The Best Travel Accessories
Traveling is when the magic really happens in life. Whether you’re journeying to a neighboring town or exploring another state or country, a world of opportunity and discovery awaits you. There’s so much to see, do, and experience. But to ensure it’s a comfortable trip, you need to make sure you have all of the right accessories on hand.
Best Travel Accessories for Any Trip to Save Space, Time, and Money
You know you need a sturdy suitcase for your travels. And comfortable attire is a must. But what about the extras? It’s the little things that make a big difference where your comfort on the road is concerned. Whether you’re always asking yourself what frequent travelers need, what the best travel accessories are, or what every traveler should absolutely have in their bag, here’s a breakdown of those VIPs.
The Best Travel Accessories for Stress-Free Packing
From laptop bags to water bottles, accessories make life a whole lot easier when you’re on your way to a new destination and are navigating an unfamiliar location. What are the best options for your upcoming getaway, and why do you need them? Here are a few on-the-go essentials you won’t want to be without.
Travel Pillow
Bed pillows and throw pillows are worth plenty of attention. You sleep on them at night and use them to accent your home year-round. They add plenty of comfort and style to your world. But when was the last time you put any thought into a travel pillow? Unless you’re a serious road warrior who’s always booking flights and hopping on trains, odds are you don’t have one — or you just snagged one at the airport gift shop as you raced to make the gate on time.
The key is to select one that’s actually designed to last. Some are inflatable, and their greatest advantage is portability. You don’t have to spend a small fortune, and you can easily tote it around in your backpack. Microbead varieties feature a little bit of flexibility and are designed to provide some support for your neck while you kick back and relax en route. The most supportive, however, is the memory foam pillow. When compressed, they conform to the shape of your head or neck to provide a customized fit that’s in tune with your body’s needs. The firm consistency is ideal if you tend to suffer from soreness while you’re on the road.
Collapsible Water Bottle
Sure, there are water bottles that slide snugly into your backpack. There’s no question of their convenience. You can easily reach back and grab it whenever you need a sip. But when you travel, you need to consider your space limitations. Enter the collapsible water bottle, a truly compact little companion that promises to make life so much simpler whenever you’re on the move. Many varieties are designed to shrink down practically flat, making them amazingly simple to slip into a backpack pocket. Some fold up, others push down, and they’re available in a wide range of colors, styles, and materials, so you can easily find one that’s right in line with your fashion and function needs.
International Travel Adapter
If you’re headed abroad, you need more than a roomy extra large canvas tote bag to stash your belongings. You also need to keep an international travel adapter handy. Nix the power problems and stay connected no matter where you happen to be.
Look for a universal model you can use globally without trouble. You can charge multiple devices at once, making life incredibly easy no matter how unfamiliar your surroundings might be. Just make sure your adapter of choice is compatible with different models so you can use it no matter what device you happen to own.
Bluetooth Headphones
Great sound quality is always essential when you’re traveling via public transportation. You need something to keep you occupied while you deal with the general chaos associated with on-the-go life. Bluetooth headphones are perfect for that reason. You can use them on everything from a standard music player to a smartphone, and they usually have microphones, so you can also use them to chitchat when you start getting bored.
Travel Lightweight Duffle
Women’s duffel bags are available in a wide range of practical styles, all of which are perfect for any getaway, whether you're heading out of town for just a couple of days or staying put for a few weeks. A duffel is a perfect choice for an impromptu self-care session that calls for some serious alone time and TLC. If you’re traveling with the family, never underestimate the value of a roomy duffel for everyone in your group. It’s just right for stashing essentials and then some.
You can also seek out styles that feature organizational elements that help you stay more in control while you’re navigating your way around a new locale. There’s nothing like knowing exactly where everything is and avoiding the hassle of dealing with a cavernous bag that makes it tricky to find just what you need.
Wet/Dry Bag Set
If you love surfing or strolling along the water, you’ll probably have a swimsuit or two in your bag. But what do you do with that soaking wet suit when you’re all done enjoying a delicious dip in the sweltering heat? Answer: nab yourself a wet/dry bag set.
These are useful for so many purposes, especially if you have children. You can use them to stash used swim trunks or dirty baby and toddler clothes, for example. But they’re also great for your own bathing suit and anything that doesn’t belong in your suitcase or dirty laundry bag. In a pinch, you can even use an unused wet/dry bag for other essentials, like your tech cables or your beauty basics.
Power Bank
No power? No problem! When there’s no standard wall charger around, a power bank provides the perfect solution. This lightweight and portable battery are essential for any professional, but it is just as important to travelers. Imagine hitting the road without your trusty smartphone, camera, laptop, or tablet in tow. Add a great tech bag, and you’ll be ready for anything.
