow during long and arduous plane or bus rides. And, best of all, it’s made from recycled materials and backed by a lifetime warranty, re-validating that it’s a purchase you will feel really good about.

Best Cord Organizer

Keep Wires And Chargers Secure

Bellroy Tech Kit

Dimensions: 5 x 9 inches | Weight: 4.2 ounces | Material: Recycled Baida nylon, eco-tanned leather, elastane loops | Warranty: Three-year warranty

If you’re the type of traveler who packs practically every electronic device that you own, fear not: The Bellroy Tech Kit provides unparalleled organization for all of your wires, chargers and batteries with magnetic slip and mesh pockets, as well as elastic cable loops to keep your belongings safe, protected and secure. The design is also quite snazzy in 10 different color and pattern options, accented with smooth-action zippers, recycled nylon and embossed leather trim. Needless to say, this will be the bag you not only toss into your carry-on, but also your go-to backpack or purse for everyday use.

Best Toiletry Container

Spill-Proof Interior And Plenty Of Pockets

Away The Hanging Toiletry Bag

Dimensions: 9.6 x 3.7 x 6.6 | Weight: 13 ounces | Material: Nylon | Warranty: One-year warranty

Gone are the days of fumbling through an oversized toiletry bag flowing with random bottles, jars, and tubes deemed as “essential skincare.” Away’s hanging container not only provides see-through compartments to organize your favorite beauty products and grooming tools, but it also unfolds and hangs for quick and easy access. Perhaps its most welcomed feature is its nylon-coated, spill-proof interior. If something cracks or explodes along the way, it won’t ruin what’s in close proximity—a big win if you’re traveling to relax and unwind.

Best Compression Socks

Relieve Aches And Pains On Long Flights

Bombas Everyday Compression Socks

Dimensions: Varies by size | Weight: Varies by size | Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane, nylon | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

These high compression socks are as stylish as they are functional. Available in a handful of neutral colors and prints, its extra-long staple cotton keeps calves and feet warm and supported, but also protected from the elements of cold air and abrasive footwear. Perfect for long flights to relieve aches and pains and stimulate blood flow, investing in a pair or two is an absolute necessity to ward off potential mobility issues. Also, as part of Bombas’ mission to give back to the community, for every pair of socks purchased, a pair of socks is donated.

Best Water Bottle

Stay Hydrated On The Road

SLIM Stainless Steel memobottle

Dimensions: 10.6 x 2.3 x 1.5 | Weight: 12.8 ounces | Material: Stainless steel, BPA and BPS-free plastic, silicone | Warranty: Two-year warranty

Hydration can make or break your general well-being, but nothing is more cumbersome than an oversized water bottle that can’t fit in your bag. Enter SLIM’s stainless steel memobottle: the answer to on-the-go water needs. With a minimalist design and slim H2O container, this flask-like novelty can slide into practically any space: backpacks, briefcases, carry-on bags, purses and inconspicuous side pockets.

Best Portable Charger

Provides Up To Three Days Of Power

Nimble CHAMP Portable Charger

Dimensions: 3 x 2.2 x 1 | Weight: 6.4 ounces | Material: Recycled plastic (exterior) | Warranty: Two-year warranty

This is the portable charger that puts all other portable chargers to shame. Not only is it ultra-compact and easy to transport, but it also carries a 10,000 mAh battery for up to a whopping three days of power. It’s also high-speed, yielding an 80% charge in only 30 minutes, and is compatible with iPhones, iPads, Android devices and more. You’ll never have to worry about a dead cellphone or Kindle on a long-haul flight again. And to that, especially if crying children are nearby, we say “hallelujah.”

Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds

Crystal Clear Sound With Zero Background Noise

Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 3.4 (including case) | Weight: 8.96 ounces (including case) | Material: Plastic | Warranty: One-year warranty

Whether you’re on a noisy plane, immersing yourself in a poignant museum exhibit or simply want to tune out the sounds of other tourists, a pair of noise-canceling headphones is a must. The beauty of Bose’s foray into earbuds is that these do an excellent job of both blocking outside sounds and playing crystal-clear music. The case also comes with three sizes of ear tips to accommodate the shape of your ear canal and every play option, from bass to treble levels, can be custom-tailored through Bose’s easy-to-use app. But our favorite feature is its ActiveSense technology that can be turned on if you want the earbuds to do the work for you and automatically adjust the volume to accommodate your surroundings.

