Packing lists will vary based on where you're going and how long you're travelling for, but the best travel accessories can improve every trip. From tech gadgets to keep your electronics powered up and luggage accessories that ensure you're not hit with an overweight baggage charge, having the right gear means a smoother journey, every time. Below, we've rounded up 27 essential items to pack inside your carry-on bag, weekender, or checked luggage. Consider these the travel gear staples to bring on your next trip – and all your future holidays after that.
- A trusted tote
- A travel wash bag
- Packing cubes
- Jewellery case
- Reusable travel bottles
- Hydrating skincare products
- A portable charger
- A power adapter
- Headphones
- A luggage scale
- A way to find your luggage
- An e-reader
- A portable fan
- A portable steamer
- A tech kit
- An eye mask
- A neck pillow
- Cosy socks
- Earplugs
- A shawl or blanket
- Hand sanitiser and wipes
- A reusable water bottle
- Snack containers
- A passport holder
- A back-up travel bag
- An umbrella
1. A trusted tote
A tote bag is the ideal personal item. It's roomy enough to store all your odds and ends, and everything you'd want with you during a flight, and is usually pretty pliable, meaning you can squeeze it under the seat without taking up all of your foot room. Look for one with comfortable shoulder straps, should you overload it with snacks. A trolley sleeve is a nice feature, too, so you can slide it over your suitcase while cruising through the airport.
July Everyday Large Tote
Book tote
2. A travel wash bag
A travel wash bag is key to staying organised — and avoiding spills in your luggage. We like these options from Away and Bagsmart for their water-resistant materials and ample space for your toothbrush and toothpaste, razor, soaps, and more. A hanging bag, like those below, also allows you to keep items tidy and off the bathroom counter.
Away Hanging Toiletry Bag
Bagsmart toiletry travel bag
3. Packing cubes
Don't underestimate the power of a good packing cube. Articles director Lale Arikoglu has waxed poetic about her love of Paravel's packing cubes (other editors are fans of Away's set), which come in a range of sizes to store everything from bathing suits and socks to T-shirts.
Paravel packing cube quad
Antler Chelsea Packing Cubes
4. Jewellery case
A rule to live by: never check your valuables, especially jewellery. Keep necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings safe and neatly organised inside a jewellery case. We like Monica Vinader's for smaller accessories; if you're packing sunglasses and watches, you'll want something slightly bigger, like this Smythson option.
Smythson Jewellery Case
Leather trinket box
Avoid tangled chains and lost earrings by keeping all valuables in this safe and chic leather trinket box from jewellery designer Monica Vinader.
5. Reusable travel bottles
Rather than buy plastic travel-sized toiletries, get yourself a set of leakproof travel bottles that allow you to bring your at-home favourites on the go. They're great for storing toiletries and beauty products, and tubs can also be used to keep small items like jewellery or vitamins.
KITSCH Ultimate travel bottle set
Refillable 4-in-1 Travel Bottle Set
6. Hydrating skincare products
Even if you're not the type of person with a multi-step in-flight skincare routine, a few basics can go a long way in keeping your skin happy and healthy after a long day of travel. Since hand sanitiser remains a travel essential, a hand balm to apply once or twice a day is equally important to keep them moisturised. Aesop's smells incredible, and will last for several trips to come — a little bit of the thick, creamy balm goes a long way. Don't forget a hydrating lip balm, either.
Nuxe Cica Rich Hand Cream, Reve de Miel
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
7. A portable charger
There's nothing like a dead battery to slow down a trip. Keep all your accessories charged up with a power bank — Anker is our favourite, but iWalk's mini charger is a great option if you're short on space.
Anker PowerCore 20100 portable charger
8. A power adapter
For international travel, a power adapter is a must to make sure you can get devices charged up in the airport and your hotel room. Apple's World Travel Adapter Kit comes with seven AC plugs with prongs that fit into different electrical outlets around the world, and each one is labelled with the regions they are compatible with. (As for compatibility, it works with Apple USB-C power adapters; MagSafe and MagSafe 2 power adapters; 10W, 12W, 30 and 35W USB ports; and portable power adapters.) We also recommend this Bluetooth converter, which lets you use your regular cordless earbuds to watch a movie in flight.
