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When you're running around the airport terminal looking for a free outlet before a long flight, stuck in an uncomfortable middle seat on a road trip, or on a romantic getaway without a bathroom in sight, vacation can feel anything but relaxing. That's why strategically packing your weekender is so crucial—a little forethought can help you avoid pesky annoyances. But before you stuff your suitcase with everything in sight, consider this list of the best travel accessories. From cute packing cubes, to a digital luggage scale, a water resistant fanny pack for storing your boarding pass and credit cards, essentials for car travel with kids, neck pillows, and even a waterproof Kindle for all your beach reads—everything is designed to make your time away safer, smoother, and more enjoyable. Oh, and don't forget the snacks!
1
Best for International Travel
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
1
Best for International Travel
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
There's no need to stock a full suite of power adaptors—even if your travels take you all over the globe. A universal adaptor is a must, says Delia Monk, a tour director for group travel company EF Ultimate Break. This single device can be used to charge all of your electronics no matter where you are.
The lack of humidity in a plane's recirculated air can leave you parched, or worse, dehydrated. And that small cup of water? It's not going to cut it. This slim water bottle fits neatly in the seat-back compartment. "It's so much more practical," says Anne Scott, founder of Girl Gone International, the world’s largest community of women who live, travel, and move overseas. Plus, for every bottle sold, the company provides one person in need with clean drinking water for one month.
An e-reader not only provides entertainment en route, and a chance to catch up on buzzy books, but also helps you actually pause and relax while on vacation. "With my Kindle—or any eReader, for that matter—it’s easy to unwind anywhere," says travel blogger Lisa Stentvedt.
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You may roll your eyes, but the selfie has become a routine part of any vacation. And there's no denying that a selfie stick helps you get a better shot. This one has an integrated tripod option, a wireless remote shutter, and is compatible with a wide range of devices, says travel blogger Maria Potehina.
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supergoop Supergoop! x Gray Malin Everyday Getaway Kit
6
supergoop Supergoop! x Gray Malin Everyday Getaway Kit
Headed somewhere warm? This kit comes in a water-resistant pouch featuring a whimsical print from famed photographer Gray Malin, and is packed with travel sizes of Supergoop! sunscreen (a favorite amongst Oprah Daily editors). There's also a handy SPF balm for your lips.
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When you're using your phone's map app all day, you'll zap the power in a flash. A portable power bank can save you from having a dead device. This one can charge seven times before needing to be charged itself. In fact, it's so reliable that husband and wife travel bloggers Katie and Ben Zweber carried theirs with them to Everest's base camp.
Took the red-eye and have no time to shower before a big meeting? Or maybe that walking tour has you sweating bullets. Either way, body wipes can save the day. They'll keep you feeling and smelling fresh, despite the fact that they're non-toxic, plant-based, biodegradable, compostable, and free of harmful ingredients, says Scott.
Unfortunately, rain happens—even when you're on vacation. Be prepared when the weather turns with this clever umbrella. It's a traveler favorite (it has over 1,500 five-star reviews!), because the lightweight frame folds inside out to keep drips contained.
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Due to the coronavirus pandemic, face masks are a wise choice to take on your travels. Instead of the surgical looking masks, upgrade to this set of 5 pretty face coverings that the whole family can wear.
If airplane, train, or bus seats have always made you a tad skittish, keep them covered with this whimsical, washable set. If you're not a gingham gal, it comes in numerous other colors and patterns, including dinosaurs for the little ones.
When you're logging a few miles a day, you need shoes that can keep up. These flexible fabric shoes are easy to pack. Plus, they're machine-washable.
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13
Best for Airport Travel
Belkin SurgePlus USB Swivel Surge Protector and Charger
13
Best for Airport Travel
Belkin SurgePlus USB Swivel Surge Protector and Charger
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It's hard enough to find one available outlet in a busy airport terminal, so what are you supposed to do when you need a charger for your phone, your laptop, and your e-reader?! Carry a simple old-fashioned power strip, says Samantha Brown, host of the Emmy-nominated PBS show "Samantha Brown's Places to Love." Any basic power strip will do, but this one, with three three-prong receptacles and two USB ports, is a step above the rest.
14
Best for Babies
Baby Shusher Sleep Miracle Soother
14
Best for Babies
Baby Shusher Sleep Miracle Soother
There's nothing more stressful than walking a screaming baby up and down the aisles of a plane. Thankfully this handy tool can help. It uses a real human voice to lull your baby to sleep with a calming sush. "This has been the only way we have been able to travel with our newborn without her screaming the entire ride," says one reviewer. "It's small enough to keep in the diaper bag. Worth every penny," says another.
When your feet are sore from logging dozens of miles touring a new city or your back is in knots from a cramped plane seat, this simple pink ball can help. "I put two balls on the floor, lay my back on them, push up with my knees, and roll them down my back, quads, and back of legs," says Brown. "They work out all the kinks, knots, and sore muscles."
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Bringing your furry friend along on your family road trip this summer? Don't forget to get them their own seat belt to make sure they're safely and securely strapped in.
17
Best for Long Flights
trtl Soft Neck Support Travel Pillow
17
Best for Long Flights
trtl Soft Neck Support Travel Pillow
Anyone who's dozed off while sitting up knows the subsequent neck pain is real. "This travel pillow gives you better ergonometric head and neck support than a regular U-shaped neck pillow and adapts to fit anyone," says travel blogger Sveva Marcangeli. Need proof? "I slept for 10 hours straight on a 16-hour flight from New York to Hong Kong." Plus, unlike U-shaped travel pillows, this one is compact and only weighs half a pound to conserve space.
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You no longer have to choose between splurging on expensive on-demand movies or settling for basic cable. Travelers say this small USB-powered device is a game-changer for evenings in hotel rooms. It plugs into any USB-enabled TV to give you access to all your favorite streaming services, even when your own couch is thousands of miles away.
Brigitt Earley
Contributing Writer
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.