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Having the right travel accessories can be the difference between “Ugh, we’ve got a five-hour flight coming up” and “At least it’s only a quick five-hour flight.”
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or you save up for one trip every few years, chances are you already know that what you pack impacts your comfort, your enjoyment, and, perhaps most important, your stress levels both while traveling and when you’ve actually settled in at your new destination. That’s why it’s critical to pack useful, helpful travel accessories. Take the wrong ones, and you may find yourself carrying extra weight for gear you never end up using.
As a full-time travel writer, I enjoy the wonderful perk of being able to travel quite a bit. While chasing down stories, I’ve stayed in five-star suites in the Maldives and slept on the top bunk of a 15-hour budget sleeper train in Vietnam. So I’ve experienced quite a variety of travel conditions while using what’s likely hundreds of travel accessories in the process.
Over time, I’ve been able to narrow down my must-have travel accessories to include a perfect blend of ones that are useful, easy to carry, and multifunctional. For example, a packable mini-backpack can serve as a lightweight bag for day hikes or as an extra carry-on if you buy too much abroad.
These are the 23 best travel accessories I recommend to all my friends planning their next weekend or bucket-list getaways.
Best Travel Accessories
- Best In-Flight Bluetooth Audio Adapter: Twelve South AirFly Pro
- Best Travel Footrest: Airplane Footrest
- Best Cord Organizer for Small Items: Bellroy Classic Pouch
- Best Containers for Toiletries: Cadence Weekender Bundle
- Best Blanket for Cold Flights: Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket
The Expert: I’m a freelance travel writer and editor who usually focuses on adventure travel. That’s led me to take some pretty lengthy flight patterns (most recently, 54 hours of travel on the way to Rwanda) and fairly remote road trips (through central Alaska). But traveling frequently doesn't mean anything goes. Like everyone else, I have my personal annoyances while traveling: I get cold easily, I’m sensitive to noise when sleeping in new places, and I always need to be able to work on-the-go.What all of that means is that my experience with travel accessories isn’t just about finding those that make flights more comfortable, but also those that improve my productivity, help me enjoy myself in new destinations, and make packing as painless as possible. I think I've used just about every type of travel product out there, and truly feel the ones I have selected are the best of the best.
What to Consider When Buying Travel Accessories
The best travel accessories eliminate the inconveniences and annoyances of life on-the-go. For me, this includes headphones that drown out engine noise (or crying babies), containers that allow me to bring my favorite soap and shampoo on flights, and anything that makes long trips more comfortable. Consider what you value most and look for accessories in that space.
No matter what you’re in the market for, don’t overlook size, especially for liquids. The TSA limits your liquids to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per container and prefers them all packed into one quart-size bag. As for luggage, make sure any travel bags you intend to carry on are no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and checked bags no heavier than 50 pounds. Even if you aren’t checking a suitcase, you’ll have an easier, more comfortable experience with less to lug around. Most of the accessories below are relatively lightweight, but they’ll add a few pounds combined.
Finally, a word on price. Some travelers don’t want to spend too much money on items they might accidentally leave in a seat-back pocket, whereas other people tend to take better care of things that cost more. I generally recommend ruling out the very cheapest items in most categories, lest you find your shampoo bottle started leaking mid-flight.
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How We Selected These Travel Accessories
In addition to my own experiences using these products as a travel writer and gear tester, I weighed consumer reviews, investigated market research, and did a thorough evaluation of each product's price, features, and overall value. If you’re looking for stuff to make your next trip easier and more comfortable, start with these recommendations.
1
Best In-Flight Bluetooth Audio Adapter
Twelve South AirFly Pro
1
Best In-Flight Bluetooth Audio Adapter
Twelve South AirFly Pro
Pros
- Small
- Good battery life
Cons
- Occasional audio lag
Given how small and lightweight this Bluetooth adapter is, I make sure to pack it for every flight where I expect to watch a movie. The adapter plugs into airplane screens and pairs via Bluetooth so you can use your preferred noise-canceling earphones with the in-flight entertainment.
It has excellent battery life, but the connection does suffer from some lag. I’ve noticed a very slight audio delay in older planes—and you may need a two-prong adapter on older entertainment systems.
If you plan to use the AirFly only for sending audio to your headphones, you can get by with the less-expensive AirFly Classic, which has slightly better battery life. But if you want to use Bluetooth to send audio to the AirFly (for example, to play audio from your phone in a car without built-in Bluetooth), you’ll need the Pro.