Apple World Travel Adapter Kit
Worldwide Travel Adapter with Leather Case
9. Headphones
Whether the plan is to listen to music, watch a movie, or just drown out noisy neighbours, most of us won't board a plane without headphones. Make sure you have your go-to on hand, plus a pair of corded earbuds (if you don't have one of these Bluetooth adapters).
SHOKZ OpenFit Headphones
Apple AirPods Max noise cancelling headphones
10. A luggage scale
Give yourself some added peace of mind with a digital luggage scale; it’ll let you know how much damage your souvenirs did before arriving at the check-in counter on the way home.
Mopro digital luggage scale
11. A way to find your luggage
Speaking of luggage, the Tile Pro and Apple AirTags can help locate lost bags (or wallets, or keys, depending on what you attach it to). In fact, a luggage tracker is one of the items contributor Harrison Pierce wishes he had when he began travelling full-time.
Tile Mate
Apple AirTag
12. An e-reader
Even travellers with a library full of books at home have to admit it: E-readers are an essential travel accessory for bookworms. They are so much lighter than even one paperback book, and let you bring as many options as you want along for the ride.
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Kindle Paperwhite
Kindle Oasis
13. A portable fan
If you're headed somewhere warm, or just tend to run hot, do yourself a favour and pack a portable fan. Whether you choose a handheld option or one you can wrap around your neck, it'll give you the breeze you need whether you're in the back of a crowded bus or van, standing in line at Disneyland, or kicking back in a beach chair.
Portable hand fan
Gaiatop mini handheld fan
14. A portable steamer
If you're travelling to a wedding or heading out on a business trip, you may want to bring a portable steamer along to make sure your formalwear looks its best after you take it out of your suitcase. Traveller contributor Erinne Magee put nine travel steamers to the test to find out which ones are the best options for travellers — below are two of her favourites.
Steamery Cirrus 3 iron steamer
Black + Decker handheld garment steamer
15. A tech kit
All of those tech items mean you're going to have plenty of charging cubes and cables to keep track of. Save space in your backpack — and save yourself the headache of digging through your bag — by keeping everything wrapped up in a tech kit like the ones below.
Bellroy Tech Kit
Away The Tech Case
16. An eye mask
For a comfortable journey at 30,000 feet — especially one where you hope to get some shut-eye —an eye mask is crucial. For more help sleeping, try the Bluetooth sleep headband recommended by US contributor Iona Brannon, which lets you listen to music or white noise without anything in or around your ears; in a pinch it can even double as an eye mask, she says.
Honey Bee Eye Mask
OLIVIA VON HALLE Odyssea floral-print silk-satin eye mask
17. A neck pillow
Another comfort essential: a travel pillow. It can take some time to find the style you like best, and your pick might vary depending on whether you're in-flight or in a car. Two we like: The classic memory foam wraparound neck pillow, which can be tightened or loosened per your preference, and the innovative fleecy neck wrap recommended by commerce writer Charley Ward.
Trtl Travel Pillow
Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow
18. Cosy socks
We love a good pair of compression socks to fight that pins-and-needles feeling that comes from sitting still for too long, be it on a long-haul flightor a road trip. For those who prefer a cosier option, we recommend socks from Barefoot Dreams.
Ostrichpillow Bamboo Compression Socks
Charmking compression socks
19. Earplugs
When you need some peace and quiet, swap your noise-cancelling headphones in for earplugs. This set comes with multiple sizes, so you can find the right fit, and share with any family members you're travelling with.
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs
20. A shawl or blanket
For those who run cold, an oversized scarf will get plenty of use in transit, and can even double as a blanket. Opt for a quality material you can pack for years to come, like cashmere.
