There are so many new travel accessories on the market, and we have found some of the absolute best travel products you probably didn’t know that you needed until now! We have tested and traveled with all of the travel products we have listed here so that we could find the best of the best travel accessories for your next vacation.
Travel Electronics and Gadgets
1) ChargeCard by AquaVault
I haven’t been this excited about an electronic device in a long time, but the ChargeCard is one of the best travel accessories we use. This ultra-thin portable charger is powerful and easily slips into your wallet. It comes with a variety of charging cables for both Apple and Android devices.
Just to be clear, this will not fully charge your phone to 100%, but it will give you the boost you need before you run out of battery. I would say, on average, it charges my phone between 40% to 60%, which is generally all I need to get through those heavy-use days.
2) Lookstand Adjustable Phone Stand
We have finally found the answer to “tech neck,” and it is the Lookstand Adjustable Phone Stand. This nifty gadget attaches to the back of any smartphone and extends up to a full 7-inch height, so your phone is at the perfect ergonomic viewing angle in both portrait and landscape modes.
It is perfect for use on flights, in hotel rooms, and even as a selfie stick. It has adjustable viewing angles and a detachable mount if you don’t want to keep it on your phone all the time. It is sleek and can be tucked away when not in use. We love the ocean blue color; it is easy to find amongst the sea of black tech travel gadgets but also comes in five different colors.
3) Sony Portable Bluetooth Speaker
We do not travel anywhere without our Sony Portable Bluetooth Speaker! We use it everywhere during our travels, it makes watching movies on a laptop so much more enjoyable, and it pumps out the best sound quality for its size. We have tried many travel Bluetooth speakers, but this one has become our favorite and the battery lasts for up to 12 hours before having to recharge.
4) Sony RX100 Travel Camera
If you don’t feel like lugging around a large camera, the Sony RX100 is the perfect travel camera and has 200mm of zoom. It has manual control and RAW format shooting and although smartphones are gaining in popularity for travel photos, they just can’t compete with this pocket camera.
5) Pocketalk
Pocketalk is a voice translator that converses in 82 different languages. I have google translate on my phone, but it has never worked even remotely, as well as Pocketalk! It comes with a complimentary 2-year cellular data plan that provides coverage in over 130 countries/regions if you find yourself without access to wifi.
The best part about Pocketalk is that it is designed for conversations and picks up localized dialects and slang using the best translation engines from around the world. And better yet, Pocketalk computes exchanges for currency, length, width, and temperature. It is honestly one of the handiest travel accessories out there.
6) STEAM CLIP Multi-Tool for Travel
I love this multi-tasking steam clip! Not only does it help steam out the wrinkles from clothes by using the heat from the shower, but it can also double as a hanger, use it as a smartphone stand, and keep your purse or jacket off the restroom floor. I keep this in my purse during travel, and it is amazing how much use it gets.
Travel Accessories – Lotions, potions and elixirs
7) FlightFūd’s Flight Elixir
Nobody wants to lose a day of their trip (on either end!) to feeling that run-down, bloated, “gross” feeling you get when you fly. FlightFūd was made specifically for the unique needs of travelers, and we wish we had tried this natural health supplement years ago!
Flight Elixir helps to reduce travel bloat, gas, and indigestion, restore energy and manage jet lag, and support circulation, immunity, and hydration.
You may be asking, but does it actually work? It sure does! We tested it out on our long-haul flight from the west coast of British Columbia to Zurich and Portugal and back, and we can honestly say that we will never travel without our Flight Elixir ever again.
We love the motivational travel markers on the shatterproof travel water bottle. The hydration bundle is a perfect addition to our travel repertoire.
8) PlaneAire Wipes & Hand Sanitzer
We know there are a million hand sanitizers and wipes on the market, so why did we choose PlaneAire? Because we are tired of having dry, sticky hands and PlaneAire keeps them moisturized while effectively killing common germs. Did we mention that the Lemongrass Rosemary blend also wards off mosquitos?!
