Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a homebody who sticks to one annual vacation, the goal is always to have as seamless a trip as possible. We’ve taken cues from friends and family, product reviews, and social media reviews to round up the best travel accessories to make that happen. These gadgets will set you up for organized luggage, comfortable walks, and good sleep!
Editor’s note: You loved the last two years’ roundups of clever travel accessories, so we couldn’t bear to let them go. At the end of this article, keep scrolling for even MORE accessories that avid travelers love.
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Noise-Canceling Over-ear Headphones
I did a ton of research on noise-canceling headphones before landing on these, and let me tell you why. They’ve got a 30-hour battery life and charge quickly. You can pause, play, skip tracks, and control volume on a side sensor at your ear. This feature is beyond helpful on runs and walks if you want to get to the next song or pause to speak to someone. The comfort and sound quality is just the best. At under $250, this pair is a worthy splurge, I promise.
Compression Packing Cubes
Compression packing cubes are like tiny suitcases for your suitcase. Designed for pro packers and over-packers (we don’t judge), these cubes let you cram in that “just in case” outfit while still zipping with ease.
Unlike many sets of cheap nylon packing cubes out there, these Aerotrunk cubes are super durable and compress to a sliver of their original size when filled about three-quarters up with garments. Or, pack them fully extended in a checked bag! Whether you’re jet-setting or road-tripping, efficiency is the name of the game in 2025, and these are the MVPs of packing.
Loop Earplugs
I could (and do) go on and on about the necessity of ear protection at concerts, festivals, sporting events, and other loud experiences. Travel can deliver an unwanted sensory deluge — subways, motorcycles whizzing by, and even plane cabins can be deceivingly high-decibel. So, why not get a good-looking, versatile pair you can take everywhere? Loop’s best-selling Experience 2s are our pick for $34.95.
Self-Cleaning and -Filtering Water Bottle
As one reviewer put it, “It’s like having Fiji water on tap. The best $100 I’ve put toward self-care in years.” With a built-in UV-C light that zaps bacteria and funky smells, this LARQ bottle keeps your water (and your conscience) squeaky clean. No more sketchy airport refills or questionable hotel tap water — just crisp, purified sips wherever you go. With bacteria like E. Coli on the rise again, it brings true peace of mind to have access to safe water all the time.
Silicone Travel Bottles
Some fabulous travel vessels have graced this article (make sure you scroll down for the previous two batches of travel accessories), but our new fixation is on silicone travel bottles. Why buy expensive mini-sized versions of things you don’t normally use when you can just bring your favorite shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and face wash with you? This $9 set of small TSA-approved bottles is easy to pack and clean and won’t leak.
Hands-Free Phone Holder
My husband bought me this nifty $12 phone holder, and it’s been such a game-changer for flights of all lengths! Download all your favorite binge-able shows to your streaming apps, set this up on the tray table, and you’re good to go. It’s sturdy, nimble, and slim for easy packing. It’s also helpful in the kitchen if you’re following a recipe or on your desk if you’re FaceTiming with grandkids or friends.
Portable Charger With Built-In Cables
This is the king of all portable charging banks. The best part? You don’t have to remember your various cord types or deal with a tangled mess. This one has four built-in cables (USB C, Micro, iPhone, USB A) options ready to go so that you can refuel the phone, Kindle, AirPods, and more. This specific one for $40 is the one to get. It has double the charging power of most chargers.
Eye Mask Head Strap
I wrote about this gadget when we did a long weekend in London from Nashville. It comes in handy on overnight flights in economy, specifically when you want to sleep but have difficulty doing so upright. The tension of the eyemask attached to the back of your seat holds your head in place comfortably while blocking light. This $26.99 option has two messages you can velcro on: “WAKE FOR FOOD” and “DO NOT DISTURB,”… or you can remove the message altogether. We’re not trying to look cool on planes, right!?
Compression Socks
There’s nothing that can quickly compound jet lag or travel fatigue quite like when those dogs are barking and achy. Enter compression socks. They’re not the sexiest accessory in your wardrobe, but they make all the difference. I found these Comrads during pregnancy and reach for them on any road trip, flight, or a long day on my feet. Their true graduated compression prevents swelling and pain and keeps the blood circulating when you’re seated for a while. For under $92, you can create the perfect three-pack — there are so many colors and styles to choose from.
