It’s time to talk about my favorite six-letter word: T-R-A-V-E-L. I love it so much, and I find that the older I get, the more I love it. Maybe it’s because I’m tapped out on “stuff”; there’s only so much room. But, I treasure the opportunity to get away to a new place, experience new cultures and try new foods (mostly, it’s the food but whatevs).
I’ve even found a few travel hacks that have made my life easier, from opting in to TSA Pre-Check (well worth the $80 for five years) to gear that simplifies everything from checking at the airport to sorting through your toiletries once you’re settled. Some of my favorites from the list below include the portable charger (a lifesaver walking the streets of New York City), those cubes that make packing and unpacking a cinch, and a blanket-pillow combo that makes any place extra cozy.
Get A Leg (Or Two) Up
You’ve made it through security and you’ve probably purchased a $5 bottle of soda; now, you can sit back and put your feet up — literally. This airplane footrest will make you the envy of everyone around you while you kick back in ultimate comfort. Slide it around the seat tray in front of you and adjust the strap to the desired length. When not it use, it folds up compactly for easy storage.
The Umbrella Made for Travel (18% off!)
When you’re on the go, the last thing you want is to get caught out in the rain. That’s why you should always pack this terrific compact travel umbrella. It can easily pack up in your daily carry so you’re prepped and ready to take on any weather.
Travel On Lock
If you’re traveling further than a couple of hours away, odds are you’re catching a flight. And, if you’re catching a flight, you’re dealing with TSA. These cable luggage locks have a resettable combination and, most important, are TSA approved. Choose an easy-to-remember three-digit code and enjoy security with the rugged flexibility of an tightly braided alloy cable lock.
Juice On The Loose
I can’t say enough good things about this mini portable charger that has the cable built in. This ultra-compact option doesn’t require cords or cables (or for you to even stop what you’re doing to find an outlet). It’s a 3350mAh capacity, which isn’t the largest you’ll find, but when you’re trekking down the sidewalk or the hiking trail, you’re only going to care about enough juice to get you to the next spot.
Leader Of The Pack
I cannot stress the importance of this one critical thing that’s travel’s unsung hero: Your hands. There’s nothing like having your hands free when you’re sightseeing or navigating through the airport. This fanny pack for men or women is compact but has all the pockets you’ll need to easily carry your phone, passport, wallet and more. I love the dedicated headphone cord port the most.
One Bag To Rule Them All
Not a fanny pack kind of person? I get that. I often prefer to overpack an enormously-sized purse myself. I might trade it in for one this convertible backpack, though, and I love that pictured color named “portabello shimmer.” This bag has a matching removable wristlet and a luggage handle sleeve for easier maneuvering. It’s lightweight and water-resistant, too, for extra brownie points.
Just Hanging Around
There are roughly 10,o00-plus toiletry bag options on Amazon but none say, “I’m no frill, just hold my stuff,” like this hanging organizer. Available in five different patterns, this has enough space for your hair and skin care, toothbrush and even jewelry all in one place. The swivel hook hangs neatly in a bathroom or the wide base lets you sit it upright on the vanity.
Throw In The Towel
Whether the beach, the pool or the campsite is on the agenda, you’re going to be happier to have access to some of these quick-dry towels. This three-pack of microfiber towels (which come in a handy mesh carrying bag) will help you wick sweat or cool enough in a soft, fast-drying package. This set includes towels in three different sizes so all your bases are covered.
The Best Toiletry Bag Ever
Let me cut through the clutter and tell you exactly how I feel about this bag: It is life-changing (and I don’t say that lightly). I’ve tried other toiletry bags but this is hands-down the GOAT because it’s full of pockets (accommodating up to full-sized containers), zips completely closed and has a hanging hook for convenience. If you buy one thing from this list, make it this bag that comes in two sizes and 10 colors.
Render Aid Anywhere
Emergencies never come at a convenient time. That’s why you need to travel with a small first aid kit. This one is small but mighty with 100 products ranging from multi-sized bandages and wipes to safety pins and tweezers. Weighing in at just three-tenths of a pound, this won’t add heft to your journey whether you’re boating or biking your favorite trail.
