The Travel Accessories You Shouldn't Leave Home Without (2024)

The Travel Accessories You Shouldn't Leave Home Without (1)

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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

The Travel Accessories You Shouldn't Leave Home Without (2)

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.

2

memobottle Reusable Slim Water Bottle

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2

memobottle Reusable Slim Water Bottle

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.

3

Amazon's Choice

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader

The Travel Accessories You Shouldn't Leave Home Without (4)

3

Amazon's Choice

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader

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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4

Amazon's Choice

Mossio 7 Pack Lightweight Luggage Cubes

The Travel Accessories You Shouldn't Leave Home Without (5)

4

Amazon's Choice

Mossio 7 Pack Lightweight Luggage Cubes

Now 29% Off

If you tend to throw everything into a bag when you're traveling, let these cute pink leopard print packing cubes help you organize and save space in your luggage. It even comes with three matching laundry pouches and a shoe bag.

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.

6

supergoop Supergoop! x Gray Malin Everyday Getaway Kit

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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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7

Essential Pick

Anker Portable Charger

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7

Essential Pick

Anker Portable Charger

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.

8

YUNI Beauty Shower Sheets Body Wipes

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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.

9

Sharpty Inverted Windproof Umbrella

The Travel Accessories You Shouldn't Leave Home Without (10)

9

Sharpty Inverted Windproof Umbrella

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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10

Maaji Calm 5-Pack Face Coverings

The Travel Accessories You Shouldn't Leave Home Without (11)

10

Maaji Calm 5-Pack Face Coverings

Now 17% Off

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.

11

Seat Covers in Check Me Out

The Travel Accessories You Shouldn't Leave Home Without (12)

11

Seat Covers in Check Me Out

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.

12

Rothys White Rainbow

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12

Rothys White Rainbow

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

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13

Best for Airport Travel

Belkin SurgePlus USB Swivel Surge Protector and Charger

Now 16% Off

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

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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.

15

OPTP Super Pinky Ball Massage Ball

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15

OPTP Super Pinky Ball Massage Ball

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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16

Best for Dogs

URPOWER Dog Seat Belt

The Travel Accessories You Shouldn't Leave Home Without (17)

16

Best for Dogs

URPOWER Dog Seat Belt

Now 23% Off

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

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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.

18

Best for Family

Polaroid Now Instant Camera

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18

Best for Family

Polaroid Now Instant Camera

Capture all those precious moments on summer vacation with an instantly-rewarding polaroid camera. This one comes with autofocus, a self-timer and flash to help you get the most out of your pics.

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19

Yoobi Hand Sanitizer - Set Of 50

The Travel Accessories You Shouldn't Leave Home Without (20)

19

Yoobi Hand Sanitizer - Set Of 50

Now 60% Off

Sometimes it can be bulky to carry around a bottle of hand sanitizer when traveling—and that's when these small individual sized packets come in handy. Slip a couple into your toiletry bag every day, and you'll thank yourself come lunch time.

20

Roku Streaming Stick

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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.

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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.

The Travel Accessories You Shouldn't Leave Home Without (2024)

FAQs

The Travel Accessories You Shouldn't Leave Home Without? ›

We've all overlooked toothpaste, razors, deodorant, etc. Yes, they are easy items that can be bought at the local drugstore, but trying to find a shop as soon as you get to your destination is no way to begin a vacation. Bathroom items are usually the last items to be packed, so it makes sense they are often forgotten.

What does everyone forget to pack for vacation? ›

We've all overlooked toothpaste, razors, deodorant, etc. Yes, they are easy items that can be bought at the local drugstore, but trying to find a shop as soon as you get to your destination is no way to begin a vacation. Bathroom items are usually the last items to be packed, so it makes sense they are often forgotten.

What should be in your travel kit? ›

Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection in cuts, scrapes, and burns. Hydrogen peroxide to clean and disinfect wounds. Disposable, instant-activating cold packs to cool injuries and burns, as well as for use in strains and sprains. Tweezers to remove small splinters, foreign objects, bee stingers, and ticks from the ...