Mini White Noise Machine & Nightlight
Few things are more annoying than using your phone to play white noise on a trip. This gadget is your tiny but mighty ticket to uninterrupted sleep, no matter how questionable your hotel walls are. With a buffet of 34 soothing sounds and a built-in night light, this $19.99 gadget drowns out chatty neighbors, honking taxis, or that one rogue cricket outside your cabin. Compact and rechargeable, it slips into your bag without a fuss. (Get one for the nursery or kids’ rooms, too!)
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Read on for even more game-changing travel accessories!
Published March 2024
Written by Heather Bien
Leather Charger Roll Up
Whether you’re commuting to the office or a coffee shop to get some work done or taking your electronics on a trip across the globe, this leather charger roll-up is precisely what you need to keep everything organized. Pack your phone and laptop chargers (along with any cords you need) to ensure you’re ready for calls, meetings, and uploading all those incredible travel photos.
Cadence Capsules
Sorting through toiletries to ensure you only bring items under three ounces is one of the most tedious parts of packing. Cadence makes the experience easier (and more aesthetically pleasing). Their capsules are leakproof, magnetic containers that can store everything from shampoo and serum to protein powder. This helps to keep your most-used toiletries handy (and inside the containers) for the duration of your trip. Choose your set based on the number of items you’ll be storing. A “skincare set” of three is $42, but you can add more capsules from there!
Apple Air Tag
By now, most people know someone — or have seen someone on social media — who lost their bag en route back from some far-flung destination and found it thanks to an Apple Air Tag planted within the suitcase. That peace of mind makes the $25-ish price tag well worth it.
Dagne Dover Petra Convertible Tote
One bag that can do it all is the goal when trying to pack lightly. The Dagne Dover Petra Convertible Tote, made from recycled water bottles, functions as both a tote and a backpack. The best part? It slips right onto your suitcase with a luggage sleeve.
Travel Medicine Organizer
If you have vitamins or medications to bring along on your trip, a pill organizer with daily compartments makes it easy to remember what you’ve taken and when. Instead of picking up a basic organizer at the drugstore, opt for this darling circular medicine organizer in the perfect shade of pink.
Car Trash Can with Lid
Avoid the inevitable trash in the side pocket of the door on your next road trip. This car trash can is the under-$10 travel solution you didn’t know you needed. It even has a detachable hook on the back so you can hang it from the back of a seat.
J. Crew Oversized Cashmere Wrap
A cashmere wrap is one of the most versatile travel pieces you can splurge on, and this oversized version from J. Crew is a gorgeous option. Use this as a blanket on the plane, train, or automobile, then drape it across your shoulders for a dress evening out. It’s perfect as a scarf on those super cold days and incredibly cozy when relaxing around your hotel room. This is how to pack when you only want to bring a carry-on for a week in Europe.
Soak Laundry Sheets
If you plan on repeating outfits throughout your trip but won’t have access to laundry, Soak laundry sheets are a lifesaver. These single-use sheets are ideal for washing delicates and other items in the sink on the go, meaning you can pack a capsule wardrobe instead of items for every single day.
Travel Jewelry Organizer Case
Have you ever been late for dinner on the first night of vacation because you were busy untangling your necklaces, which were haphazardly thrown in your suitcase? (Just us?!) This jewelry organizer case makes sure that it never happens again. Helpful pockets keep earrings, bracelets, and necklaces safely rolled up in their own compartments, ensuring there are no tangles, knots, or broken clasps upon arrival.
Appointed Notebook
Whether you’re someone who takes notes throughout your travels or you wish you were someone who did, the gorgeous notebooks from Appointed will inspire you to jot down memories. The fabric-covered notebook is the perfect size to throw in a carry-on or travel tote.
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Published March 2023
Written by Alissa Harb
Travel can be one of life’s greatest pleasures, and it can be incredibly stressful. Stack the deck in your favor with these clever travel accessories that streamline the entire experience. From neck pillows and device chargers to smart storage solutions, you’ll want to stock up on these items before your next trip.
trtl Neck Pillow
If you struggle to get comfortable enough to sleep on planes and long car trips, the trtl Pillow is a must-try. It’s essentially a fleece scarf with a curved plastic panel designed to support your head and neck. The wrap is secured with a velcro strip, so it’s fully adjustable and actually quite cozy! The trtl Pillow is available in several colors (including a fun zebra print) for $60.99 on Amazon.