Put Your Back(pack) Into It
Here’s another travel hack you can file under “Look, ma! No hands!” This travel backpack is the carry-on bag of your dreams because it’s expandable, holds up to a 17-inch laptop, and has zippered pouches and pockets galore. You’ll love the easy-reach port for charging and listening to your favorite music as well as the included toiletry bags for pulling your liquids out at the security checkpoint. (Seriously, get TSA Pre-Check and you don’t have to do that.)
Take Note
I just returned from an action-packed trip to New York City and everywhere I went, I noticed one thing: People recording or photographing the moment instead of simply being in the moment. Maybe it’s the writer in me but the memories of a trip come back more vividly for me when I write them down. These luxury notebooks look smart when you’re traveling and more than meet the need.
Breakup With Your Old Makeup Bag
It doesn’t matter if I’m toting just the essentials when it comes to my makeup routine or a more well-rounded set of products, I always find myself rooting around in my makeup bag looking for that one item. This travel makeup bag has a large capacity but is lightweight and easy to carry thanks to the handle on top. Choose from 20 whimsical patterns (but obviously the bananas are the only way to go).
The Space Race
Vacuum storage bags are for people who like to test the boundaries. (I said what I said.) They are pretty handy, though, coming from a serial boundary tester. You’ll get up to 80 percent more storage and the hand pump is more convenient for travel than a heavy battery-operated one. These come in multiple sizes and packs up to 10.
Spin These Bottles
My toxic trait is feeling like I need new silicone travel bottles every time I’m preparing for a trip. These are TSA-approved sizes, easy to fill, and squeezy enough to get the contents out. This set includes two tiny plastic jars, too, which are great for lotions and creams. A three-layer leakproof system means you won’t be surprised with a shampoo mess all over your wardrobe.
Packing, Cubed
Do you remember the last thing you bought that improved your life? You will if you grab this set of packing cubes. I don’t know what it is about these travel organizers that make them so great. Maybe it’s that they’re constructed to fit snugly in your luggage or maybe it’s that everything stays neatly organized from point A to point B. Just grab them and thank me later.
Below The Belt
What’s the difference between a fanny pack and a belt bag? A fanny pack rest on your, ahem, fanny, while a belt bag is worn more closely attached to the waist. This mini belt bag is the perfect size with an adjustable strap so you can wear it in a variety of ways. Lightweight and easy to care (no hands, remember?), it’s perfectly roomy for your phone, wallet, passport, keys and more.
Ice, Ice, Baby
Traveling wreaks havoc on your body. Your feet ache, your stomach isn’t happy about those weird tacos you ate, your face is all puffy. This facial mask takes care of everything from migraines to puffiness in one soothing and cooling gadget. Even better, you can pop this in the microwave for a couple of seconds to enjoy with heat after a busy day of exploring new places.
Speaker Of The House
Take your tunes with you, wherever you’re headed on the glove, with the waterproof Bluetooth speaker from JBL. This unit features up to 10 hours of playtime thanks to the built-in rechargeable battery and a handy clip so you can attach it to your carry-on or backpack. Noise-canceling and wireless streaming, along with its waterproof design, make this $50 purchase a solid 10.
Pillow Talk
Why are airports so cold? Is it intentional or is it just me? This travel blanket and pillow combo might become your new favorite travel accessory, thanks to the hand luggage belt and backpack clip that — you guessed it — keep your hands free. Use it as a pillow or unzip it into a generous blanket in one of five different colors.
Big Shoes To Fill
You’ve planned, you’ve prepared and you’ve packed, but all of that will be for naught if you get where you’re going and discover you’ve worn blisters on your feet. These New Balance sneakers for women are chic and practical with an easy slip-on design (looking at you, TSA) and all-day comfort in the form of midsole and memory foam inserts. Your feet — and vacation — will thank you.