The Best Travel Accessories and Gear for Seamless Travel
Updated: May 05, 2024
We know it's the time of year when travelers are gearing up for their annual summer vacation and on the lookout for the best travel accessories. We've rounded up 12 of our top picks!
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Preparing to travel, whether it’s for business or a fun vacation, can be a stressful task, especially when packing. However, there are several items that can help travelers stay organized, whether they’re visiting family or jet-setting around the world. The best travel accessories, in our opinion, offer excellent organizational features while still being easy on the eyes. Fortunately, there are plenty of options that fit the bill.
While some travel accessories require a more significant initial investment (such as luggage, backpacks and wallets), others come with a more affordable price tag and last for many travel seasons. Continue reading to discover the best travel accessories to keep you organized, charge your gadgets abroad and help efficiently pack your suitcase.
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Béis The Jewelry Case
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Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Travel Bag
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Tessan Universal Travel Adapter
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Dagne Dover Mila Toiletry Organizer
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Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack
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Shacke Pak Packing Cubes
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Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier
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Chronically Chic Weekender Travel Pill Case
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Brandon Blackwood Leather Travel Pouch
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Nishel Toiletry Bag for Women
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Bagsmart Electronics Organizer Travel Case
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Béis The Jewelry Case
Pros:
- Designated spots for different jewelry
- Built-in mirror
- Protective structure
- Secure closure
Cons:
- Few colors available
For avid jewelry wearers, a Béis traveling case is one of the best travel accessories to invest in, well, unless, untangling necklaces is a well-loved hobby. For those seeking out options that are environmentally friendly and meet shopping needs, this jewelry case features recycled plastic water bottles in its design and keeps necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets protected and organized. Like this? You’ll be sure to love the Beis Mini Weekender, too.
Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Travel Bag
Pros:
- Expands to double its size
- Water-resistant
- Authentic leather trim
- Folds down flat for storage when empty
Cons:
- On the pricey side
Finding the right in-between travel bag for two to three-day trips takes some hunting. However, reviewers of this water-resistant nylon travel bag say this expandable tote is worth the investment. It’s one of the best travel accessories because of its durability, its ability to fold down flat as a carry-on bag and its minimalist yet chic design.
As long as the liquids meet flight requirements, skip baggage claim and opt out of baggage fees with this small travel bag.
Tessan Universal Travel Adapter
Pros:
- Four all-in-one plugs
- USB-A and USB-C ports
- Built-in fuse protection
Cons:
- Fits more snugly in some outlets than others
There’s nothing worst than landing in a different country with a red battery icon at the top of your phone screen and needing an international charger. To prevent this hiccup, remember this packing tip and get this all-in-one travel adapter with four different plugs compatible with over 150 countries. Be a smart traveler and stay powered up.
Dagne Dover Mila Toiletry Organizer
Pros:
- Two sizes
- Mesh insert with adjustable compartments
- Lots of pockets
- Sustainably-made
Cons:
- On the pricey side
Packing lighter only makes traveling easier. So maybe minimalist travelers don’t need that extra serum or a second shade of lipstick. This toiletry organizer with an exterior made from 100% Repreve recycled polyester makes it easier to think about what a traveler really needs on their next getaway. All of the products are organized to perfection thanks to the design’s six adjustable compartments.
Thule Crossover 2 Convertible Backpack
Pros:
- Converts to a duffle
- Internal storage keeps contents contained and organized
- Water-resistant
- Large capacity
- Durable construction
- Can get heavy if overloaded
Cons:
- On the pricey side
This convertible backpack isn’t an ordinary carrier. In fact, the interior features a design much like the inside of a suitcase to easily store clothes, shoes and toiletries. But instead of rolling it around, throw the water-resistant accessory over a shoulder as a backpack or shoulder bag for better portability.
Shacke Pak Packing Cubes
Pros:
- Configure to fit carry-on or check-in luggage
- Mesh construction keeps contents fresh
- Bonus laundry bag included
- Several colors available
Cons:
- Less compressive than alternatives
Rolling clothes certainly provides space to pack more, but packing cubes keep things organized and compact. This packing cube set helps any traveler pack for up to 14 days and includes a laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate from fresh ones.
Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier
Pros:
- Reduces back strain
- Provides lumbar and breastfeeding support
- Machine washable
- Tons of pockets
Cons:
- On the pricey side
This innovative hip seat carrier is one of the best travel accessories for families traveling with small children, as it helps reduce muscular strain on the spine while holding a little one (ages from birth to 36 months). It features tons of pockets for everything including diapers, keys, pacifiers, a bottle and a toy. And it also works effectively for breastfeeding support too.