What do you always pack when you travel? ›

Don't have time to read the full article? Here's a quick rundown of the main essentials to pack before you leave the house:
  • Passport.
  • Phone charger / portable phone charger.
  • Local currency.
  • Adapter plugs.
  • Flip-flops (especially useful for shared bathrooms)
  • Re-usable water bottle.
  • Spare socks.
  • Spare underwear.

How do you pack for a trip without a suitcase? ›

Think big, pack small
  1. Choose the smallest item that will do the job. Bring the travel size toothpaste, even if the full size is technically small enough to get through security. ...
  2. Roll your clothes. Rolling is the most compact way to pack. ...
  3. Use packing cubes. ...
  4. Wear the biggest items.
Aug 14, 2023

What is the most forgotten item for a trip? ›

Toothbrushes, razors, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, floss, toiletries, soap, etc. These items are some of the most forgotten items on vacations, and it makes sense. These items are used on such a daily basis that they become a normal part of our routine.

Are packing cubes really worth it? ›

Yes, packing cubes can help you save space in your luggage. You can fit a lot in a packing cube, so you can bring more with you while saving space. Many packing cubes compress clothing, reducing the overall bulk of your clothing and allowing you to fit more in your suitcase.

What is the best medicine to take when traveling? ›

Why you should make room for these 9 over-the-counter medications every time you travel
  1. Diarrhea medicine: Imodium or Pepto-Bismol. ...
  2. Antacids: TUMS or Pepcid. ...
  3. Antihistamine: Claritin or Zyrtec. ...
  4. Motion-sickness medicine: Bonine or Dramamine. ...
  5. Cough suppressant: Ricola or Halls. ...
  6. Decongestant: Sinex or Sudafed.
Sep 11, 2019

What should I pack for 5 days of travel? ›

Items to remember include: deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, face lotion, face wash, hairbrush, styling products, contact lens case/solution, hand sanitizer, razor/shaving cream, period products, and lip balm. Try to get as many items as you can in travel-sized containers.

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 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.

How many days of clothes fit in a carry-on? ›

Yes! You can pack 10 days of clothes in one carry-on bag. The key is to pack clothes that all work together, and of course, to use clothing organizers that maximize the space in your bag.

How many clothes to pack for 7 days? ›

2. Do the clothing countdown: If you need a mantra to help streamline your wardrobe, use the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule for a weeklong trip: Limit yourself to no more than five sets of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes and one hat. The list should be adjusted to suit your needs.

Can I take a box instead of a suitcase? ›

Generally, the answer is yes. As long as it's sturdy enough to make it through the rough-and-tumble screening and transportation process, follows airline size restrictions and doesn't contain any prohibited substances, most airlines don't have a problem with passengers checking boxes as luggage.

What do people forget to do? ›

In conclusion, there are many things that people tend to forget to do. From misplacing keys and phone chargers, to forgetting appointments and simple household tasks, to neglecting self-care, there are a multitude of things that can slip our minds.

How do I not overpack for a 10 day trip? ›

How to Avoid Overpacking for Vacation: 10 Useful Tips
  1. Make a checklist beforehand.
  2. Pack a mini capsule wardrobe.
  3. Choose outfits ahead of time.
  4. Replace full-size toiletries for travel size.
  5. Book a destination with a laundry service.
  6. Consider packing multipurpose footwear.
  7. Avoid packing items “just in case”
Jul 12, 2022

How do I pack for a 7 day trip? ›

Do the clothing countdown: If you need a mantra to help streamline your wardrobe, use the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule for a weeklong trip: Limit yourself to no more than five sets of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes and one hat. The list should be adjusted to suit your needs.

How should I pack for a 10 day vacation? ›

Follow the 5-4-3-2-1 packing trick, where you pack five tops, four bottoms, three dresses, three pairs of shoes, two swimsuits, two bags, and one of each of a few miscellaneous accessories. If you're opting for a carry-on, mix and match items in your travel capsule and have a versatile wardrobe.

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