Lambswool Blanket Scarf
Cos pure cashmere scarf
21. Hand sanitiser and wipes
As for general wellness, hand sanitiser is a must — buy a set and drop one in all your most-used totes and sling bags so you're never without. Some biodegradable wipes are nice to have on hand too, especially if you're travelling with little ones.
Jo Loves Hand Sanitiser and Hand Lotion Duo
Cheeky Panda Bamboo Hand Wipes
22. A reusable water bottle
Rounding out our collection of the best travel accessories are some odds and ends, like a good reusable water bottle, so you can stop buying overpriced bottles at the airport (and be kinder to the environment).
Stanley IceFlow water bottle
Water bottle
23. Snack containers
If overpriced airport snacks aren't your jam, come prepared by filling reusable Stasher bags with popcorn, crackers, fruit, or whatever else you'd like in-flight before you leave your house. A reusable utensil set is another nice-to-have travel accessory that'll allow you to turn down the plastic cutlery you might be handed in the airport or elsewhere on the road. The spoon and chopsticks are particularly TSA-friendly (while utensils are technically allowed through security, it's at the discretion of the agent if they'll let plastic knives or forks).
Stasher silicone reusable storage bags
Nuoshen Cutlery Set
24. A passport holder
Also handy: a high-quality passport holder (bonus points if it has space to hold your credit cards) to keep your most important document protected. Aspinal's can be personalised with your initials for an added £20.
Leather Passport Holder
With looks that far surpass its £25 price tag, this leather croc-effect wallet has space for your passport and three of your most-used cards. A chic, crowd-pleasing design.
Aspinal of London Plain Passport Cover
Aspinal’s passport wallet comes in a choice of 13 colours, but our choice is this rich chestnut brown number; a classic, elegant pick. It’s made from quality full-grain leather with a contrasting suede lining, and is personalisable for an additional fee. There are no card holders, but there is a handy slip pocket for your boarding pass and a grosgrain ribbon marker to make life easier while fiddling for your photocard at the gate.
25. A back-up travel bag
For trips where you plan to shop, something lightweight, like Paravel's Fold-Up Bag or Baggu's Cloud Bag, is a smart addition to your packing list. Stuff it with souvenirs on your way home, or use it for overnight or weekend trips within a longer holiday.
Stubble & Co Ultra Light Tote
Paravel Fold Up Bag
26. A travel umbrella
Depending on your destination, a travel-size umbrella might be worth the space in your luggage. And if you're driving, tossing one in the backseat is a no-brainer. Contributor Claire Volkman tested out around a dozen options on our US sister site to determine which are the sturdiest and most compact. Shop two of her favourites, both available in the UK, below.
Repel windproof travel umbrella
Weatherman The Travel Umbrella
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in travel accessories, I can provide detailed information on the concepts used in this article. Let's go through each concept mentioned in the article:
Tote Bag
A tote bag is a large, versatile bag that is often used as a personal item during travel. It is spacious enough to hold various items and can be easily carried on your shoulder. Look for a tote bag with comfortable shoulder straps and consider one with a trolley sleeve to slide it over your suitcase.
Travel Wash Bag
A travel wash bag is essential for staying organized and preventing spills in your luggage. Look for a wash bag made of water-resistant materials and with ample space to hold your toothbrush, toothpaste, razors, soaps, and other toiletries. A hanging bag can help keep your items tidy and off bathroom counters.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are small, lightweight organizers used to compartmentalize and compress your belongings in your luggage. They come in various sizes and are designed to store different types of items, such as clothes, accessories, and toiletries. They help maximize space and keep your belongings organized.
Jewellery Case
A jewellery case is used to safely store and organize your valuable accessories, such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. Look for a case with compartments or pouches to prevent tangling and keep your jewellery secure during travel.
Reusable Travel Bottles
Instead of buying plastic travel-sized toiletries, opt for leakproof reusable travel bottles. These bottles allow you to bring your favorite toiletries and beauty products on the go. They are great for storing liquids and can also be used to store small items like jewelry or vitamins.