There are many different essential oil blends to choose from, and the travel essentials bundle covers all the sanitizing basics you will need for your next vacation.
9) Vegamour Travel Shampoo & Conditioner
We are not the type of traveler who likes to rely on hotel hair products, and we prefer to use as few chemicals as possible. Vegamour’s clean, color-safe duo utilizes plant actives and vegan keratin called Karmatin. This travel-sized shampoo and conditioner duo is the perfect amount for a vacation, you won’t be stuck trying to squeeze out every last drop like the complimentary hotel bottles that are too small.
Bottom line, Vegamour’s shampoo and conditioner duo will leave hair shiny, healthy, and hydrated. It’s also suitable for all hair types.
10) Bel Essence Hydrating Face Balm
Long flights mean dehydrated skin, but with Bel Essence’s Hydrating Face Balm, there are no messy lotions to deal with. This face balm comes in a stick form and can easily be applied to your skin on the go. Simply apply the balm and rub it into your skin until it is absorbed; sit back and enjoy the antioxidant boost.
The perfect travel accessory, this hydrating face balm can easily be slipped into our purse or carry-on without worrying it will leak everywhere. It is perfect for the active traveler and protects your skin from any climate you are exploring.
11) Murphy’s Naturals Bug Repellant Wipes
Murphy’s mosquito repellent wipes have to be one of the most genius travel accessories! They are easy to pack, have no mess to apply, and have no harsh chemicals. There are ten wipes per pack; they absorb quickly and smell divine. These mosquito repellent wipes are a must-have for camping and road trips, or just keep them tucked in your purse all summer long.
12) Bug Bite Thing
This is a suction tool that everyone needs to keep in their travel kit and first aid kit. It is best used immediately after a bug bite to extract insect and saliva venom from under the skin to alleviate the itching, stinging, and swelling caused by insect bites and stings. The Bug Bite Thing is reusable, doesn’t use any chemicals, and is perfect for kids.
13) Psi Bands
A drug-free option for those who suffer from nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness, these acupressure Psi Bands are stylish and deliver results. They are waterproof and come with a compact case for travel when not in use. They work wonders for kids and are so much easier than trying to give them drugs to combat the effects of nausea.
Travel Accessories – Toiletry bags and Jewelry bags
14) Handmade Leather Dopp Kit
This handmade leather toiletry bag is beautifully made and will hold all men’s grooming and bathroom products. It is perfect for road trips and camping trips but a little too large for traveling by air. It has a sturdy frame that stays open so you can easily access the products inside, and the waterproof lining protects from spillages.
The rubber, nonslip pads are genius, and this toiletry case will make any man feel like a gentleman. Galen Leather is a family-owned company based in Istanbul, Turkey, and also makes beautifully crafted stationery products.
15) Clipa Bag Hanger
You may have tried other bag ring holders before, but the Clipa is sturdy and functional. I keep one ring on all of our carry-on bags to use when we travel, and it comes in handy in the most random locations. It is perfect to hang one bag at a time, I wouldn’t recommend it holding two at a time.
It’s perfect for poolside when there are often no hooks to be found anywhere. You can hang your towel up to dry or to keep it from getting dirty. This travel accessory is perfect for those bathrooms with broken hooks and ideal for restaurants.
Travel Must Haves – Luggage and Carryon Bags
16) Monos Carryon Pro Plus
On the ultimate quest to find the perfect carry-on roller luggage, we found the Monos Carryon Pro Plus. There are three basic requirements that we have for our travel luggage: an unbreakable but light outer shell, sturdy telescopic handles (we are a tall family, so this is a deal-breaker), and wheels that perform without slowing us down.
I was uncertain whether or not I would like the built-in front compartment, but after traveling with it, I enjoyed not bearing the weight of my laptop from having it in my shoulder bag. The carry-on Pro Plus is roomy for a carry-on bag, and I will never buy another carry-on without the compression pad.