Best Neck Pillow

Soft, Breathable And Supportive

Trtl Travel Pillow

Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.5 x 2.5 | Weight: 4.9 ounces | Material: Tencel fleece, foam, plastic | Warranty: 100-day warranty

Not all neck pillows are created equal and Trtl’s take is lightyears beyond the common foam crescents that can sometimes do more harm than good. Designed to look like a scarf, it is proven to be more supportive than most U-shaped pillows. Simply loop it around your neck, wrap it, and adjust so that the internal “flipper” can fit underneath the contours of your face, jaw and shoulder to prevent your head from falling forward. Trtl’s inner material is machine-washable and its fabric is breathable and cool to the touch, making it an in-flight napping experience that may not be perfect, but a whole lot better than a window, stiff piece of foam or a stranger’s shoulder.

Best Packing Cubes

A Must-Have For Over Packers

July Packing Cells

Dimensions: Varies by four sizes | Weight: Varies by four sizes | Material: Nylon | Warranty: Five-year warranty

Packing cubes not only make sense for easy storage and organization, but they also help to limit the amount of clothing and personal items you bring on a trip. If you’re a notorious over packer, these zippable compartments are an essential, especially if they come from beloved travel brand July. Available in a set of four sizes with mesh tops and side carry handles, the lightweight space savers are designed to hold anything and everything, from underwear and shoes to jeans and an entire three-piece suit. They’re also 100% stain proof and machine washable, so if a bottle of moisturizer decides to explode en route, you don’t have to worry about shelling out hard-earned cash for a replacement.

Best Jewelry Case

Keep Valuables Organized And Safe

Mark & Graham Small Travel Jewelry Case

Dimensions: 4.5 x 4.x5 x 2.25 | Weight: 11 ounces | Material: Vegan leather (exterior), Linen (interior) | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Don’t just arbitrarily toss your favorite necklaces, bracelets and earrings into a bag and pray that you’ll find them, unknotted, when the time comes to wear them. They deserve so much better, like being displayed in a Mark & Graham travel jewelry case that can be—best of all—personalized so that fellow travelers won’t mistake it as theirs. The pebbled vegan leather interior also features a built-in mirror so that you can get one final look before stepping out for a night on the town.

Best Power Adapter

Charge Up To Five Different Devices

OneWorld100 International Adapter With Charger

Dimensions: 2.15 x 2.72 x 2.64 | Weight: 6.29 ounces | Material: Plastic (exterior) | Warranty: One-year warranty

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

Best Portable Steamer

Heats Up Quickly And Zaps Wrinkles

Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam

Dimensions: 11.8 x 11.8 x 5.8 | Weight: 56 ounces | Material: Plastic, aluminum, silicone | Warranty: Limited one-year warranty

The greatest threat to your clothing, other than snags and stains, is wrinkles. And many clothes, especially with more sensitive fabrics like silk or linen, will not emerge from a suitcase unscathed. This portable steamer from Conair will remedy any outfit that looks like it’s been sitting in a ball under your bed for months. Its water tank emits 15 minutes of continuous steam and the device only takes 40 seconds to heat up. A built-in creaser also forms perfect pleats and folds so that pants and skirts will maintain that straight-from-the-dry-cleaner look as you saunter from place to place.

Coupons

Agoda

Link to Coupon

Agoda

Link to Coupon

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Bear Mattress

Link to Coupon

","scope":{"name":"Bear Mattress","itemLink":"https://www.forbes.com/coupons/bearmattress.com/","image":"https://www.forbes.com/coupons/vfiles/245387/merchant_image-merchant_logo_large.png","position":1,"styles":"color: #fff; background-color: #EAEBEC;","trackingLabel":"ExternalCoupon2Link:https://www.forbes.com/coupons/bearmattress.com/"}},{"textContent":"

Vistaprint

Link to Coupon

","scope":{"name":"Vistaprint","itemLink":"https://www.forbes.com/coupons/vistaprint.com/","image":"https://www.forbes.com/coupons/vfiles/256067/merchant_image-merchant_logo_large.png","position":2,"styles":"color: #fff; background-color: #ffffff;","trackingLabel":"ExternalCoupon3Link:https://www.forbes.com/coupons/vistaprint.com/"}},{"textContent":"

Bed Bath and Beyond

Link to Coupon

","scope":{"name":"Bed Bath and Beyond","itemLink":"https://www.forbes.com/coupons/bedbathandbeyond.com/","image":"https://www.forbes.com/coupons/vfiles/11695/merchant_image-merchant_logo_large.png","position":3,"trackingLabel":"ExternalCoupon4Link:https://www.forbes.com/coupons/bedbathandbeyond.com/"}},{"textContent":"