Portable Charger
Another option is a portable charger, which is essentially the parent group in which power banks belong. Because they’re so convenient and reasonably sized, they’re easy to stash into your carry-on bag, suitcase, or purse. They’re available in a wide range of models, sizes, and styles, so you can easily find the variety that’s most appropriate for your personal needs.
Waterproof Cosmetic Organizer
Until you’ve experienced a spill of epic proportions inside your makeup bag, it’s impossible to put a value on something as innocuous as a waterproof lining. Yet a waterproof cosmetic organizer is precisely what you need if you plan to take your makeup with you and don’t want to risk dealing with a bag full of foundation or lip gloss. The best styles, however, are waterproof both inside and out. Think of this as something you can comfortably stash inside your beach bag or leave on the bathroom counter at the hotel.
As you go in search of the perfect cosmetic organizer, focus on a few key factors. Organization is, of course, essential whenever you’re on the road. Dealing with a clunky pile of bottles and jars can be tricky in any environment, but why worry about creating clutter when you want to enjoy your vacation? The right makeup bag can make a huge difference here. Opt for something that contains interior and exterior compartments and pockets along with slots for slender items like makeup brushes, mascara tubes, and lip glosses. Then, consider the bag’s durability. Does it feel sturdy and durable? That’s just as important as seeking out a bag that’s cute and stylish!
Bluetooth Speaker
Once upon a time, people traveled with Walkmans and iPods. Today, technology is so advanced that you can easily snag a wireless Bluetooth speaker that’s perfectly portable. In other words, it won’t add unnecessary bulk to that women’s overnight bag you can’t do without. The key is to select a speaker that doesn’t skimp where sound quality is concerned. Competition is fierce in the world of compact Bluetooth speakers, and it can be challenging to select a style that ticks all the boxes. The greatest advantage of this handy device is that you can stream your favorite music from any device, be it your smartphone or your laptop. You can even use your speaker to make phone calls, which may come in handy if you’re on a business trip and need to dial into meetings. A dependable Bluetooth connection is exactly what you need in those situations.
Focus on more than just size, however. While the speaker should be small enough to fit comfortably inside your bag without taking up an inordinate amount of space, you also need to consider its sound quality and battery life. Do your tunes sound tinny or lackluster when you play them? Does the speaker run out of juice within just a few hours of use? These are the types of factors that play a big role in your final decision. If you’re a frequent traveler and can’t be without your music, make this a major focus of your trip-planning activities.
Travel Shoe Bags
Whether you’re packing your favorite pair of heels or the cozy slippers you can’t get through the day without, a travel shoe bag is a must. Let’s face it: packing shoes has always been something of a conundrum. Even the most seasoned travelers admit to a little bit of confusion when it comes to packing everything. Usually, there’s at least one pair that gets left behind simply because it’s impractical or downright impossible to bring it along. The beauty of a shoe bag is that it prevents your clothes from getting dirty. Moreover, it gives you a secure and dedicated space to keep your favorite footwear, and if you’re a stickler for organization, you can be sure your shoes won’t get in the way of your packing routine.
You have many options. A packing cube, which is traditionally used for clothing, can also store shoes comfortably. They’re great if you have multiple pairs and don’t want to just stuff them inside your suitcase indiscriminately. Individual shoe bags are also perfect if you just have a pair or two that you want to pack. Look for drawstring closures, which make it easy to secure what’s inside. There are even shoe “suitcases” or boxy bags that are designed to store multiple pairs at a time while protecting your clothes from the threat of grime and odors.
Neck Wallet
Safety is of paramount importance to travelers. It’s crucial to look for accessories that keep your personal information safe, especially when you’re in an unfamiliar environment or navigating a crowded airport or other packed space. Neck wallets are sleek and practical, with enough space to hold all of your essentials, like your passport, identification card, credit cards, and cash. Instead of stashing everything inside a canvas tote bag while traveling, make a neck wallet your go-to choice.
Look for a style that ticks every box so you can be certain it’s up to the challenge and durable enough for many trips to come. Water-resistant materials are ideal, as they’ll hold up well even in the face of a little rain. Ripstop nylon fabric and YKK zippers come standard on secure products like these, along with reinforced stitch work that ensures the bag remains in flawless condition. The key to your safety, however, is in the layered radio-frequency identification (RFID) blocking system. This technology prevents common problems like identity theft and wards off scanners and pickpockets that might otherwise use their own tech devices to steal your information. The average neck wallet is more than just functional; it’s also a fashionable accessory that complements your travel wardrobe. A neutral color is something you can grab and pair with any outfit.