Key Specs
Weight | .5 oz |
---|---|
Size | 1.75 x 1.25 x .38 in. |
Battery Life | 16 hours claimed |
Pros
- Helps alleviate back and leg pain on long flights
- Include storage sack
Cons
My foot hammock is probably the nerdiest travel accessory I own, but it's a lifesaver—or should I say leg saver. The adjustable-length hammock attaches to your airplane seat's tray table and eases pressure on your low back, knees, and glutes.
I'm much less stiff after flights when I use the foot hammock and have never noticed it bothering the person in the seat in front of me, even while making adjustments. You can also buy versions with more rigid footrests, though I find the more flexible, hammock-style footrest is easier to stuff into a carry-on.
Key Specs
Weight | 4.6 oz |
---|---|
Packed Size | 8.74 x 6.02 x 2.87 in. |
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3
Best Cord Organizer for Small Items
Bellroy Classic Pouch
3
Best Cord Organizer for Small Items
Bellroy Classic Pouch
Pros
- Compact
- Light organization
- Business professional look
- Made from sustainable materials
Cons
Whether it’s a road trip or an international flight, I always use a small, simple zippered case for my tech gear so I don’t have to fish around for it in the bottom of my bag.
Cord organizers have become trendy lately, but some have so many straps and pockets that I still have to search for the exact item I need. Instead, I just use a small case like the Bellroy Classic Pouch. Since I have a separate case for my computer charger and cord, this one has enough space for most of my other small items, including the AirFly and Bose earbuds in this roundup. It has a few basic organizational pockets and zips wide enough so you can find what you need in a hurry.
Oh, and if you want a case to fit your computer charger as well as all your other travel accessories, never fear: There’s a larger option. The Bellroy Tech Kit is deeper and longer, with a clamshell-style opening, so it can hold slightly larger accessories like computer charger cubes or a GoPro camera.
Key Specs
Weight | 3 oz |
---|---|
Size | 8.8 x 5.5 x 2.3 in. |
Material | Leather or recycled fabrics (depends on color selection) |
4
Best Containers for Toiletries
Cadence Weekender Bundle
4
Best Containers for Toiletries
Cadence Weekender Bundle
Pros
- Leakproof
- Easy to scoop out creams
- Available in seven colors
Cons
- May not hold enough for a long trip
- Extra tiles cost $20 for six
Carry-on-only travelers are familiar with packing small amounts of their favorite toiletries, but mini squeeze bottles make it challenging to use gels and creams that get stuck to the bottoms.
Fortunately, you can alleviate that issue with Cadence’s magnetic honeycomb-style capsules, which stick together and take up little space. These convenient containers are made from ocean plastic cleaned from beaches, and you can customize the tile labels and colors of each capsule. I recommend the six-pack for carrying both hair and skincare products, but you could connect three times that number if you so desire.
Key Specs
Weight | .56 oz (per capsule) |
---|---|
Size | 1 x 1 x 2 in. |
5
Best Blanket for Cold Flights
Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket
5
Best Blanket for Cold Flights
Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket
Pros
- Warm
- Small storage size
- Machine washable
- Clip to wear around neck
Cons
- Small
I carry a packable insulated blanket on almost every trip, even to tropical destinations. Aside from being useful as a plane blanket, it comes in handy in hotels where the A/C is definitely working or when there’s only a sheet on the bed.
I like the Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket since the fill is light and compressible. It’s on the smaller side at roughly 4.5-feet by 3-feet, but it’s worth the trade-off for the packability (less than 4-inches wide when packed.) I usually carry it in one of the bottle pockets on the side of my carry-on backpack.
Because it’s not a full-size blanket, the NanoLoft is best as a lap blanket on cold flights or car rides, and works well as a pillow when packed. For more coverage, consider the full-size NanoLoft (6- by 14-inches packed, $179+). I recommend getting a tiny stuff sack or compression packing cube to make it into a more manageable carry-on size.
Key Specs
Weight | .7 lb |
---|---|
Size | 3.5 x 11 in. packed, 38 x 52 in. unfolded |
Material | Post-recycled polyester |
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6
Best Pack for Bad Packers
Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack
6
Best Pack for Bad Packers
Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack
Pros
- Packs up very small
- Lightweight
Cons
- Small capacity
The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Sack is proof that the best travel accessories don’t have to be high-tech or overly complex—just useful. This is a water-resistant, packable backpack with mesh straps, a side pocket, and one small internal pocket. That’s it.
Because it’s so simple, it folds down incredibly small to about 5- by 5- by 3-inches. I often wear it when sightseeing around a city when I don’t want to carry a purse or shoulder bag.