Chronically Chic Weekender Travel Pill Case
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Holds over 200 pills
- Compartments are labeled by time of day
- Separate compartments for customized packing
Cons:
- Few colors available
Staying on top of daily medications and supplements while away takes thoughtfulness (and alarm setting). Designed for a four-day trip, this stylish pill organizer housed in a faux leather case holds 228 pills per day, to avoid bringing bulky bottles on a long weekend trip. Pro tip: don’t make the packing mistake of putting this in your checked bag. Instead, pack it in the carry-on, just in case there are travel delays.
Brandon Blackwood Leather Travel Pouch
Pros:
- Holds essential documents and cards
- Chic look
- Labeled compartments
- Zippered pocket for coins and other items
Cons:
- Few colors available
- On the pricey side
Juggling a passport, credit cards, money and tickets while rushing through the airport is stress-inducing. But this leather travel pouch with labels for each of the above takes all the guesswork out of where essential documents reside. So when it’s time to check luggage sets at the counter, knowing where essential travel documents are without digging through a backpack brings peace of mind. We’re sure this brightly-hued pouch will become one of your best travel accessories.
Nishel Toiletry Bag for Women
Pros:
- Water-resistant compartments
- Hook for hanging
- Organized storage
- Holds several full and travel-sized items
Cons:
- Travel-sized items shift around easily
- Can get heavy when full
With over 9,000 five-star ratings, this toiletry bag speaks for itself. The design boasts two water-resistant compartments with mesh pouches to prevent unwanted liquid from spilling out of the bag. Use the included hook to hang up the bag to find the products needed. With this level of organization, repacking your underseat luggage is a breeze.
Bagsmart Electronics Organizer Travel Case
Pros:
- Holds content securely in place
- designated compartments for electronic essentials
- Compact
- Secure, zippered closure
Cons:
- May not accommodate larger phones or longer charge cords
- Won't hold laptop charger or larger bricks
An electronic organizer might not be at the top of a travel checklist, but when working on the go, this case saves time and keeps everything in its place. It features five elastic loops to keep slim cables, earphones or pens organized. Additionally, the design has two elastic loops for longer cables, one mesh zippered pocket, five elasticized mesh segments and a pocket under the zippered pocket to store chargers, USB drives, power banks and USB-C hubs.
Away Shoe Cube
Pros:
- Large size available
- Collapsible divider
- water-resistant nylon
Cons:
- Bulkier than some others
Packing shoes amongst clean clothes isn’t the most hygienic choice, given that we pick up debris on the bottoms of our shoes daily. But, lucky for us, people always think of new (and, in this case, more hygienic) ways to pack a suitcase. Made from water-resistant nylon, these shoe cubes—which are collapsible when not in use—offer dividers to store and organize multiple pairs of shoes.
Additionally, interior mesh pockets are built-in for storing bulkier shoes like sneakers, heels or boots. And you can return it anytime within the first 100 days of purchase for whatever reason, even just to get a different size or color.
What to consider when buying travel accessories
Buying the right travel accessories and gear can significantly improve your trip. We’ve curated a selection of options that not only assist in keeping you organized, but also add a touch of style to your travels. However, not every accessory is essential for every trip. It’s important to choose products that suit your travel needs. Ensure they are durable and constructed from high-quality materials for long-lasting use.
When purchasing travel accessories, consider the size and weight of the items, as you’ll want them to be portable and not add too much bulk to your luggage. Look for accessories that have multiple functions or can be used in different ways to maximize their utility. Additionally, consider the security features of the accessories, especially for items like wallets or bags that will hold important documents and valuables.
Why you should trust us
I’ve been a freelance writer for many years, with a focus on travel and beauty content. This expertise allows me to confidently select and curate products that I know will resonate with readers. My work for Reader’s Digest has covered various topics, including recommendations for the best cotton pajamas, summer accessories, sunscreens for dark skin and more.
How we found the best travel accessories
With so many travel accessories available, our goal was to find the most popular and helpful options on the market. Our selection process considered factors such as material, durability, purpose and price. Additionally, we examined customer reviews to see how these products fare during airport security checks, how well they fit under plane seats and if they withstand being squished into luggage.
FAQ
What travel accessories do I need?
This really depends on the nature of your travels and the items you typically carry with you. For frequent business travelers, an electronics organizer can be invaluable for keeping your suitcase tidy and protecting your devices from damage or loss. However, if your trips are primarily for leisure, simple packing cubes might be more helpful for you. Consider the aspects of packing that you find most challenging, and use that as a guide to determine which accessories will be most beneficial for you.
Do packing cubes actually save space?
Yes, packing cubes are designed to compress the items you put inside, helping to maximize space in your suitcase. However, it’s important to follow the product directions for them to be effective. Additionally, packing cubes also keep you organized. For those prone to forgetting items, purchasing ones that are labeled can serve as helpful reminders to pack all your essentials.
Originally Published: June 02, 2023
