There is a handful of must-have travel gear for every trip: you need a suitcase, you need your passport, you need a toothbrush. Otherwise, it is all up to the individual. Depending on where the trip is taking you, a number of accessories will need to be added to your packing list in order to keep you and your stuff organized and ready for anything that comes your way.
It can be incredibly difficult to decide what to bring — we under and overpack all the time. With this in mind, we decided to make a list of the best travel accessories you can bring to ensure you get the most out of your adventures. We’ve broken them down into sections: gear for traveling to your destination, gear for exploring your destination, and luggage bits that aren’t a suitcase. There is some crossover and all of the products can be used at any time, but we think this breaks it down nicely.
Gear for Traveling to Your Destination
Keep an eye on all of your bags, or whatever you want to keep the location of, all from your phone. The built-in speaker chimes to help you find things when you get close and the Find My network helps find things that may have gotten lost a bit further away.
Crying babies, typing professionals, growling dogs. No matter which way you’re traveling, blocking out the noise is a must for maintaining sanity. Pair it with the next item on the list for in-flight movies and shows.
You don’t want to keep a set of wired headphones on hand just for the plane ride. Use the Twelve South AirFly to connect your Bluetooth headphones to the headphone jack on the plane. This will make enjoying the in-flight entertainment much more enjoyable.
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow
A travel pillow makes all the difference when flying (or riding in a car). This one packs down so small you’ll forget it is there once you arrive.
Between screens and overhead lights and the sun, it is hard to catch many peaceful z’s on an airplane. Drown out the light with this padded eye mask from Tempur-Pedic, which uses the brand’s signature TEMPUR foam.
Never show up to the airport with an overweight bag again. Keep a scale on hand to be sure everything is distributed as efficiently as possible.
If you’re headed abroad, you will definitely find yourself searching for a way to power your gear. This adaptor will make it so that you don’t have to worry about mismatching plugs. It also protects against surges.
Smartwool Everyday Compression Targeted Cushion Socks
Compression socks are great for keeping the blood flow going during long trips on a plane or in a car. Plus they double as dress socks once you arrive at your destination.
Don’t be the guy who holds up the airport security line untying your shoelaces. Get some slip-ons, like these Sabahs, that are easy on and off, dressed up or dressed down.
Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash
You carried hand sanitizer before the pandemic, so you should probably continue to do so. This is an elevated take on hand sanitizer that won’t break the bank — or your skin.
Gear for Exploring Your Destination
You don’t want your multi-tool getting confiscated at security. The Shard from Gerber has a handful of tools that you’ll use every day but is still travel-friendly because it lacks a blade.
Seiko Prospex King Turtle
For travel, you need a watch that can do a lot more than just tell you the time. This Seiko ticks the boxes.
When you’re out and about, you need to have some sunglasses to keep your precious eyeballs protected. Plus, they make you look cool, so why not pack a pair?
Camelbak MultiBev Water Bottle & Travel Cup
Normally we love a simple mug, but when headed on a trip we love the versatility of the Camelbak MultiBev. This insulated bottle keeps drinks warm or cold and has a detachable cup for easy drinking.
Ricoh GR III Digital Camera
iPhones are great and all, but it is more fun to capture photos on a device that is actually made for it. This Ricoh is one of our picks for the best compact cameras you can get.
You want to be able to fill up at any tap and have confidence that you can safely drink the water. This bottle is a bit on the pricey side, but you can’t put a value on peace of mind.
Seager’s adventure-ready gear is perfect for setting out, regardless of where you’re going. We love a sun hat or a bucket hat for an adventure, but this is more versatile and travel-ready.
BD Veritor at-Home COVID-19 Digital Test Kit
Having a COVID-19 test kit (or two) on hand will help you travel with peace of mind and ensure you’re able to keep yourself and those around you safe. For now, keeping this close by is a wise choice.
Luggage To Get You Everywhere (That Isn’t a Suitcase)
This handsome dopp kit from the leather experts at Nokona looks fantastic, has a waterproof nylon liner to protect the leather (and your stuff), and will patina like your childhood baseball mitt.
Matador FlatPak Toiletry Bottle
Don’t get stuck breaking TSA rules with big bottles of soap and lotion. These pack down infinitesimally small once you’ve used them up.
Shinola Travel Watch Case
You don’t wear your watch all the time, so you’ll need something to keep it protected when you take it off.
Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag
A hanging toiletry bag makes for a nice complement to your usual dopp kit if you’re packing extra or want to keep things separated. Plus, it’ll double as a shower caddy.
Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Dry Waterproof Day Pack
Sea to Summit
Whether you keep it handy for souvenirs that you pick up or use it as your daily pack out of the hotel, a packable backpack will come in handy in a number of ways. Plus, this one’s waterproof.
Stylish and functional, the Peak Design packing cubes are our pick for the best packing cubes you can buy. Stay organized.
If you don’t need a big leather dopp kit, this one from Topo Designs fits the bill. It is big enough for your things, can take a beating and will
Filson Rugged Twill Duffle Bag
Once your suitcase is full, you’ll need a bag to keep your travel accessories close, plus, it is a great option for packing for side adventures.
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