But even if I don’t have a plan for using it, I toss it in my luggage every time. It can come in handy when you’re packing in a hurry and can’t fit everything as neatly into your bag as you did the first time, or if you’re road tripping and want to pull over and walk to a quirky roadside attraction. Most of my other ultra-packable bags are totes, but I prefer the security of a zippable backpack.
Key Specs
Packed Size | Roughly 3 x 4 x 4 in. (depends how you pack it) |
---|---|
Capacity | 18L |
Features | Side pocket, built-in stuff sack, mesh straps, water-resistant |
7
Best Travel Pillow for Middle Seats
Cabeau S3 Evolution
7
Best Travel Pillow for Middle Seats
Cabeau S3 Evolution
Pros
- Good neck support
- Works in middle seats
Cons
- Slightly bulky
These pillows are phenomenal, and reviewers say they're the only way they can ever get some sleep when crammed into a middle seat.
An adjustable headrest strap keeps the pillow upright and in place, and the comfortable foam never seems to lose its shape. Though most people wear the Evolution around their neck as intended, it works well as a traditional pillow, especially considering the gap in the middle leaves room for bulky over-ear headphones.
Key Specs
Weight | 11 oz |
---|---|
Packed Size | 6 in. diameter by 5.5 in. high |
Material | Polyester, memory foam |
Pros
- Small and lightweight
- Built-in power cords
Cons
- No Micro-USB
- Holds less charge than larger options
I take thousands of vacation photos per trip, and often, the only camera I’m carrying is the one in my cell phone. To avoid running out of battery before getting back to my hotel room, I carry the ridiculously small Alongza charger.
It holds about two phone charges, and it won’t power bigger devices like laptops. But because it’s roughly the size of a credit card (though a smidge thicker), it’s easy to carry and is able to charge my phone while walking around.
I find most power banks too big to fit in my pocket, but this is probably the tiniest one I’ve ever used. I also like the built-in UBC-C and Lightning connectors so I can leave my cords at the hotel.
Key Specs
Weight | 100g |
---|---|
Size | 4.13 x 2.6 x .51 in. |
Ports | USB-C, Lightning, USB |
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9
TSA-Approved Hair Care Bars
HiBar Maintain Shampoo and Conditioner Set
9
TSA-Approved Hair Care Bars
HiBar Maintain Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Pros
- TSA-approved
- No plastic packaging
- Multiple types
- Safe for treated hair
Cons
- Storage bag not included
If carrying a 3-ounces of shampoo won’t get you through a whole trip, consider using a solid shampoo and conditioner bar that won’t raise any eyebrows going through the TSA checkpoint.
There are five different sets for different hair types, each safe to use for color-treated hair. Be sure to toss them into a plastic bag if you’re planning to pack them before they’re dry.
I have very thin, fine hair, and find the HiBar Volumizie set works just as well as the far more expensive salon set I use in my home shower.
Key Specs
Weight | 1 lb (set) |
---|---|
Size | 3.2 oz each (roughly 6 in. high) |
10
Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds
10
Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds
Pros
- Shockingly good noise canceling
- Quick charging
- Tap controls
- Dual modes (quiet and aware)
Cons
- Slightly large in-ear
I love my over-the-ear headphones, but on long flights, they can start to feel a bit sore on my ears. I took a risk on the Bose QuietComfort headphones, since at nearly $300 they’re even more expensive than Apple AirPods. But I’m glad I bought them.
They provide a level of noise-cancellation I never thought would be possible from an in-ear headphone, and the case can fully charge the headphones three times before it needs to be plugged in again—enough to get you through even the longest of trans-Atlantic flights and chatty seatmates.
The only real minus is the size, as they don’t sit as closely to your head as the popular Apple AirPods. But the sound quality more than makes up for it.
Key Specs
Weight | .3 oz |
---|---|
Size | 1.99 x 3.42 x 1.34 in. |
Battery Life | Six hours active use + two additional charges in the case |
11
Best Insulated Travel Mug
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Flex Sip Lid Bottle
11
Best Insulated Travel Mug
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Flex Sip Lid Bottle
Pros
- Durable
- Various colors
- Easy-to-clean lid
- Loop/handle
- Leak-proof
Cons
- Stainless steel is a bit heavy
At this point, it’s a given to carry a reusable water bottle, but I’ve started bringing my own coffee mug too, especially since I like my coffee piping hot. In many countries, coffee is served in a teacup and not guzzled like I’m used to, and having my own mug is a great way to fill my coffee once at the hotel without bothering the staff to bring more and more.
I’ve recently been using the Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Mug. It keeps coffee hot, but most important, it has a tight seal. I can buy coffee in the airport, put the mug in my carry-on, and pull it out mid-flight without worrying that it leaked in the bag I have shoved under my seat.