If you are traveling on smaller aircraft, I would suggest sticking with the Monos Carryon Pro size, but if you are looking for a carry-on bag for larger aircraft or road trips, I would highly recommend the pro plus. The lifetime warranty on Monos luggage is exceptional and well worth the investment in this luggage brand.
17) Nomad Lane’s Bento Bag
I have owned this incredible canvas carry-on bag from Nomad Lane for years, and I couldn’t imagine traveling anywhere without it. It is the perfect size to slide under the seat in front of you or tuck away in the overhead bin. The trolley sleeve allows you to slide it over your roller bag, and the USB port allows for easy charging on the go.
My favorite part of this bag is how organized it is, meaning you won’t have to dig around endlessly looking for what you need. Check out my extensive review of Nomad Lane’s Bento Bag and learn about all the amazing features that I just can’t travel without!
18) SuitedNomad Compression Cubes
If you want to organize your packing and be able to pack more in your luggage, SuitedNomad’s Compression Packing Cubes are an important travel accessory. These packing cubes are incredibly lightweight, made of water-resistant nylon, and come in a variety of colors if you like having a different color for each family member.
19) Monos Compression Packing Cubes
If you are looking to organize your clothing and save space, then these compression packing cubes from Monos are ideal for traveling. These packing cubes stay upright making packing so much easier. The high quality of these packing cubes is wonderful, the exterior is made of tear-resistant nylon twill while the interior is the anti-microbial fabric found inside Monos’ travel suitcases.
You may find it easier to compress your clothing by folding it instead of using the rolling technique. The packing cubes make it easy to transfer directly to the dresser at your hotel or any other accommodation without having to take everything out.
Travel Clothing
20) Fieldsheer Bluetooth Warming & Cooling
Truly one of the coolest products we tested was Fieldsheer’s Bluetooth warming and cooling line of clothing. The Women’s Backcountry Heated Vest is now one of my travel staples. The small 7.4 volt battery fits sleekly into one of the pockets while the two heat zones in the chest and back give that added warmth when I need it.
Fieldsheer’s line of cooling products offers sun protection and keeps your body 7 degrees cooler and 4x drier than traditional clothing. I love the cooling hoodie and tank top for those hot destinations. Not only do they help remain cool but you will look stylish in them too.
21) Ridge Merino Clothing
The majority of my travel clothing now consists of Merino wool-based products. The Ridge Merino Women’s Natural Pullover Hoodie comes everywhere with me. It has a nice slim length, thumbholes to keep my wrists warm, and an attractive hoodie style complete with flat front pockets.
If you haven’t yet discovered Merino wool clothing, it boasts antimicrobial properties that reduce odor retention in the fabric. This means you can wear the clothing for many days, reducing the items you need to pack.
Ridge Merino’s natural eco-friendly blend of Merino Wool and Tencel makes these perfect for travel. The smooth, silky fibers of TENCEL are softer than silk and cooler than linen, offering a great complement to Merino wool’s natural temperature regulation and technical performance.
22) Unbound Merino
If you want to look stylish in any situation but still have that luxurious feel, Unbound Merino’s line of sustainably sourced, mulesing-free Merino wool is where it’s at! I have been waiting patiently for the women’s line to launch, but in the meantime, men can shop for this classic, naturally antibacterial, and moisture-wicking style.
Unbound Merino’s line of travel clothing is famous for staying clean and odor-free for weeks, doesn’t wrinkle, regulates your temperature, and dries really, really fast. The style options allow men to go from the hiking trail to dinner without missing a beat and make packing light a breeze.
23) Vim & Vigr Stylish Compression Socks
We all know how useful compression socks are when we travel, and now you can look stylish too. Vim & Vigr offers fun prints and vibrant solids in a variety of fabrics like merino wool, nylon, and cotton. Compression socks increase blood flow and oxygen delivery while minimizing muscle fatigue.