Hydrating Skincare Products
Hydrating skincare products are essential for keeping your skin moisturized and healthy during travel. Consider carrying travel-sized moisturizers, hand balms, and lip balms to combat dryness caused by air travel. Look for products that are travel-friendly and provide long-lasting hydration.
Portable Charger
A portable charger, also known as a power bank, is a compact device that can charge your electronic devices on the go. It is especially useful during travel when access to power outlets may be limited. Look for a portable charger with sufficient capacity to charge your devices multiple times.
Power Adapter
A power adapter is necessary for international travel to ensure that your electronic devices can be charged in different countries. Look for a power adapter that is compatible with the electrical outlets in the countries you will be visiting. Some adapters come with multiple plugs for different regions.
Headphones
Headphones are essential for listening to music, watching movies, or simply enjoying some peace and quiet during travel. Choose a pair of headphones that suits your preferences, whether it's over-ear headphones for noise cancellation or in-ear earbuds for portability.
Luggage Scale
A digital luggage scale allows you to weigh your luggage before check-in to avoid overweight baggage charges. It is a handy tool to ensure that your luggage is within the weight limits set by airlines.
Luggage Tracker
A luggage tracker, such as Tile Pro or Apple AirTags, can help you locate your lost bags. These devices use Bluetooth technology to track the location of your luggage, making it easier to recover lost or misplaced items.
E-reader
An e-reader is a portable electronic device designed for reading digital books, magazines, and other written content. It is a convenient travel accessory for book lovers, as it allows you to carry multiple books in a compact device.
Portable Fan
A portable fan is useful for staying cool during warm weather or in crowded spaces. There are handheld options as well as neck fans that provide a refreshing breeze wherever you go.
Portable Steamer
A portable steamer is handy for removing wrinkles from your clothes while traveling. It is especially useful for formalwear or business trips when you want to ensure your clothes look their best.
Tech Kit
A tech kit is a compact organizer for storing charging cables, adapters, and other tech accessories. It helps keep your cables organized and easily accessible, saving you the hassle of searching through your bag for specific items.
Eye Mask
An eye mask is essential for getting quality sleep during flights or in bright environments. It blocks out light and helps create a dark environment, promoting better sleep.
Neck Pillow
A neck pillow provides support and comfort for your neck during long flights or car rides. Look for a neck pillow that suits your preferences, whether it's a memory foam pillow or a wraparound neck wrap.
Cosy Socks
Cosy socks, especially compression socks, are beneficial for improving blood circulation during long periods of sitting. They help prevent swelling and discomfort in your feet and legs.
Earplugs
Earplugs are useful for reducing noise and creating a quieter environment while traveling. They are especially helpful during flights or in noisy environments.
Shawl or Blanket
A shawl or blanket is a versatile accessory that provides warmth and comfort during travel. It can be used as a blanket or a wrap to keep you cozy in different temperatures.
Hand Sanitizer and Wipes
Hand sanitizer and wipes are essential for maintaining hygiene during travel. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer and biodegradable wipes to clean your hands and surfaces.
Reusable Water Bottle
A reusable water bottle is an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic bottles. It allows you to stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste.
Snack Containers
Reusable snack containers, such as Stasher bags, are ideal for packing your own snacks for travel. They help reduce waste from single-use plastic packaging and allow you to bring your favorite snacks on the go.
Passport Holder
A passport holder is a protective case for your passport. It helps keep your passport safe from damage and offers additional storage space for cards and other travel documents.
Back-up Travel Bag
A back-up travel bag, such as a foldable bag, is useful for carrying additional items or as an extra bag for souvenirs. It is lightweight and can be easily packed in your main luggage.
Travel Umbrella
A travel-size umbrella is handy for unexpected rain or for destinations with unpredictable weather. Look for a compact and sturdy umbrella that can easily fit in your bag.
These are the essential travel accessories mentioned in the article. By packing these items, you can enhance your travel experience and ensure a smoother journey.