Key Specs
Weight | 11.6 oz (16 oz. bottle) |
---|---|
Size | 3 x 9.3 in. |
Hot Time | 12 hours |
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12
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM4 Over-Ear Headphones
12
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM4 Over-Ear Headphones
Pros
- Good noise cancellation and sound
- Comfortable
- Quick charging
Cons
- A bit bulky/bulbous
When it comes to audio, two big names still reign supreme, at least in my book: Sony and Bose. Bose makes my favorite in-ear headphones, but Sony’s WH-1000XM4 is far and away the best over-the-ear option. The battery life is impressive at 30 or more hours per charge, and the charging is quick—20 minutes powers about 8 hours of listening.
The noise canceling is fabulous, as I’ve learned when trying to talk to someone wearing them, and they fold into a flat case. That said, they’re still a bit on the bulky side, stored or worn, but if you’re planning to carry over-the-ear headphones, their size probably isn’t your top priority.
Key Specs
Weight | 8.8 oz |
---|---|
Packed Size | 8.3 x 6.6 x 2.3 in. |
Battery Life | Claimed 30 hours per charge (or more without noise cancellation) |
13
Best Mini Bluetooth Speaker
JBL Clip 4 Speaker
13
Best Mini Bluetooth Speaker
JBL Clip 4 Speaker
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Good sound quality
- 10-hour battery life
- Built-in clip
- Waterproof
Cons
- No audio (aux) input
I work remotely and set my own schedule, which means I’m often working for a few hours here and there in hotel rooms on vacation. I also love to listen to podcasts when I’m getting ready in the morning, so I always make sure to pack a small Bluetooth speaker.
The JBL Clip 4 has better sound than expected for its size, including strong bass. The built-in clip makes it easy to hang on a shower rod or suitcase handle, and because it’s waterproof, it’s ideal for use around pools, beaches, hot tubs, and whatever other amenities you may avail yourself to on vacation.
The negative: it uses a lithium ion battery, which means you have to take it in your carry-on, not in your checked bags.
Key Specs
Weight | 8 oz |
---|---|
Size | 1.8 x 3.4 x 5.3 in. |
Battery Life | Claimed 10 hours |
14
Best Camera for Budding Photographers
Panasonic Lumix G7 4K Camera
14
Best Camera for Budding Photographers
Panasonic Lumix G7 4K Camera
Now 29% Off
Pros
- Mirrorless
- Wi-Fi
- Auto settings
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not full frame
- Short battery life for video
I’m constantly amazed by the quality of photos you can get from an iPhone, but when it comes to shooting in suboptimal conditions (or trying to show depth and scale in landscapes), you’ll probably want a more advanced camera.
The Lumix G7 is a ridiculously good camera with a surprisingly low price, especially considering it’s mirrorless, which makes it lighter and smaller than non-mirrorless options. It shoots photos and videos in 4K, has Wi-Fi so you can send your photos straight to your phone or computer, and has multiple auto settings for beginners, including one specifically for night-sky photography.
It’s packed with features and is the number one camera I recommend to all travelers who want to take better travel photos without spending more serious money on a camera, even if you don’t have any actual interest in using its more professional features.
Key Specs
Size | 4.92 x 3.03 x 3.39 in. |
---|---|
Weight | 14 oz |
Image Size | 16 MP |
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Great compression
- High-quality zippers
Cons
- Not sold as a set
I’ve become a big fan of Peak Design. The brand's packing cubes are the its first item I ever tried. They have strong zippers that don’t seem to get caught in the fabric while compressing as much as other cubes, and you can fit far more than you’d expect into each one.
I prefer the small size, as it’s easier to stack in a suitcase and fits better in a backpack or shoulder bag. These packing cubes are also light and thin, so you can throw an empty one in your bag (as I found especially useful in Patagonia) just in case you end up buying an extra sweater during your travels.
Pro packing tip: Don't pack small clothing items like underwear, socks, and swimsuits in the cubes. Instead, shove them into negative space around the cubes to maximize all available luggage areas.
Key Specs
Size | 11 x 5.5 x 6.1 in. (compresses to 2.5 in.) |
---|---|
Material | Recycled nylon |
Sets | Sold separately in small or medium |
16
Best Carry-On Luggage
Thule Subterra Carry-on Roller
16
Best Carry-On Luggage
Thule Subterra Carry-on Roller
Now 17% Off
Pros
- Compression panel
- One soft side
- Durable wheels
Cons
Hard-sided carry-on spinners have become all the rage in the last few years, and while I do love my July bag, I’ve found two drawbacks to hard-sided bags: the second set of wheels eats into the luggage space and there’s no ability to stuff them into an overhead bin or car if they don’t quite fit.