After my husband had a deep vein thrombosis scare after a flight from Vancouver to Paris, we both now wear compression socks during flights and on days when we are out walking and exploring all day. Our legs feel more energized after long travel days, and truth be told, we look pretty darn good in these stylish patterns!
Personal Travel Accessories
24) Flylow Face Mask with Ionic+
We have been on a mission to find the perfect face mask for travel for the last two years and we have found it. The Flylow face mask is constructed with Ionic+™, an EPA-registered antimicrobial that releases silver ions from the fabric in the presence of moisture to stop the spread of bacteria and viruses.
We all know how dirty reusable face masks can get and we were thrilled to discover that Noble Biomaterials had partnered with Flylow to create these fantastic face masks. Ionic+ has become widely adopted in the outdoor, sport, and athleisure markets, while its proliferation continues in healthcare and medical applications.
The face masks are comfortable with adjustable ear straps and are now a staple on our travel gear must-have list.
25) Delicora Jewelry – Face Mask Chain
This beautiful 21 inch, 14 karat gold face mask chain adds not only convenience to wearing a face mask but also a little bit of style too. I like having the option to just pull down my face mask rather than stuff it in a pocket or put it down. Delicora’s face mask chain is perfect for air travel or when going out to eat at restaurants.
26) Mini Wet Brushes
The first time I used a wet brush to detangle my hair, I was in love. If you have never used a wet brush before, it will quickly become your new best friend and the one item that you cannot forget at home when you travel. The mini wet brushes are a perfect size, do just as good a job as the full-sized version but take up much less space in your luggage. Buy the mini-pack of three and put one in each travel bag!
Travel Accessories – Food & Drinks
27) Waka Coffee
One travel accessory that we always have on hand is Waka Coffee’s freeze-dried instant coffee packs. It tastes just like freshly brewed coffee and you only need to add hot water which makes it an ideal travel product to pack, especially on long-haul flights.
I love the taste of coffee but can’t always handle the caffeine and I’m pleased to report that Waka’s decaf coffee packs taste incredible. It is no surprise that Waka Coffee has a long list of testimonials from the biggest names like Us Weekly, Forbes, The NY Times, Esquire, and many, many more.
Not only does the coffee taste great but the company donates a portion of its proceeds to charity as a part of its “add water, give water” initiative.
28) Water-to-Go Purifier Bottle
We all know that we need to drink more water when we travel. Carrying a reusable water bottle is probably one of the simplest but most important travel accessories. Water-to-Go Purifier Bottle means that one 26 oz filter replaces 400 single-use plastic bottles. So no matter where you are in the water, this water bottle will remove all the contaminants found in unfamiliar drinking water that could make you sick.
Water-to-Go removes viruses, bacteria, parasites, chemicals, pesticides, hormones, heavy metals (e.g. lead, arsenic), and microplastics. If there is something unsafe in your drinking water, Water-to-Go likely removes it.
One feature that I love is these water bottles are recyclable and the filter is compostable.
30) Travel Activity Books
Travel-sized portable activity books that fit in any backpack or in the back pocket of the car seat, yet filled with 100+ games for HOURS of entertainment.
The Travel Games For Kids activity book is filled with interactive travel games and fun activities for kids ages 5-12+. This book keeps my 8-year-old son occupied for hours in the car and on flights, and we take it with us whenever we travel.
The Big Brain Teasers activity book is filled with 350+ boredom-busting brain games, mind twisters, and more to entertain your child for hours! My ten-year-old son loves doing the brain teaser puzzle games.
My sons trade these books back and forth throughout our trips, so it is handy to have both of them on hand.
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Casandra Karpiak is a travel writer and the co-owner of Savoteur. A Toronto native with Danish roots currently residing in British Columbia, her travel writing has been seen on The Associated Press wire, MSN, CBS, NBC, Entrepreneur, 24/7 Wall St, Times Daily, and many more.
You can follow her travel adventures on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.