Travel-Size Toiletry Bottles
If you’re a regular air traveler, you’re probably familiar with the guidelines implemented by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The agency states that any liquids that pass through security must be placed inside containers measuring no more than 3.4 ounces each. You must place those items in their own bag independent of your carry-on. To make it a little simpler when packing, consider buying a set of travel-size toiletry bottles and a bag sized just right for holding them and a small wash cloth.
Many bottles, containers, or tubes come with their own clear travel bags, so you can easily find exactly what you need. Use them to hold your hair care, body care, and skincare products. You’ll find sets with jars, bottles, sprays, tubes, and droppers, making it easy to find a setup that’s just right for all of the products you plan to bring along on your travels.
Document Organizer
When you’re on the go, the last thing you want is to lose track of important documents. Consider a document organizer just as vital to your travels as a comfortable neck pillow or a cozy cardigan sweater. Important items like these tend to accumulate when you’re traveling for business or are headed overseas.
Document holders feature separate compartments for different articles, such as boarding passes, tickets, currency, passports, receipts, and miscellaneous documents and materials. They’re available in a wide variety of styles. Look for one that has clear labels so you can easily find exactly what you need.
Packing Cubes
If there’s one item you should invest in before you head off on your adventure, make it a set of packing cubes. Just as important as a high-quality women’s travel bag, packing cubes make it possible to stay organized in any situation.
Packing cubes are typically sold in sets, so you’ll usually receive a pack of several different sizes. Use them to separate clothes by type so you can quickly and easily get dressed. You can also use them for shoes and even cords and cables for your tech devices. They’re great for separating clean and dirty clothes too.
Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot
You’ve got all of your travel go-to's: the comfy sweats, the carry-on bag, and the walking shoes. Add a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot to that list. For all the times you'll need to log online, you need to make sure you’ve got constant access to the internet no matter where you happen to be.
A portable hotspot is the perfect solution. You can soak up as much data as you need for your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Some are designed with built-in power banks to juice up your devices too. You’ll appreciate having this on hand when you’re hanging at the airport waiting for your connecting flight or lunching at a café in a new town.
Hand Sanitizer Gel
It’s always important to protect yourself from germs when you’re on the road. Tucking a bottle of hand sanitizer gel into your purse, carry-on, or tote bag is an easy way to make sure you’re prepared for whatever your trip may bring. While it’s not a substitute for washing your hands with soap, it’s a sufficient alternative when you can’t get to a sink. Look for something that contains at least 60% alcohol content. For added protection, don’t forget your women’s face mask to safeguard yourself from airborne germs.
Microfiber Towel
If you love to throw on a comfy T-shirt and a pair of shorts for a hotel workout, make sure you’re fully prepared with a microfiber towel. There’s almost nothing like it — certainly not the towels you’re provided at the hotel.
What’s the difference? It comes down to a few key factors. They’re designed to absorb as much water as possible, so whether you use it to soak up perspiration or dry off after a shower, you can be certain you’ll feel dry and comfortable when you’re done. They’re known for being gentle on the skin, but they also happen to treat your hair right too. In fact, they help reduce the likelihood of frizziness and keep your mane looking its best throughout your trip. Your hair will look and feel smoother after your workout or shower, and you’ll feel completely polished.
Windproof Travel Umbrella
You never know when that little bout of rain will suddenly appear on the forecast. Even the best rain coats can’t keep you comfortable if you don’t feel completely shielded from top to toe. That’s why a windproof travel umbrella is such a necessity. Even if you check the forecast in advance and don’t see a trace of moisture in the air, it’s best to be prepared. Travel sizes are so compact that you can easily slip them into your backpack or weekender without a second thought.
Laptop Tote Bag
When you travel for business, you know how crucial it is to have the right bag to support your workplace essentials. Laptop tote bags are not just sturdy but also highly protective. Look for padded interior compartments that provide a thick and supportive cushion for your most valuable tech equipment. Make sure the bag is sized just right for your laptop too; something that’s too large will cause the laptop to jostle back and forth as you maneuver around, while anything too small won’t comfortably accommodate your tech. The right bag features plenty of bells and whistles — think roomy pockets and compartments — to keep all of your belongings in their rightful place.
With the right travel accessories in your collection, you can be sure your next vacation will be a complete success. You’ll be free to relax and focus on what’s most important instead of thinking about how to stay comfortable, the best way to charge your devices, or even how to listen to your favorite music. It’s entirely possible to create a home-away-from-home scenario, ensuring you can enjoy every minute of your getaway.