Erin Condren

Link to Coupon

","scope":{"name":"Erin Condren","itemLink":"https://www.forbes.com/coupons/erincondren.com/","image":"https://www.forbes.com/coupons/vfiles/255883/merchant_image-merchant_logo_large.png","position":4,"styles":"color: #fff; background-color: #ffffff;","trackingLabel":"ExternalCoupon5Link:https://www.forbes.com/coupons/erincondren.com/"}}],"breakpoints":[{"breakpoint":"@media all and (max-width: 768px)","config":{"inView":1,"slidesToScroll":4}},{"breakpoint":"@media all and (max-width: 1024px)","config":{"inView":1,"slidesToScroll":4}}]};

The 12 Best Travel Accessories To Take With You On Your Next Trip (2024)

FAQs

The 12 Best Travel Accessories To Take With You On Your Next Trip? ›

Clothes, shoes and personal cleaning-care materials are our essential items. We feel comfortable after we place this trio in suitcase. We feel completely ready to go on a holiday. In fact, ''a well-prepared suitcase'' contains a lot more.

What is something you bring on every trip? ›

Carry On Only Ultimate Packing List
Passport/ID/visaUndergarmentsLip moisturiser
Cash/credit cards/insurance cardsSocks/hosieryEye mask
Electronic devicesShoesEar plugs
Device chargersPurses/travel bagEye mask
Power bank/adapterTravel size liquids (face wash, bodywash, lotion, etc.)Neck pillow
4 more rows
Nov 11, 2019

What do you always take with you when you travel? ›

Clothes, shoes and personal cleaning-care materials are our essential items. We feel comfortable after we place this trio in suitcase. We feel completely ready to go on a holiday. In fact, ''a well-prepared suitcase'' contains a lot more.

What should I pack in my carry-on for a long trip? ›

Be sure to pack any essentials you can't go a day without in your carry-on luggage. This includes any chargers, valuables, makeup and skincare basics, toothbrushes, hair accessories, and even an extra outfit (extra points if it's versatile), just in case you end up with only your carry-on luggage.

What is the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method? ›

Its version of the 5-4-3-2-1 method includes "five tops, four bottoms, three accessories, two shoes (a practical pair and a nice pair), and one swimsuit," though like the Times this formula allows the wiggle room to swap out accessories based on your destination and type of travel.

What might I be forgetting to pack? ›

  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste. Nothing is worse than realizing you forgot your toothbrush. ...
  • Hair Brushes. Believe it or not, hair brushes are one of the most commonly forgotten things to pack, especially when it comes to longer trips. ...
  • Travel Adapters & Chargers. ...
  • First Aid Kit. ...
  • Hair Dryer & Iron. ...
  • Umbrella. ...
  • Books & Games. ...
  • Snacks.
Dec 18, 2022

What is not allowed in a carry-on bag? ›

Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

What should you not pack in hold luggage? ›

These include:
  • Flammable liquids and solids.
  • Oxidisers such as bleaching powders.
  • Organic peroxides.
  • Tear gas devices or any gas cylinders.
  • Infectious substances such as live virus materials.
  • Wet-cell car batteries.
  • Magnetrons.
  • Instruments containing mercury.

Do and don'ts for packing for a flight? ›

Before Packing
  • Start with an EMPTY bag (make sure all pockets and compartments don't have any items in them)
  • Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule: ...
  • Review the prohibited items list for both carry-on and checked baggage.

What is the 3-1-1 rule? ›

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Does toothpaste count as a liquid? ›

Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.

Can you bring a purse and a backpack on a plane? ›

Technically, any piece of luggage that you “carry on” to an airplane is a carry-on bag. Most airlines allow one piece of carry-on luggage or “hand baggage” that can fit in the overhead bin, plus a “personal item” (a smaller purse, computer bag, diaper bag, small backpack, etc.

What are things you buy on trips called? ›

A souvenir (from French 'a remembrance or memory'), memento, keepsake, or token of remembrance is an object a person acquires for the memories the owner associates with it.

What brings you to travel? ›

Travel to escape reality

It gives us absolute freedom to live in the moment and it allows us to be anyone, to go anywhere and to do anything. The best part of my six-month trip around the world, way back when, was the freedom of being able to just wake up and pick a spot anywhere on the map and find a way to get there.

What do you get from a trip? ›

Traveling has the ability to take you out of our daily routine and into new surroundings and experiences and this can reset your body and mind. Even planning a trip can have a fantastic effect on the body – it boosts happiness and feels rewarding.

What are fun things to bring on vacation? ›

What To Bring With You On Vacation To Have Fun
  • Consider buying gel blasters. ...
  • Pack light and comfortable clothing. ...
  • Bring a book or two. ...
  • Invest in a good pair of walking shoes. ...
  • Bring sunblock and insect repellant for days spent outdoors. ...
  • Don't forget your passport or other important documents.

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