Folding LED mirror
Lighting is everything, and these ultra-slim LED mirrors are incredibly useful, especially on the go. They slide easily into your bag and provide ample lighting for makeup application, tweezing, or whatever else the occasion calls for — perfect for a long day of planes, trains, and automobiles or accommodations with less-than-ideal interior lighting.
External Power Source
There are a wide variety of external power banks available online these days, so you won’t have trouble finding one that suits your needs (and your taste), but for seamless travel, this is a must. A slim power bank is easy to slide into your purse, coat pocket, or even the back pocket of a pair of jeans — just be sure it’s charged up before you head out for the day, and if your power bank requires one, keep a cord handy, too.
You can even opt for “smart luggage” with a built-in power source! Most luggage from the much-loved travel brand, Away, comes with the option to add a USB charger to the design for an additional $20.
Flat Water Bottle
This one sounds a little strange at first, but think about the last time you loaded up a tote bag or backpack for a trip — bulky water bottles can throw a wrench in even the best-laid organizational plans. Flat water bottles can be incredibly space-saving, especially if you travel with a laptop, iPad, books, large wallets, or other “flat” items. And even if you don’t, these are still a great way to streamline the contents of your bag. (Before you purchase one, be sure to check the measurements. There are a variety of sizes available!)
Compact Crossbody
Don’t underestimate the value of a bag that truly suits the needs of your travel itinerary. If you’re a minimalist, you’ll want to check out the options at Bandolier — they specialize in phone cases with credit card storage and adjustable cross-body straps. You can keep it simple with a pared-down design, go full glam with a metallic chain and finish, or opt for a strap that offers additional storage. Their designs range in price from $98 to $198, depending on your preferred style.
If your “essentials” list is a bit longer, look for a compact crossbody bag that you love, but there’s no need to break the bank if you’re expecting wear and tear — there are TONS of cute, affordable options out there! If you’re traveling to a place where pick-pocketing may be a concern, go for a waist or sling bag that can be worn across your chest or low on your stomach. The sporty version below can be worn both ways.
Chic Rain Jacket
As if inclement weather on vacation isn’t bad enough, a bulky rain jacket (or worse, a plastic poncho snatched up in a pinch) is an absolute mood-killer when you’ve planned your outfits to a tee. Invest in a lightweight, slim-fitting, hooded rain jacket in a versatile shade that complements your wardrobe, and you’ll be so glad you did. Herschel Supply Co.’s unisex rain jackets take up very little real estate in your luggage — and you’ll get loads of compliments.
Containers, Containers, Containers
You’ve probably heard it said that containers are the key to home organization. The same goes for organized travel. Invest in these specialized containers, and thank us later.
Packing Cubes
A good set of packing cubes will totally change your travel game. They allow you to organize your clothing in whichever way suits you (by garment type, activity, etc.), and they also compress your items, creating significantly more space in your suitcase.
Hanging Storage
A hanging toiletry bag not only organizes your items so that they’re easily seen and readily accessible, but it’s also a great way to save counter space and avoid the chore of packing and unpacking. These are also great for organizing jewelry, hair accessories, and medications. You can easily find these online in a variety of styles and price points — the one pictured below is a best-seller on Amazon.
Drawstring Makeup Bag
You likely already have a makeup bag, but is it optimized for travel? Drawstring designs like the one pictured here are well-suited for taking your makeup on the go, whether to the gym or on a holiday abroad. When you release the drawstring, the storage compartment lays flat, allowing you to spread the contents for easy access. This design also acts as a mess deterrent, preventing loose powders or spills from landing on the counter.
When you’re finished, you can simply pull the drawstring tight to scoop up all your products in one go!
Bonus Points: Makeup Brush Storage
Do your skin a favor. Don’t keep makeup brushes loose in your bags where they can pick up dirt and bacteria, which could then be transferred to your face. Opt for a specialty container instead. The silicone version pictured here is lightweight, flexible, and easy to clean!
Happy (and organized) travels!
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