Fortunately, I’ve had the Thule Subterra for a while now and it’s become my most-used bag. That’s thanks to a built-in compression panel with pocket; a small front pocket for passports, keys, and sunglasses; and durable back wheels that seem to have no problem crashing over curbs and steps.
I’ve also come to appreciate its slightly smaller size. While some travelers may balk at the idea of not maximizing their carry-on capacity, I find that it's actually easier for travel, especially when I see my fellow travelers’ larger bags getting forcibly gate checked on smaller planes.
Key Specs
Size | 9.8 x 13.8 x 22 in. |
---|---|
Weight | 7 lb |
Pros
- Charges quickly
- Useful display
- Slim design
- Charges laptops
Cons
- Somewhat heavy
I’ve used plenty of backup chargers while traveling (who hasn’t?), but the Blade from Baseus is the one I rely on most. That’s partially because I have a computer with a USB-C charging port, and the Blade is optimized for quick charging of USB-C computers.
I can charge my MacBook Pro from 0- to 100-percent with about a 20-percent charge left on the Blade (which is enough to almost fully charge my iPhone).
Other features I appreciate are its slim design (so I can travel with it in my laptop pocket), a display that shows you both how much battery is left and how much time until the Blade is fully charged, and the fact that it takes only about 1.5 hours to fully charge it.
If I use the entire capacity on a flight, as long as I have at least a 1.5-hour layover, I can be back up and running on the next flight.
Key Specs
Size | 6.75 x 4 x 0.6 in. |
---|---|
Weight | 1.1 lb |
Ports | 2 USB, 2 USB-C |
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Pros
- Polarized
- Nearly impossible to break
- No pressure points
- Prescription-compatible
Cons
- Can’t put on one-handed
I've broken more than a few pairs of sunglasses by shoving them into the pocket of an overstuffed bag or sitting on them at dinner if I put them in my back pocket after a day of sightseeing. That's why when traveling, I nearly always carry Ombraz sunglasses. If I bring a fancier pair, it stays in a hard case in my luggage.
The smartly designed Ombraz shades have a soft adjustable cord in place of arms, so they’re nearly impossible to break or bend. They slide into a flat padded case and come in five unisex styles. You can also buy side shields (ideal for reflective surroundings, like snow or water) and have your prescription added.
The only downside is that you’ll need both hands to put them on, but to me, it’s worth it. I’ve had the classic pair for about three years, and they haven’t showed much wear or abrasion—but there’s a lifetime guarantee on the cord and frame if they ever do.
Key Specs
Weight | 25g |
---|---|
Size | 6 x 1 x 3 in. (case) |
Materials | Nylon, plant-based acetate, scratch-proof lens, neoprene case |
19
Best Computer Cord Organizer
CM Pack of Two Mini Pouch Case Bag
19
Best Computer Cord Organizer
CM Pack of Two Mini Pouch Case Bag
Pros
- Small
- Lightweight
- Prevents cord tangling
- Carabiner clips
Cons
- Only works with adapters with fold-in prongs
- Won’t fit larger adapters
I almost always have my laptop with me when I travel, and since the chunky MacBook charging cube and long cord are too bulky to store with the rest of my small cords, I used to just toss them into my bag. But then I found these tiny travel pouches sized for a computer power adapter.
I can easily fit my computer power adapter and cord in one pouch, and now, I don’t have to pull everything out of my bag to untangle the laptop cord, or use tweezers to remove dirt from the bottom of my backpack that got stuck in the charging port.
The pouches in this set are as simple and lightweight as can be, which is why I like them. They’re also useful for other small items such as GoPros, flash drives, memory cards, and camera batteries.
Key Specs
Size | 3.15 x 3.15 x .75 in. |
---|---|
Weight | .15 lb |
Material | Shock-resistant neoprene |
Suzie Dundas
Originally from the East Coast, Suzie Dundas is a Lake Tahoe-based freelance writer and editor who now splits her time between enjoying the outdoors and writing about them—she's the senior outdoor editor at Matador Network and a regular adventure and travel contributor at TripSavvy.com. She has written feature stories for publications like Outside Magazine, SkyLife Magazine, Playboy, Frommers, INSIDER, and more, and contributes couples travel and honeymoon content for TheKnot.com. Suzie co-authored Lonely Planet Sustainable Travel Guide and is the author of 2021's "Hiking Lake Tahoe." She has undergraduate degrees from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in media and political communication from George Washington University. Follow her on Instagram at @HikeUpYourSkirt or find more of her work at suziedundas.com.